Beyond The Shahada

"Is Islam compatible with the West?" It’s the question everyone is asking - and as a born-and-raised Australian revert who has also lived in a Muslim country (twice!), I’ve lived the answer. Spoiler: The question itself is designed to make us feel like outsiders. In this episode, I'm flipping the script. Forget the political debates and the headlines. This is a raw, personal conversation about what it actually means to build a vibrant, intentional Islamic life right here in the West. I share the shocking cultural dissonance I experienced in a Muslim-majority country and how it ultimately clarified my faith more than any debate ever could. This episode is your guide if you’ve ever felt caught between two worlds. I cover: The #1 Myth about Muslim Countries: Why the "Islamic utopia" can be the hardest place to nurture your faith, and how "Cultural Islam" threatens the soul of your deen. A Revert's Blueprint for the West: How the very challenges here - the questions, the stares, the Christmas trees - force you to build a faith that is conscious, resilient, and unshakable. Raising Muslim Kids Where Islam isn't the Norm: Practical strategies for when your child asks, "Why don't we celebrate Christmas?" How to build an Islamic home they’re proud of, without isolation or fear. For New Muslims Feeling Lost: You are not alone. How to navigate family, find your community, and build a personal connection with Allah that doesn't depend on your postcode. From Ritual to Relationship: How to transform your faith from a list of rules into a living, breathing relationship with Allah, whether you're in Sydney, London, or Toronto. If you're a new Muslim seeking your tribe, a parent worried about your children's future, or any Muslim tired of defending your existence and ready to start living it with purpose - this episode is for you. Your faith isn't just compatible with life in the West; it can be the very thing that makes you thrive.   Is Islam Compatible with the West, New Muslim, Convert to Islam, Revert Muslim, Muslim Convert Story, Raising Muslims in the West, Muslim Parenting, Islamic Identity, Cultural Islam, Muslim in Western Society, Building Islamic Home, Muslimah Podcast, Spiritual Journey, Finding Islam, Western Muslim, Beyond the Shahada.

You see that old memory pop up on your phone… and for a second, you don't even recognize the person you used to be. If you feel a weird distance between who you were and who you're becoming, you're not alone. On this powerful episode of Beyond The Shahada, Bree Shaaban is breaking the ultimate taboo: the internal civil war that leads women to take off the hijab. We're exposing the sneaky double standards you've definitely noticed (why is his awrah a 'suggestion' and hers a 'mandatory law'?) and the crushing guilt of the "Performance Trap", where your outfit tells a story of perfection your soul can't live up to, making you feel like a "fraud." This isn't about rejecting faith. It's about the exhausting weight of everyone's expectations and the desperate search for an authentic identity. If you've ever felt the pressure of the "Modesty Police," wondered "where do I fit in?", or crumbled under the praise for a piety you don't feel, this conversation is your lifeline. You are seen, you are understood, and you are not a bad Muslim for struggling.   IN THIS EPISODE: + Shop the full range of home decor and accessories at: www.nestandnoor.com.au + Enter code: beyond for 20% off site-wide. + Please reach out to someone you trust if you're struggling with the hijab, or your journey in faith. + Contact me on all platforms @beyondtheshahada   #Hijab #Muslimah #IdentityCrisis #Modesty #Islam #FaithJourney #SpiritualBurnout #BeyondTheShahada

Think you know Islam? In this longer deep-dive, Bree Shaaban (ex-Christian, now Muslim) unpacks 15 things most people don’t know, perfect for curious Christians, new/revert Muslims, and anyone who wants clear, evidence-based explanations without the fluff. What you’ll learn (fast): It started in a cave: Why the first command was “Read” and how the Quran was revealed over 23 years and not “all at once.” Seal of Prophethood (Q 33:40): Why Muhammad ﷺ is the final messenger with no sequels, no “new revelations.” Hadith = receipts: How isnaad (chains of narration) and hadith science authenticated what the Prophet said and did. Angels & the unseen realm: Jibril (Gabriel), Mika'il (Michael), and why angels are not Cupid. Jinn explained: Who they are, what they can/can’t do, and the chapter in Quran named after them. Barzakh: The “in-between” state from death to Resurrection and why it matters for accountability and hope. Quran & science: Embryology stages, mountains as stabilizers, ocean layers, and an expanding universe, all verses that invite reflection, not blind faith. Islam = a way of life: Prayer, charity, ethics in business, family rights, community care, and stewardship of the earth. Seeking knowledge is mandatory (for men & women): From Fatima al-Fihri (founder of the world’s first university) to your daily study routine. All the Companions were reverts: A diverse first community that preserved the message. Khadijah (RA): First to accept Islam, a powerhouse businesswoman, and a 25-year monogamous marriage with the Prophet ﷺ. Aisha (RA): Scholar, leader, and yes, she loved pink/saffron. Prohibitions = protections: Why bans on alcohol, gambling, usury, and backbiting guard hearts and societies. Polygyny, clarified: Limits, justice conditions (“marry only one” if you can’t be fair), and the social-welfare context. Charity multiplies wealth: How giving brings barakah and real-world benefits. Who this is for: Christians exploring what Muslims actually believe New/revert Muslims building a solid foundation Anyone comparing faith claims with history and sources Why listen: Warm and relatable explanations you can share, and a clear path to dig deeper without feeling talked down to. New schedule: Longer episodes every other week. If this helped, please follow/subscribe, rate the show, and share it with someone who’s curious about Islam. Clips & extras on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, al @beyondtheshahada.

In this episode of Beyond the Shahada, Bree walks you through the emotional roller-coaster of sharing your new faith with family and friends. Whether you’re a fresh revert wrestling with midnight panic or riding the post-shahada honeymoon high, you’ll discover how to: Break through fear and rehearse the “headline” - not a ten-minute speech Anchor your confidence in quick, heart-centered duas Turn potential conflict into genuine connection with non-preachy conversation moves Show compassion for loved ones as they process your transformation Ground your strength Packed with real-life examples, “Curiosity First” prompts, and relatable analogies, this episode is your roadmap from anxiety to authentic, anchored faith. Tune in, share with a fellow revert, and learn how to keep your relationships strong as you live Islam, one calm conversation at a time.

In this episode, I share how my relationship with God transformed after walking away from Christianity and, later, embracing Islam. I didn’t leave Christianity for Islam. I left because something felt wrong. The worship felt like performance. The Trinity never made sense. And the emotional highs of church didn’t bring lasting connection with God. Years later, Islam gave me the clarity I had been searching for: one God, no middlemen, no confusion - just real worship. In this episode, I talk about: • Why my “faith” in Christianity felt emotionally charged but spiritually disconnected • The difference between church worship and Islamic worship • How sujood (prostration) humbled me and brought real closeness to God • Why Christians say “you were never really saved” when you question their beliefs • And what I discovered when I stopped performing and started submitting This is for anyone questioning their connection to God, stuck between confusion and clarity.   🎧 Subscribe to Beyond the Shahada and follow my journey on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram @BeyondTheShahada 📲 Resources, links & episode notes: link in bio.   #muslimrevert #exchristian #relationshipwithgod #trinitydebunked #worshipgodalone #spiritualawakening #beyondtheshahada #islamicpodcast

In this episode of Beyond The Shahada, I sit down with Crystal, a Muslim content creator and UK healthcare professional who’s made a name for herself on TikTok by turning hate comments into dawah, clapbacks into clarity, and stereotypes into strength. We talk about: How she handles online hate with grace and sarcasm What it's really like being a visibly Muslim woman on the internet The pressure of being seen as the “perfect Muslim” Why she started creating content and how her job in intensive care shaped her voice The serious threats she’s faced and why she refuses to be silenced How content creation has deepened her connection with Islam This conversation is raw, witty, empowering and a must-listen for anyone navigating faith, identity, and visibility in today’s world. ✨ Don’t forget to follow the podcast and connect with us on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram @beyondtheshahada. ✨ Find Crystal on TikTok: @sister..crystal 🎙 New episodes weekly. 📲 Listen anywhere you get your podcasts.

This week, I had to take a breath. As a mum, a revert, a creator, sometimes it all becomes a little too connecting and draining. So I’m taking my own advice, and hitting pause. In this special re-upload, I’m sharing one of my earliest episodes that feels even more relevant today: the difference between feeling connected to Allah and actually being connected. It’s a reminder that stillness isn’t distance. And that taking time for your mental health, your deen, and your family is part of the connection. If you’re new to the podcast, welcome, this episode will give you a strong foundation. If you’ve heard it before, may it reach you with new clarity. Next week, I’ll be back with a brand new episode featuring a special guest!   Until then, you can find me on: 🔹 TikTok: @beyondtheshahada 🔹 YouTube: @beyondtheshahada 🔹 UpScrolled: @beyondtheshahada

What if the hardest part of converting to Islam wasn’t letting go of your old beliefs - but the way people treated you after? In this deeply personal episode, I open up about what it really felt like to leave behind my life as a Christian and embrace Islam. I talk about the backlash, the accusations, the grief and the surprising peace I found through it all. ➡️ Why some Christians turn hateful after you leave their religion ➡️ What Islam taught me about real peace, healing, and self-worth ➡️ How I navigated losing friends, family, and my old identity ➡️ Why the approval of others isn’t worth your soul ➡️ And how Allah replaced what I lost with something so much greater Whether you’re a revert trying to heal, a Muslim struggling to move forward, or someone on the edge of faith - this episode is for you. 🎧 LISTEN NOW if you've ever felt alone on your path to truth. 🔗 Full short-form content on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels - link in bio. #IslamicPodcast #RevertToIslam #HealingInIslam #LeavingChristianity #MuslimConvert #SpiritualHealing #FaithJourney #IslamicReminder #AllahKnows #ChristianToMuslim #MuslimPodcast

If you’re a Christian who’s ever wondered what Islam actually teaches without the media filters, without the politics, and without the cultural confusion - this episode is for you. I’m not here to debate. I’m not here to convert you. I’m just here to share the truths I never heard as a Christian. Truths about the Quran, Jesus, Mary, women’s rights, and the very God you already believe in. Because Islam isn’t a new religion. It’s the final message in the same chain that includes Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, peace be upon them all. It’s not a rejection. It’s a continuation. In this episode, we talk about: The real meaning of “Allah” Whether Islam has been changed or preserved The difference between the Quran, Hadith, and the Bible Women’s rights in Islam vs cultural misconceptions How Muslims view Jesus and Mary Why we don’t worship the Kaaba And why there’s no pastor or racial hierarchy in Islam This is the episode I wish someone had made for me when I was still searching. 📌 Share this with someone curious. 🎧 Follow the podcast for more real, honest conversations about Islam.   💬 Let’s connect: TikTok | YouTube | Instagram: @BeyondTheShahada Website: beyondtheshahada.com

What happens when you grow up deeply rooted in Christianity, but your questions go unanswered? In this episode of Beyond the Shahada, I take you through my personal journey, from Lutheran beginnings, Catholic school, and Pentecostal revivals… to reading the Bible cover to cover, discovering shocking truths about Paul, and ultimately, finding Islam. This wasn’t an emotional decision. It wasn’t a rebellion. It was years of research, reflection, and sincere prayer and what I found in Islam filled in the blanks that had never made sense to me in the church. Whether you're a new revert, a curious Christian, or a born Muslim wondering how people come to Islam, this episode is for you. 🕊️ Truth doesn't fear your questions. Keep seeking.   🔗 Mentioned in This Episode: 📘 A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam: https://www.islam-guide.com 📺 Eslimah on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Eslimah   ✨ Follow & connect with me on social media for more: TikTok: @beyondtheshahada YouTube: Beyond the Shahada 🎧 Full archive + more content at: https://beyondtheshahada.com   #ChristianToMuslim #ConvertToIslam #RevertStory #IslamicPodcast #BeyondTheShahada #QuranAndBible #JesusInIslam #SpiritualJourney #ExChristian #IslamForChristians #IslamIsTheTruth #SeekingTruth #AskQuestions #FaithJourney

Today’s episode is a little different, because I’m not alone. I sat down with the legendary Aussie Niqabi - Alexis: Campbelltown-born, single mum of three, founder of eco-business The Bin Chicken, and the woman who’s been making waves (and causing trolls to melt down) on TikTok with her niqab and razor-sharp Aussie humour. But behind the viral videos? There’s a deeper story: a promise to Allah SWT after a brutal custody battle, a life of balancing faith and family, and the reality of facing Islamophobia in Australia - sometimes funny, sometimes scary. 👉 Important note: This conversation originally ran almost 2 hours, and has been edited to the best bits. You may also hear her adorable 10-month-old baby in the background, because #MumLife never stops, and there are a few moments where the audio isn’t perfect. But this conversation was too important not to share. We talk about: ✅ Choosing to wear the niqab in Australia ✅ Facing Islamophobia in everyday life (and Kmart!) ✅ Navigating co-parenting with a non-Muslim ✅ Building community on TikTok ✅ Balancing faith and culture ✅ Dismantling stereotypes about Muslim women 🎧 Whether you’re a revert, a Muslim mum, or just curious about life behind the niqab, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 📌 Links: 🔗 Project Quran: projectquran.com.au 🔗 The Aussie Niqabi TikTok: tiktok.com/@theaussieniqabi 🔗 The Bin Chicken: thebinchicken.au 🔗 My links: lnk.bio ✨ Like the show? Follow @beyondtheshahada on Instagram and TikTok. DM me your thoughts, I’d love to hear your stories. #BeyondTheShahada #TheAussieNiqabi #MuslimWomen #IslamInAustralia #Islamophobia #MuslimMums #RevertMuslim #ProjectQuran #NiqabInAustralia #MuslimBusiness #MuslimPodcast

When I left Christianity, it wasn’t out of rebellion. It was because I finally understood what I believed and what I didn’t. This episode is a personal look into why I left church culture behind, how I found clarity in Islam, and the backlash I faced from people who once claimed to love me. We’re talking about blind faith vs true understanding, judgment vs sincerity, and why choosing Islam was the most thought-out decision I’ve ever made. 🔸 Why the church taught obedience without understanding 🔸 How Islam encourages critical thinking and leadership 🔸 The difference between being accepted… and being known 🔸 And why I couldn’t keep pretending once I knew the truth This one’s for the people in the TikTok comments, for the quiet thinkers in the back row of church, and for anyone who's ever felt like questioning wasn’t allowed.   🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe if this made you think 💬 Drop a comment with your thoughts or story 📲 Follow on TikTok and Instagram @BeyondTheShahada for more 🎧 Listen to the full podcast on Apple, Spotify & everywhere else

In this emotional and raw episode of Beyond The Shahada, Bree Shaaban shares her deeply personal journey from Christianity to Islam. From questioning her faith and uncovering discrepancies in the Bible to her life-changing encounter with the Quran, Bree opens up about the moment that transformed her life forever. After years of studying the Bible, Bree's search for truth led her to Islam, starting with the Quran's scientific miracles and a new understanding of Jesus (AS). In this episode, she dives deep into the questions that caused her to rethink everything: Why does the Bible contradict itself? Why is the concept of the Trinity not supported by scripture? What does the Quran reveal about the truth of Islam and the stories of the prophets? Bree recounts the night that everything changed for her, and the moment she walked into the Islamic Center, fearing the unknown, only to discover a community full of love, peace, and truth. This is more than just a conversion story, it's a journey of spiritual awakening and finding answers to the biggest questions in life. Bree now hosts a podcast, runs a Muslim business, and helps others who are on their own journey of seeking truth and discovering Islam. Tune in to hear about Bree’s unfiltered experience and the powerful message of how seeking knowledge led her to embrace the true path. Whether you’re someone questioning your faith or simply seeking inspiration, this episode is for you.   ALL THE LINKS: + A Brief Guide To Understanding Islam (Book): https://www.islam-guide.com/ + Shop my donwloads: https://breeshaaban.com/   CONTACT: + Email: hello@breeshaaban.com + Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheshahada + TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheshahada 

Why does it feel like Allah abandoned me?’ If you’ve ever cried during sujood or wondered if your pain was ‘punishment,’ this episode is for you. Bree Shaaban gets raw about: How childhood trauma distorts your relationship with Allah The loneliness of being called ‘strong’ when you’re breaking inside Practical steps to reframe your faith beyond trauma responses (including the du’a that changed everything) This isn’t a ‘just pray more’ lecture - it’s a lifeline for anyone who’s ever felt unseen by Allah. Check out the books I mentioned by Amira Shahin here: https://mindfulpursuits.info/collections/all     Follow for more raw faith talk: 📲 Instagram: @beyondtheshahada #MuslimMentalHealth #TraumaAndFaith #HealingWithAllah

What do you do when your own family treats your Islam like a phase - or worse, a betrayal? This week, Bree Shaaban gets real about the messy, painful, and sometimes darkly hilarious struggles of being the only Muslim in a non-Muslim family. From bacon-laced pasta (‘Just pick it out!’) to ‘non-alcoholic’ beer traps, she shares her most cringe-worthy stories, plus hard-won advice on: Setting boundaries without burning bridges Responding to relatives who call the Prophet ﷺ ‘false’ Finding your real tribe when blood isn’t enough If your family gatherings feel like spiritual warfare, this episode is your battle plan. Because at the end of the day? Allah’s love is the only approval that matters. Follow Bree: @BreeShaaban | Podcast IG: @BeyondTheShahada Tag a revert who needs this! #BeyondTheShahada

When a cat took a fish to feed her kitten, I saw the perfect metaphor for Allah’s rizq! Welcome to the new bonus episode ‘Beyond the Script’. Think of it as a halal coffee chat for Muslim women navigating faith, TikTok trends, and life in the West. In the Beyond the Script bonus episodes, we explore relatable Islamic reminders, halal parenting wins (and fails), and Muslim life in the West—from viral TikTok moments to everyday lessons about rizq, sabr, and tawakkul. Perfect for Muslim women seeking short, authentic chats about faith, culture, and the unscripted side of dawah. 💬 Tag me on Instagram @beyondtheshahada with your wildest ‘halal side-eye’ moments! Hit follow so you never miss a scripted or unscripted truth. For the ultimate in hijabs, shop online at https://www.pearlsofislam.com.au/ or check out their Insta page @pearls_of_islam_official. If you like these episodes, donate to keep this podcast going: https://buymeacoffee.com/breeshaaban  #MuslimPodcast #HalalHumor #RizqStories #BeyondTheShahada

Did you know that Jesus (Isa AS) is mentioned 25 times in the Quran? In episode 11 of Beyond The Shahada Podcast, host Bree Shaaban shatters stereotypes about Islam’s view of Jesus with facts, humor and zero patience for bad takes.  You’ll learn why Muslims revere Jesus as one of the greatest prophets, but don’t worship him, how the Quran’s account of his virgin birth, miracles and second coming differs from the Bible and why the ‘Quran copied the Bible’ claim completely collapses under scrutiny. Follow along to learn about the realities of Islam, one episode at a time. A unique Muslimah podcast here to teach Islam without the noise and from the real perspective of a non-Arab Muslim woman from Australia. If you like these episodes, donate to keep this podcast going: https://buymeacoffee.com/breeshaaban    FIND ME HERE: Instagram: @beyondtheshahada Tiktok: @beyondtheshahada Facebook: Beyond The Shahada YouTube: @beyondtheshahada

Let’s play a game: Picture a Muslim woman. If you imagined someone oppressed, silent, or head-to-toe in black, congrats, you’ve been scammed by the algorithm. In this episode, host Bree Shaaban smashes three myths with the energy of a TikTok expose: 1️⃣ Hijab: Why the “oppressed scarf” narrative is as fake as slow-mo hair-flips in movies. 2️⃣ Women’s Rights: How Islam gave women property, divorce, and last-name rights more than 1000 years before the West. 3️⃣ Muslim ≠ Arab: Only 20% of Muslims are Arab, so why does your brain default to camels and deserts? Featuring: The real stats on Muslim diversity (yes, non-Arab Muslims like Bree exist). How hijabis own more scarves than shoes (oppression? Please). Why Muslim women were running universities while Europe debated if they had souls. If you like these episodes, donate to keep this podcast going: https://buymeacoffee.com/breeshaaban    Follow @beyondtheshahada for more halal truth bombs. Triggering Islamophobes since 2024. #Hijab #MuslimWomen #DebunkingMyths #BeyondTheShahada

In this episode of Beyond The Shahada, join me, Bree Shaaban as I get real about the struggles of navigating the last 10 nights of Ramadan as a busy Mum of two toddlers. With no help and feeling burnt out, I share my personal challenges and offer practical, relatable advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed this Ramadan. Instead of piling on more acts of worship, let me encourage you to focus on clearing out the bad habits, making sincere intentions, and prioritizing quality over quantity in your worship. This episode is a reminder that Allah sees your efforts, understands your struggles, and doesn’t expect perfection, just your sincere heart. Tune in for a raw, honest, and uplifting conversation about finding connection with Allah, even in the chaos.   Last 10 Nights of Ramadan Resources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtRvSPJkY0g https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUF_ByyQ7_M If you like these episodes, donate to keep this podcast going: https://buymeacoffee.com/breeshaaban    DISCLAIMER: The Beyond the Shahada podcast is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only and does not constitute professional, religious, or legal advice. I am not a scholar, Sheikh, or religious authority—just a fellow Muslim sharing my personal experiences and insights. For personalised guidance or religious rulings, please consult a qualified Sheikh, Islamic scholar, or your local Mosque. Always seek professional advice when needed. Please note that subtitles and captions for this podcast are auto-generated and may contain errors.

What happens when you can’t fast during Ramadan? Whether it’s due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, medical reasons, or something else, this is a reality for so many of us—and it comes with its own set of struggles, emotions, and, let’s be honest, a whole lot of guilt. In this bonus episode of Beyond The Shahada, we dive into the challenges of not fasting during Ramadan. From the emotional toll to practical ways to stay connected to the spirit of the month, we’ll explore how to navigate this time with grace and intention. We’ll also discuss how to deal with societal pressure and reframe the narrative around “not fasting.” Remember, Ramadan is about more than just fasting—it’s about connection, growth, and mercy. If you like these episodes, donate to keep this podcast going: https://buymeacoffee.com/breeshaaban    DISCLAIMER: The Beyond the Shahada podcast is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only and does not constitute professional, religious, or legal advice. I am not a scholar, Sheikh, or religious authority—just a fellow Muslim sharing my personal experiences and insights. For personalised guidance or religious rulings, please consult a qualified Sheikh, Islamic scholar, or your local Mosque. Always seek professional advice when needed. Please note that subtitles and captions for this podcast are auto-generated and may contain errors.