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Can ordinary people really weaken Zionism? In this episode of The Thinking Youth Podcast, we move beyond protest chants and emotional outburst to ask a harder, more strategic question: what does it actually take to dismantle Zionism as a political project? From the global isolation of Israel and shifting public opinion, to supply chains, corporate pressure, and strategic organizing, this conversation examines how youth-led movements have begun to change the terrain. We explore why some targets are vulnerable and how exposing complicity has already forced real consequences for Zionism. This is not a discussion about symbolism. It’s about strategy, power, leverage, and long-term impact—and what it means to organise with discipline in a moment of global reckoning. If you’re asking: How can I do more than just protest? What can we do to put pressure on ending the occupation? And what responsibility does this generation carry? Then this episode is for you. Watch until the end and Follow us on: IG: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingyouthpod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thinkingyouthpod Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@thethinkingyouth Subscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TheThinkingMuslim Disclaimer: The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Thinking Youth, we sit down with attorney and activist Musab Abdali, who works with the Oak Cliff Empowerment Center serving one of Texas’ most underprivileged communities. Together, we explore the challenges and opportunities facing Islam in America - from the role of dawah in inner-city neighborhoods to the impact of class, capitalism, and community-building on our faith and spirituality. We also reflect on the legacy of Malcolm X and consider what his insights could teach Muslims today about unity, division, and claiming greatness in the Muslim American community. Musab shares personal experiences, wisdom, and the books that have shaped his journey, offering a unique perspective on the future of Islam in the U.S. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this follow-up conversation with Dr. Daanish Mahmood, the discussion moves beyond productivity and into something deeper: how we learn, how we live, and what we risk forgetting along the way. We begin by unpacking how modern education often confuses memorisation with understanding. Drawing on Bloom’s Taxonomy, Dr. Daanish explains the difference between teaching and learning, why asking how and why matters more than asking what, and how curiosity is slowly being discouraged rather than cultivated. The conversation then turns to identity. What does it mean to be unapologetically Muslim in academic and professional spaces? How do we give credit to Islam without turning faith into a branding exercise? And how do intention, goals, and purpose shape whether success feels meaningful or hollow? Social media, comparison, and false timelines are addressed head-on. Why negativity thrives online, why attention is constantly being pulled apart, and how chasing the wrong metrics quietly distorts our sense of progress. At the heart of the episode is a question that stops the room: Do any of us actually have a plan for our parents when they get older? From there, the discussion tackles the growing feeling of being “behind” in life, why balance is a myth, and how to think clearly about direction rather than speed. The episode closes with practical reflection, including a simple 30-day framework for improvement and a powerful answer to one last iconic question: What advice would you give your 18-year-old self? About Part 1: In the previous episode, Dr. Daanish Mahmood explored procrastination, addiction, discipline, and faith. We discussed doom-scrolling, dopamine hijacking, habit design, pornography addiction, anxiety, depression, and how Islam provides structure without closing the door on professional help or gradual change. Link to Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5vSeNybmc0 Together, Part 1 and Part 2 form a complete conversation: from fixing habits, to fixing direction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Thinking Youth Podcast, we speak with Dr. Daanish Mahmood about productivity, procrastination, addiction, discipline, and faith. We start by diagnosing why so many people feel lazy, unmotivated, and constantly behind despite knowing exactly what they need to do. Dr. Daanish explains how procrastination is rooted in fear, how modern apps are deliberately designed to hijack attention, and why endless scrolling quietly destroys discipline and focus. The conversation then moves into practical systems that actually work. Daily planning, breaking tasks into frictionless steps, designing an inviting workspace, managing decision fatigue, habit cues, caffeine timing, and making good habits easier than bad ones. This is not motivational talk. It is behavioural strategy grounded in real life. We also explore discipline through faith. The role of Fajr in building consistency, why Islam is a religion of structure, and how the Quran is meant for everyone through reflection and tadabbur, not only for scholars. The discussion highlights how routine, identity, and worship shape long-term change. Difficult topics are addressed directly. Pornography exposure at a young age, addiction cycles, shame, relapse, and why Islam never closes the door on transformation. Dr. Daanish speaks openly about recovery, salah, and how real change happens gradually, not overnight. We close with mental health. Anxiety, depression, therapy, and faith are not in opposition. Seeking professional help is encouraged, and waiting until things become unbearable is often the real problem. This episode is for anyone struggling with distraction, burnout, bad habits, or a loss of structure and purpose. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does marriage stop Activism? In this episode, we explore one of the most debated questions in Muslim communities today. Does getting married slow down meaningful activism or can it actually strengthen it? Is this even the right way to frame the question? This conversation challenges the idea that Muslim women must choose between marriage and public work. We unpack the pressure to compromise values for platforms, the myth of having it all, and the reality of sacrifice that comes with doing serious meaningful things for the Ummah. We need to talk about Muslim women leadership in the Ummah. Topics discussed include - Whether marriage limits activism or reshapes it - How Muslim women maintain their values while engaging in public platforms - Why knowing who you are matters more than visibility - The difference between being used and choosing to walk away - How standing your ground creates new opportunities? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are Muslims losing agency over their own identity? Who defines what is anti-Islam? Today we are seeing the system label and choose who it considers a "good Muslim" and who it considers a "bad Muslim" in a way that strips agency from Muslims. We are very good at identifying confrontational Islamphobia, but are we identifying the silent secularization of Islamophobia? This discourse happens as New York City elects its first Muslim mayor. Zohran Mamdani — an excellent political communicator, state elected official, and known for his pro Palestine rhetoric — is set to take office in the coming days. What does the Good Muslim/Bad Muslim mean in terms of representation of Muslims in politics? With us, we have former Zohran intern Hadeeqa Malik, a Muslim student who was suspended for alleged Islamophobia. Her offense was calling on Muslim NYPD officers to respect their names and stand for Palestine. We explore what the Zohran win means for NYC and Muslims at large. You can support Hadeeqa's fight for justice here: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/hadeeqa/ Follow us on: IG: / https://www.instagram.com/thinkingyouthpod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thinkingyouthpod Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more: / https://www.youtube.com/@thethinkingyouth Subscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: /https://www.youtube.com/@TheThinkingMuslim Disclaimer: The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when someone who once absorbed Islamophobic narratives is forced to confront history honestly? In this episode of the Youth Show, Pablo opens up about his journey from accepting media-driven stereotypes about Islam to critically questioning them. Through a raw and thoughtful conversation, we unpack why Islamic history is often dismissed as “boring,” how it’s been taught without context or excitement, and why reclaiming history is not about nostalgia, but about extracting lessons that shape how we live today. From popular historical dramas like Ertugrul and Osman to the responsibility of Muslim historians to remain truthful, this episode challenges myths head-on. We explore overlooked realities such as Muslims, Christians, and Jews living side by side under Islamic rule, Jewish communities welcoming the Ottomans as liberators, and non-Muslims choosing Sharia courts due to fairness and justice. The conversation spans the Ottoman world, Aurangzeb Alamgir, Sicily as a centre of learning, and the forgotten fact that European students once travelled to Muslim lands to study in madrasas. It also confronts how nationalism and modern propaganda reshaped historical memory. This is not about “we were once great.” It’s about understanding what actually happened, why it mattered beyond the Ummah, and how truth challenges the narratives we’ve been taught. Make sure to subscribe to Pablo’s YouTube channel, PabloTalks, for more thoughtful conversations on history, faith, and really cool historical videos: https://www.youtube.com/@PabloTalks_/featured Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Usama Ghanem is a 22 year old student at King’s College London. In just a few days, the university intends to revoke his visa and remove him from the country. His “crime” is simple. He spoke out against the genocide in Gaza and criticised his university’s financial ties to companies enabling it. For this, he was doxxed, targeted, beaten by security during a peaceful protest, and is now facing deportation. In this episode, Usama walks us through the full story. From the moment he challenged KCL’s decision to reward the very company linked to the killing of a Palestinian Alumnus, to the harsh retaliation that followed. He explains how universities across the UK are cracking down on Muslim students, how rules are being ignored, and why speaking truth in this moment carries real personal risk. We also talk about faith, courage, and conviction. Usama reflects on how Allah strengthens the hearts of those who stand firm, and why he is certain—both about his own case and about the justice of the cause—that victory is near. To learn more or support Usama’s case, visit CAGE’s campaign page: https://www.cage.ngo/campaigns/kcl---reinstate-usama-now B-roll footage in this episode includes media from: https://www.instagram.com/solidarity.diary/?hl=en This is a story about repression, resistance, and the price of speaking the truth. Watch until the end.Follow us on: IG: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingyouthpod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thinkingyouthpod Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@thethinkingyouth Subscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TheThinkingMuslim Disclaimer: The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a wild mix of humour, stereotypes, and real talk about the differences between UK and US Muslims. It starts with explosive one-liners and playful accusations about liberalism, sectarianism, SuhoorFest culture, aggression, halal food, free mixing, and even whether women can pray in certain masajid. The jokes are sharp, the reactions are chaotic, and nothing is off the table. But underneath the humour, the episode digs into deeper questions about how communities build identity and how these stereotypes form in the first place. We talk about what each side gets right, what each side struggles with, and the habits and mindsets that help a community not only survive but thrive. We explore the role of knowledge, the influence of local cultures, and why conversations about men versus women have become so exaggerated in online Muslim spaces even though that framing does not exist in our faith. The debate eventually circles back to the big question everyone secretly argues about. Which community is actually doing it better. UK Muslims or US Muslims. The conversation gets honest, self reflective and surprisingly unifying as both perspectives clash and then converge. We must work together, as must Muslims from Canada, France, Australia, Germany, and everywhere else. A fun episode with humour, tension and meaningful insight into two very different Muslim experiences. Enjoy the debate and decide for yourself who really comes out on top Follow us on: IG: / thinkingyouthpod TikTok: / thinkingyouthpod Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more: / @thethinkingyouth Subscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: / @thethinkingmuslim Help us expand our Muslim media project here: / https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership Disclaimer: The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Watch this when you’re sad, when you’re hurt, when you’re worried, when your heart feels heavy. Learn how to start the journey of being strong when you’re heartbroken, how to find peace again, and how to build true resilience through faith. In this powerful and emotional episode, Imam AbdulRahman Khattab shares how to reconnect with Allah when life feels unbearable, how to trust His plan when everything falls apart, and how to find strength when you feel like giving up. He takes us through the stories of believers who never gave up, from the youth who changed empires in Makkah to the barefoot man in Gaza who stands before a tank with nothing but faith. We talked about Musa (AS) and what it means to be chosen through trials, about the bravery it takes to stand firm in the darkest moments, and about the quiet power of Sumud, unshakable steadfastness. This is not just a conversation; it’s a journey through pain, patience, and the power of believing that the One standing with you is the Unbreakable. Have you ever felt like your duas aren’t being answered? Have you ever felt fake, or felt like a hypocrite? If you’ve ever felt lost, anxious, heartbroken, or far from Allah, this is the reminder you’ve been searching for. While these issues are complex, complicated, and more than just about slogans and immediate solutions, we hope this eases the hearts of those that watch. And a message to everyone who wants to take that leap of resilience. Every young Muslim should watch this. Follow us on: IG: / thinkingyouthpod TikTok: / thinkingyouthpod Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more: / @thethinkingyouth Subscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: / @thethinkingmuslim Help us expand our Muslim media project here: / https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership Disclaimer: The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has anyone ever told you “don’t speak up about politics?” Has anyone told you “don’t bring religion into this?” Is secularism compatible with Islam? Can a Muslim truly separate their faith from politics? In this episode of The Thinking Youth Podcast, Imam Tom Facchine explores where the secular mindset comes from, how it reshaped Muslim identity, and why many Muslims today feel pressured to keep Islam “private.” We dive into: • Why secularism insists religion stays out of politics • How colonialism reshaped Muslim institutions • The impact on Muslim youth and identity today • What Islam actually says about governance, justice, and public life If you’ve ever wondered whether Islam is just a personal belief, orr a holistic way of life, this conversation is for you. Follow us on: IG:    / thinkingyouthpod   TikTok:    / thinkingyouthpod   Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more:     / @thethinkingyouth   Subscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast:     / @thethinkingmuslim   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Thinking Youth Podcast, we sit down with Danial Farrukh - former national director of Young Muslims, an author and community organiser. In this episode we unpack what it truly means to be a leader in today’s world. We explore the courage it takes to step out of your comfort zone, stand on the right side of history, and embody the principles you preach. Danial reflects on the essence of sacrifice - reminding us that Allah does not need our sacrifices, but that through them, we shape our own character, conviction, and legacy. Follow us on: IG: / thinkingyouthpod TikTok: / thinkingyouthpod Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more: / @thethinkingyouth Subscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: / @thethinkingmuslim Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Palestinian MMA fighter and activist Al-Baraa “Abu Ayoub” Atmeh joins us to talk about Islamic masculinity, the men of Gaza, and how the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ redefined what it means to be a man. In a world obsessed with Andrew Tate and “alpha-male” culture, Al-Baraa reminds us that real rajoolah true manhood in Islam s built on mercy, discipline, and care for the Ummah. As a fighter, husband, businessman, and new father, he connects faith, fight, and family to show that masculinity isn’t dominance; it’s responsibility. We filmed this video in the beautiful mountain city of Calgary, Alberta, Canada In this episode you’ll learn: • How the men of Gaza embody strength through compassion • Why Prophetic masculinity is the antidote to “toxic masculinity” • Lessons from Khaled Nabhan and Saleh Al-Jafrawi • What being a man means in the eyes of the Ambiya and Sahabah • How caring for the Ummah defines true male leadership • How REAL men are supposed to act and be with their Mothers, Wives, Sisters, and Women around the World We talk about it’s about faith, sacrifice, and service. Listen now to hear how the Men of Gaza and the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ teach the world what being a real man truly means. 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on Islam, leadership, activism and identity Follow us: [@ThinkingYouthPodcast] | [@ThinkingMuslim] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We sat down with Dr. Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur — one of the world’s leading Kashmiri activists, historians, and freedom advocates. The son of Dr. Ayub Thakur, one of the only people ever exiled by the Indian government, Dr. Muzzammil continues his father’s legacy — even after surviving a crazy assassination attempt on his life. In this explosive conversation, we spoke about: - How Kashmir exposed India and Israel’s weird relationship — and what it reveals about modern-day occupation - The Pulwama attack (2019), the recent Pahalgam attack, and how they reshaped India–Pakistan tensions and what that REALLY means for the Kashmiri people - Pakistan’s role in the Kashmiri freedom struggle and its global political ripple effects - The use of pellet guns, torture, and mass detentions under Indian rule - Gaza and Palestine — and why their struggle mirrors Kashmir’s - The Modi–Netanyahu alliance and how both states share a playbook of repression, propaganda, and control - And the ultimate question: what does liberation truly mean for Kashmir, for Palestine, and for the global Muslim Ummah? This isn’t just politics, it’s resistance, legacy, and survival. From Srinagar to Gaza, the struggle is one: faith, freedom, and the fight for dignity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Thinking Youth Podcast, we sit down with Ibtihal Abousaad. A key Organiser behind the campaign against Microsofts complicity. Microsoft recently announced that it will no longer supply cloud services to Israel’s cyberwarfare unit, the infamous Unit 8200. This significant move is the first time Microsoft has suspended services from Israel, due to mounting pressure over their complicity in Israel’s atrocities in Gaza. Follow us on: IG: / thinkingyouthpod TikTok: / thinkingyouthpod Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more: / @thethinkingyouth Subscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: / @thethinkingmuslim Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.