EMBRACE Meat and Potatoes

The M&P crew share some reflections on the meaning of Eid ul Adha and how converts can make the most out of this blessed time of the year.

In this episode we discuss how to properly treat the guests in our homes. These lessons are based on the traditions of our beloved Prophet [pbuh]. #embrace #meatandpotatoes  Listen to M&P on the following platforms: Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2061542Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KlUkDu... Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0... Podcast Index: https://podcastindex.org/podcast/5724376Also available on iTunes and Castbox!

Muslims can actually have fun and enjoy life. The thing is that we want to control ourselves and participate in things HE says we can. In this episode we cover such matters.  #embrace #meatandpotatoes  Listen to M&P on the following platforms: Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2061542Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KlUkDu... Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0... Podcast Index: https://podcastindex.org/podcast/5724376Also available on iTunes and Castbox!

One of the best beneficial times to study, read, reflect and remember God is in the morning.  We discuss the benefit and share various activities you can do.

What are some common challenges converts may face after marriage, and what are some practical tips to keeping a marriage strong?

Reading the Quran in Arabic is important. Meanwhile, reading and pondering Allah's[God's] message in your native language is also critical.  #embrace #meatandpotatoes  Listen to M&P on the following platforms: Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2061542Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KlUkDu... Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0... Podcast Index: https://podcastindex.org/podcast/5724376Also available on iTunes and Castbox!

Many converts have a difficult time finding their place in their local masjid. What are some common experiences that have led to converts staying away? And what are some steps both we as converts and the larger community can take to better integrate converts? 

Becoming Muslim will not make your life perfect. There will still be times where we face difficulty and struggle whether its physically, emotionally, or financially. What mindset should we have to overcome such difficult times?

What does the Muslim father look like and what responsibilities does he have?? Shiekh joins the conversation and gives great advice that is based on the Quran and the life of our beloved prophet [PBUH]

Can we hang out with non-Muslim friends? If so, what activities are we allowed to participate in? Is there any difference between a Muslim friend and a non-Muslim friend?

Finding a marriage partner can be a very difficult task for many converts. The M&P crew, along with special guest Nahela Morales, discuss some common obstacles converts face in finding marriage and what both converts and the Muslim community can do to address such obstacles. 

The M&P crew have a discussion on how to learn and incorporate common Islamic phrases in our daily lives.

A discussion on the unique experience of losing non-Muslim family members, how to process such grief as believers, and whether we can participate in non-Muslim end-of-life practices.

One of the most difficult issues for many converts after embracing Islam is distinguishing between Muslim cultural practices and authentic Islamic practices from the Qur'an and Sunnah. The M&P crew start off season 3 with some advice on how to best navigate this paradigm. 

The M&P crew is joined by special dinner guest Imam Sa'eed Purcell to discuss how to best prepare and make the most out of the Ramadan experience. 

The M&P crew comes together to share some final reflections from their conversion stories and how they've changed from since they first accepted Islam. 

One of the most confusing aspects of Islam that converts go through is identifying authentic Islam through the various sects in the Muslim world claiming to be on the right path. How do we navigate through all these different Muslim groups, and how do we ensure we are best suited to stay on the straight path? 

The M&P crew share some stories regarding their first experiences with fasting as new Muslims. 

In this episode, the M&P crew discusses their first Umrah experiences, challenges along the way, and how the experience shaped them for the better. 

Many converts feel isolated from their family, friends, and community after accepting Islam. How do we deal with such isolation, and how can we support converts who struggle with such feelings?

 Rashid Thomas shares his story of his discovery of Islam and eventual acceptance, along with reflections. 

Many feel so different from other Muslims because of the convert label. When do we stop being a convert? Do we ever drop the label? Or even should we?

Daniel Rebholz shares his story of his spiritual journey which led to his discovery of Islam,  eventual acceptance, along with reflections. 

How do we raise  Muslim children in a predominantly non-Muslim country, or how do we, as converts to Islam, introduce the religion to our already established family?

What is a madth-hab? How did they come about? Should I follow a madth-hab and, if so, how do I go about picking one? The crew discusses with guest speaker Shiekh Gyasi McKinzie to clarify some of these confusions. 

With special guest Imam Wesley Lebron, the crew discusses challenges and struggles related to haram habits many converts developed before accepting Islam as our way of life and how to overcome them, including: sexual promiscuity, alcohol, addiction, and the like. 

How do we balance religiosity while living with non-Muslim family members? What are some of the challenges that come with living a Muslim lifestyle with non-Muslim family members?

The holiday season can be a very sensitive times for converts to Islam. Now that I've accepted Islam, can I celebrate holidays like Christmas with my non-Muslim family? 

 Abdur-Rasheed shares his story about his discovery and  acceptance of Islam, along with the challenges that came with it. 

It's very common for Muslims to wear the thobe, a traditional Arab garb, at our masajid. Many converts are also encouraged to do the same to help establish a Muslim identity. But is the thobe really connected to the Muslim identity? Why should or shouldn't converts wear thobes? 

In a work culture where many un-Islamic practices are promoted, how can one maintain their Muslim identity while still working up the career ladder?

"When do I feel like I'm truly a part of the Ummah or have enough knowledge to be a 'true Muslim'"? A common question many American Muslim converts ask. Brothers Abdur-Rasheed, Rashid, and Kenneth discuss their thoughts concerning this hot question. 

 Br. Daniel interviews Br. Kenneth on his story of his discovery of Islam and eventual acceptance, along with some reflections. 

Brothers Daniel, Rashid, and Kenneth have a discussion on some of the most challenging aspect of learning the Salah (prayer) as an American Muslim convert, along with some tips for overcoming those challenges.For those needing help learning the prayer, check out our Embrace Sacramento chapter's "How to Pray" playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLJzUkXAun4&list=PL4V4Q4_g7GMOAHxFylPwrT2ClNLG55HV1

Welcome back to the dinner table for Season 2 of our Embrace Meat & Potatoes podcast! Season 2 will be focused on the New Muslim experience!Many converts are pushed by others to change their name when they accept Islam. Is there an Islamic basis for this idea, and when should or shouldn't  you change your name?

In the season 1 finale of Meat & Potatoes, the M&P crew share some of their first Ramadan experiences when they converted to Islam: the highs, lows, and all the laughs and tears in between!

In episode 10 of M&P, the crew discusses how the companions of the Prophet (PBUH) would prepare for Ramadan and  some of their own tips and tricks on how to best prepare for the blessed month and get the most out of it!   

In episode 9 of M&P, brothers Kenneth Misurella and Daniel Rebholz have a discussion with Shiekh Gyasi McKinzie about racism, disregarding others based on social status, and what is considered truly valuable to our Lord and Creator. This episode's hadith:Abu Huraira reported: A black woman, or a young man, used to maintain the mosque and one day the Messenger of Allah, (S), missed her and asked about her. They said, “She has died.” The Prophet said, “You would not announce it to me?” It was as if they considered her insignificant. The Prophet said, “Show me to her grave.” They led him to it and he prayed over her, then the Prophet said, “Verily, these graves are filled with darkness over their inhabitants. Allah Almighty illuminates them by my prayers over them.” Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 956Download this episode on the following platforms:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/6EnuzuRVksr3mjWbmdhL77Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/embrace-meat-and-potatoes/id1598832651Anchor:https://anchor.fm/embrace3-Also available on Google Podcast and Chatbox!

Look After the Widows and the Poor

Welcome to another delicious episode of Meat & Potatoes! In this episode, the M&P crew discuss developing Islamic habits, keeping one's spouse satisfied, and not trivializing the small stuff! This episode's hadith:   "In acts of intimacy from each of you, there is a sadaqah (charity with the expectation of reward from Allah)." The Companions replied: "O Messenger of God! When one of us fulfills his sexual desire, will he be given a reward for that?" And he said, "Do you not think that were he to act upon it unlawfully, he would be sinning? Likewise, if he acts upon it lawfully, he will be rewarded"  -Muslim  

Welcome back for another delicious episode of Meat & Potatoes! In this episode, the M&P crew discuss having the proper intention when doing good deeds, thinking long-term, and the true meaning of living today like its your last! This episode's hadith: Anas ibn Malik reported The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “If the Resurrection were established upon one of you while he has in his hand a sapling, then let him plant it.” (Musnad Aḥmad 12491)  

Welcome back to the Dinner Table! In this episode of M&P, Abdur-Rasheed and Daniel are joined by special dinner guest Imam Wesley Lebron on activism and using emotional intelligence when addressing wrongs seen in the community. This episode's hadith:  On the authority of Abu Sa`eed al-Khudree (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say, “Whosoever of you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then [let him change it] with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart — and that is the weakest of faith.” [Muslim]  

The M&P crew have their first "dinner guest", Ustadth Isa ibn Matta, join them for a discussion on claiming disbelief in others, judging other Muslims, and the difference between judgement and advice.  This episode's hadith:Usamah ibn Zayd reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, sent us on an expedition. In the morning we attacked Al-Huraqat of Juhaynah. I caught hold of a man and he said, “There is no god but Allah!” but I stabbed him. Then it occurred to me that I should mention that to the Prophet. The Prophet said, “Did he say ‘there is no god but Allah' and you killed him?” I said, “O Messenger of Allah, he only said it fearing the weapon.” The Prophet said, “Did you tear open his heart to know if he meant it or not?” The Prophet continued to repeat this to me until I had wished I had not embraced Islam until that day

The M&P crew have their first "dinner guest", Ustadth Isa ibn Matta, join them for a discussion on claiming disbelief in others, judging other Muslims, and the difference between judgement and advice.  This episode's hadith:Usamah ibn Zayd reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, sent us on an expedition. In the morning we attacked Al-Huraqat of Juhaynah. I caught hold of a man and he said, “There is no god but Allah!” but I stabbed him. Then it occurred to me that I should mention that to the Prophet. The Prophet said, “Did he say ‘there is no god but Allah' and you killed him?” I said, “O Messenger of Allah, he only said it fearing the weapon.” The Prophet said, “Did you tear open his heart to know if he meant it or not?” The Prophet continued to repeat this to me until I had wished I had not embraced Islam until that day

Abu Hurayrah (RA) said that the Prophet (PBUH) said: The Muslim has five rights over his fellow-Muslim: he should return his salaams, visit him when he is sick, attend his funeral, accept his invitation, and pray for mercy for him [say Yarhamuk Allaah] when he sneezes. (al-Bukhaari, Muslim)

It's Supper Time! Welcome to Embrace Meat & Potatoes, a spiritually inclined, fluid, and open ended discussion-based podcast where we dive into the "meat and potatoes" of matters facing the average Muslim, pulling out major contemporary lessons from an authentic hadith, or narration of the Prophet Muhammad Peace and Blessings be upon him! Meet your dinner hosts: brothers Abdur-Rasheed Jasur, Rashid Thomas, Daniel Rebholz, and Kenneth Misurella! In our first episode, the M&P crew discuss the true meaning of love between Muslim brothers and sisters, the Golden Rule, and the impact of jealousy on the heart. This episode's hadith: "On the authority of Abu Hamzah Anas bin Malik (RA) — the servant of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: None of you [truly] believes until he loves for his brother that which he loves for himself." - [Al-Bukhari] [Muslim] Hadith 13, 40 Hadith an-Nawawi  A new episode is available every Tuesday at 12 am PT/ 2 am CT/ 3 am ET