Quran Conversations
Quran Conversations is a podcast that aims to help listeners unlock the meaning and healing powers of the Quran. Hosted by Dalia Mogahed, an author and researcher, the show features conversations with Imam Mohamed Magid, a scholar of the Quran and family counselor. Together, they explore the linguistic miracles and life lessons of the Quran through dialogues between a scholar and his student.
Episodes
S4 E24 (Season Finale): The Straight Path (TaHa 134-135) | Quran Conversations Season 4
What does it really mean to be guided? And after an entire Surah about fear, tyranny, mistakes, repentance, liberation and return, what does Allah leave us with at the very end?In the season 4 finale of Quran Conversations, Dalia Mogahed is joined once again by her teacher, Imam Mohamed Magid, to complete their journey through Surah TaHa. Together, they reflect on its final two verses before stepp
S4 E23: The Thief of Joy (TaHa 131-133) | Quran Conversations Season 4
What happens when we spend so much time looking at what others have that we lose sight of what Allah has already given us?In this episode of Quran Conversations, Dalia Mogahed is joined by her teacher, Imam Mohamed Magid, to reflect on verses 131–133 of Surah TaHa.The conversation begins with Allah’s warning not to gaze longingly at the beauty and luxuries others have been given in this world. Wha
S4 E22: The Danger You Don’t Notice (TaHa 128-130) | Quran Conversations Season 4
What if the greatest warning signs in your life are the ones you've learned to ignore?In this episode of Quran Conversations, Dalia Mogahed is joined once again by Imam Kebba Sallah to reflect on verses 128-130 of Surah TaHa.Allah asks a powerful question: Has it not become clear to them how many generations before them We destroyed, through whose homes they now walk? The verse reminds us that
S4 E21: The More You Return, the More It Gives (TaHa 127) | Quran Conversations Season 4
What does it actually mean to build a relationship with the Qur’an, beyond simply reading its words?In this episode of Quran Conversations, Dalia Mogahed is joined by Dr. Hatim Yousef to reflect on how we can become true companions of the Qur’an, before turning to verse 127 of Surah TaHa and its warning about repeatedly turning away from Allah’s signs.Dr. Hatim Yousef is an Islamic scholar, educat
S4 E20: The Blindness We Don’t See (TaHa 124–126) | Quran Conversations Season 4
What if the greatest form of blindness isn't losing your sight—but losing your connection with Allah?In this episode of Quran Conversations, Dalia Mogahed is joined by Imam Mohamed Magid to reflect on verses 124–126 of Surah TaHa.Allah warns that whoever turns away from His remembrance will experience a life of constriction and hardship—not necessarily through a lack of wealth or comfort, but
S4:E19 - When Your Mistake Becomes Your Turning Point (TaHa 121-124) | Quran Conversations Season 4
What if your greatest mistake became the very thing that brought you closer to Allah? In this episode of Quran Conversations, Dalia Mogahed is joined by Imam Kebba Sallah to reflect on verses 121–123 of Surah TaHa. Imam Kebba Sallah was born and raised in the Washington D.C. area. He is the community Imam for the ADAMS Sully branch in Chantilly, Virginia. Imam Kebba has completed memorization of t
S4 E18: The Garden You’re Looking For (TaHa 117–120) | Quran Conversations Season 4
What if the life you've been chasing was never meant to satisfy you?In this episode of Quran Conversations, Dalia Mogahed is joined once again by Ustadha Samia Mubarak to reflect on verses 117–120 of Surah TaHa.As Allah warns Adam about Shaytan's deception, these verses reveal a timeless truth about the human condition. Shaytan's strategy has never changed: convince us that fulfillment
S4 E17: The Difference Between Adam and Iblis (TaHa 115-116) | Quran Conversations Season 4
Why do some mistakes bring us closer to Allah, while others pull us further away?In this episode of Quran Conversations, Dalia Mogahed is joined by Dr. Hatim Yousef—Islamic scholar, linguist, Qur'an teacher, and translator—for a reflection on verses 115-116 of Surah TaHa.Drawing on his background in linguistics, Qur'anic sciences, and tafsir, Dr. Hatim explores the story of Adam and Iblis
S4 E16: The Small Deeds That Save You (TaHa 113-114) | Quran Conversations Season 4
How much is enough to earn Allah's pleasure? And could the smallest act of sincerity outweigh a lifetime of mistakes?In this episode of Quran Conversations, Dalia Mogahed and Sheikh Mohammed Magid reflect on verses 113-114 of Surah TaHa, where Allah reassures the believers that no righteous deed will ever be lost and reveals His extraordinary generosity in rewarding even the smallest acts of g
S4:E15 - The Good Deed You Thought Didn’t Matter (TaHa 112–113) | Quran Conversations Season 4
Can one sincere act change your entire standing before Allah?In this episode of Quran Conversations, Dalia Mogahed is joined by Imam Mohamed Magid to reflect on verses 112–113 of Surah TaHa.After discussing accountability and the consequences of wrongdoing, these verses shift our attention to hope. Allah reassures believers that no righteous deed will ever be lost, overlooked, or diminished. Even
S4 E14: The Weight of What We Carry (TaHa 110–111) | Quran Conversations Season 4
What if the thing you're trying hardest to hide is already completely known to Allah?In this episode of Quran Conversations, Dalia Mogahed is joined by Imam Muhammad Magid to reflect on verses 110–111 of Surah TaHa.These verses shift our attention to two profound realities: Allah’s infinite knowledge and humanity’s complete humility before Him on the Day of Judgment. Allah knows what came befo
S4 E13: The Day No One Can Ignore the Call (TaHa 108–109) | | Quran Conversations
What happens when every illusion of power disappears?In this episode of Quran Conversations, Dalia Mogahed is joined by her teacher, Imam Muhammad Magid, for a reflection on verses 108–109 of Surah TaHa.These verses continue the Qur’an’s powerful depiction of the Day of Judgment—a day when every human being who has ever lived will stand before Allah. No one will be able to ignore the summons. No o
S4 E12: When Truth Demands Surrender (TaHa 105) | | Quran Conversations
Why do some hearts surrender to the truth while others resist it, even when they recognise it?In this episode of Quran Conversations, we are joined by Ustadh Fahd Yasin. Ustadh Fahd Yasin has been studying Quranic/Classical Arabic for the past decade. He has received ijazas (certifications) in Tajwid and grammar, and he is certified in Quranic Arabic linguistics. His current interests are in Quran
S4 E11: The Moment You Realise You Were Wrong (TaHa 102–104) | Quran Conversations
What happens when everything you ignored becomes impossible to deny?In this episode of Quran Conversations, Dalia Mogahed is joined by Talha Ghannam. Talha is a Mathematics and Economics graduate, Islamic scholar, entrepreneur and community activist. He studied under leading scholars in the UK, Syria and Egypt, completed a seven-year Alimiyah course, and now focuses on purification of the heart an
S4 E10: The Cost of Ignoring the Truth (TaHa 99–101) | Quran Conversations
What is the Qur’an really asking from you, and what happens when you turn away from it?In this episode of Quran Conversations, Dalia Mogahed and Mohammed Magid reflect on verses 99–101 of Surah TaHa. A moment where the story pauses, and the Qur’an speaks directly to you.After the powerful narrative of Musa (peace be upon him), these verses shift from storytelling to meaning. They reveal why these
S4 E9: The Idol You Didn’t Realise You Were Worshipping (TaHa 97–98) | Quran Conversations
What does it take to truly break free from false idols—whether they are people, ideas, or desires?In this episode of Quran Conversations, Dalia Mogahed and Mohammed Magid reflect on verses 97–98 of Surah TaHa. A powerful turning point where Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) confronts As-Samiri and dismantles the illusion of the golden calf.This moment goes beyond punishment. It exposes the reality
S4 E8: Guarding Unity in Times of Crisis (TaHa 94-96) | Quran Conversations
What happens when two righteous leaders respond differently to the same crisis?In this episode of Qur’an Conversations, Dalia Mogahed and Sheikh Mohammed Majed reflect on Ayah 94 of Surah TaHa—a powerful moment where Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) confronts his brother Harun after the people fall into worship of the golden calf.This interaction reveals something deeply human: frustration, grief,
S4 E7: Disagreeing with Compassion (TaHa 89-93) | Quran Conversations
What happens when devotion is misplaced—and correction is met with resistance?In this episode of Qur’an Conversations, we reflect on Surah TaHa (20:89–93) and the painful moment when Bani Israel refuse to abandon the golden calf—even after being reminded of Allah’s mercy. Through the dialogue between Prophet Musa and Prophet Harun (peace be upon them both), the Qur’an gives us a powerful lens into
S4 E6: The Test After Liberation (TaHa 86-88) | Quran Conversations
What happens after liberation? Why do people who witness miracles still fall into misguidance?In this episode of Qur’an Conversations, we reflect on Surah TaHa (20:86–88), when Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) returns to find his people worshipping the golden calf. These verses uncover something deeper than idolatry—they reveal the psychology of post-liberation vulnerability, moral outrage rooted
S4 E5: Wait for the People (TaHa 83–84) | Quran Conversations
What happens when love for Allah pulls us forward—but the people we’re responsible for are still behind?In this episode of Qur’an Conversations, Imam Magid and I reflect on a pivotal moment in the life of Prophet Musa ﷺ, when he hastens to Mount Sinai out of deep longing for Allah, leaving his people in the care of his brother Harun. Through this moment, the Qur’an teaches us something essential a
S4 E4: The Way Back to Allah is Never Closed (TaHa 81–82) | Quran Conversations
What does it mean to be truly free?In this episode of Qur’an Conversations, Imam Magid and I reflect on the journey of Bani Israel after liberation, because freedom in the Qur’an is not only physical. It’s the beginning of something deeper: learning how to live with a purified heart, how to receive Allah’s blessings without crossing His limits, and how to return when we fall.These verses carry bot
S4:E3 No Little People (TaHa 79-81) | Quran Conversations
What happens when someone claims they’re guiding people, but they’re actually leading them straight into ruin?In this episode of Quran Conversations, Imam Magid and I reflect on the Qur’an’s final summary of Pharaoh’s story: “Pharaoh truly led his people astray and did not guide them.” From there, we widen the lens. Because Pharaoh isn’t only a figure of history, Pharaoh can be a leader with a pla
S4 E2: Unlocking the Treasures of Tazkiya (TaHa 75-76) | Quran Conversations
What does real success look like? Is it power, recognition, or reward in this world—or something far deeper?In this episode of Qur’an Conversations, Imam Magid and I reflect on the moment the magicians of Pharaoh chose faith over fear. Through verses 75 and 76 of Surah TaHa, we explore the contrast between Pharaoh’s empty promises and Allah’s everlasting reward, and what this moment teaches us abo
S4 E1: If You’re Afraid, Listen to This (TaHa 73-75) | Quran Conversations
Have you ever had someone try to intimidate you? Have you ever been bullied? In this first episode of season 4, Imam Magid and I dive deeper into the surrender of the sorcerers and what lessons it can teach us today about standing up to tyranny in any form. You will learn:📖 Where does a bully’s power really come from and how to make it disappear?📖 The power of our chosen focal point when navigat
How to Be Free (TaHa 70-72) | Season 3, Episode 20
"How to Be Free”TaHa 70-72Surat TaHa famously illustrates themes of liberation from slavery. How does that apply to us in our modern context? In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the profound concepts of liberation and detachment from Dunya illustrated by the magicians’ martyrdom in the story of Musa (s). You will learn:📖 What is “violent impotence?”📖 Historical context of relig
How to Respond to Fear with Authenticity and Action | Season 3, Episode 19
“How to Respond to Fear with Authenticity and Action"Fear can be weaponized to control and oppress and it can also be a doorway to receiving Allah’s reassurance and security. How do we soothe our fear? Do we look for security in the proximity to power? Or do we look for security in the proximity to The Most Powerful? In this episode of Quran Conversations, Dalia Mogahed and Samia Mubarak @Qu
Fear Kills Freedom (TaHa 63-65) | Season 3, Episode 18
“Fear Kills Freedom”TaHa 63-65In this episode of Quran Conversations, Dalia Mogahed and Ustadhah Samia Mubarak @Quranic_ocean delve into the timeless tactics of fear and manipulation used by tyrants throughout history. Drawing parallels between the story of Pharaoh and Musa (s) and modern-day scenarios, they explore how fear is instilled to maintain control and suppress truth.#FearAndManipulation
Illusionists and Injustice: Why Every Tyrant Needs Magicians (TaHa: 57-62) | Season 3, Episode 17
“Illusionists and Injustice: Why Every Tyrant NeedsMagicians” TaHa: 57-62 The Pharoah of Musa (s) is not just one man, but anarchetype of an oppressive regime or system. The Quran teaches us how to understand the world, how to recognize the elements of tyranny so we don’t fall for them, or worse, perpetuate them ourselves. In this episode of Quran Conversations, Dalia Mogahed and Imam Mohamed M
Where do Racist Ideas Come From? | Season 3, Episode 16
Where do racist ideas come from? In this episode, Dalia Mogahed and Imam Mohamed Magid delve into the profound teachings of Islam that champion anti-racism and human equality. Discover how the principles of justice, compassion, and unity are woven into the fabric of the Quran, offering timeless guidance for fostering a more inclusive and equitable world. You will learn: 📖 Hidden scientific miracle
When Lions Write History (TaHa 51-54) | Season 3, Episode 15
“When Lions Write History"TaHa 51-54 "Until the lion learns how to write - every story will glorify the hunter,” goes a well known African proverb.History is written by the victor. But The Victor has the true record, and His account omits nothing and never errs. In this episode, Dalia Mogahed and Imam Mohamed Magid discuss Musa’s (s) dialogue with Pharoah and the power of who creates t
Speaking Truth to Tyranny (TaHa 47-50 ) | Season 3, Episode 14
Speaking Truth to TyrannyTaHa 47-50 Speaking truth to power is often fruitless on the surface: your message falls on deaf ears, the oppression continues or even intensifies, you face negative consequences. So what’s the point? In this episode Dalia Mogahed and Samia Mubarak discuss the importance of speaking truth to power with confidence and clarity, regardless of the apparent receptiveness of
Mission Possible: How to March Forward Even in Fear (TaHa 42-46) | Season 3, Episode 13
Mission Possible: How to March Forward Even in FearTaHa 42-46What are the elements needed to march forth and do something you’re afraid of? Better resources? More training? Perhaps, but also the elements no one can buy; clarity of purpose, the right team and the remembrance of Allah. In this episode, Dalia Mogahed and Samia Mubarak reflect on fear, friendship and the power of finding God in our d
Making Meaning (Taha 40-41) | Season 3, Episode 12
Making MeaningTaHa 40-41David Eagleman, in his book “Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain,” wrote, “Instead of reality being passively recorded by the brain, it is actively constructed by it.” This construction is our meaning-making ability. The meaning we give events change the way we respond to them, how we feel about our lives and those around us. In this episode we discuss how Allah is
The Gifts God Gives (TaHa 37-40) | Season 3, Episode 11
Season 3, Episode 11The Gifts God GivesTaHa 38-40Our lives often take unexpected turns; joy and loss, pain and pleasure. We witness the birth of a child, a difficult diagnosis, the loss of a loved one. For some the hardships are losing family in a genocide. How do we make sense of these triumphs and tragedies? In this episode we discuss the way Allah recounts to Musa (s) the events of his own l
Finding the Right Partner to Pursue Your Purpose (TaHa 29-37) | Season 3, Episode 10
Season 3, Episode 10“Finding the Right Partner to Pursue Your Purpose”TaHa 29-37Asking for help is not easy. You need to trust the other person enough to rely on them and be confident enough in yourself to admit you can’t do it alone. In this episode Dalia Mogahed and Imam Magid explore the importance of community, companionship and commitment to the greater good over one’s own credit as they di
How to do Hard Things (TaHa 25-28) | Season 3, Episode 9
S3:E9“How to do Hard Things”TaHa 25-28Have you ever been afraid to speak even when you know you must? Have you ever been weighed down by self-doubt and constriction or overwhelmed by the task at hand? In this episode, Dalia Mogahed and Samia Mubarak @quranic_ocean do a deep dive into the famous “dua of Musa” where he (s) asks Allah for His aid when commanded to go confront Pharaoh. We explore what
How to Fortify Your Heart (TaHa 21-24) | Season 3, Episode 8
Season 3, Episode 8“How to Fortify Your Heart”TaHa 21-24How do we fortify our hearts when we have fear, self-doubt and a loss of direction? In this episode, Dalia Mogahed is in conversation with Ustatha Samia Mubarak*, founder of @QuranicOcean, where they delve into the meanings of the signs Allah shows Musa (s). This very special discussion about hope, hardship and the power of surrender is not o
Letting Go: The Path to Miracles (Taha 20:17-20) | Season 3, Episode 7
Season 3: Episode 7“Letting Go: The Path to Miracles”TaHa: 17-20What do you rely on to get through the day? Your car, phone or even your morning cup of coffee are things you may lean on to manage your life. What if you were told to cast all that aside? In this episode, Dalia Mogahed and Hajj Hisham Mahmoud explore the spiritual meaning of the staff of Moses (s) and how we all have the tendency to
How to hear the voice of God in your life (TaHa: 15-16) | Season 3: Episode 6
Season 3: Episode 6“How to hear the voice of God in your life”TaHa: 15-16The world is not fair. If this wasn’t obvious before, the past two years have laid bare the injustice of the current world order. How do we cope with seeing so much cruelty without accountability? How can we keep working for a just and compassionate world when it feels so futile to try. In this episode, Imam Magid and Dal
The Purpose of Life (Taha 14) | | Season 3, Episode 5
Season 3: Episode 5“The Purpose of Life” TaHa: 14What is our purpose for existence? How has our Creator facilitated realizing this purpose? In this conversation, Dalia Mogahed and Imam Magid explore the profound concept of worship in Islam, emphasizing that worship (Ubudiyyah) transcends mere rituals and is central to the purpose of human existence. You will learn: 📖The essence of ubudiyyah (servi
When We Hear the Voice of God (TaHa 9-14) | Season 3, Episode 4
Season 3: Episode 4“When We Hear the Voice of God” TaHa: 9-14Sometimes we can only see the light of God when things seem dark. Sometimes we only hear His guidance when we feel lost. Sometimes the warmth of His nearness is only sought when life feels cold. In this episode’s rich discussion, Imam Magid and Dalia Mogahed delve into the story of Musa (s) journey to speaking to God at the burning bu
On God’s Power and Proximity (Taha 5-8) | Season 3, Episode 3
Inshirah is an Arabic word meaning “expansion.” In this spiritually invigorating episode, Imam Magid and Dalia Mogahed discuss the ways Surat Taha expands the believing heart when read because it shines light on both Divine power and might as well as Divine proximity and mercy. Season 3: Episode 3“On God’s Power and Proximity” TaHa: 5-8You will learn:📖 The relationship between mercy and revelati
The Quran as a Source of Healing not Hardship (TaHa:2-4) | Season 3, Episode 2
Have you ever felt like being a Muslim is to swim againstthe norm? Like you're the odd person out at work, school and in how you see the world? In this episode Imam Magid and Dalia Mogahed discuss how the Quranis a source of healing not hardship. Season 3: Episode 2“The Quran as a Source of Healing not Hardship” TaHa:2-4 You will learn: 📖What makes the Quran’s method of revelation uniqueamo
The Surah that Melted Omar’s Heart (Taha 20: 1-2) | Season 3, Episode 1
Has reading an ayah in the Quran ever stopped you dead in your tracks as if it were talking directly to you? In the first episode of season 3, Imam Magid and Dalia Mogahed are joined by Hajj Hisham Mahmoud* to discuss the opening of Surat Taha and the heart it transformed from enemy to intimate companion and eventually Commander of the Faithful in eight short verses. S3:E1: The Surah that Melted O
The Story Behind this Podcast: End Notes Bonus | Season 2, Episode 9
In this bonus episode, Dalia Mogahed shares her inspiration for creating this podcast, as well as her journey of healing through the study of Surah Yusuf. She discusses the main lessons from the Surah as a bookend and prequel all in one. You will learn: 📖 How our family of origin shapes our self-worth📖 The power of drawing parallels between the stories in the Quran and our own lives.📖 The main l
The Story of Yusuf: Lessons of Hope and Mercy (12:108-111) | Season 2, Episode 8
In this culminating episode on Surat Yusuf, Imam Magid and Dalia Mogahed discuss the final ayas of the surah and draw out the overarching themes and lessons of this epic story. You will learn: 📖 The power of clarity in dawa📖 How dawa is a means to deepen one’s own faith📖 How to never give up on our children📖 Reconciling Divine help and human effort ---If you’re enjoying this podcast, please revie
Modern Day Paganism (12:105-107) | Season 2, Episode 7
When was the last time you stopped to admire a tree or flower in awe, or watched the sun rise and reflected on Allah’s mercy? In this episode, Dalia Mogahed and Imam Mohamed Magid explore the themes of vulnerability before God, making God the center of life’s orbit and balancing Trust in Him and awareness of one’s fragility. They discuss the importance of noticing the miracles all around us, as w
Never Trade Authenticity for Acceptance (12:101-104) | Season 2, Episode 6
Educating others about Islam can be one of the mostrewarding acts of worship we can engage in. But how do we approach itwith courage and confidence rather than compromise and people-pleasing? In this episode, Dalia Mogahed and ImamMagid delve explore how Surat Yusuf teaches us about dawah (inviting) people toGod, as well as how this very Surah is proof of Muhammed’s (s)prophethood. You will lea
Full Circle (12:99-12:100) | Season 2, Episode 5
How do you tell the story of your life? Are you the victim of circumstances, the self reliant survivor, or the receiver of God’s infinite bounty in different forms? In this emotional episode we discuss the culmination of the story of Yusuf (s) when he reunites with his father and embraces him, when his brothers prostrate to him and his dream as a child is realized.You will learn: 📖 The biggest cha
When Your Character is Your Cloak (12:93-98) | Season 2, Episode 4
When’s the last time you heard some good news? How did it feel to receive it? And were you ever in a situation where everyone around you doubted you, but you stayed certain of your viewpoint? Were you proved right in the end? In this episode, we open a conversation about the moment when the shirt of Yusuf (s) is brought to his father, Yaqub (s), the truth is brought to light, and Yacub (s) regain
Healing and Grace (12:89-92) | Season 2, Episode 3
Have you ever been asked to forgive someone who hurt you deeply? If you forgave them, how did it make you feel to show forbearance? If not, what was missing in the request for forgiveness. Have you ever asked for forgiveness? In this episode, we do a deep dive into the process of healing and grace as modeled in the story of Yusuf (s) and his brothers. You will learn:📖 One of the most difficult ac
Grief And Nearness to God (12:85-88) | Season 2, Episode 2
How should we grieve? Is there an expiration date, or one right way to feel our sorrow? Is “getting over it” the healthy option? How should we treat a grieving family member? Are there spiritual benefits to grieving? In this episode of Quran Conversations, Imam Muhammad Majid and I explore how Yaqub (s) models grieving and parenting children who have committed a grievous act of transgression.
When Trust is Lost (12:80-84) | Season 2, Episode 1
Have you ever had to earn back trust after losing it? How did you do this? Have you ever restored trust in someone after it was lost? What are the building blocks of rebuilding trust after betrayal in a relationship? In the first episode of season 2, Imam Magid and I discuss Yusuf’s (s) brothers’ stark difference in tone and content when they are hoping to regain credibility with their father comp
Protecting the Vulnerable (12:70-79) | Season 1, Episode 20
Is it ever OK to deceive? What would it feel like to get someone who wronged us to acknowledge their harm? What is the first priority when supporting a victim of abuse? In this episode (20) of Quran Conversations, Imam Muhammad Majid and I delve further into the story of Prophet Yusuf, focusing on the themes of deception, justice, and forgiveness. We explore Yusuf's strategic actions to keep his b
Reliance on God and Doing the work (67-69) | Season 1, Episode 19
How do we balance relying on God and taking the means? How do we work for the best outcome while not worrying? And what is the responsibility to maintain relations with a family member who has abused us? In this episode (19) we tackle some of the most perplexing questions we face in our families as parents, siblings and children. (12:67-69)You will learn:📖How to take the means and rely on God📖When
Building Trust after Betrayal (Aya 62-66) | Season 1, Episode 18
How do we respond when our loved ones must leave our side? Do we let them go and trust in Allah, or attempt to control them in an effort to feel secure? In this episode (episode 18) we discuss the impossible task of striking the balance between keeping our children safe by restricting them and trusting Allah and letting them grow even if it means they leave our side. (12:62-66)You will learn:📖
Triumph after Tragedy (Verses 56-61) | Season 1, Episode 17
It is one thing to be God-conscious in times of hardship, but what do you do when life takes a turn for the better? What happens when tragedy and trauma is transformed into triumph? Is it a chance for cruelty or clemency? In this episode (episode 17), we discuss a major inflection point in the story of Yusuf (as) when he is put in authority in the land, in charge of the foodstores in a time of dr
The Anatomy of Confidence (Verse 55) | Season 1, Episode 16
I am sometimes asked how I have so much confidence? The truth is right before I go out to speak in front of hundreds of people I am often terrified. But over the years I have found ways to get myself to do things which are hard for me. This episode (16) I discuss with Imam Magid whatSurat Yusuf teaches us about building confidence. How did Yusuf, a former enslaved person and prisoner, find the
The Best Career Advice (verse 53-55) | Season 1, Episode 15
Popular culture sometimes romanticizes obsessions with love interests or even celebrities. But as anyone who has either been the target of such an obsession or had an obsession with someone else knows, it feels like a prison. This week (episode 15) we continue to discuss the liberating power of repentance and how the truth is the fastest path back to yourself and your loving Lord. Also, stay to
Confessions and Compassion (verse 50-52) | Season 1, Episode 14
This episode (14) was especially fun to record, ending in a spirited debate regarding a often discussed verse in this exquisite surah. We delve into the transformative power of experiencing moral awe, and the theme of redemption woven throughout the story.You will learn:How to hold to your principles, regardless of the power dynamics of a situation. The power of redemption.Why witnessing the best
Interpreting the Dream that Saved a Nation (Verse 43-49) | Season 1, Episode 13
What do our dreams mean? Who should hear about them? What should we do with good and bad dreams? These are just some of the questions we discuss in this week’s episode (episode 13) where we explore the verses of Surat Yusuf describing the king’s dream. Make sure to stay until the end when I share my absolute favorite aya of the entire surah and why it blew my mind.You will learn:How to know if a
Delays Make Dreams Come True (Surah Yusuf, verse 39-42) | Season 1, Episode 12
I remember a difficult time in my life when it felt like the opening to hardship would never come no matter what I did. Many of us have experienced delays. Delays in relief, delays in attaining the things we desire and work for. This episode discusses the delay in Yusuf (as) delay in being let out of prison and what it meant to the trajectory of his life. This episode will change the way you t
From the Palace to the Prison | Season 1, Episode 11
Have you ever gone through a hard time in your life and looking back you realize it was actually God protecting you, redirecting you to your destiny? In this episode we discuss Yusuf (AS) imprisonment, and the masterclass this surah provides in inviting people to Islam. (Versus 34-38)You will learn: How our apparent calamities can be protectionsHow to manage our frustration with the imperfect jus
What is Freedom? | Season 1, Episode 10
In society today, we are often told that being “free” means indulging our every impulse to its fullest. We hear messages like “obey your thirst”, “just do it” and “YOLO”. But is this indulgence of our drives actual freedom? In today’s episode we explore the themes of resistance, power and what it means to be truly free as we discuss how the minister’s wife responds to the womens’ reaction to Yus
What is Beauty? | Season 1, Episode 9
I think this episode will resonate with a lot of people who have struggled with unhealthy obsessions, negative body image or being judged on their looks. We discuss how both the wife of the minister and the women of the city viewed Yusuf (as) through the lens of superficial beauty and not the real beauty of his character. (Versus 28 to 31)You will learn:The real meaning of an often abused verse o
Seeking God’s Sanctuary from Sin | Season 1, Episode 8
In this episode we discuss how Yusuf (AS) responds to the advances of the minister’s wife, and how his innocence is verified by a member of his accuser’s own family. (Verses 24 to 27). You will learn:Why ‘willpower’ is a lie, and what it really takes to resist temptation.How we should think about ourselves when we successfully resist temptation.How should we look to others who have fallen into s
Seduction, Slander and Standing Your Ground | Season 1, Episode 7
In this episode we discuss Yusuf (AS) maturing from a child to a young man in the house of the Egyptian minister, and the minister’s wife attempting to seduce him. (Verses 22 to 23).You will learn:The true meaning of Muslim manhood.How to address abuse of authority by both men and women.How to stand your ground even when there is a power imbalance in the other party’s favor.The meaning of “Ihsan
Never let your detractors define your value | Season 1, Episode 6
In this episode we explore the themes of dehumanization, self-worth and God’s Dominion over all no matter the apparent reality. You will learn about:How to protect your sense of self-worth.The power of knowing that God is in control no matter your circumstances.Why mindless acts of exploitation can be worse than major deliberate acts of evil.The traps before the triumphs.
The True Meaning of Beautiful Patience | Season 1, Episode 5
In this episode we discuss the events of surat Yusuf after he is put in the well and his brothers come back to their father with a heinous lie. You will learn:The characteristics of playing victim to shield against accountability when in the wrong.The difference between the influence of Shaytan and that of our own nafs when we act outside our values.How dehumanizing others harms the oppressor.The
The Ultimate Betrayal | Season 1, Episode 4
In this conversation, we discuss what we can learn from the way Yaqoob (AS) chooses to express his objection to Yusuf’s brothers’ insistence on taking him to play and the terrifying events of the brothers' betrayal. You will learn:How to speak our hearts instead of just our minds.What really determines success?The dangers of a hardened heart.The emotional intelligence of Qur’anic comfortHow our da
Cults and Communities | Season 1, Episode 3
In this episode, we discuss the dangers of groupthink and the difference between a cult and a community.You will learn: The dangers of groupthink.What true unity should be based on.The power of a dissenting voice in the course of history.The significance of just being in the room. How difficult times and moments of vulnerability can lead to growth and elevation.
Dreams and Boundaries | Season 1, Episode 2
In this episode, we discuss sharing dreams and setting boundaries. In this episode you will learn: The importance of being a safe place for others to entrust their dreams.How setting boundaries with family members who are harmful or jealous is important for self-protection.How struggles are a part of life, even for the prophets and their families.The importance of not blaming parents for their chi
A Balm for the Broken Hearted | Season 1, Episode 1
In this first episode, we lay out why surat Yusuf is so special, the occasion for its revelation, and the broad themes of redemption and hope that it punctuates.In this episode you will learn: How reflecting on the Quran deeply is a healing balmHow to open ourselves to the comfort God sends us through His word How the Quran offers guidance for the individual and an ethical framework for the commun
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