The SufiPunk Show

Growing up, my mother used to insist that my siblings and I remembered our heritage as Kashmiri’s. She would talk about how, although the land of Kashmir was ridden with conflict, it was arguably the most astonishingly stunning place in the world. Scouring through pictures, and reminiscing on a time I still struggle to call mine, I agree with her. Kashmir is more than just a conflict zone, and its highly politicized portrayal strips it as being a true paradise on Earth. It’s a land of paradise, of people with mountainous spirit and of passionate struggle. However, it is also the most heavily militarized place in the world.Today on the show, our guest is a truth-teller and a spiritual resistor, Dr. Hafsa Kanjwal. A daughter of the Kashmiri soil, she is the author of “Colonizing Kashmir: “ a compelling and provocative account of Indian state-building in Kashmir in the aftermath of the partition. Dr. Kanjwal works as an associate professor of South Asian History in the Department of History at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania.Before we start the interview, I want to invite you to find your grounding within. Finding grounding before listening is all about finding that deep-rooted intentionality within all of us, and opening up the doors to receptivity within our hearts. So as you tune into this space, I remind you all of the practice of sacred listening - understanding that this episode is not just an interview, but also an act of collective witnessing.00:00 Kashmir: Personal and Political Connections02:22 The Academic Journey: Challenging Narratives04:54 The Impact of Article 370 Revocation07:54 Colonizing Kashmir: Understanding Historical Context10:21 The Princely State of Kashmir Before Partition13:21 Diplomatic Maneuvers: Accession to India16:48 Sheikh Abdullah: A Complicated Figure19:30 Client Regimes and Political Dynamics22:20 Heart Warfare: Dependency vs. Prosperity24:17 Colonial Legacies and Counterinsurgency in Kashmir27:46 Economic Policies and Self-Sufficiency in Kashmir30:48 The Politics of Life and Dependency32:51 Media Narratives and Propaganda37:32 Voices from the Ground: Oral Histories43:18 Surveillance and Repression in Kashmir46:04 Hindu Nationalism and the Kashmir Conflict51:43 Global Implications: Kashmir and Palestine55:48 The Way Forward for Kashmir and the Diaspora

Episode Notes:In this episode of SufiPunk, we talk about the ups and downs of relationships, gender roles, and finding balance between being independent and relying on others. We explore how faith and tradition shape these roles, how society pressures us to be hyper-independent, and why keeping Allah at the center of our lives helps everything stay balanced. We also touch on the importance of having supportive friendships and building relationships that help you grow. And don’t worry — there’s more to come in Part II!More on Sara A:Sara A., the founder of Unfiltered Faith Podcast, created this platform to foster a community where women can openly discuss controversial or overlooked topics. Her mission is to empower women to speak their truths and share their opinions unapologetically.A recent graduate of New York University’s Global Affairs program, Sara is passionate about breaking stereotypes about Muslim women in the Western world. She hopes that through honest and thought-provoking conversations, the world will recognize the strength, resilience, and power of Muslim women. Outside of her work, Sara is a lover of cats, anime, and all things sweet.Instagram: @sufi.punk@unfilteredfaithpodMusic: I Am Alone - DiwanSubstack: Risala

Welcome back to the SufiPunk Podcast!On today's episode, we have Medina Whiteman, a writer, poet, translator, and musician. She is the author of a collection of poetry, Love is a Traveler and We Are its Path, and Huma’s Travel Guide to Islamic Spain. She’s also the co-founder of Muslim Writer’s Salon, a preserver of the work of Daniel Abdul-Hayy Moore, and a lecturer on Sufism as a practice and a tradition. She lives near Granada, Spain, in a little town called Orgiva with her husband and three children.We discuss spiritual ecology, the importance of presence, how to manage mental health and activism, writing as form of healing trauma, and so - so - much more!The soundtracks in the beginning and end are recordings of private dhikrs.For more information on podcasts and events, please visit our Instagram: @sufi.punk to connect! We'd love to meet with you :) For all questions, email host@sufipunk.co- Niwal Sheikh

Hey guys!Jummah Mubarak and welcome to Ep. 2 of Sounds of Salat - a series where we explore deeper and more consistent ways of connection with the Divine and ourselves.In this episode, I talk about the word 'bardaasht', an Urdu word that can be loosely translated as "resilience in the face of adversity".I talk about how in our societies, I've noticed that we haven't struck the right balance of toleration/intolerance, and I ask questions like: how do we decide what to tolerate within a community?Hint hint: maybe don't use genocide as an opportunity to become a tour guide of the vulnerable. Just my two cents.Love you as always!Instagram: @sufi.punkMusic by Shah Lalloo: http://soundcloud.com/lightontheshore

Hello, salaam, and Ramadan Mubarak!It's been a while since we last spoke - and I want to say, I missed you :)Here at SufiPunk, we've been at work getting ready to witness Ramadan. In the wake of the brutal terrors in Gaza and Rafah, it's been a spiritual struggle, for sure.This episode introduces our newest initiative for this month called "Sounds of Salat", or "Sounds of Deep, Consistent Connection".For the Muslim, Salat is more than just prayer, it's consistent connection with the Divine. In that vein, we started a series dedicated towards mini-episodes that explore how to consistently connect with Allah and with ourselves.. especially as the opportunity for spiritual connection is at an all time high in this holy month.Ready to begin? Today we're talking about intentions!As always, please follow us @sufi.punk on instagram for more information.Today's music is by Shah Lalloo - you can find more of his work at http://soundcloud.com/lightontheshore

Dive into the heart of storytelling and spirituality in our latest interview with Abdul Rahman Latif, the visionary author behind 'Vultures in the House of Silence', which has been quoted as "The Witcher meets Avatar the Last Airbender in Medieval Baghdad". Sounds cool just by the description, in my opinion.We explore how Latif's novel intertwines with the rich tapestry of Prophetic traditions, and offers a lens on applying these teachings in our lives. But this conversation isn't just about a book; it's a journey through the transformative power of faith-based storytelling, reflecting SufiPunk's commitment to radical authenticity and spiritual depth.The book will be out on Jan 29, 2024 - go get a copy!This episode was recorded on Oct 30th, 2023Follow AR Latif on Instagram: @arlatifauthorFollow SufiPunk: @sufi.punkWanna get involved with our community? Reach out!

Happy New Year! How was your first week of 2024? We have 51 left :) It's 2024, and we have a glaring choice to make in November.Biden, or whoever Biden is running against?If you're upset about how the administration has treated the occupation overseas, you should definitely take a listen. In this episode I interview the incredible Nida Allam, who currently serves as Chair of the Durham County Board of Commissioners. We discuss everything from her Congressional campaign in 2022, building the democratic bench, and the upcoming election.I can't promise solid answers to your questions - I can probably promise more questions (sorry) - but this conversation is something that we need to start having in every household.

Have you ever felt heartbroken over something you knew you should've seen coming? Today's episode dives into the intricate world of delusions, or 'delulu' - because I'm right there with ya. We'll explore how delusions, often seen as distortions of reality, can actually reflect deeper truths about our society and individual psyche. Through the lens of SufiPunk's values of truth, authenticity, and spirituality, we'll discuss how understanding delusion can lead to greater mindfulness and healing. We'll also weave in perspectives from Islam and anti-colonial thought. Join us as we unravel the complexities of delusion, seeking to transform understanding into a path for personal and collective justice and innovation.Follow us on Instagram: @sufi.punkMusic: Ishq Aap Bhe Awalla by Meesha ShafiPublished under Creative Commons ©

In this deeply moving episode, we journey with Eivind, a true seeker of peace, as he recounts his extraordinary experiences in Palestine just before October 7th. Eivind's narrative is not just a travelogue; it's a profound exploration of spirituality and human connection in a land often overshadowed by political strife. Through his eyes, we witness the unparalleled beauty of the Palestinian landscape and the indomitable spirit of its people. Eivind shares poignant stories of the individuals he met, painting a picture of a community rich in culture, warmth, and resilience.But this episode goes beyond mere storytelling. Eivind delves into the transformative power of love and compassion as tools for healing and understanding in times of pain. This is not just a story about a place; it's a meditation on the universal themes of love, spirituality, and the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Join us for an inspiring journey that challenges perceptions and invites listeners to see the world through a lens of empathy and hope.

In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Sara D., a Palestinian-American woman from NC, to delve into a narrative that weaves together the threads of faith, identity, and geopolitics. SD shares her unique experiences growing up as a Muslim woman in the United States, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of navigating two cultures.As we explore her Palestinian heritage, SD opens up about the complexities of the Palestinian occupation and its impact on her family and community. Her stories bring to life the realities of growing up with a deep connection to a homeland embroiled in occupation, while also trying to carve out her own identity in America.This episode is not just about the struggles; it's a celebration of resilience, cultural richness, and the power of faith.

In this trailer, you'll be introduced to the first season of The SufiPunk Podcast. SufiPunk is a revolutionary call to be your truest self, and we aim to nourish that authenticity through the podcast where we will present story, interviews with some phenomenal guests, and lessons from the Islamic spiritual tradition. I'm so excited to have you on this journey with us, and I can't wait for you to listen in on all we have in store!