Baraka Boys Podcast

Over the centuries Muslim artists have been some of the most renowned producers of art and culture throughout the world. From the architecture of Central Asia and West Africa, to Persian poets and the emergence of Qawali in the Indian subcontinent. Considering this rich cultural history, do Muslim artists in the West get away with producing low quality art? Art that is applauded by Muslim communities, but would not hold up to scrutiny in the mainstream, and doesn't meet the high artistic standards of our past. Does the term "Islamic art" even make sense, and what qualifies a piece of art as being "Islamic"?This season we're taking the podcast to a whole new level. You can watch this episode over on the brand new Baraka Boys YouTube channel. The podcast is also now available as an audio podcast on Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.For more news and updates, you can find us on:Instagram: @barakaboysTwitter: @thebarakaboysApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baraka-boys-podcast/id1483617450 Podbean: https://barakaboys.podbean.com/

The relationship between guys and girls is always one of the hottest topics on the Muslim scene, with every scholar, speaker, and influencer coming out with their own hot take. But how often do we get to honestly discuss what guys look for in girls? In this episode we discuss what matters most when looking for a partner and how we each prioritise different qualities.This season we're taking the podcast to a whole new level. You can watch this episode over on the brand new Baraka Boys YouTube channel. The podcast is also now available as an audio podcast on Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. For more news and updates, you can find us on:Instagram: @barakaboysTwitter: @thebarakaboysApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baraka-boys-podcast/id1483617450 Podbean: https://barakaboys.podbean.com/

Can jinns (demons) really possess and control human beings?! Will your friend crash his car if you don't say masha'Allah, and what on Earth is "black magic"? We take a look at these questions in this weeks episode, and talk about how perpetuating certain myths has led to mass exploitation, and the neglect of serious medical and mental health issues.This season we're taking the podcast to a whole new level. You can watch this episode over on the brand new Baraka Boys YouTube channel. The podcast is also now available as an audio podcast on Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.For more news and updates, you can find us on: Instagram: @barakaboysTwitter: @thebarakaboys

Sectarianism is something most of us will experience at some point in our Islamic journey. With everyone appealing to the authority and legitimacy of their group above all, it can become confusing for young Muslims to decide which group to join, or if they should even join a group at all. We break down some of our personal experiences with different Islamic groups, and try to offer a way out of the false dichotomy presented to many Muslims.This season we're taking the podcast to a whole new level. You can watch this episode over on the brand new Baraka Boys YouTube channel. The podcast is also now available as an audio podcast on Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.For more news and updates, you can find us on:Instagram: @barakaboysTwitter: @thebarakaboys

Pornography is one of the most powerful phenomena impacting the lives of people around the world today, but it is the one least spoken about in public. This dichotomy is put into sharp focus for young Muslims, whose cultural backgrounds often frame anything related to sex as something extremely taboo and shameful to speak about. Paired with a culture of gender segregation and sexual repression, it's no surprise that porn viewership in Muslim societies ranks amongst the highest in the world. In this episode we discuss the struggles that Muslims face with pornography, why viewership is so high, and the aspects of sexual education that are lacking in our society, which can sometimes lead young people to turn to pornography for answers.DISCLAIMER: This episode contains a discussion around the topics of sex and pornography. These are hugely important topics which must be discussed, however we understand some parents and children may be watching who aren't quite ready to have that chat.This season we're taking the podcast to a whole new level. You can watch this episode over on the brand new Baraka Boys YouTube channel. The podcast is also now available as an audio podcast on Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. For more news and updates, you can find us on:Instagram: @barakaboysTwitter: @thebarakaboys

The podcast takes a more relaxed turn this week, as we reminisce on their journeys to and through faith, and how we all met. Raucously funny at times, and at times going deep on issues of personal faith and trust in God. Come for the laughs, but stay for the stories about why you must always trust God, and keep great friends who will grow with you. A personal favourite episode of ours.This season we're taking the podcast to a whole new level. You can watch this episode over on the brand new Baraka Boys YouTube channel. The podcast is also now available as an audio podcast on Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.For more news and updates, you can find us on:Instagram: @barakaboysTwitter: @thebarakaboys

DISCLAIMER: This episode contains a discussion around the topics of sex and pornography. These are hugely important topics which must be discussed, however we understand some parents and children may be listening who aren't quite ready to have that chat. The conversation on these topics begins after the one hour mark. Gender segregation is one of those things that just seems to be a given for Muslim events, but is it really necessary? Is it something that our religion expects from us, and what does the term "free mixing" mean (does it even exist in the Islamic tradition)? We unpack this and more, as we explore how these attitudes towards relationships between men and women adversely affect our social skills, make finding a spouse tricky, and have so many knock on effects on how we function as a community of men and women. We also explore the shame and taboo surrounding sex and intimacy, and how the Prophetic example can guide us through these topics.  This season we're taking the podcast to a whole new level. You can watch this episode over on the brand new Baraka Boys YouTube channel. The podcast is also now available as an audio podcast on Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.  For more news and updates, you can find us on:Instagram: @barakaboysTwitter: @thebarakaboys

Season Two Baby!! We are back for season two of the podcast, and this episode we're going for the jugular. We discussed cancel culture and the attitude towards exposing people's mistakes and sins, particular people in positions of fame/power. Why do certain people in the community feel they have the God given right to expose people, and who made them the gatekeepers of paradise? We dive deep into why this happens and what we might be able to do about it. This season we're taking the podcast to a whole new level. You can watch this episode over on Khaled Siddiq's YouTube channel, and from Episode 2 onwards we will be on our very own YouTube channel (Baraka Boys) so be sure to subscribe. The podcast is also now available as an audio podcast on Spotify, and coming soon to Apple Podcasts.  For more news and updates, you can find us onInstagram: @barakaboysTwitter: @thebarakaboys

In our most watched episode to date, we discussed the issue of race in Islam after witnessing a problematic event with racist undertones on the streets of Birmingham. We talk about the disdain many Muslims have towards black Muslims, and how some preachers and scholars, today and in the past, have gotten away with making racist remarks. 

The stigma surrounding mental health has caused havoc in so many communities, and the Muslim community is not exempt from this. Often we find issues of mental health being linked with one's conviction in their religion. The more "religious" you are, the less you will be affected by mental health problems. We discuss the extent of this problem, how it manifests in society, and the adverse impact it has on people's lives. 

How true is the statement "Only God can judge me"? In an age where our every action can be scrutinised by the wider community, we often find ourselves being judged and condemned by people who don't know anything about us. Is it ever ok to judge someone actions, and if so what should we be taking into account before making that call. 

In this episode, we discuss some of the challenges facing young men. Some of the misconceptions and social pressures they have to deal with, as well as some of the unhealthy traits which we as men may have adopted along the way. 

Peace & blessings, welcome to the first episode of the Baraka Boys Podcast. In our pilot episode we ask the question "Is Religion Dead?", and explore the conflicts and challenges experienced by young Muslims in the 21st century.