One of my central convictions and most contrarian ideas is that the ways in which we use the terms "Islam" and "Muslim" - not to mention their various transliterated derivatives such as "Islamic" and "non-Muslim" - are inauthentic, inaccurate, misleading and divisive.
The identity and strategy of what is supposed to be a deeply faithful and universally impactful community has instead become irrelevant, redundant and insular, in large part because of the misunderstanding and misuse of these foundational terms.
I realise that these are significant claims with massive potential consequences for the way believers understand, organise and represent themselves.
But, based on my learning and experiences over the last decade in particular, I have come to see them as almost indisputable. I only say 'almost' because I always try to keep an open mind, no matter the level of my conviction. So I welcome critical responses, as long as they're shared... in good faith.
With thanks to my highly capable guest host Ali Siddiqui, this episode is a thorough exploration of the above ideas. There is always a lot more to say, which will perhaps follow in due course, if God wills. But if you can't wait...
- for a detailed exploration of all 72 nominal and verbal references to the root "aslama / yuslimu" found in revelation, see here: https://www.iqbalnasim.com/products/club-revelation/categories/2152673277
- for a related article, see here: https://www.iqbalnasim.com/blog/the-problem-with-islam-and-muslims
- read The Meaning and End of Religion: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meaning-Religion-Wilfred-Cantwell-Smith/dp/0800624750
(0:00) Trailer
(1:07) Review of In Good Faith so far
(7:02) Isn't it too late for change?
(16:03) Transcending "us and them"
(24:10) The tyranny of doctrine
(30:17) Tackling our shared challenges
(42:32) Universal values & universal concern
(51:12) Being deeply in our context
(1:17:20) Reconciling revelation with reality
(1:34:30) Practical ideas for a better future
(1:45:11) The importance of courage
Jehangir Malik OBE is Interim Director of the Asylum Reform Initiative, the alliance behind the Together With Refugees campaign coalition. He has over 30 years of leadership experience in local and national civil society institutions, notably having run both Muslim Aid and Islamic Relief UK, two of the country's most well-established, faith-based humanitarian organisations.
I very much enjoyed Jehangir's well-informed and no-nonsense assessment of topical issues - immigration, political division and the kind of introspection needed by Muslims - as well as his practical advice and solutions for these difficult times.
Follow Jehangir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jehangir-malik-obe-015a292a/
Also: https://togetherwithrefugees.org.uk
Check out the Himmah project from (51:49): https://himmah.org
(0:00) Trailer
(1:21) Civil society response to populism
(7:35) Immigration and integration
(14:51) Sensible immigration policy
(21:37) Taking the heat out of dialogue
(27:59) Growing anti-Muslim narrative
(33:29) Is there a Muslim attitude problem?
(51:49) Case study: Himmah in Nottingham
(55:55) Muslim national-level dysfunction
(1:02:55) Start being of service to all
(1:07:15) A reflection on Quran 41:34-36
(1:11:19) Concluding thoughts
Could the solution to the woes of modernity lie in an ancient story that Jews, Christians and Muslims have largely forgotten, and of which others may be completely unaware?
That’s the view of my guest Mohammed Nizami, founder of the New School for Abrahamic Restoration. The aim of the New School is to revive a way of life rooted in God’s law, aligned with the created order, and capable of renewing both soul and society.
Mohammed has completed a range of undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Al-Azhar, LSE, UCL and Warwick. He has expertise and experience in the fields of theology, covenantal law, politics, education and business administration.
Find out more: https://www.abrahamicrestoration.school
Follow on Telegram: https://t.me/shmnizami
(0:00) Trailer
(1:30) Setting the scene
(3:45) Who is God?
(15:04) Restoring order on earth
(24:25) Abrahamic tradition & legacy
(45:15) Message to Jews & Christians
(1:06:16) The universal proposition
(1:18:52) A coherent approach today
(1:36:17) What the future holds
Technological developments are reshaping our environments - and therefore our minds and souls - at an alarming rate. In this chat, Fahad Tasleem wonderfully makes the case for why a return to natural beauty is vital to preserve our connection with the divine.
This conversation was originally intended to be a private one for Fahad Tasleem and I to get to know each other for the very first time. He kindly allowed it to be recorded, and afterwards we both agreed it was interesting enough to be released into the public domain as an In Good Faith episode!
Fahad is a research fellow and instructor at The Sapience Institute, where his research focuses on Islamic Theo-Philosophy & Spirituality. He is the author of the book, "No Doubt: Finding Certainty in an Age of Uncertainty". He is also at the tail end of his PhD in Islamic Thought.
Fahad's channel: @FahadTasleemOfficial
Follow Fahad: https://www.instagram.com/fahadtasleem/
Find out more: https://www.fahadtasleem.com
(0:00) Being proactive and universal
(8:20) Othering and dehumanisation
(14:49) Engaging with empathy
(27:46) How colour influences us
(34:04) How natural beauty affects us
(41:45) Different types of perception
(50:41) Connecting sound and meaning
(58:16) How natural beauty points to God
(1:03:19) Appreciating beauty is the default
(1:11:50) Salvation and legal categories
(1:16:51) How technology erodes our souls
(1:32:51) Reflecting on Quran 35 : 27-28
(1:38:24) Concluding remarks
One of the biggest challenges to people's faith and their ability to make sense of God and life is the extent of harm and suffering they experience and observe. To help tackle this perennial problem, I spoke with Dr Tubanur Yesilhark, whose PhD was on this very topic. This segment was part of my full-length conversation with Dr Tubanur but excluded from the edit. To see the rest of the conversation, see here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1MmFOxpX37doa5BxLjzpfW?si=QYbbR3uHQ_y7wIQPkAUAGA(0:00) Framing the problem
(2:10) What is evil?
(7:45) Important premises
(11:40) Pain wakes us up
(15:42) Abuse and forgiveness
(20:11) Praying for wisdom
Why are we in a meaning crisis when we are constantly surrounded by sources of meaning? To help us understand this issue more deeply I spoke with Dr Tubanur Yesilhark, Head of Operations at the International Foundation for Muslim Theology (IFMT). The main goal of the IFMT is to bring God-talk back into the centre of day-to-day life. The most recent project of the IFMT on Divine Revelation and Communication was funded by the John Templeton Foundation.
Dr Tubanur's completed her PhD at Durham University, UK. Her thesis - A Muslim Response to Evil: Said Nursi on the Theodicy" - was published by Routledge in 2018.
Follow Dr Tubanur: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tubanur-yesilhark-ozkan/
Check out IFMT: https://ifmt.co.uk
(0:00) Trailer
(0:44) The meaning crisis
(3:24) A world without humans
(6:43) Our unique purpose
(13:20) The levels of meaning
(19:44) Surrounded by signs
(25:00) Advice to parents
(29:47) Divine names: an example
(34:59) How to sustain deep connection
(45:32) How intention transforms action
(59:18) From multiplicity to unity
(1:10:01) Levels of paradise
(1:12:50) About the IFMT
(1:23:40) Future plans and conclusion
In the most open, heartfelt and vulnerable conversation of In Good Faith thus far, Salman Hasan shares his personal story of how he suffered from feelings of hypocrisy and unworthiness for years before finally finding a way to confront them in a hugely transformative manner. There's something here for anyone struggling with - but still seeking - a deep connection with the divine.
Salman is Chief Legal Officer & Co-founder at Pfida, a fintech company with a mission to provide everyone with equal and fair opportunities to save, invest and ultimately own a home without interest and debt. He is a qualified solicitor and scholar with over 20 years of legal and Islamic finance experience.
Follow Salman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/badrulhasan/
Check out the spiritual development network from which Salman has benefited: https://propheticpath.co.uk
Check out Pfida: https://www.pfida.com
(0:00) Trailer
(0:50) How me first met
(2:10) The need to have a mentor
(4:11) Background and realisation
(9:59) Declaring the need for help
(15:53) The divine-human connection
(23:22) Beyond the transactional
(33:54) Revelation as a mirror
(41:04) Receiving direct insight
(49:15) Dreams and synchronicity
(53:37) Reflecting divine qualities
(59:39) The possibility of self-deception
(1:04:54) The qualities of a mentor
(1:14:02) Taking a universal approach
(1:29:51) Concluding reflections
Dr William Barylo is a sociologist and visual artist using pictures and film to explore social issues from a decolonial and restorative perspective. He looks at how grassroots initiatives in Europe and North America navigate societal challenges. We sat down to discuss his latest publication: British Muslims in the Neoliberal Empire: Resisting, Healing, and Flourishing in the Metacolonial Era.
Dr William's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UC1KQMrAkTXCx0oGPWppZKVg
Website: https://williambarylo.com
Get hold of the book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/British-Muslims-Neoliberal-Empire-Metacolonial-ebook/dp/B0F1NCFJVH/
(0:00) Trailer
(0:57) What is neoliberalism?
(6:09) How to survive the system
(13:27) Harms vs benefits
(23:44) What is metacolonialism?
(34:36) Breaking the cycle
(42:28) The importance of faith
(1:02:36) Reimagining ummah
(1:15:01) Representation... so what?
(1:17:39) Remaining hopeful and active
(1:25:08) Conclusion
Dr Ali-Reza Bhojani is Assistant Professor in Islamic Ethics at the University of Birmingham, where he has been based since 2021. He has held previous academic posts at the Al-Mahdi Institute, the University of Nottingham, the University of Oxford, and the Markfield Institute for Education. He completed his PhD at the University of Durham and his thesis was published as Moral Rationalism and Sharia (Routledge, 2015).
I found our conversation - which centred on the ethics of Artificial Intelligence - refreshing and illuminating. Aside from the opportunities and threats of current technological trends, we touched on the role of moral rationalism in the formation of law as well as the future of Muslim scholarship in the UK.
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Follow Ali-Reza: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-reza-bhojani-1b612272/
Check out Al-Mahdi Institute: https://www.almahdi.edu
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(0:00) Trailer
(0:45) Our previous meetings
(2:10) The vast range of AI issues
(7:02) How faith informs an ethical approach
(17:51) Should AI development stop?
(24:33) Where do we place value?
(33:40) Aiming for prosperity in this life
(42:08) The human cost of automation
(54:02) How LLMs can erode truth
(1:05:47) An example based on Ali's PhD
(1:09:15) Guidance for students
(1:11:30) How moral rationalism gets sidelined
(1:22:10) Being open to learning from others
(1:27:10) The nature and future of scholarship
(1:41:40) How people can support scholars
In Part 2 of my conversation with Hamza Tzortzis, he speaks for the first time publicly about his recently submitted PhD thesis: A Theo-Philosophical Assessment of al-Iʿjāz al-ʿIlmī and the Multiplicity of Readings Approach.
Using so-called scientific miracles to prove the divine origin of revelation has been an extremely popular way of bolstering the faith of existing believers, as well as encouraging others to believe. But does this approach make sense? Watch to find out!
(0:00) Trailer
(0:52) Why the PhD topic was chosen
(4:47) Epistemic goal as priority
(7:43) Embryology example
(10:27) Are there any scientific miracles?
(17:43) Probability and transient science
(26:04) The multiplicity of readings approach
(33:19) The benefit of instrumentalism
(36:09) Backbone and ribs example
(40:41) The real miracle of the Quran
In this first episode of a two-part conversation with the prolific and well-renowned Hamza Tzortzis, I got to pick his brains about the Quran. How should people approach and understand it today? How can and should it be contextualised? How do we separate between the universal and the particular?
Part 2 will focus entirely on his recently submitted PhD, entitled "A Theo-Philosophical Assessment of al-Iʿjāz al-ʿIlmī and the Multiplicity of Readings Approach."
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Hamza is the founder and CEO of Sapience Institute. He is the author of the best-selling book: “The Divine Reality: God, Islam and The Mirage of Atheism”, which has been translated into over 10 languages. He has an MRes, MA and a PgCert in Philosophy from the University of London. He has studied Islamic Thought and Theology with a wide range of scholars.
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Follow Sapience Institute: @SapienceInstitute
Follow Hamza: @HamzaTzortzisOfficial
Hamza's website: https://www.hamzatzortzis.com
--
(0:00) Trailer
(1:12) About Hamza's PhD
(2:41) How to introduce someone to the Quran
(15:52) Should we read in order or at random?
(26:41) The importance of living the Quran
(32:31) How to frame guidance for people today
(46:42) Paying attention to our worldview
(54:28) How to contextualise the Quran
(1:11:45) Case study: inheritance
(1:21:11) Case study: zakat threshold (nisab)
(1:35:56) Balancing realities and ideals
In this episode, Taimur Abdaal is back to quiz me about what it means to lead a truly authentic, God-centred life, especially in the context of work. For most of us, work occupies the bulk of our time, attention and energy. Unfortunately, for many of us, it also often ends up being unfulfilling and misaligned with our deepest values and our overall worldview. Can this tension be resolved in a way that is sustainable? I believe so... and this conversation will help show you how.
(0:00) Do we each have an authentic self?
(3:41) Seeing money and time in perspective
(10:04) Deciding what you don't want
(18:03) Assessing your real intentions
(23:27) Start adding value
(26:39) How do we know what God wants?
(32:27) Various possible outcomes
(38:11) My priorities vs the world's needs
(44:23) Using the Ikigai framework
(51:12) Case studies
(55:28) Tuning your own antenna
(59:17) Macro priorities today
Surkheel Sharif, aka Abu Aaliyah, founded and has been the director of the Jawziyyah Institute since 1999: a non-profit organisation dedicated to cultivating an Islam true to its time-honoured tradition, relevant to its current context, and of benefit to wider society.
He has authored the following works: More Fish Please & the Earth’s Complaint (2011), Fussing Over the 15th of Sha’ban & the Golden Rule of Differing (2011) and, most recently, A Muslim’s Guide to Modernity (2025). He has also translated a few texts from Arabic to English, notably The Exquisite Pearl (2000). He gained an MA in Islamic Studies from Birkbeck College, University of London, in 2009.
Find our more: https://thehumblei.com
Buy A Muslim's Guide to Modernity: https://turath.co.uk/products/a-muslims-guide-to-modernity
Article referenced at 1:04:35: https://thehumblei.com/2019/10/27/women-mosques-misogyny-to-misrepresentation/
(0:00) Trailer
(1:12) The meaning of Surkheel
(4:47) Early life and education
(16:27) Evolving community concerns
(29:53) How our attitude needs to change
(36:34) An assessment of the status quo
(48:44) The failures and future of scholarship
(59:55) Integrating macro and micro factors
(1:11:52) The need for imagination and conversation
(1:22:01) A vision for faith in Britain
(1:27:11) Future publications and final thoughts
I've long been a fan of the work of Peter Gould. Wise, humble and immensely talented, Peter shared many lessons and insights from his 20+ years of experience as a creator, entrepreneur and pioneer of heart-centred design. He also spoke about his long and wonderful journey in producing his beautiful new book - The Heart of Design - as well as the result of his latest collaboration - Tales of Khayaal.
Visit Peter's website: https://www.peter-gould.com
Read Peter's book: https://www.theheartofdesign.com/book
Follow Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petergouldart/
(0:00) Trailer
(0:53) Peter's weekend
(2:40) Nature vs nurture
(4:51) The growth of intentional design
(9:31) Peter's favourite projects
(12:41) Dealing with creative block
(19:40) Peter's projects and planning process
(28:36) Peter's creative process
(36:29) The book publication journey
(42:53) Who is the book for?
(45:15) The burden of responsibility
(55:53) Universal relevance and concern
(1:05:51) Future plans and conclusion
Chris Blauvelt is one of the most dynamic and creative faith-based social entrepreneurs around. Based in Detroit, Michigan, he is co-founder and CEO of LaunchGood, the world's largest faith-inspired crowdfunding platform. Since 2013 it has facilitated ~$1bn of giving across the world.
We spent time discussing the past, present and future of LaunchGood... but first we talked in some detail about the potential of GUMmies and Chris's nascent idea of creating a digital nation.
Follow Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjblauvelt/
Check out LaunchGood: https://www.launchgood.com
(0:00) Trailer
(0:42) Chris's names
(3:34) Who are GUMmies?
(9:03) Our untapped potential
(13:40) The idea of a digital nation
(19:10) Is a tipping point coming?
(21:03) Power as a false god
(28:28) A vision for society or community?
(35:15) Different engagement mindsets
(40:43) Next steps for the digital nation
(44:19) The LaunchGood journey so far
(53:13) How to use discretionary funds
(1:04:14) Limits of LaunchGood's responsibility
(1:13:50) Mindset, patience and blessings
Ibrahim Khan is Co-Founder of Islamic Finance Guru (IFG) and Cur8 Capital, IFG's investment platform. He's hosted me a few times on the IFG channel and so it was nice to return the favour.
Follow Ibrahim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mibrahimkhan/
Find out more about IFG: https://www.islamicfinanceguru.com
Find out more about Cur8 Capital: https://cur8.capital
(0:00) Trailer
(0:41) Does IFG need a rebrand?
(3:50) Should “Islamic Finance” exist?
(16:51) Do Muslims want Islamic Finance?
(22:39) What does investing morally mean?
(28:02) What’s the problem with interest?
(32:06) Giving universal financial advice
(39:41) Do scholars need to revisit basic assumptions?
(42:47) How might systemic change emerge?
(58:31) Can you build a sound system on fiat money?
(1:03:56) Do we need a finance focused think tank?
(1:07:36) How can Cur8 Capital scale 10x from here?
(1:15:54) Ibrahim’s strengths and weaknesses
(1:19:29) Advice to those coming into the industry
(1:25:19) Ibrahim’s biggest worry and final thoughts
⏰ Enrol now for a condensed, live online version of Transform My Prayer starting Sunday 3rd August. Four 60-minute sessions to help you fix your mindset, fix your words, fix your movements and fix your life! Visit https://tinyurl.com/tmplite and join 300+ others who’ve already signed up.
In this episode of In Good Faith, Taimur is back… and this time we’re discussing some of his burning prayer questions. Specifically we talk about how to overcome the feeling of prayer as a burden, the symbolism of ablution (wudhu) and the deep significance of the words we say in the sitting position of the prayer… all with lots of practical tips and exercises you can start implementing today.
(0:00) Why is prayer obligatory?
(4:20) Transcending the feeling of obligation
(7:44) Noticing our initial mindset
(11:50) Gratitude, cycles and repetitions
(17:11) Remembering our constant need
(21:32) Living in wonder
(27:24) The symbolism of ablution (wudhu)
(32:27) Washing ourselves in public!
(36:40) Prayer as a natural activity
(39:26) Mentioning Abraham when sitting
(43:49) What are we asking for when we sit?
(50:36) Ending powerfully and purposefully
For as long as I’ve known him, Dr Sohaib Saeed has been deeply immersed in all aspects of the study of the Qur’an. This was the first time I got to have a focused 1:1 discussion with him on challenging questions relating to the interpretation and contextualisation of revelation. I hope you enjoy and benefit from the conversation.After a BA and MSc in philosophy (Edinburgh), Dr Sohaib graduated from Al-Azhar (Faculty of Theology, Cairo) in Tafsīr and Quranic Sciences. He then completed his PhD at SOAS, University of London, under the supervision of the renowned Quran translator M.A.S. Abdel Haleem; the book based on his thesis is forthcoming from Edinburgh University Press: Explaining the Qur’an Through the Qur’an.Dr. Sohaib is well known for his translations of classical works of tafsīr. The first volume of The Great Exegesis by Imam Razi was a recipient of the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation in 2018, further volumes will follow from Ibn ‘Ashur Centre. He has also written for academic journals and collections including the Journal of Qur’anic Studies, the Encyclopaedia of the Qur’an (Brill Online) and The Handbook of Qur’anic Hermeneutics (De Gruyter).Since 2016, he has been the senior tafsīr consultant for Bayyinah Institute, which now benefits from the broader team at Ibn ‘Ashur Centre. In 2021, he took on a key responsibility at Quran.Foundation, overseeing content and quality at the major website Quran.com and its sister site QuranReflect.Follow Dr Sohaib: https://x.com/tafsirdoctorLearn more about the Ibn Ashur Centre here: https://www.ibnashur.com
Ramadan Tent Project (RTP) has long been one of my favourite social impact organisations. So it was a pleasure to catch up with its Founder and Chief Executive, Omar Salha, for the latest episode of In Good Faith.
In our conversation, Omar not only gave a useful theoretical introduction to the concepts of cultural diplomacy, soft power and social capital, but illustrated his points with stories from his own experience as well as from the past. In addition to the themes of belonging and integration, Omar also provided insight into the evolution of RTP thus far as well as its likely trajectory going forward.
Omar is one of a rare breed of leaders who have had the ability to build institutions alongside achieving academic prowess. Amongst other accomplishments, Omar was awarded the PhD Nohoudh Scholarship at SOAS University of London for the study of the integration of Muslims in British society.
Follow Omar here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omarsalha/
Check out Ramadan Tent Project here: https://www.ramadantentproject.com
(0:00) Trailer
(1:02) What is cultural diplomacy?
(9:50) Soft power and social capital
(24:17) Belonging and integration
(36:38) Muslim interest vs public interest
(41:24) Stories of service and soft power
(50:19) About Ramadan Tent Project
(1:04:53) How to scale RTP
(1:19:11) The challenge of fundraising
(1:28:40) Powerful leadership lessons
I sat down with Zara Mohammed to discuss her unique experience as a high profile community leader. Zara talks about the practicalities of government and media engagement and shares personal leadership lessons. She also reflects on what our community needs to do better in order to improve political and civil society participation. Finally we talk about her possible plans for the future.
From 2021-25, Zara was the first woman, the youngest person, and the first Scot to serve as Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), the UK’s largest and most diverse Muslim umbrella body. She was also President of the Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS) from 2016-17. Zara currently leads a consultancy focused on developing leadership excellence, strengthening governance, and advancing workplace inclusion.
Follow Zara: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zaramohammed1/
Check out her current work: https://zara-mohammed.com
Learn more about the MCB: https://mcb.org.uk
(0:00) Trailer
(0:59) The burdens of leadership
(4:22) Zara's 2018 run-in with Iqbal (!)
(14:18) Becoming Secretary General of MCB
(19:52) How to handle media engagement
(24:44) Why won't the government engage with MCB?
(35:59) Avoiding insularity and building alliances
(42:02) Why should anyone donate to MCB?
(48:32) Zara's advice to her successor
(50:56) FOSIS and the future of umbrella organisations
(58:04) Female leaders and young leaders
(1:09:32) Zara's sources of support
(1:16:10) Deciding on Zara's future
(1:24:57) Muslim community or communities?
(1:28:21) Further democratising MCB membership
(1:33:20) Closing thoughts
My speech at the 2018 MCB conference which is referenced at the beginning and end of our discussion is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_EWfn9fIkQ