In this heartfelt episode, we explore the intersection of Islam, Sufi mysticism, and psychedelics through the lens of faith, mental health, and representation.
Our guest, a passionate advocate rooted in her Muslim identity, reflects on the historical, spiritual, and public health dimensions of altered states within Islamic traditions. From the quiet erasure of Sufism’s Islamic roots to the lack of Muslim representation in psychedelic spaces, we dive into what it means to create culturally attuned healing frameworks, and why inclusivity must be foundational as access to psychedelic medicine grows.
This episode is an invitation to rethink assumptions, and expand narratives surrounding Islam and its role in the psychedelic world.
Our Guest
Karina Bashir is an accomplished attorney and thought leader specializing in the intersection of law, business ethics, and psychedelics, with a deep passion for exploring the convergence of Islamic principles and psychedelic healing. She seeks opportunities to explore how Islamic thought and psychedelic traditions intersect, believing that psychedelics can be a bridge for spiritual and psychological healing within Muslim communities.Her work and advocacy aim to integrate Islamic mysticism, or Sufism, with the psychedelic space, exploring how these ancient traditions can inform and shape healing practices within the broader wellness community.
Karina’s commitment to working in psychedelics stems from nearly a decade of experience in human rights, which has shaped her belief that psychedelic legalization should be recognized as a human rights issue due to its profound healing potential. As counsel with Antithesis Law, she provides guidance on a wide range of legal and business matters, including corporate formation, risk mitigation, contract drafting, compliance, dispute resolution, and best practices. In her role as Program Director at North Star, Karina is a leading advocate for regulatory issues, working closely with organizations to create dynamic, living breathing guidelines that promote industry standards and strengthen accountability.
Karina serves on the Board of the Psychedelic Bar Association and is a steward of the Religious Use Committee. A Fulbright and Gates Cambridge Scholar, Karina holds a J.D. from UC Berkeley and an M.Phil. from Cambridge.
