“He Gave Me Purpose Before I Knew I Needed It”

Chaplain Ali on mentorship, identity, and the burden of sacred trust.

In this episode of the American Muslim Podcast, host Imam Tariq El-Amin interviews Chaplain Syed Ali Nasaruddin. Raised in a scholarly family, Nasaruddin shares his journey from learning Islamic studies under his grandfather in Chicago to earning a Master of Divinity in Islamic Chaplaincy from Bayan Islamic Graduate School. He discusses his practical application of traditional Islamic teachings in modern American contexts, emphasizing community service, interfaith relations, and the importance of empowering youth. Nasaruddin also highlights the challenges and opportunities he has encountered moving from Chicago to Southern California and reflects on the dynamic nature of identity and leadership in different cultural environments.

00:00 Introduction to Bayan on Demand

01:02 Meet the Host and Guest

01:10 Chaplain Syed Ali Nasaruddin's Early Life

02:50 Family Legacy and Scholarly Background

05:52 Cultural and Community Engagement

16:20 Leadership and Mentorship

23:49 Challenges and Reflections

24:58 Navigating Constant Change

25:42 Identity and Perception

27:15 Community and Service

29:23 Comparing Chicago and Southern California

34:12 Educational Journey and Chaplaincy

41:02 Practical Applications of Faith

47:43 Final Reflections and Lessons

50:19 Podcast Conclusion and Call to Action

bayanonline.org

Subscribe to Bayan on demand at https://shorturl.at/wlQl7

Donate to the Muhammad Ali Scholarship at https://pages.donately.com/bayan/campaign/2028-endowment-campaign/donate

Cover Art & Intro Music - Tariq I. El-Amin @ImamTariqElamin

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Malik Shaw, Executive Director of Midtown Mosque: At His Best When Serving

In this episode of the American Muslim Podcast, host Imam Tariq El-Amin speaks with Brother Malik Shaw, the Executive Director of Midtown Mosque in Memphis. The discussion covers a broad range of topics including the history and mission of Midtown Mosque, the importance of good company and community building, as well as the transformative power of faith and service. Brother Malik shares personal stories and formative experiences that led to his dedication to community work, highlighting the sacrifices and joys of serving in a neighborhood with historical significance and contemporary challenges. Key themes include resilience, the impact of education and faith on community development, and the importance of investing in communal spaces to foster economic and social well-being.

00:00 Introduction to Bayan on Demand

00:56 Welcome to the American Muslim Podcast

01:05 Meet Brother Malik Shaw

01:38 Formative Experiences and Lessons

04:20 Journey into Education

06:37 Impact of Growing Up in Detroit

09:16 Connecting Education, Faith, and Economics

11:31 Starting Midtown Mosque

14:40 Community Initiatives and Challenges

26:14 Creating Community Spaces

26:48 Addressing Loneliness and Its Impact

29:14 Sacrifices and Gains in Community Work

33:22 Family Dynamics and Leadership

38:22 The Importance of Smiling and Gratitude

42:39 Lessons in Faithfulness and Service

48:45 Supporting Midtown Mosque and Final Thoughts

https://midtownmosque.org/donate-now/

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Subscribe to Bayan on demand at https://shorturl.at/wlQl7

Donate to the Muhammad Ali Scholarship at https://pages.donately.com/bayan/campaign/2028-endowment-campaign/donate

Cover Art & Intro Music - Tariq I. El-Amin @ImamTariqElamin

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Imam Rushdan Mujahid-Deen: Turning Grief Into Guidance

In this episode of the American Muslim Podcast, host Imam Tariq El-Amin welcomes Imam Rushdan Mujahid-Deen, the associate Imam at Masjid Bilal Islamic Center in Los Angeles and the first commissioned Muslim chaplain for the LAPD. Imam Mujahid-Deen shares his transformative journey of faith, inspired by the legacy of his mother and the teachings of Imam W. Deen Mohammed. He discusses his multifaceted roles as an Imam, hospital chaplain, and LAPD chaplain, articulating the emotional challenges, spiritual insights, and the importance of servant leadership. Imam Mujahid-Deen emphasizes the necessity of self-care for those in service positions and reflects on how his faith and personal experiences shape his approach to spiritual care and community leadership. He also touches on the upcoming community center at Masjid Bilal Islamic Center, designed to serve both Muslim and non-Muslim communities. The episode concludes with a call to support Bayan Islamic Graduate School and its initiatives.

00:00 Introduction to Bayan on Demand

00:56 Welcome to the American Muslim Podcast

01:22 Introducing Imam Rushdan Mujahid-Deen

02:38 Imam Rushdan's Early Life and Family

05:18 Journey into Chaplaincy

09:38 Roles and Responsibilities of a Chaplain

16:46 Servant Leadership and Community Service

23:01 Personal Reflections and Lessons Learned

25:02 Reflecting on Family and Upbringing

26:40 Daughter's Journey in Africa

27:42 Experiences with Family in Africa

29:41 Challenges in Chaplaincy

34:55 Interfaith Chaplaincy and End-of-Life Care

38:10 Self-Care for Leaders

42:55 The Bayan Experience

46:46 Conclusion and Call to Action

bayanonline.org

Subscribe to Bayan on demand at https://shorturl.at/wlQl7

Donate to the Muhammad Ali Scholarship at https://pages.donately.com/bayan/campaign/2028-endowment-campaign/donate

Cover Art & Intro Music - Tariq I. El-Amin @ImamTariqElamin

🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major streaming platforms.

Bridging Theology, Science, and Philosophy with Dr. Ozgur Koca

In this episode of the American Muslim Podcast presented by Bayan on Demand, host Imam Tariq El-Amin interviews Dr. Ozgur Koca, a faculty member at Bayan Islamic Graduate School. Dr. Koca shares his academic journey from physics and mathematics to philosophy, theology, and Islamic metaphysics. They delve into the intersection of Islamic thought and modern science, discussing causality, free will, divine justice, and miracles. Dr. Koca also talks about his upcoming books and reflects on the importance of interdisciplinary learning in understanding divine presence and fostering spiritual growth.

00:00 Introduction to Bayan on Demand

00:56 Meet Your Host: Imam Tariq El-Amin

01:22 Introducing Dr. Ozgur Koca

02:00 Dr. Koca's Academic Journey

04:15 Translating Classical Islamic Texts

05:13 The Polymath Tradition in Islam

07:33 Audience and Purpose of Dr. Koca's Work

09:19 Exploring Causality in Islamic Thought

15:21 Mu'tazilite and Ash'arite Views on Causality

24:25 Participatory Accounts of Causality

27:20 Divine Freedom and Human Agency

28:28 Contemporary Discussions on Religion and Science

29:39 Reconciling Divine and Natural Causality

30:44 Criteria for a Theory of Causality

32:22 Islamic Thought on Miracles

33:59 Mu'tazilite and Ash'arite Perspectives

38:29 Participatory Causality and Miracles

43:13 Spiritual Implications of Causality

50:06 Bayan Islamic Graduate School Experience

53:51 Future Projects and Final Thoughts

Islam, Causality, and Science

https://a.co/d/2WPIaD5

bayanonline.org

Subscribe to Bayan on demand at https://shorturl.at/wlQl7

Donate to the Muhammad Ali Scholarship at https://pages.donately.com/bayan/campaign/2028-endowment-campaign/donate

Cover Art & Intro Music - Tariq I. El-Amin @ImamTariqElamin

🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major streaming platforms.

Scholar, Shepherd, and Seed Sower: Dr. Safiyyah Kai El-Amin’s Vision for Faith, Food, and Liberation

In this episode of the American Muslim Podcast, hosted by Imam Tariq El-Amin and brought to you by Bayan on Demand, Dr. Safiyyah Kai El-Amin joins the conversation. Dr. El-Amin is an esteemed American Muslim scholar, interfaith advocate, certified chaplain, and author who currently serves at Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee. The episode delves into Dr. El-Amin's unique upbringing in a multi-faith family and her academic journey, which ultimately led to her conversion to Islam. She discusses her dedication to bridging faith communities, resilience through collective action, and how her work is deeply influenced by her late mother's values of unity and racial uplift. Dr. El-Amin also highlights her practical work with the SEED program, combining education, social, and environmental justice, including a focus on community gardening and sustainability. This insightful episode touches on themes of socialization, resilience, interfaith initiatives, and the holistic influence of Islamic education on community service and activism.

00:00 Introduction to Bayan on Demand

01:03 Welcome to the American Muslim Podcast

01:33 Meet Dr. Safiyyah Kai El-Amin

02:40 Dr. El-Amin's Unique Upbringing

05:11 Influence of Family and Early Experiences

06:28 Journey to Islam

07:19 Impact of Istanbul Experience

13:04 Challenges and Realizations

25:34 Influence of Dr. El-Amin's Mother

31:46 A Mother's Wisdom and Reflections on Faith

32:55 The Intersection of Faith and Education

35:59 Interfaith Initiatives in Higher Education

37:14 The SEED Program and Community Gardening

38:05 Homesteading and Community Engagement

43:27 Deconstructing Pastoral Theology

45:42 Empowering Women Through Resilience Programs

50:37 Reflections on Academic and Spiritual Growth

57:25 Supporting Muslim Contributions and Education

https://theseedprogrambykai.com/about/

bayanonline.org

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Donate to the Muhammad Ali Scholarship at https://pages.donately.com/bayan/campaign/2028-endowment-campaign/donate

Cover Art & Intro Music - Tariq I. El-Amin @ImamTariqElamin

🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major streaming platforms.

In this episode of the American Muslim Podcast, Imam Tariq El-Amin interviews Dr. Kameelah Mu'min Oseguera, the founding executive director of the Muslim Wellness Foundation and an assistant professor of Psychology and Muslim studies at Chicago Theological Seminary. They discuss her formative experiences, particularly her upbringing in Brooklyn's Masjid al-Taqwa community and her relationships with her late mentor Dr. Deborah Majeed. Dr. Kameelah shares insights into her role as a chaplain at the University of Pennsylvania, highlighting the challenges and biases she faced as a Black female leader. She also explains the objectives and achievements of the Muslim Wellness Foundation and the Black Muslim Psychology Conference. The conversation delves into her research on Black Christian views of American Muslims and the importance of spiritual diversity. Lastly, Dr. Kameelah talks about her courses at Bayan Islamic Graduate School, emphasizing the necessity of self-care and the integration of anti-racism in spiritual practice.

00:00 Introduction to Bayan on Demand

00:55 Welcome to the American Muslim Podcast

01:12 Introducing Dr. Kameelah Mu'min Oseguera

02:05 Formative Experiences and Early Influences

07:27 The Role of a Chaplain

21:24 Challenges and Bias in Leadership

24:01 Reflections on Gender and Power in Muslim Communities

26:29 Balancing Multiple Roles

26:48 Founding of the Muslim Wellness Foundation

27:55 Addressing Mental Health Stigma in the Muslim Community

28:33 The Black Muslim Psychology Conference

30:27 Establishing the Omar Ibn Said Institute

33:26 Exploring Black Christian Views of American Muslims

42:48 Day of Learning Event for Black Christians

45:15 Courses at Bayan Islamic Graduate School

51:46 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

bayanonline.org

Subscribe to Bayan on demand at https://shorturl.at/wlQl7

Donate to the Muhammad Ali Scholarship at https://pages.donately.com/bayan/campaign/2028-endowment-campaign/donate

Cover Art & Intro Music - Tariq I. El-Amin @ImamTariqElamin

🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major streaming platforms.

Faith, Redemption, and Leadership: The Journey of Ustadh Abdul Muhaymin Priester

In this episode of the American Muslim Podcast presented by Bayan on Demand, host Imam Tariq El-Amin welcomes Ustadh Abdul Muhaymin Priester, a respected theologian, community leader, and senior instructor at Tayba Foundation. The conversation delves into Ustadh Priester's transformation from a tumultuous past in street life to embracing Islam and dedicating his life to service and education. Key themes include the profound impact of mentorship, the significance of prayer and Quranic engagement, and the role of Tayba Foundation in shaping his educational journey. Ustadh Priester also touches on the vision behind EP3 Consulting and his experiences with Bayan Islamic Graduate School, highlighting the importance of sustained community support and self-sufficiency in non-profit work. The episode underscores the value of resilience, redemption, and leadership rooted in Islamic principles.

00:00 Introduction to Bayan on Demand

01:03 Welcome to the American Muslim Podcast

01:26 Meet Ustadh Abdul Muhaymin Priester III

02:20 A Journey of Influence and Reflection

03:56 The Impact of Imam Jamil

06:32 Embracing Islam and Pursuing Knowledge

08:30 Challenges and Triumphs in Education

17:52 Leadership and Community Service

25:18 The Role of Tayba Foundation

32:35 Personal Reflections and Redemption

33:51 Reflections on Generation X and Personal Struggles

34:35 Influence of Early Life and Family Dynamics

35:35 Youth Involvement in Street Life

37:45 Loyalty and Brotherhood in Islam

40:10 The African American Muslim Experience

47:51 Advice for New and Struggling Muslims

54:28 EP Three Consulting: Vision and Goals

58:08 Experiences with Bayan Islamic Graduate School

01:02:19 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

bayanonline.org

Subscribe to Bayan on demand at https://shorturl.at/wlQl7

Donate to the Muhammad Ali Scholarship at https://pages.donately.com/bayan/campaign/2028-endowment-campaign/donate

Cover Art & Intro Music - Tariq I. El-Amin @ImamTariqElamin

🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major streaming platforms.

Modern Challenges, Timeless Faith: Imam Ishaq Majeed's Perspective

In this episode of the American Muslim Podcast, host Imam Tariq El-Amin speaks with Imam Ishaq Majeed, a second-generation Muslim from Atlanta. The discussion covers a variety of topics, including Imam Ishaq's upbringing in a close-knit Muslim community, his extensive career in cybersecurity with a focus on empowering minorities, and his experiences traveling and engaging with Muslim communities worldwide. They also delve into the importance of a physical community in Islam, the role of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as a model for Muslims, and the significance of the Fayda Tijanniya. Imam Ishaq introduces the Fayda App, a digital platform offering books, audio, and lessons on Islam for everyone. Additionally, they talk about a viral social media clip of Imam Ishaq reciting the opening chapter of the Quran at a presidential inauguration event. The episode concludes with a call to support Bayan Islamic Graduate School and the Muhammad Ali Scholarship.

00:00 Introduction to Bayan on Demand

00:57 Welcome to the American Muslim Podcast

01:10 Guest Introduction: Imam Ishaq Majeed

02:30 Formative Memories and Early Influences

03:41 Community and Upbringing

07:47 The Importance of Physical Community

10:58 Teaching and Spreading Islam

19:20 Travel Experiences and Cultural Observations

23:11 Challenges of Practicing Islam in Western Society

24:06 Personal Commitment and Responsibility in Faith

25:13 Community Support and Spiritual Guidance

27:57 The Example of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

31:07 Martial Arts and Spiritual Discipline

31:49 Reciting Quran at the Presidential Inauguration

34:47 Introduction to Fayda Tijanniya

38:25 The Bayan Experience

41:18 Closing Remarks and Future Endeavors

Links from our guest:

https://thenationsmosque.org/donations/capital-campaign/

The Fayda App for iphone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/fayda-digital/id6450007889

for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.faydadigital&pli=1

bayanonline.org

Subscribe to Bayan on demand at https://shorturl.at/wlQl7

Donate to the Muhammad Ali Scholarship at https://pages.donately.com/bayan/campaign/2028-endowment-campaign/donate

Cover Art & Intro Music - Tariq I. El-Amin @ImamTariqElamin

🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major streaming platforms.