Episode 89 - The Courage to Speak the Truth | Sh. Youssef Soussi

Dive into a thought-provoking episode of the Life Haqq podcast where brothers gather for a candid discussion on navigating life's challenges with a focus on faith, family, and responsibility. Recorded live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This special edition features Imam Abdullah and delves deep into topics like personal growth, balancing Islamic and secular education, the importance of intention, and staying steadfast in support for Palestine. Join us for an insightful conversation aimed at bringing wisdom, advice, and tangible solutions to the forefront.

Join host Dr. Syed in a multifaceted episode featuring renowned MMA coach Firas Zahabi at Tristar Gym in Montreal. This enlightening discussion covers a wide array of topics, including personal resilience against societal pressures and the philosophy of martial arts. Dive deep into the implications of liberalism on identity and norms, especially from an immigrant’s perspective. The conversation explores the critical role of self-transcendence, immigration’s economic impact, and the importance of the nuclear family. Key figures like Tommy Robinson, Jordan Peterson, and Andrew Tate are scrutinized for their influential yet controversial views. Additionally, modern dating, affirmative action, and transgender athletes in sports are examined under the lens of cultural and religious principles. End with a thought-provoking analysis of a hypothetical MMA clash between George St-Pierre and Khabib Nurmagomedov. This episode promises an intellectually rich dialogue on societal critique, personal growth, and martial arts philosophy.

00:00 The Decline of Honor and Islamic Principles: The Erosion of Integrity in Modern Dawah 02:18 Life Haqq Podcast: Introducing the Platform for Real Talk 03:25 Jordan Peterson: Friend or Foe? A Critical Examination 07:40 The Maturity Factor: Understanding True Wisdom in Contrast to Superficial Insights 11:45 Reflecting on Platforming Jordan Peterson: Lessons Learned from the Encounter 21:46 Freedom of Speech: A Flawed Philosophy When Detached from Ethics 34:45 Material Progress vs. Moral Decay: A Wake-up Call for Today’s World 41:41 Islamic Principles in Gaza: Where True Honor Still Exists 42:31 Western Societies as Moral Cripples: A Stark Contrast to Islamic Ethics 44:11 Muslim Influence on Society: From Passivity to Power 44:40 Platforming New Muslim Influencers: The Rise of Dangerous Voices 46:21 Andrew Tate and the Need for Authentic Muslim Role Models: A Wake-up Call for Manboys 47:01 The Dangers of Fame and Wealth in Dawah: Un-Pimping the Dawah and Returning to Sincerity 01:02:58 Strategic Thinking in Dawah: Moving Beyond Ego and Individualism 01:20:29 The Illusion of Self-Importance: How Ego Undermines True Dawah 01:22:10 Being Forgotten: Embracing Anonymity for the Sake of Allah 01:23:15 Refocusing on Strategic Goals in Dawah: Time for a Tactical Shift 01:24:09 Worship and Writing: Reclaiming the Lost Arts of Islamic Tradition 01:25:09 Existential Crisis and the Importance of Worship: Finding Stability in Faith 01:26:36 The Modern Challenges in Dawah: Navigating Fame, Ego, and External Influence 01:28:15 Leadership and Principles: The Backbone of an Effective Dawah Movement 01:32:59 Strategic Thinking Revisited: How to Tackle the Dawah Crisis 01:43:48 Intrinsic Value and Islamic Principles: Moving Beyond Superficial Measures of Success 01:52:33 Legacy and an Akhira-Centric Focus: Prioritizing the Hereafter in Dawah 01:54:58 Islam’s Holistic Nature: How It Transcends Modern Issues 01:55:12 Silence and Intellectual Cowardice: Why Avoiding Controversial Truths Is Dangerous 01:55:46 Strategic Thinking and Goals: A Pathway Forward for Today’s Muslim Leaders 01:57:45 Brotherhood and Community: Essential Elements of a Strong Ummah 01:58:18 True Friendship and Love in Islam: Egoistic Love vs. True Love 01:59:30 Self-Love and Empathy: The Thin Line Between Ego and Compassion 02:00:27 Spiritual Commitment: Prioritizing the Soul Over Worldly Success 02:02:45 Modern Relationships: The Challenges of Navigating Them with Integrity 02:06:37 Loving for the Sake of Allah: A Higher Form of Love 02:27:22 Ideology and Relationships: How Beliefs Shape Bonds 02:34:10 Final Thoughts: Looking Ahead to Future Discussions on Dawah and Society

Inspired by the online and in-person Dawah scene? Want to become a duat and spread the true message of Islam? Learn all about "street Dawah" from the experiences, knowledge and advice from Street Dawah Toronto's renowned Ustadh Sadat Anwar!Ustadh Sadat joined Dr. Syed during United Islam Awareness Week 2023 for an in-depth podcast and conversation covering the fundamentals of Street Dawah. Don't miss the latest episode of Life Haqq Podcast featuring Ustadh Sadat Anwar!--------Be sure to subscribe to the Life Haqq channel for this episode and much more transformational Islamic content to nourish the soul, refine our characters, and build our communities.JazakumAllahu Khairan!

On the latest episode of the Life Haqq Podcast, our host Dr. Syed interviews Jake Shields, a UFC Legend, world-renowned MMA fighter and coach. They delve into a variety of topics, including Jake's MMA & UFC career, his views on Islam, the importance of fatherhood, his political affiliations and more.Their conversation extended further into the role parents take in guiding their children towards critical thinking & away from harmful ideologies, the key elements, personal impact & significance of fatherhood, the need for hard work and struggle in achieving success and much much more!Don't miss the latest episode of Life Haqq Podcast featuring Jake Shields!--------Be sure to subscribe to the Life Haqq channel for this episode and much more transformational Islamic content to nourish the soul, refine our characters, and build our communities.JazakumAllahu Khairan!

After connecting online for an amazing discussion last year, Dr. Syed & Sh. Youssef Soussi finally met in person during United Islam Awareness Week 2023 for a powerful discussion.Although Sh. Youssef knows the cold from living in Minnesota, he experienced it on another level in Western Canada. Things really get heated during this spicy conversation on the biggest challenges the youth are facing today.At a time where it’s easier to turn a blind eye and remain silent, Sh. Youssef and Dr. Syed emphasize the need for courage and standing up for the truth!--------Be sure to subscribe to the Life Haqq channel for this episode and much more transformational Islamic content to nourish the soul, refine our characters, and build our communities.JazakumAllahu Khairan!

Dr. Syed & Ustadh Farid al-Bahraini (Farid Responds) get into it the behind the scenes of Online Dawah, his Canada trip for United Islam Awareness Week, the ways to work together in promoting unity & understanding for khair and more!--------Be sure to subscribe to the Life Haqq channel for this episode and much more transformational Islamic content to nourish the soul, refine our characters, and build our communities.JazakumAllahu Khairan!

The Mouse Trap: Avoiding the Traps in Modern Society that are tearing apart Muslim Families. Learn the Muslim hack to bring our glory back!How can we understand the modern day tricks and sinister ideals of society and protect ourselves and our families from falling into them?--------Dr. Syed ibn Iqbal spoke at at the recent Leaders of Tomorrow Conference to address the challenges facing the local Muslim community. In his talk, The Mouse Trap, he highlighted the many pitfalls, issues and mistakes the Muslim community is vulnerable to within Western society. He identified different fallacies and “core principles” promoted as the ideal lifestyle choice and exposed the dangers that result from them. He shared case studies, examples and proofs, shining a light on the main areas our youth, parents and families are being harmed in.--------Be sure to subscribe to the Life Haqq channel for this episode and much more transformational Islamic content to nourish the soul, refine our characters, and build our communities.JazakumAllahu Khairan!

Nestled on the boardwalk of Vancouver Harbour, Dr. Syed sat with Shaykh Haitham al-Haddad and Ustadh Gabriel Al Romaani inside the Golden Horn Turkish Cafe to enjoy some authentic Turkish coffee and sweet baklava, while getting to know our scholars on a more personal level.Dr. Syed and his guests draw and reflect on their many years of dawah, counselling and life experiences, share personal stories and lessons from their parents and address the Islamic approach to manhood & womanhood. They identify and provide advice on common marital issues, explain the Islamic guidelines for raising children and much more!Listen to this unique podcast experience, with highly experienced and certified scholars, and join the discussion on improving our family structures, education & teaching methods and in building better support systems among Muslim communities.--------Dr. Syed, Sh. Haitham al-Haddad and Ustadh Gabriel Al Romaani were invited to the Lower Mainland in beautiful British Columbia to speak at the 10th Annual Generation Muslim Conference (GenM) in Burnaby, BC. After a life-changing weekend of presenting, interacting and engaging with the BC Muslim community, they set out to enjoy their remaining time in Vancouver and even managed to fit in a few special podcast sessions in some unique places!--------Be sure to subscribe to the Life Haqq channel for this episode and much more transformational Islamic content to nourish the soul, refine our characters, and build our communities.JazakumAllahu Khairan!

Are you reaching your true potential as a man? How can we raise our boys into strong Muslim men? Do you know men who need to take ownership of themselves and step up for their community? Listen to this special "CarCast" podcast with one of Canada's leading experts in the field of male self-development, Ustadh Gabriel Al Romaani, and join the discussion on what traits and qualities need to be instilled in young men and youth growing up in today's world!As they travelled through downtown Vancouver, Dr. Syed and Ust. Gabriel discussed important concepts of manhood, confidence and personal growth.--------Dr. Syed and Ustadh Gabriel Al Romaani were invited to the Lower Mainland in beautiful British Columbia to speak at the 10th Annual Generation Muslim Conference (GenM) in Burnaby, BC. After a life-changing weekend presenting, interacting and engaging with the BC Muslim community, they set out to enjoy their remaining time in Vancouver and even managed to fit in a special podcast session on the road! --------Be sure to subscribe to the Life Haqq channel for this episode and much more transformational Islamic content to nourish the soul, refine our characters, and build our communities.JazakumAllahu Khairan!