The Thinking Youth

Can ordinary people really weaken Zionism?In this episode of The Thinking Youth Podcast, we move beyond protest chants and emotional outburst to ask a harder, more strategic question: what does it actually take to dismantle Zionism as a political project?From the global isolation of Israel and shifting public opinion, to supply chains, corporate pressure, and strategic organizing, this conversation examines how youth-led movements have begun to change the terrain. We explore why some targets are vulnerable and how exposing complicity has already forced real consequences for Zionism.This is not a discussion about symbolism. It’s about strategy, power, leverage, and long-term impact—and what it means to organise with discipline in a moment of global reckoning.If you’re asking:How can I do more than just protest?What can we do to put pressure on ending the occupation?And what responsibility does this generation carry?Then this episode is for you.Watch until the end and Follow us on: IG: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingyouthpod/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thinkingyouthpodSubscribe to our Youtube channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@thethinkingyouthSubscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TheThinkingMuslimDisclaimer:The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Thinking Youth, we sit down with attorney and activist Musab Abdali, who works with the Oak Cliff Empowerment Center serving one of Texas’ most underprivileged communities. Together, we explore the challenges and opportunities facing Islam in America - from the role of dawah in inner-city neighborhoods to the impact of class, capitalism, and community-building on our faith and spirituality.We also reflect on the legacy of Malcolm X and consider what his insights could teach Muslims today about unity, division, and claiming greatness in the Muslim American community. Musab shares personal experiences, wisdom, and the books that have shaped his journey, offering a unique perspective on the future of Islam in the U.S. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this follow-up conversation with Dr. Daanish Mahmood, the discussion moves beyond productivity and into something deeper: how we learn, how we live, and what we risk forgetting along the way.We begin by unpacking how modern education often confuses memorisation with understanding. Drawing on Bloom’s Taxonomy, Dr. Daanish explains the difference between teaching and learning, why asking how and why matters more than asking what, and how curiosity is slowly being discouraged rather than cultivated.The conversation then turns to identity. What does it mean to be unapologetically Muslim in academic and professional spaces? How do we give credit to Islam without turning faith into a branding exercise? And how do intention, goals, and purpose shape whether success feels meaningful or hollow?Social media, comparison, and false timelines are addressed head-on. Why negativity thrives online, why attention is constantly being pulled apart, and how chasing the wrong metrics quietly distorts our sense of progress.At the heart of the episode is a question that stops the room:Do any of us actually have a plan for our parents when they get older?From there, the discussion tackles the growing feeling of being “behind” in life, why balance is a myth, and how to think clearly about direction rather than speed. The episode closes with practical reflection, including a simple 30-day framework for improvement and a powerful answer to one last iconic question: What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?About Part 1:In the previous episode, Dr. Daanish Mahmood explored procrastination, addiction, discipline, and faith. We discussed doom-scrolling, dopamine hijacking, habit design, pornography addiction, anxiety, depression, and how Islam provides structure without closing the door on professional help or gradual change. Link to Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5vSeNybmc0Together, Part 1 and Part 2 form a complete conversation:from fixing habits, to fixing direction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Thinking Youth Podcast, we speak with Dr. Daanish Mahmood about productivity, procrastination, addiction, discipline, and faith.We start by diagnosing why so many people feel lazy, unmotivated, and constantly behind despite knowing exactly what they need to do. Dr. Daanish explains how procrastination is rooted in fear, how modern apps are deliberately designed to hijack attention, and why endless scrolling quietly destroys discipline and focus.The conversation then moves into practical systems that actually work. Daily planning, breaking tasks into frictionless steps, designing an inviting workspace, managing decision fatigue, habit cues, caffeine timing, and making good habits easier than bad ones. This is not motivational talk. It is behavioural strategy grounded in real life.We also explore discipline through faith. The role of Fajr in building consistency, why Islam is a religion of structure, and how the Quran is meant for everyone through reflection and tadabbur, not only for scholars. The discussion highlights how routine, identity, and worship shape long-term change.Difficult topics are addressed directly. Pornography exposure at a young age, addiction cycles, shame, relapse, and why Islam never closes the door on transformation. Dr. Daanish speaks openly about recovery, salah, and how real change happens gradually, not overnight.We close with mental health. Anxiety, depression, therapy, and faith are not in opposition. Seeking professional help is encouraged, and waiting until things become unbearable is often the real problem.This episode is for anyone struggling with distraction, burnout, bad habits, or a loss of structure and purpose. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does marriage stop Activism?In this episode, we explore one of the most debated questions in Muslim communities today. Does getting married slow down meaningful activism or can it actually strengthen it? Is this even the right way to frame the question?This conversation challenges the idea that Muslim women must choose between marriage and public work. We unpack the pressure to compromise values for platforms, the myth of having it all, and the reality of sacrifice that comes with doing serious meaningful things for the Ummah. We need to talk about Muslim women leadership in the Ummah.Topics discussed include- Whether marriage limits activism or reshapes it- How Muslim women maintain their values while engaging in public platforms- Why knowing who you are matters more than visibility - The difference between being used and choosing to walk away - How standing your ground creates new opportunities? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are Muslims losing agency over their own identity? Who defines what is anti-Islam? Today we are seeing the system label and choose who it considers a "good Muslim" and who it considers a "bad Muslim" in a way that strips agency from Muslims. We are very good at identifying confrontational Islamphobia, but are we identifying the silent secularization of Islamophobia?This discourse happens as New York City elects its first Muslim mayor. Zohran Mamdani — an excellent political communicator, state elected official, and known for his pro Palestine rhetoric — is set to take office in the coming days. What does the Good Muslim/Bad Muslim mean in terms of representation of Muslims in politics?With us, we have former Zohran intern Hadeeqa Malik, a Muslim student who was suspended for alleged Islamophobia. Her offense was calling on Muslim NYPD officers to respect their names and stand for Palestine. We explore what the Zohran win means for NYC and Muslims at large.You can support Hadeeqa's fight for justice here: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/hadeeqa/Follow us on: IG: / https://www.instagram.com/thinkingyouthpod/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thinkingyouthpod Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more: / https://www.youtube.com/@thethinkingyouthSubscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: /https://www.youtube.com/@TheThinkingMuslimDisclaimer:The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when someone who once absorbed Islamophobic narratives is forced to confront history honestly?In this episode of the Youth Show, Pablo opens up about his journey from accepting media-driven stereotypes about Islam to critically questioning them. Through a raw and thoughtful conversation, we unpack why Islamic history is often dismissed as “boring,” how it’s been taught without context or excitement, and why reclaiming history is not about nostalgia, but about extracting lessons that shape how we live today.From popular historical dramas like Ertugrul and Osman to the responsibility of Muslim historians to remain truthful, this episode challenges myths head-on. We explore overlooked realities such as Muslims, Christians, and Jews living side by side under Islamic rule, Jewish communities welcoming the Ottomans as liberators, and non-Muslims choosing Sharia courts due to fairness and justice.The conversation spans the Ottoman world, Aurangzeb Alamgir, Sicily as a centre of learning, and the forgotten fact that European students once travelled to Muslim lands to study in madrasas. It also confronts how nationalism and modern propaganda reshaped historical memory.This is not about “we were once great.” It’s about understanding what actually happened, why it mattered beyond the Ummah, and how truth challenges the narratives we’ve been taught.Make sure to subscribe to Pablo’s YouTube channel, PabloTalks, for more thoughtful conversations on history, faith, and really cool historical videos: https://www.youtube.com/@PabloTalks_/featured Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Usama Ghanem is a 22 year old student at King’s College London. In just a few days, the university intends to revoke his visa and remove him from the country. His “crime” is simple. He spoke out against the genocide in Gaza and criticised his university’s financial ties to companies enabling it.For this, he was doxxed, targeted, beaten by security during a peaceful protest, and is now facing deportation.In this episode, Usama walks us through the full story. From the moment he challenged KCL’s decision to reward the very company linked to the killing of a Palestinian Alumnus, to the harsh retaliation that followed. He explains how universities across the UK are cracking down on Muslim students, how rules are being ignored, and why speaking truth in this moment carries real personal risk.We also talk about faith, courage, and conviction. Usama reflects on how Allah strengthens the hearts of those who stand firm, and why he is certain—both about his own case and about the justice of the cause—that victory is near.To learn more or support Usama’s case, visit CAGE’s campaign page:https://www.cage.ngo/campaigns/kcl---reinstate-usama-nowB-roll footage in this episode includes media from:https://www.instagram.com/solidarity.diary/?hl=enThis is a story about repression, resistance, and the price of speaking the truth.Watch until the end.Follow us on: IG: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingyouthpod/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thinkingyouthpodSubscribe to our Youtube channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@thethinkingyouthSubscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TheThinkingMuslimDisclaimer:The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a wild mix of humour, stereotypes, and real talk about the differences between UK and US Muslims. It starts with explosive one-liners and playful accusations about liberalism, sectarianism, SuhoorFest culture, aggression, halal food, free mixing, and even whether women can pray in certain masajid. The jokes are sharp, the reactions are chaotic, and nothing is off the table.But underneath the humour, the episode digs into deeper questions about how communities build identity and how these stereotypes form in the first place. We talk about what each side gets right, what each side struggles with, and the habits and mindsets that help a community not only survive but thrive. We explore the role of knowledge, the influence of local cultures, and why conversations about men versus women have become so exaggerated in online Muslim spaces even though that framing does not exist in our faith.The debate eventually circles back to the big question everyone secretly argues about. Which community is actually doing it better. UK Muslims or US Muslims. The conversation gets honest, self reflective and surprisingly unifying as both perspectives clash and then converge. We must work together, as must Muslims from Canada, France, Australia, Germany, and everywhere else.A fun episode with humour, tension and meaningful insight into two very different Muslim experiences. Enjoy the debate and decide for yourself who really comes out on topFollow us on:IG:/ thinkingyouthpodTikTok:/ thinkingyouthpodSubscribe to our Youtube channel for more:/ @thethinkingyouthSubscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast:/ @thethinkingmuslimHelp us expand our Muslim media project here:/ https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membershipDisclaimer:The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Watch this when you’re sad, when you’re hurt, when you’re worried, when your heart feels heavy.Learn how to start the journey of being strong when you’re heartbroken, how to find peace again, and how to build true resilience through faith. In this powerful and emotional episode, Imam AbdulRahman Khattab shares how to reconnect with Allah when life feels unbearable, how to trust His plan when everything falls apart, and how to find strength when you feel like giving up. He takes us through the stories of believers who never gave up, from the youth who changed empires in Makkah to the barefoot man in Gaza who stands before a tank with nothing but faith. We talked about Musa (AS) and what it means to be chosen through trials, about the bravery it takes to stand firm in the darkest moments, and about the quiet power of Sumud, unshakable steadfastness.This is not just a conversation; it’s a journey through pain, patience, and the power of believing that the One standing with you is the Unbreakable. Have you ever felt like your duas aren’t being answered? Have you ever felt fake, or felt like a hypocrite?If you’ve ever felt lost, anxious, heartbroken, or far from Allah, this is the reminder you’ve been searching for. While these issues are complex, complicated, and more than just about slogans and immediate solutions, we hope this eases the hearts of those that watch. And a message to everyone who wants to take that leap of resilience. Every young Muslim should watch this.Follow us on: IG: / thinkingyouthpod TikTok: / thinkingyouthpod Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more: / @thethinkingyouth Subscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: / @thethinkingmuslim Help us expand our Muslim media project here: / https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membershipDisclaimer:The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has anyone ever told you “don’t speak up about politics?” Has anyone told you “don’t bring religion into this?” Is secularism compatible with Islam? Can a Muslim truly separate their faith from politics?In this episode of The Thinking Youth Podcast, Imam Tom Facchine explores where the secular mindset comes from, how it reshaped Muslim identity, and why many Muslims today feel pressured to keep Islam “private.” We dive into:• Why secularism insists religion stays out of politics• How colonialism reshaped Muslim institutions• The impact on Muslim youth and identity today• What Islam actually says about governance, justice, and public lifeIf you’ve ever wondered whether Islam is just a personal belief, orr a holistic way of life, this conversation is for you.Follow us on: IG:   / thinkingyouthpod  TikTok:   / thinkingyouthpod  Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more:    / @thethinkingyouth  Subscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast:    / @thethinkingmuslim   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Thinking Youth Podcast, we sit down with Danial Farrukh - former national director of Young Muslims, an author and community organiser. In this episode we unpack what it truly means to be a leader in today’s world. We explore the courage it takes to step out of your comfort zone, stand on the right side of history, and embody the principles you preach. Danial reflects on the essence of sacrifice - reminding us that Allah does not need our sacrifices, but that through them, we shape our own character, conviction, and legacy.Follow us on: IG: / thinkingyouthpod TikTok: / thinkingyouthpod Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more: / @thethinkingyouth Subscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: / @thethinkingmuslim Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Palestinian MMA fighter and activist Al-Baraa “Abu Ayoub” Atmeh joins us to talk about Islamic masculinity, the men of Gaza, and how the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ redefined what it means to be a man. In a world obsessed with Andrew Tate and “alpha-male” culture, Al-Baraa reminds us that real rajoolah true manhood in Islam s built on mercy, discipline, and care for the Ummah. As a fighter, husband, businessman, and new father, he connects faith, fight, and family to show that masculinity isn’t dominance; it’s responsibility. We filmed this video in the beautiful mountain city of Calgary, Alberta, Canada In this episode you’ll learn: • How the men of Gaza embody strength through compassion • Why Prophetic masculinity is the antidote to “toxic masculinity” • Lessons from Khaled Nabhan and Saleh Al-Jafrawi • What being a man means in the eyes of the Ambiya and Sahabah • How caring for the Ummah defines true male leadership • How REAL men are supposed to act and be with their Mothers, Wives, Sisters, and Women around the WorldWe talk about it’s about faith, sacrifice, and service. Listen now to hear how the Men of Gaza and the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ teach the world what being a real man truly means.🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on Islam, leadership, activism and identityFollow us: [@ThinkingYouthPodcast] | [@ThinkingMuslim] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We sat down with Dr. Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur — one of the world’s leading Kashmiri activists, historians, and freedom advocates.The son of Dr. Ayub Thakur, one of the only people ever exiled by the Indian government, Dr. Muzzammil continues his father’s legacy — even after surviving a crazy assassination attempt on his life.In this explosive conversation, we spoke about:- How Kashmir exposed India and Israel’s weird relationship — and what it reveals about modern-day occupation- The Pulwama attack (2019), the recent Pahalgam attack, and how they reshaped India–Pakistan tensions and what that REALLY means for the Kashmiri people- Pakistan’s role in the Kashmiri freedom struggle and its global political ripple effects- The use of pellet guns, torture, and mass detentions under Indian rule- Gaza and Palestine — and why their struggle mirrors Kashmir’s- The Modi–Netanyahu alliance and how both states share a playbook of repression, propaganda, and control- And the ultimate question: what does liberation truly mean for Kashmir, for Palestine, and for the global Muslim Ummah?This isn’t just politics, it’s resistance, legacy, and survival.From Srinagar to Gaza, the struggle is one: faith, freedom, and the fight for dignity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Thinking Youth Podcast, we sit down with Ibtihal Abousaad. A key Organiser behind the campaign against Microsofts complicity. Microsoft recently announced that it will no longer supply cloud services to Israel’s cyberwarfare unit, the infamous Unit 8200. This significant move is the first time Microsoft has suspended services from Israel, due to mounting pressure over their complicity in Israel’s atrocities in Gaza.Follow us on: IG: / thinkingyouthpod TikTok: / thinkingyouthpod Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more: / @thethinkingyouth Subscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: / @thethinkingmuslim Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Thinking Youth Podcast, we sit down with Shaykh Navaid Aziz, a Canadian Imam, scholar, and Director of Public Relations at the Islamic Information Society of Calgary and is with Yaqeen Institute. Known across the world for making classical Islamic knowledge accessible, Shaykh Navaid brings his experience as a community leader and teacher to help us understand money from an Islamic lens.We talk about everything from building the ABCs of financial literacy, saving, budgeting, and investing, to understanding why the Sahabah like Uthman ibn Affan (RA) were wealthy and how they used their money for the Ummah. Shaykh Navaid also shares how Islamic finance can fight inequality, how to escape the modern rat race, and why money should always be a tool, not the ultimate goal.If you’ve ever wondered whether wealth is a good or bad thing in Islam, how to avoid riba without falling behind, or what financial habits you need to build as a young Muslim, this conversation will give you both practical steps and spiritual perspective; including amazing duas that you don't want to miss! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Ummah was afflicted by 2 occupations in 1948, the occupation of Palestine and the occupation of East Turkestan. Yet, the Ummah speaks very little about the Uyghur cause for their homeland, and the two causes have very clear parallels that we often overlook. How come we don't speak about the Uyghurs in the same framing as Palestine? We invited Guzelya Marisova, an Uyghur author and activist, to help us answer this question.Follow us on: IG: / thinkingyouthpod TikTok: / thinkingyouthpod Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more: / @thethinkingyouth Subscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: / @thethinkingmuslim Disclaimer:The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Representative Munira Yasin Abdullahi, the youngest American politician ever elected to the Ohio House of Representatives, the first Muslim woman, and one of the first Somali Americans to serve in the state legislature.Munira speaks boldly about the issues most politicians avoid: • Why is American taxpayer money funding Israel while millions of Americans struggle at home? • What does it mean to be a Muslim in politics today? • Can the Democratic Party survive in the face of genocide? • How do you become a poltiicain that DOESN't sell their values?Along the way, we discuss Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, Zohran Mamdani, AOC, and Bernie Sanders, and how they all reflect the shifting landscape of American politics.From Gaza to Washington, from endless wars to domestic decay, this is a conversation about politics, power, and principle. And what it really means to answer to God while serving the people. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more unfiltered conversations.Follow us on: IG: / thinkingyouthpod TikTok: / thinkingyouthpod Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more: / @thethinkingyouth Subscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: / @thethinkingmuslim Disclaimer:The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the Sunni–Shia Debate… FINALLY Over? Sectarian divisions have long shaped Muslim discourse. But in an age of global crises and unprecedented pressure on the Ummah, the real question is this: how do Muslims today, and especially Muslim youth, navigate these differences while facing the realities of the modern world?In this unflinching conversation, Imam Tom joins us to confront the questions that are too often left untouched:• How do we approach the Sunni–Shia divide and broader intra-Muslim debates?• Why is Imam Hussein (RA) so rarely spoken about in Sunni mosques? What do we lose by neglecting his martyrdom?• Can Muslims confront the painful episodes of Islamic history with honesty and justice?• Why do we invest more in interfaith dialogue than in intra-faith conversations?• Who should we take knowledge from, and has the “don’t take from xyz scholar” discourse gone too far?• Can we pursue a unity of purpose without agreeing on every detail?At the heart of this discussion lies another crucial question: how do we interact across our differences in a way that does not compromise our Ummatic principle; love for the Sahabah, reverence for Ahlul Bayt, respect for the scholars, the pursuit of justice, and above all the call to Tawheed and love for the Messenger ﷺ?From Sufi–Salafi debates, to the notion of a “Salafi Mawlid,” to the lighter question of whether chocolate from an “innovator” is really off-limits, this conversation blends seriousness with candid moments while always returning to the central concern: what kind of Ummah are we striving to build? This is not simply another debate. It is a call to reflect deeply, to stand consistently on principle, and to imagine a stronger, more united Ummah in a divided world.Follow us on:IG: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingyouthpod/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thinkingyouthpodSubscribe to our Youtube channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@thethinkingyouthSubscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TheThinkingMuslimDisclaimer:The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode features Mohammad Saleh, a young Palestinian journalist with Middle East Eye, whose fearless reporting challenges mainstream narratives and exposes the truths often hidden from public view.He speaks about the incredible importance of journalism and why we must re-approach the conversation in a world dominated by outlets like CNN, BBC, Fox News, GB News, and others. We also discuss the urgent need for Muslims to become true experts in their fields— so skilled, knowledgeable, and beneficial that their voices cannot be ignored. We need to bring back the importance of Truth in our Journalism. In this conversation, we explore:- What it means to witness atrocities in real time, yet see them denied by major outlets.- How social media journalism is reshaping the global information war.- The power — and cost — of telling the truth as a Palestinian journalist.- Why independent voices now reach millions, while traditional media struggles to maintain credibility.This episode is dedicated to Anas Al Sharif (رحمه الله), his family, and all the courageous journalists and heroes of Gaza who risk — and sacrifice — their lives to keep the world informed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.