In this inspiring episode of The Muslim Nonprofit HSow with Tayyab Yunus, we sit down with Dr. Iltafat Hamzawi—a respected physician, mentor, and changemaker—who shares his deeply personal journey from post-9/11 adversity to becoming a leader in nonprofit advocacy and governance.

Dr. Hamzawi reflects on what it means to find your current in life, how misinformation and fear shaped his drive to tell the truth, and how American Muslims can build lasting institutions rooted in both purpose and professionalism. From founding the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) to advocating for inclusive leadership, this conversation offers practical tools for anyone feeling lost or floating—especially those in early-stage nonprofits.

A must-listen for community builders, aspiring leaders, and anyone passionate about faith, justice, and positive disruption.

🎧 Tune in and don’t forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts.

📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus

🔗 Connect and follow Dr. Iltafat Hamzawi:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iltefat-hamzavi-03832a57/

00:00 - Intro: Floating in the Ocean & Finding Your Current

00:56 - Meeting Dr. Iltafat Hamzawi: Doctor, Mentor, Changemaker

02:24 - How 9/11 Sparked a Mission for Truth and Representation

04:40 - Founding ISPU: From Idea to Institution

06:12 - Challenges of Building Muslim-Led Nonprofits

07:55 - Importance of Governance, Alignment, and Long-Term Planning

09:18 - Staying Mission-Focused & Leaving a Legacy

11:10 - Redefining Sadaqah: Disrupting Traditional Philanthropy

13:12 - Advice for Early-Stage Nonprofits & Board Members

15:18 - Embracing Identity: Proudly Muslim, American, and South Asian

17:05 - Wisdom for the Next Generation of Leaders

18:20 - Closing Reflections & Du'a

Dr. Iltafat Hamzawi’s journey is a powerful reminder that finding your path isn’t about waiting for clarity—it’s about moving with intention through the currents Allah ﷻ places in your life. Whether you’re just starting or already leading a mission-driven organization, this episode offers practical wisdom, spiritual grounding, and heartfelt encouragement. May we all strive to leave behind more than just transactions, but legacies that uplift our communities and reflect our faith.


#MuslimVoices #SocialImpact #LeadershipMatters #FaithInAction #NonprofitLeadership #DrIltafatHamzawi #TruthTelling #AmericanMuslims #Dr.TayyabYunus #Themuslimnonprofitshow

In this powerful episode of The Muslim Non-profit Show with Tayyab Yunus, we hear from Anwar Khan, an engineer from the U.S. who returned to Bangladesh in 2004 with a simple mission: adopt a family and help however he could. What he didn’t expect was that a single bathroom would turn into an entire movement.

Through deeply personal stories, we explore how Anwar went from helping one refugee camp to founding Obat Helpers, now employing over 350 people across 12 schools, IT centers, clinics, and more—staffed by the very people the world forgot.

This episode is for anyone asking: How can I make a real difference with what I have right now?

It’s a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership, grassroots development, and trusting Allah to guide your steps.

🎧 Tune in and don’t forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts.

📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus

🔗 Connect and follow Engr. Anwar Khan:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnwarKhanAkmal

00:00 – Intro: Who are the forgotten people and why this matters to Muslims
02:00 – Historical context of stateless refugees post-1971
04:45 – Personal motivation: why Brother Anwar returned to serve
07:15 – The “shower moment” that changed his mission
09:00 – Tip #1: Visit and understand the ground reality first
11:25 – Tip #2: If no one is working on it, start anyway – even small
13:50 – Tip #3: Empower locals – they know the pain and solutions
16:45 – How training began with no formal platform – night calls from the U.S.
19:10 – Tip #4: Build your team from those with lived experience
21:30 – Transforming teens into future leaders and educators
24:45 – Tip #5: Use your time and skills if you don't have funds
26:30 – Tip #6: Trust in Allah’s help and make sincere dua
28:10 – Tip #7: Find team members who share your passion and vision
29:30 – Reflection on impact: from 9th grade to master’s degrees
30:40 – Final reminder: It all starts with sincere desire and consistent effort


#RefugeeVoices #FromDespairToHope #ObatHelpers #HumanitarianLeadership #BangladeshCamps #InspiringMuslimStories #ImpactThroughService #StatelessPeople #GrassrootsChange #MuslimChangemakers