The Submissions Podcast

Every human being on this earth comes from a mother who was once pregnant. Every pregnant woman in our current world and in times gone by have had their own unique paths, stories, experiences and challenges to give birth to the child or children they rear.In 2023, we hosted our first (and insha'Allah not last) live storytelling event for Muslims. In this event, we heard from Zahra - a civil servant and mum-of-2 - who spoke about the birth of her daughter Noor (spoiler alert: in her kitchen!). In this episode, she talks about the mental and physical journey of labour - but more specifically the mental and spiritually grounding work she needed to do in order to get there - while of course, trusting Allah in the process, and remembering that the only thing predictable in childbirth is: unpredictability. The commentary for this episode was recorded in 2024, and in among our team Alhamdulillah we have also been blessed with more babies between us in that time - as such, the episode took a bit of a backseat in being published. But on a repeat listening, this is a story that needs to be shared with the world. This is not just a story of childbirth - but a series of grounding reflections to remind us of birth, and the One Who created us in the first place. Listen to this episode and share with loved ones - particularly those who are pregnant too, or may have given birth recently. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

In this episode, Madihah, a resident doctor in the USA, shares stories from her journey that reveal the beauty of Al-Shakūr—the One who multiplies even the smallest acts of faith with boundless blessings. Through her experiences, she uncovers the quiet yet profound ways Allah’s appreciation and mercy shine through daily life. Tune in for a heartfelt reminder that no effort goes unnoticed by Al-Shakūr. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

Have you ever dreamed of something that felt impossible to achieve? Or come so close to living your dream, only to be met with challenge after challenge?In this minisode, Manal tells us a similar story of her Umrah journey. We learn how every circumstance can shift and every obstacle be removed through complete trust and reliance on Allah. And how Allah grants the most incredible blessings to those who embody the beauty of Tawakkul. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

This Ramadan our minisodes have taken us to the trip of a lifetime, the throes of babyhood and the zeal of youth. Now, as we bid farewell to Ramadan we make one last stop in the twilight years of life. Farewells can leave us feeling bereft and in this reflection, we walk with Asna in a raw and bittersweet contemplation on grief. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

Have you ever found that you are reminded of the same subject over and over again in a short space of time? Such that you can now look back and feel so strongly the themes that have characterised the seasons of your life. In this minisode, Aiysha talks us through an uplifting theme that has been emerging from her Ramadan this year and the beautiful reflections that it has sparked. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

From the event Submissions Live: Journeys in Faith we bring you the highly anticipated tale of how sister Aliyah Umm Raiyaan came to embrace Islam. Her words remind us that our fate is inescapable, to the extent where even we are entirely oblivious to the leaning of our own hearts. We catch ourselves behaving in ways that take us by surprise, in their uncommonality yet in their authenticity, in their trueness. And then, we understand. That this is the resolve of faith, of Imaan. That our hearts have been etched with words that shape our lives. La Ilah il allah. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

Inayah and Haaniah talk resetting intentions and how this has played out in the wonderful world of parenting toddlers This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

Our very own Nafisa was invited to perform Umrah a week before Ramadan. With just hours remaining on her trip, she had one last wish that she had no idea how to fulfil… This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

As we enter the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah and our loved ones and friends depart for the beautiful journey of Hajj, join us to revisit this episode from 2021 where 3 storytellers shared their experiences of visiting Allah’s blessed House. May He invite us all, insha’Allah! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

As the month of Ramadan comes to an end this year, listen to our latest mini episode in which Asna reflects on her personal journey of how the past few Ramadans have strengthened her faith and empowered her to make decisions with confidence. Join us as we explore the transformative power of Ramadan.Our first ever live storytelling event will be held on 13th May @root25ldn where we will reflect over other journeys of faith with storytellers and interactive audience sessions. May Allah bless our plans and yours too! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

In this minisode, we'll be sharing a powerful story from Nafisa about her journey of faith and how it helped her cope with the loss of a loved one. She reflects on the importance of remembering the ultimate destination and finding solace in the belief that we will all one day return to our Creator.Join us for this heartfelt episode as we delve into the beauty and power of faith during difficult times. And don't forget to mark your calendars for our upcoming live event where you'll hear more inspiring stories just like this one. We can't wait to see you there! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

On 13th May 2023 inshaAllah we will have our first ever live storytelling event @ Root25 Cafe in London. The theme of this event is ‘Journeys in Faith’. Join us in this minisode as Ayne reflects on how in this Ramadan, her son is taking his first steps into Islam. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

On 13th May 2023 InshaAllah we will have our first ever live storytelling event @ Root25 Cafe in London. In this minisode Haaniah comes full circle to some Ramadan mainstays from childhood. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

On 13th May 2023 insha’Allah we will have our first ever live storytelling event @ Root25 Cafe in London. The theme for the event is ‘Journeys in Faith’. Join us in this small Minisode, as Inayah reflects on the lesson of slowing down when everything seems too fast. May Allah grant us consciousness and patience in His Presence. Ameen. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

Sometimes we make du’a and we see the answer immediately. Other times we make the same du’a repeatedly and see the answer after many months or many years. The task of the Muslim is to remember - Abu Sa’id al-Khudri reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “There is no Muslim who calls upon Allah, without sin or cutting family ties, but that Allah will give him one of three answers: He will quickly fulfill his supplication, He will store it for him in the Hereafter, or He will divert an evil from him similar to it.” They said, “In that case we will ask for more.” The Prophet said, “Allah has even more.” [Musnad Ahmed]. Our Lord is As-Sabur: ever-patient & Al-Wadud: Infinitely loving. Our task is to remember these attributes in how He chooses to answer our du’a. The greatest peace is in knowing that Allah SWT will answer our every du’a, in the most beautifully patient and loving way. In this episode, join us as we hear from 3 unique stories that really shine a light on these names of Allah. May The Patient Loving One grant us patience and love in our own encounters & in our relationship with Him. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

Sat in a masjid discussion circle on the subject of friendship a few weeks ago, the facilitator asked us ‘what positive influences have your friends had on you?’. As we went around we heard from a friend who had shared the practice of sending ‘I’m thinking of you’ texts, another who’d been given courage to up their modesty game, a friend who exemplified treating secrets shared with her as a closely held trust. Whether being influenced by peers doing good or trying to adopt the seven habits of the highly successful, becoming better versions of ourselves is a journey without end. Our storytellers in this episode all beautifully recount their attempts to do, and be better and the profound impacts that this striving has had on their lives. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

There are people whose presence is like an oasis in a desert. When you’ve found yourself in a tight spot, life feels like it’s constricting around you, each turn delving you deeper into the maze…and relief arrives. In the form of a helping hand or a companion for the road. There are times when we feel Allah’s provision so keenly through the people He sends our way. This episode’s beautiful stories are about these people, those who showed up for our storytellers at the right place, at the right time. Listen to the reminder that Inayah mentions here: Dr Omar Suleiman, With hardship comes ease https://youtu.be/KpMpIafboyk“… And whoever is mindful of Allah, He will make a way out for them, and provide for them from sources they could never imagine. And whoever puts their trust in Allah, then He ˹alone˺ is sufficient for them. Certainly Allah achieves His Will. Allah has already set a destiny for everything.” Qur’an, 65:2-3 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

Do you know the feeling of life passing by in a daze? When the smoke alarm sounds because you’ve left something too long in the oven; or when your daughter turns 11 but surely it’s only been a couple of years since she was a toddler?! PIN numbers, keys, the purpose of life, we are all prone to forgetting. There are moments though that shake us back to reality, back to remembering. We are thrilled to bring you out latest episode where we hear three wonderful storytellers describe experiences that brought the remembrance of Allah swt into sharp focus. We are told in the amazing hadith qudsi:“I am to my servant as he expects of Me, I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in his heart, I remember him to Myself, and if he remembers me in an assembly, I mention him in an assembly better than his…” (Bukhari and Muslim)We hope you enjoy listening, please subscribe, share and consider submitting a story of your own by getting in touch with us @submissionspodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

The Quran tells us that experiencing loss is an inevitability for the believer, though this may come in many forms. Living through the pandemic has made this a reality for many of us - from the loss of routines, to loved ones and livelihoods. In grappling with processing these experiences, there are layers of light to be found, and the chance to better understand ourselves and our emotions. In this episode join us as we hear stories from 3 Muslims bravely sharing their experiences of losing someone or something, whilst finding beauty and Allah’s presence in each occasion. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

Eid Mubarak to our wonderful community of listeners and storytellers! We pray that you had a blessed Ramadan in which you found personal fulfilment and tranquility. To celebrate the passing of this month of contemplation, all of the Submissions in this Eid Special are beautiful pieces of poetry on the soul’s journey, narrated by their writers. We hope that you enjoy these carefully crafted verses and that they spark within you creativity and reflection. Taqabal Allah minna wa minkum - May Allah SWT accept the efforts made by us and by you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com