Happy Strong Family Podcast

Dr. Rashid discusses managing your stress with mental health expert and coach Sister Fouzia Murtaza. 

Dr. Zaihan Rashid discusses the importance of healthy food choices during Ramadan.

Dr. Zaihan Rashid and Brother Shahzad Mustafa discuss how to maximize your Ramadan. 

Dr. Zaihan Rashid and Brother Shahzad Mustafa discuss how best to prepare for Ramadan. 

PART 4 of 4 (Final Episode): Our hero in this four part story, Prophet Ibrahim (AS), an intelligent young man questioned why people around him were worshipping stone idols. He came up with a plan to destroy the idols, and as a result of this the king ordered him to be thrown into a blazing large fire. Miraculously, Allah saved Prophet Ibrahim (AS) from the fire. Throughout the rest of his life Prophet Ibrahim (AS) faced many more hardships, but maintained trust in Allah.  Allah elevated his status so high that many of the aspects of our Muslim faith are because of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) such as - Zam Zam water, the Hajj pilgrimage, and sacrifice on Eid-ul-Adha. Join Dr. Zaihan Rashid as he tells us the Story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS),  the “Friend of Allah” as he was known.

PART 3 of 4: Our hero in this four part story, Prophet Ibrahim (AS), an intelligent young man questioned why people around him were worshipping stone idols. He came up with a plan to destroy the idols, and as a result of this the king ordered him to be thrown into a blazing large fire. Miraculously, Allah saved Prophet Ibrahim (AS) from the fire. Throughout the rest of his life Prophet Ibrahim (AS) faced many more hardships, but maintained trust in Allah.  Allah elevated his status so high that many of the aspects of our Muslim faith are because of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) such as - Zam Zam water, the Hajj pilgrimage, and sacrifice on eid-ul-Adha. Join Dr. Zaihan Rashid as he tells us the Story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS),  the “Friend of Allah” as he was known.

PART 2 of 4: Our hero in this four part story, Prophet Ibrahim (AS), an intelligent young man questioned why people around him were worshipping stone idols. He came up with a plan to destroy the idols, and as a result of this the king ordered him to be thrown into a blazing large fire. Miraculously, Allah saved Prophet Ibrahim (AS) from the fire. Throughout the rest of his life Prophet Ibrahim (AS) faced many more hardships, but maintained trust in Allah.  Allah elevated his status so high that many of the aspects of our Muslim faith are because of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) such as - Zam Zam water, the Hajj pilgrimage, and sacrifice on eid-ul-Adha. Join Dr. Zaihan Rashid as he tells us the Story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS),  the “Friend of Allah” as he was known.

PART 1 of 4: Our hero in this four part story, Prophet Ibrahim (AS), an intelligent young man questioned why people around him were worshipping stone idols. He came up with a plan to destroy the idols, and as a result of this the king ordered him to be thrown into a blazing large fire. Miraculously, Allah saved Prophet Ibrahim (AS) from the fire. Throughout the rest of his life Prophet Ibrahim (AS) faced many more hardships, but maintained trust in Allah.  Allah elevated his status so high that many of the aspects of our Muslim faith are because of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) such as - Zam Zam water, the Hajj pilgrimage, and sacrifice on eid-ul-Adha. Join Dr. Zaihan Rashid as he tells us the Story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS),  the “Friend of Allah” as he was known.

Happy Strong Family presents a very important webinar: How to Prevent or Reverse Heart Disease. Dr. Zaihan Rashid provides crucial information on how we can take care of our physical heart. InshaAllah in this webinar we will learn practical knowledge that will directly contribute to us living healthier and happier lives.

PART 4 of 4 (Final Episode): Our hero in this four part story, Yusuf, a beautiful boy was thrown into a well by his brothers in an attempted murder only to be found and sold as a slave. He grew up as a servant and then was accused of a horrific act and unjustly thrown into jail for a crime he did not commit. Despite all of this he went on to become a leader with very high status amongst his people. How did Prophet Yusuf achieve this and what lessons can we learn from his life?  Join Dr. Zaihan Rashid as he tells us the Story of Prophet Yusuf (AS), the "best of stories" as it is described in the Quran.

PART 3 of 4: Our hero in this four part story, Yusuf, a beautiful boy was thrown into a well by his brothers in an attempted murder only to be found and sold as a slave. He grew up as a servant and then was accused of a horrific act and unjustly thrown into jail for a crime he did not commit. Despite all of this he went on to become a leader with very high status amongst his people. How did Prophet Yusuf achieve this and what lessons can we learn from his life?  Join Dr. Zaihan Rashid as he tells us the Story of Prophet Yusuf (AS), the "best of stories" as it is described in the Quran.

PART 2 of 4: Our hero in this four part story, Yusuf, a beautiful boy was thrown into a well by his brothers in an attempted murder only to be found and sold as a slave. He grew up as a servant and then was accused of a horrific act and unjustly thrown into jail for a crime he did not commit. Despite all of this he went on to become a leader with very high status amongst his people. How did Prophet Yusuf achieve this and what lessons can we learn from his life?  Join Dr. Zaihan Rashid as he tells us the Story of Prophet Yusuf (AS), the "best of stories" as it is described in the Quran.

PART 1 of 4: Our hero in this four part story, Yusuf, a beautiful boy was thrown into a well by his brothers in an attempted murder only to be found and sold as a slave. He grew up as a servant and then was accused of a horrific act and unjustly thrown into jail for a crime he did not commit. Despite all of this he went on to become a leader with very high status amongst his people. How did Prophet Yusuf achieve this and what lessons can we learn from his life?  Join Dr. Zaihan Rashid as he tells us the Story of Prophet Yusuf (AS), the "best of stories" as it is described in the Quran. 

In this video Br. Shahzad Mustafa hosts a very timely conversation discussing the ongoing COVID pandemic. Sister Fozia Murtaza, a health and wellness professional who highlights ways to help our mental health during this pandemic. Being in lockdown and having this virus completely change the way we used to live our lives has impacted our mental wellbeing, so Sr. Fozia discusses some of the common symptoms and suggest tactics we can implement so we do not feel overwhelmed by what is going on around us.

Br. Shahzad Mustafa hosts a very timely conversation discussing the ongoing COVID pandemic. The first guest is, Dr. Zaihan Rashid, a medical doctor who breaks down the facts from the misconceptions regarding the recently introduced COVID vaccines. Is it Halal? What are the ingredients? Will it change our DNA? Is it dangerous? Can I go back to normal life after getting vaccinated? Dr. Rashid will answer all of these amongst other common concerns the community is having. 

With Dr. Zaihan Rashid and Br. Shahzad Mustafa - In this episode we continue the discussion from episode 16 on communicating effectively with your children. Often times as parents the disagreements with our children are reactive as we delay conversations we are not comfortable with. However if we can proactively anticipate some of these conversations and have them earlier most likely the communication will be more productive and effective with less risk of escalating. Also discussed is the importance of jointly discussing and establishing a set of values, principals and rules with children - as if this is communicated and understood by all ahead of time it will greatly help reduce the amount of stressful reactive conversations.  These discussions should be the opportunity for both children and parents to listen to each other with an open mind and help establish the "why" of their point of view.   

With Dr. Zaihan Rashid and Br. Shahzad Mustafa - In this episode we discuss how to communicate effectively with children.  In order for children to be comfortable sharing their life with parents, it is important that the foundation is set from the beginning so children from a young age realize that parents are willing to listen without judgement. One of the suggestions discussed to help set that foundation for open communication is to schedule "dates" with children and give them regular uninterrupted time in a casual setting. 

With Sr. Aneesa Mustafa and Br. Shahzad Mustafa - Once in a while the Happy Strong Family podcast highlights the accomplishments of a young Muslim. In this episode we'll be talking to Aneesa Mustafa, a 25 year old American Sign Language interpreter. Aneesa talks about why she chose to specialize in ASL through which she is able to help deaf Canadians access important services. Becoming a certified ASL interpreter was a very challenging journey and Aneesa reflects on how she coped and succeeded in completing her studies. Finally, Aneesa reflects on the realities of being a Canadian Muslimah.

With Br. Mushtaq Baig and Br. Arif Khan - In this episode Br. Arif and Br. Mushtaq discuss their experiences of growing-up in Toronto during the 1980s as first-generation Canadians. Growing up in Canada during that time it was a bigger challenge to navigate issues of race, religion, and culture while trying to build a Canadian Muslim identity.  Br. Mushtaq and Br. Arif reflect upon the ups-and-downs of life in Canada back then, but more importantly they share the lessons they have learned that can be applied to raising young Canadian Muslims in the multicultural society that Canada has become today in the 2020s.

With Sr. Pearl, Dr. Zaihan Rashid and Br. Kashif Ali - One of the more beautiful aspects of Islam is the constant flow of new Muslims accepting Islam.  We get very excited to see new Muslims revert back to Islam, however we lack understanding of the challenges new Muslims face and how we can help them adjust to their new life. In this episode Sister Pearl shares her journey, experiences and challenges as a new Muslim so it can benefit others in the same situation. Also discussed is how the rest of the Muslim community can welcome our revert brothers and sisters, and how necessary it is for us to do more, often times small simple things as just offering salaam and a smile, to help support them through some of the challenges.

With Dr. Zaihan Rashid and Br. Shahid Chaudhry - Even the most formally educated and professionally qualified new immigrants will face challenges adjusting to life in a new country/society. To achieve success it will help if new immigrants have a plan, education on how to access resources, and the desire to invest in developing soft-skills.  In this episode immigration consultant and community activist, Br. Shahid Chaudhry, shares his valuable personal and professional experience on how new immigrants can set themselves up to achieve their dreams in Canada. Also discussed are advices for new immigrants on important topics such as parenting, community and civic engagement, and developing relationships with neighbors. Although the focus of the conversation is to help new immigrants, the wisdoms of this episode will be useful and can be applied by all.     News profile on Br. Shahid: https://chronicle.durhamcollege.ca/2018/01/helping-immigrants-feel-love-canada/

With Br. Tanvir Ahmed and Br. Shahzad Mustafa - Every once in awhile we will interview young Muslims with interesting talents, contributions or perspectives. In this episode we welcome 21 year old university student Tanvir Ahmed, an aspiring medical student who has dedicated his volunteer time as a coordinator of Takbeer Food Bank in Toronto.  Tanvir describes the importance of food banks in our society and the challenges that come with running one. Tanvir also opens up on what motivated him to get involved. A must listen to for all young Muslims who want to make a positive difference in this world. 

With Dr. Zaihan Rashid, Sr. Madihah Khan and Sr. Mehreen Khan - Health and Fitness graduates Sr. Madihah and Sr. Mehreen provide their expertise into a very important discussion on the importance of proper food as part of our routine to ensure a healthy lifestyle.  Proper nutrition is unfortunately ignored by many Muslims, and we do not realize the impact that food can have on mood. We have been blessed with knowledge from the sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH), and by learning and applying that knowledge into our lifestyle choices will have a tremendously positive impact on our health and overall quality of life.  

With Dr. Zaihan Rashid and Br. Shahzad Mustafa - In this episode we discuss the importance of developing parental role modeling skills. The values, outlook on life and behavioural patterns children grow up with - both positive and negative - are highly influenced by the example set by parents. Role modeling is a conscious decision by parents to model healthy relationships, communication and emotions to their children. Regardless of where you are in your parenting journey, it is very worthwhile to evaluate how effective you are as a parental role model.

With Dr. Zaihan Rashid and Br. Kashif Ali - With school about to start soon, this special Back to School edition episode provides valuable advice for students that are heading back to the classroom.  With a global pandemic having taken over the forefront of everyone's mind, Dr. Rashid provides guidance on how to best handle those additional COVID-19 related anxiety and fears on-top of the regular pressures and worries that come with the start of school.  Also discussed are the best ways to excel and succeed at school by making sure you keep good company, focus on time management, and the importance of a good night's sleep.  Lastly, a very important conversation takes place on the importance of defining and maintaining your own identity.  

With Dr. Zaihan Rashid and Br. Uzair Zafar - Over the past decade it has increasingly become the norm that the preferred method of communication and consuming information is social media on our device screens. In this very relevant discussion, the impacts of social media consumption and the effects it has on our mental, physical, and spiritual health are discussed.  It can be very easy to lose track of time spent on social media and start substituting it over in-person interactions. This episode provides tips and insights on the importance of controlling the usage and ensuring it is being used in a manner that provides benefits instead of harm.

With Dr. Zaihan Rashid and Br. Shahzad Mustafa - In a follow-up podcast to Episode 005, Dr. Zaihan Rashid and Br. Shahzad Mustafa dive into some practical life skills that can help us to manage conflict and stress more effectively. One important skill to develop through practice is detachment. By detaching momentarily from chaos and stress we can gain perspective, calm ourselves and make better decisions. The episode will give examples of detachment and how we can integrate this practice into our daily lives. 

With Dr. Zaihan Rashid and Br. Shahzad Mustafa - Managing stress can be challenging even for the best of us. Life is busy and there can be plenty of expectations placed on us, whether that be from family, school, work and community. In this episode of the Happy Strong Family podcast, Dr. Zaihan Rashid and Br. Shahzad Mustafa have a conversation to unpack the nature of stress, the various categories of stress, approaches to dealing with stress, and Quranic perspectives on Man as one who is prone to anxiety and stress.

With Dr. Zaihan Rashid and Br. Shahzad Mustafa - Coming very shortly after the Blessed month of Ramadan, it may often be easy to overlook the importance of the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah - the days in which righteous deeds are most beloved to Allah.  In this episode Brother Shahzad welcomes back Dr. Rashid to have an inspiring conversation on the significance and importance of Dhul Hijjah. Practical advice is presented on how to make the most of the these days.  They also discuss lessons we could learn and apply from the life of Ibrahim (AS) and his family, and how we can connect to the Hajj Pilgrimage without physically being there. 

With Dr. Zaihan Rashid and Br. Arif Khan - "Gratefulness in times of ease, translates into patience in times of difficulty." Everyone at some point in their lives will face grief over the loss of someone or something. Going through the grieving process ourselves, or watching someone we love grieve is a very difficult situation to come to terms with and often times we are left feeling helpless.  In this week's episode we welcome back Dr. Zaihan Rashid as he conversates with Br. Arif Khan on how we can help ourselves and others navigate the grieving process. This episode will give practical advice on how to deal with grief, signs of prolonged grief and the impact to mental health, and how the Quran and Sunnah can help us better prepare for grief and other difficult circumstances. 

With Dr. Zaihan Rashid and Br. Shahzad Mustafa - “You and me have to be leaders, change the things we don't like”.  Most youth today are under an immense amount of stress, and if these challenges are not handled in an informed manner it could negatively impact their physical, mental, and spiritual development as they head into adulthood.   In this episode Br. Shahzad Mustafa welcomes community organizer Dr. Zaihan Rashid for an insightful discussion on the challenges and opportunities for our youth with practical advice on how to manage through those circumstances. Also to help close the communication gap between youth and parents the discussion also offers advice to parents/caregivers on how to best prepare their children for success.

With Dr. Zaihan Rashid and Br. Shahzad Mustafa - “Every difficulty is an opportunity to improve yourself.”  Welcome to the first episode of the Happy Strong Family (HSF) podcast!  Our goal is to discuss relevant topics with knowledgeable guests that help us build happier stronger homes and relationships.  In this first episode HSF founder, Dr. Zaihan Rashid, welcomes community organizer Br. Shahzad Mustafa for an important conversation on managing conflict within the home.  All of us would have experienced conflict within our family, and if not managed properly in many cases the conflict could unfortunately escalate to broken homes and relationships.  In this podcast we discuss the skills required to manage conflict, learn how to identify triggers, and obtain suggestions on how to control ourselves in emotional circumstances.