The Power of Storytelling | Diffused Congruence | #58

The significance behind a healthy community is critical because they serve as an important source of social connection and a sense of belonging. But how do we build healthy communities?In this podcast, we are joined by Dr. Shadee ElMasry to discuss how to create thriving communities, the importance of building masjids and the role of MSA’s.Timestamps:0:00 Introduction0:57 Building Communities in the West6:29 Influence and Concern8:18 Engaging Communities15:10 The Importance of Mosques24:51 1st Gen vs 2nd Gen Muslims29:06 Diversity33:33 The Power of Umrah39:11 Fitrah41:49 Mirroring Those Closest to You44:03 MSA46:50 Financing Mosques57:16 Conclusion

In this special podcast, we are collaborating with prominent Muslim podcast, Diffused Congruence, on a discussion on the importance of storytelling. We discuss Ahmed's journey to resolving his identity crisis, Parvez and Omar's dedication to narrating the remarkable stories of our pioneers and analyzing the current discourse surrounding Muslim podcasts today.

Muslims regard the Prophet Muhammad (S) as the greatest human to walk upon this blessed Earth. Within his life, there are parables and examples that illustrate his (S) greatness and the deep love he (S) had not only for his companions, but for all of humanity as he (S) was sent "as a mercy to all the worlds." In this podcast, we discuss how we can nurture a deep love for the Prophet (S), the devout loyalty of his companions and how that love can fill the spiritual void that many are searching for. Timestamps:0:00 Intro1:15 Importance of the Prophet (S)6:04 Preferring the Prophet (S) Over Yourself8:45 The Conqueror of Hearts 12:20 Loyalty & Mindfulness 28:32 Being Content with What You Have40:12 Loving the Prophet (S) After Death46:38 Developing Love of the Prophet (S)50:17 Instilling Prophetic Love into Children55:56 Love & Mercy1:00:45 Love of God and Love of the Prophet (S)1:08:55 Conclusion

Islamic Bioethics is a relatively new discipline that seeks to address ethical issues emerging from advances in biology, medicine and technologies within an Islamic paradigm. It seeks to answer many contemporary issues related to Islam and biology. In this podcast, we are joined by Dr. Aasim Padela, prominent researcher on Islamic Bioethics to discuss the discipline of Islamic Bioethics and contemporary issues such as Islam and Artificial Intelligence, Islam's view on end of life treatment, and organ transplant. Timestamps:0:00 Intro2:11 Islamic Bio-Ethics is More than Fiqh9:09 The Paradigm of Islamic Bioethics19:29 Contemporary Bioethical Issues22:25 Dealing with Artificial Intelligence27:23 Bioethics and Near Death Treatment39:11 Pulling the Plug on Death50:27 Solutions for Near Death Treatment1:00:17 Emotions Must Be Tamed1:03:25 Preparing for Death1:07:08 Conclusion

In recent years, the popularity of anime has increased dramatically and has become mainstream. It is a powerful medium that seeks to impart moral lessons through the use of visual images. But can Anime also be used to impart Islamic teachings?In this podcast, we are joined by Dr. Naoki Yamamoto to discuss the similarities between Islam and anime, the rise of upcoming Islamic Animes, and the relationship between Naruto and Islam. Timestamps:0:00 Introduction1:20 How Naoki Became a Muslim4:53 Sufism through Anime & Manga15:42 Anime is Global19:00 Naruto Through the Islamic Lens24:59 Using Indigenous Language for Spreading Islam31:16 The Power of Anime41:00 Reception to Virtue46:35 Mastership & Discipleship 50:51 The Hero Archetype57:35 Process to Greatness1:05:30 Hero's and Fathers 1:13:24 Popularity of Naoki's work1:20:19 The Journey Anime1:23:52 Conclusion

The 21st century has seen the dramatic rise in economic and political power from Asia and European and American influence has dropped significantly. Many prominent observers have noted that by the end of the century, Asia will rule the world with some estimates predicting the year 2050.In this podcast, we are joined by Murtaza Hussain, journalist at the Intercept, to discuss the claims that Asia, particularly China, will rule the world soon and identify the catalysts behind this rise. Timestamps:0:00 Intro0:51 Rise of China9:00 The Future is Asian22:03 Climate Change31:15 Fall of Europe39:35 Birthrates & Immigration1:03:02 The Future1:11:57 Conclusion

Contrary to the Clash of Civilization Thesis propagated by anti-Islam thinkers, Islam has a rich history in Europe with it thriving in places such as Spain, France, Istanbul, and the Balkans for more than a millennium.In this podcast, we will discuss the rich intellectual, social and political history of Sicilian Islam where Muslims and Christians co-existed peacefully with one another under both Muslim and Christian rule.

Alija Ali Izetbogovic served as the President of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the infamous Srebrenica Massacre in the late 90s. He fought for the liberation of his people and understood that Islam was the solution for the crisis' in the modern world. As a world renowned philosopher, he attracted the support of millions across the globe who called for him to be released from prison. Izetbegovic was truly a hero and a man who attempted to bridge the divide between the East and the West. In this podcast, we discuss the life and legacy of Alija Ali Izetbegovic, his philosophy on Islam Between the East and West, his attempt to acquire independence and his solution to the crisis of the modern world. Timestamps:0:00 Intro1:20 The Hero: Alija Ali Izetbegovic5:16 Short Biography16:12 Islam Between East and West40:59 The Legacy of Izetbegovic59:37 Conclusion

In the post-covid world, podcasts have taken over as one of the most significant avenues in shaping culture. Muslims, like other groups, have taken advantage of this platform and have created their own niche podcasts, focusing on topics such as theology, masculinity, domestic violence, spirituality and much more.In this podcast, we are joined by Mahin Islam, founder of Sneakers and Sultans and host of The Mad Mamluks to analyze the current discourse on Muslim podcasts and what the future may look like.Timestamps:0:00 Intro3:34 The Rise of Muslim Podcasts10:16 How Influence Trickles Down to the Masses 18:40 Increasing Workflows29:09 Starting Your Own Podcast35:37 Disciplining Oneself43:11 Everything is Interconnected1:13:20 Indigenization of Muslims in the West1:21:50 Conclusion

Are you being brainwashed by elites into adopting their worldview? Or is your worldview being shaped by yourself? In this podcast, we are joined by Tamim Mobayed, an PhD student at Oxford, to describe the science behind social engineering by elites, the weapons they employ to indoctrinate the masses, and most importantly, how to not fall prey to their ideas. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro1:48 How Governments Push Social Engineering 3:50 Soft ways ideas are pushed5:20 Power as a Driving Force Behind Indoctrination8:21 Forcing Social Values onto Society 15:53 The Role of Media in Social Engineering25:25 Two Systems of Indoctrination 32:32 Psychological Messages in Shows and Stories49:05 The Heroes Archetype54:40 Normative Expectations and Empirical Expectation1:01:06 Before Judging, You Must Comprehend It1:06:19 Conclusion