Helal Abbas on Imams Turning Against Him, Community Betrayal & Losing Power Overnight... (EP:95)

I’m still in disbelief that I host a podcast. Week after week.Alhamdulillah, we’ve just hit Episode 100 of the Side by Side Podcast, and I want to pause for a moment to say… Thank You. Thank You for getting Side by Side this far.I’m not an educated person. I barely scraped a B in GCSE English.I’m not naturally confident.And I’m definitely not a media professional. But I am someone who’s OK with being uncomfortable. Someone who doesn’t shy away from tough conversations. And someone who’s always trying to learn and grow.This podcast has been one of the most uncomfortable, humbling, and beautiful journeys I’ve ever taken. Every bit of encouragement, every bit of criticism, even the brutal kind, has shaped me. And I’m still learning.For our 100th episode, I wanted to do something meaningful. Something that’s been on my list from day one.So we finally brought together a panel to discuss one of the most complex and sensitive topics in the Muslim community: Is Halal Mortgage Really Halal?With me in this long-overdue conversation are:🧠 Mufti Abdul Kadir Barkatulla – Islamic finance scholar🏦 Sagheer Malik – Halal mortgage provider and industry voice💬 Saira Hayati – a returning guest who raises bold questions00:04 Historical Context of Islamic Finance in UK00:07 Types of Islamic Home Finance00:30 Pricing and Market Challenges01:15 Future Developments and SolutionsNo fluff. No PR answers. Just real questions and genuine effort to seek clarity. I hope this helps you think deeper, ask better questions, and make more informed decisions, whether you agree or disagree.Thank you for walking this journey with me.– Kazi Shafiqur Rahman P.S: Apologies in advance for any technical issues in this episode if there are any!💸 SPONSOR MESSAGE – Send Money to Bangladesh with ZERO Fees!Taptap Send is making it easier to support loved ones back home — with no transfer fees and a £20 bonus for first-time users.✅ To claim your bonus:👉 Download the app using this link: https://taptapsend.one…💬 When prompted to “Add promo code,” enter KSR and press ‘Enter’.Taptap Send UK Ltd is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900842).

He’s back, and this time, it’s personal.In Episode 99, Mahee Jalil returns to the Side by Side Podcast with Kazi Shafiqur Rahman for a fearless conversation that answers some of your burning questions from last episode with Mahee!What we unpack:The £1 million scandal at East London MosqueMahee’s own fraud convictions, prison time, his opponent still in prison, and public disgraceHis alleged “First Solution” scandal and secret black bookChannel S and whether it still works as his guard dogHis views on Iran, Palestine, boycotts, and the future of BangladeshPersonal stories of risk, loyalty, and even kidnappingIt’s bold. It’s controversial. And it’s packed with uncomfortable truths.No filters. No favours. Just facts.00:00 – Trailer01:05 – The East London Mosque Scandal: Where Did the Millions Go?12:24 – How Mahee Manages Risk (Despite His History)17:00 – Firing People, Retaining Loyalty: Mahee’s Staff Strategy18:52 – Is Channel S Just Mahee’s Guard Dog?22:50 – Future of Bangladesh & Why He does not Back Prof. Muhammad Yunus25:50 – The First Solution Scandal Explained32:43 – Mahee’s Secret Black Book Revealed33:55 – Palestinian Dates: Boycott, Fair Trade & Controversy36:39 – Iran’s Global Grip: What’s Really Going On?51:00 – Mahee’s Kidnapping: The Real Story55:17 – Do Boycotts Actually Work?1:10:15 – Buying Property in Cash & Final Reflections💸 SPONSOR MESSAGE – Send Money to Bangladesh with ZERO Fees!Taptap Send makes it easier to support loved ones back home — with no transfer fees and a £20 bonus just for you.✅ Download the app using this link:👉 https://taptapsend.one…🟢 When prompted to “Add promo code,” enter KSR and press ‘Enter’.🔒 First-time users only.Taptap Send UK Ltd is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900842).🎧 Watch, share, and decide for yourself.🔗 Useful Links: https://bit.ly/41ntoEO💻 Website: https://kazirahman.co.uk/ & https://sidebysidepodcast.com/Follow KSR ⬇️🔘 LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3v7wq3K🔘 Instagram: https://bit.ly/46Wf4Ed🔘 TikTok: https://bit.ly/4aqeQIr🔘 X: https://bit.ly/3tiC7eQ🔘 Facebook: https://bit.ly/41lFePL#SideBySidePodcast #MaheeJalil #EastLondonMosque #Iran #Bangladesh #Scandal #MuslimVoices #KaziRahman #Accountability

Send Money to Bangladesh with Zero Fees!Use promo code “KSR” and get a £20 bonus! (FOR FIRST TIME USERS ONLY)✅ To claim your bonus, download the Taptap Send app using this link:https://taptapsend.one...When prompted to “Add promo code,” enter “KSR” and press ‘Enter’.*Taptap Send UK Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011, Firm Reference Number 900842, for the issuing of electronic money.Join Kazi Shafiqur Rahman as he sits down with Humza Yousaf — former First Minister of Scotland and the first Muslim to lead a Western democracy.In this episode, Humza opens up about life in politics, facing backlash from his own community, why he was advised not to speak out on Gaza, and the personal reasons behind stepping away from power.He also shares reflections on faith, identity, public pressure, and what it really takes to lead with conviction in today’s world. 00:01:56 - Introduction of Humza Yousaf00:04:55 - Global Conflicts and Muslim Leadership00:08:06 - Political Systems and Lobbying Power00:11:07 - LGBTQ, Faith, and Minority Rights00:21:17 - Exiting Politics and Personal Legacy00:25:00 - Identity, Racism, and Structural Barriers00:29:47 - Merit vs. Diversity in Leadership00:33:00 - Personality vs Party Politics00:34:43 - Coalition Challenges & Resignation00:36:05 - Controversies and Criticism in Office00:39:04 - Real Policy Impact & Achievements00:40:10 - Final Reflection and Legacy#podcast #london #ukpodcast #business #entrepreneur 🔗 Useful Links: https://bit.ly/41ntoEO💻 Website: https://kazirahman.co.uk/Follow KSR ⬇️🔘 LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3v7wq3K🔘 Instagram: https://bit.ly/46Wf4Ed🔘 TikTok: https://bit.ly/4aqeQIr🔘 Twitter: https://bit.ly/3tiC7eQ🔘 Facebook: https://bit.ly/41lFePLd

Send Money to Bangladesh with Zero Fees!Use promo code “KSR” and get a £20 bonus! (FOR FIRST TIME USERS ONLY)✅ To claim your bonus, download the Taptap Send app using this link:https://taptapsend.onelink.me/Lrab/KSRWhen prompted to “Add promo code,” enter “KSR” and press ‘Enter’.*Taptap Send UK Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011, Firm Reference Number 900842, for the issuing of electronic money.Mustafa Zaman hit rock bottom. His first company failed. He got divorced. Everyone gave up on him.With 37,000 Taka in his account (less than £300), he sold his apartment and started again, this time, to build something nobody thought was possible: Bangladesh’s first electric car company for ride-share drivers.In this episode, we talk about failure, faith, and what it means to believe in something so deeply, you’re willing to give up everything for it.He shares how he built 57 cars by hand, won a $1 million sustainability prize, and why he still calls himself a “cactus character”, built to survive any terrain.#podcast #london #ukpodcast #business #entrepreneur 🔗 Useful Links: https://bit.ly/41ntoEO💻 Website: https://kazirahman.co.uk/Follow KSR ⬇️🔘 LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3v7wq3K🔘 Instagram: https://bit.ly/46Wf4Ed🔘 TikTok: https://bit.ly/4aqeQIr🔘 Twitter: https://bit.ly/3tiC7eQ🔘 Facebook: https://bit.ly/41lFePLd

Send Money to Bangladesh with Zero Fees!Use promo code “KSR” and get a £20 bonus! (FOR FIRST TIME USERS ONLY)✅ To claim your bonus, download the Taptap Send app using this link:https://taptapsend.onelink.me/Lrab/KSRWhen prompted to “Add promo code,” enter “KSR” and press ‘Enter’.*Taptap Send UK Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011, Firm Reference Number 900842, for the issuing of electronic money.00:00 Trailer 02:00 Why come back to Bangladesh? Being a refugee and Sayd’s Father05:14 Sayd’s Father in Rakkhi Bahini, Bangladesh Independence 13:32 Bangladesh Future26:47 Dr Sayd’s Career Journey to Head of Ai in Dubai53:01 Bangladesh vs Dubai, why Biman can’t achieve what Emirates have.1:00:00 About Dr Sayd now, Leadership and Drive1:06:05 Fear, quickfire questions and closing thoughts on GodIn this episode, Dr. Sayd Farooq shares how he fled Bangladesh at 16 after his father, who helped replace Sheikh Mujib’s regime, was imprisoned. He opens up about political exile, rebuilding from scratch in Australia, and eventually helping shape Dubai’s innovation ecosystem and the global Islamic economy.We talk about Bangladesh’s untapped potential, the missing ingredient in leadership, and what it really takes to build a future-ready nation. This isn’t just history, it’s strategy, legacy, and vision.For anyone thinking deeply about impact, responsibility, and the future of Muslim leadership, this one’s essential.#podcast #london #ukpodcast #business #entrepreneur 🔗 Useful Links: https://bit.ly/41ntoEO💻 Website: https://kazirahman.co.uk/Follow KSR ⬇️🔘 LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3v7wq3K🔘 Instagram: https://bit.ly/46Wf4Ed

Send Money to Bangladesh with Zero Fees!Use promo code “KSR” and get a £20 bonus! (FOR FIRST TIME USERS ONLY)✅ To claim your bonus, download the Taptap Send app using this link:https://taptapsend.onelink.me/Lrab/KSRWhen prompted to “Add promo code,” enter “KSR” and press ‘Enter’.*Taptap Send UK Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011, Firm Reference Number 900842, for the issuing of electronic money.00:00 – Intro01:48 – The moment Helal starts telling his side03:02 – Growing up around racism in 70s East London06:40 – His journey into politics and earning trust09:25 – Representing a Muslim community in a hostile system12:55 – The Imam of Mecca rumour: what actually happened15:20 – The pressure of public image and misinformation17:43 – “100 imams signed a statement against me”21:10 – The mosques told people not to vote for him24:30 – Confronted in public: how the rumour spread26:35 – How it felt to lose everything overnight30:02 – What he regrets — and what he stands by32:40 – Why younger leaders stay silent35:20 – Lessons on courage and community loyalty38:10 – “They erased me from the story”39:25 – His message to those who turned on him40:50 – What legacy means after public rejection41:55 – Final thoughts: healing, loss, and moving forwardWhat do you do when the same mosques you helped build… turn their back on you?In this episode, we sit down with Helal Abbas — a man who spent his life serving his community, becoming the Mayor and Council Leader of Tower Hamlets. He shares the raw and painful story of how rumours, mosque politics, and pressure from within led to his public downfall.He talks about the early days — fighting racists in the streets in the 70s, organising communities, building trust. And then, just as quickly, how it all started to fall apart. A rumour spreads. 100 imams sign a statement against him. Mosques tell people not to vote. And the support he spent decades building disappears almost overnight.This conversation is about more than politics. It’s about belonging, betrayal, and what happens when your own community turns on you.#podcast #london #ukpodcast #business #entrepreneur 🔗 Useful Links: https://bit.ly/41ntoEO💻 Website: https://kazirahman.co.uk/Follow KSR ⬇️🔘 LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3v7wq3K🔘 Instagram: https://bit.ly/46Wf4Ed🔘 TikTok: https://bit.ly/4aqeQIr🔘 Twitter: https://bit.ly/3tiC7eQ🔘 Facebook: https://bit.ly/41lFePLd

Send Money to Bangladesh with Zero Fees!Use promo code “KSR” and get a £20 bonus! (FOR FIRST TIME USERS ONLY)✅ To claim your bonus, download the Taptap Send app using this link:https://taptapsend.onelink.me/Lrab/KSRWhen prompted to “Add promo code,” enter “KSR” and press ‘Enter’.*Taptap Send UK Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011, Firm Reference Number 900842, for the issuing of electronic money.00:00 – Intro03:04 – Building Heathrow’s social media presence04:52 – The trap of the 9–5 grind07:59 – Islam as the real self-development framework13:05 – Becoming “The Airport Guy”18:19 – Invited by Virgin, sitting behind Richard Branson22:03 – “We will not support you” — and he quits26:04 – They celebrated someone else for the same thing33:08 – Why job titles mean nothing40:19 – How airport bag checks actually work46:22 – His mission: solving the aviation skills crisis57:24 – “You make a lot of senior people nervous”1:02:30 – What he does when motivation disappears1:14:59 – Mo’s advice for public speaking nerves1:26:07 – Final thoughts and advice for young MuslimsMuhammad Taher was on the rise at Heathrow — until they told him “we won’t support you.” So he quit overnight.In this episode, Muhammad Taher (aka Mo T, The Airport Guy) shares how he walked away from his 9–5 at the peak of his career, why he said yes to the UK Government and no to corporate limits, and how he’s now using storytelling and da’wah to reshape the aviation space for the next generation.#podcast #london #ukpodcast #business #entrepreneur 🔗 Useful Links: https://bit.ly/41ntoEO💻 Website: https://kazirahman.co.uk/Follow KSR ⬇️🔘 LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3v7wq3K🔘 Instagram: https://bit.ly/46Wf4Ed🔘 TikTok: https://bit.ly/4aqeQIr🔘 Twitter: https://bit.ly/3tiC7eQ🔘 Facebook: https://bit.ly/41lFePLd

Send Money to Bangladesh with Zero Fees!Use promo code “KSR” and get a £20 bonus! (FOR FIRST TIME USERS ONLY)✅ To claim your bonus, download the Taptap Send app using this link:https://taptapsend.onelink.me/Lrab/KSRWhen prompted to “Add promo code,” enter “KSR” and press ‘Enter’.*Taptap Send UK Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011, Firm Reference Number 900842, for the issuing of electronic money.In today’s episode, Ehsaan Tahmid shares the story of when he lost everything — and how his mum’s dua changed his life. We talk about family expectations, helping your parents when you’re struggling yourself, and the unexpected blessings that come when you give with a sincere heart.It’s raw. It’s emotional. And it’s a reminder that real success isn’t always visible — it’s who you are when no one’s watching. If you’ve ever felt pressure to provide, struggled with guilt, or just wanted to do right by your parents… this one’s for you.#podcast #london #ukpodcast #business #entrepreneur 🔗 Useful Links: https://bit.ly/41ntoEO💻 Website: https://kazirahman.co.uk/Follow KSR ⬇️🔘 LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3v7wq3K🔘 Instagram: https://bit.ly/46Wf4Ed🔘 TikTok: https://bit.ly/4aqeQIr🔘 Twitter: https://bit.ly/3tiC7eQ🔘 Facebook: https://bit.ly/41lFePLd

Send Money to Bangladesh with Zero Fees!Use promo code “KSR” and get a £20 bonus! (FOR FIRST TIME USERS ONLY)✅ To claim your bonus, download the Taptap Send app using this link:https://taptapsend.onelink.me/Lrab/KSRWhen prompted to “Add promo code,” enter “KSR” and press ‘Enter’.*Taptap Send UK Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011, Firm Reference Number 900842, for the issuing of electronic money.00:00 Intro01:00 Who is Adam Batti and how he became one of the UK’s youngest Muslim pilots04:30 What first inspired him to fly and his early trial flights11:00 The 3 main paths to becoming a pilot: Military, Modular, Integrated20:00 Why he chose the integrated route and how it works27:00 What airlines really look for when hiring pilots32:00 The role of family support, sacrifice, and motivation36:00 What training taught him about confidence, failure, and growth42:00 Life as a commercial pilot: schedule, safety, and misconceptions49:00 Using AI and mentors to study difficult aviation subjects54:00 The role of Islam in his journey: praying, fasting, and purpose1:01:00 Leadership lessons from aviation and the Prophet ﷺ1:06:00 Final reflections, advice for aspiring pilots, and how to start the journeyIn this episode, we’re joined by Adam Batti, one of the UK’s youngest Muslim airline pilots. He opens up about his journey from a quiet childhood dream to sitting in the cockpit, the struggles his family faced, and how his mother’s sacrifices pushed him to never give up. We also talk about leadership, discipline, and what flying teaches you about life, responsibility, and faith.#podcast #london #ukpodcast #business #entrepreneur 🔗 Useful Links: https://bit.ly/41ntoEO💻 Website: https://kazirahman.co.uk/Follow KSR ⬇️🔘 LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3v7wq3K🔘 Instagram: https://bit.ly/46Wf4Ed🔘 TikTok: https://bit.ly/4aqeQIr🔘 Twitter: https://bit.ly/3tiC7eQ🔘 Facebook: https://bit.ly/41lFePLd

Send Money to Bangladesh with Zero Fees!Use promo code “KSR” and get a £20 bonus! (FOR FIRST TIME USERS ONLY)✅ To claim your bonus, download the Taptap Send app using this link:https://taptapsend.onelink.me/Lrab/KSRWhen prompted to “Add promo code,” enter “KSR” and press ‘Enter’.*Taptap Send UK Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011, Firm Reference Number 900842, for the issuing of electronic money.00:00 Intro01:00 Who is Asim Khan and how his da’wah journey started06:40 How social media distorts attention and intention13:50 The identity crisis facing young Muslims in the West18:00 Why most Muslims don’t understand the Quran24:00 How the Quran was preserved after the Prophet ﷺ30:00 Why Seerah books don’t connect with today’s generation38:00 The Prophet ﷺ as the most powerful and emotional story44:00 What business books say about the Prophet’s persistence47:00 Social media and the death of patience51:00 The Prophet’s seclusion and what we’ve forgotten56:00 The difference between happiness and contentment59:00 A powerful story of a Sikh brother accepting Islam1:02:00 What makes non-Muslims love the Muslim brotherhood1:07:00 How to do da’wah without being a scholar1:12:00 Final reflections and daily ways to live your IslamIn this episode, we sit down with Ustadh Asim Khan for a real, down-to-earth conversation about purpose, identity, and what it’s like trying to hold on to your faith in a world full of distractions. He opens up about how he went from managing a pharmacy to writing Islamic books, why he resisted social media for so long, and what finally made him change his mind.We also talked about the struggle so many of us have with connecting to the Qur’an , not just reading it, but actually understanding what it means and letting it change us. This isn’t a lecture. It’s just a reminder. A quiet one. About what matters, why we drift, and how we can come back.#podcast #london #ukpodcast #business #entrepreneur 🔗 Useful Links: https://bit.ly/41ntoEO💻 Website: https://kazirahman.co.uk/Follow KSR ⬇️🔘 LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3v7wq3K🔘 Instagram: https://bit.ly/46Wf4Ed🔘 TikTok: https://bit.ly/4aqeQIr🔘 Twitter: https://bit.ly/3tiC7eQ🔘 Facebook: https://bit.ly/41lFePLd