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This is The Briefing, a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview.On today's edition of The Briefing, Dr. Mohler discusses the argument that A.I. will replace imams, priests, and preachers, and he answers questions about women in singleness, the difference between a passion and a calling, and how a Christian should approach the ‘transitioning' of a family member.Part I (00:14 – 10:09)Imams, Priests, and Preachers — Will A.I. Replace Them? A.I. Can Never Replace the Preaching of the Gospel and the Word of GodAI is changing religion and religions are trying to change by The EconomistPart II (10:09 – 15:53)Why are You So Harsh Towards Christian Single Women About Not Being Married and Having Children? — Dr. Mohler Responds to Letters From Listeners of The BriefingPart III (15:53 – 21:08)How Do I Know the Difference Between a Passion and a Calling? — Dr. Mohler Responds to Letters From Listeners of The BriefingPart IV (21:08 – 26:34)I am a Christian, Husband, and Father. How Should I Approach the ‘Transitioning' of My Sister? — Dr. Mohler Responds to Letters From Listeners of The BriefingSign up to receive The Briefing in your inbox every weekday morning.Follow Dr. Mohler:X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTubeFor more information on The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, go to sbts.edu.For more information on Boyce College, just go to BoyceCollege.com.To write Dr. Mohler or submit a question for The Mailbox, go here.
«Kopftuchverbote diskriminieren Frauen und insbesondere Musliminnen doppelt», sagt Abduselam Halilovic, Vorstandsmitglied der Vereinigung der Islamischen Organisationen Zürich. Er setzt sich dafür ein, dass religiöse Symbole im öffentlichen Raum sichtbar bleiben. Mehrere Kantone wollen Kopftücher an den Schulen verbieten. Das sei nicht nur diskriminierend, sondern löse auch kein einziges Problem, sagt Abduselam Halilovic. Er ist Vorstandsmitglied der Vereinigung der Islamischen Organisationen in Zürich (VIOZ), die rund 80 Prozent der Moscheegemeinschaften im Kanton Zürich vertritt. Halilovic ist als Sohn eines bosnischen Imams in Schlieren aufgewachsen und studierte Islamwissenschaft, Geschichte, Politikwissenschaft und Religionsphilosophie an der Universität Zürich. Seit dem Frühling 2026 ist er ausserdem Präsident der Interreligiösen Arbeitsgemeinschaft in der Schweiz (Iras Cotis) und fördert den Austausch von allen Religionen in der Schweiz. Er ist zu Gast bei David Karasek.
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Cricket isn't short of big rivalries. We can now add another one to the list - Vicars versus Imams! We hear from players from both teams about the mini series which has been going on for almost a decade in Lancashire, England.Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta also reflect on Australia's comfortable win over Bangladesh as the Test series ended in a 1-1 draw. For the third time in the last seven matches, a Test in Australia finished inside two days, is this becoming an issue for the sport?Plus, the team react to Joe Root's comments after yet another off the field incident involving an England player. Eight contracted players have been involved in or present for late-night incidents in the past year.Photo: Lancashire Vicars v Imams Credit: Clive Lawrence
MUSLIMS ARE planning enclaves that could put self-contained religious communities near Dallas and Houston. Meanwhile, amplifiers broadcast the call to prayer in American cities like Minneapolis, Dearborn and Hamtramck, Michigan, and Paterson, New Jersey. Imams are growing increasingly bold in their statements that their goal is to turn America into a Muslim nation. What most Americans don't realize is that there is no separation of church and state in Islam. The church IS the state, for all intents and purposes. But more than that, this is a spiritual war that the god of Muhammad—who is not to be confused with the triune God of the Bible—intends to win. Here's the link to the article Derek mentioned, "A Call to Power: Islamic Leaders See Ballot Box as Path to Paradise," by Paul Sperry. That fact is also behind a statement issued by the foreign ministers of Turkey, the UAE, Indonesia, Qatar, Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. In a joint statement, the ministers objected to Israel's plan to build 3,400 new dwellings in an area east of Jerusalem called E1. They complain that this would separate Arab neighborhoods in East Jerusalem from the rest of the so-called West Bank, blocking the creation of a future Palestinian state with its capital at Jerusalem. From the Israeli standpoint, that is rather the point. After the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, Israel will not accept an independent Palestinian state on its borders. Further eroding the situation in the Middle East, Turkey has issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Turks are seeking an Interpol red notice for the arrest of Netanyahu as part of a criminal case against him for Israel's interception of an aid flotilla sailing for Gaza back in May. The charges include genocide, crimes against humanity and torture. Well, good luck with that. We also discussed a plan to build data centers around the ring of fire, the volcanically active area around the Pacific Ocean, using geothermal energy to power the centers. Tapping into volcanoes to generate electricity. What can possibly go wrong? Also: Social media is causing an epidemic of mental and spiritual illness, as evidenced by the crowd of women who gathered outside the courthouse in Plymouth, Massachusetts Thursday in support of Lindsay Clancy, who has admitted to killing her three children. Granted, postpartum depression is a real thing. But that doesn't mean Clancy shouldn't be held accountable for what she did. Derek's new book War of the Watchers Book One: From Baal to Balfour is now available at Amazon in paperback and as a Kindle e-book! It's also a part of a special offer at the SkyWatchTV store: Get War of the Watchers, Derek's previous book The Second Coming of Saturn, and a 13-part teaching DVD based on The Second Coming of Saturn for your donation of at least $45! Follow us! • X (formerly Twitter): @pidradio | @sharonkgilbert | @derekgilbert• Telegram: t.me/gilberthouse | t.me/sharonsroom | t.me/viewfromthebunker• Substack: gilberthouse.substack.com | SharonKGilbert.substack.com• YouTube: @GilbertHouse | @UnravelingRevelation• Facebook.com/pidradio Thank you for making our Build Barn Better project a reality! f you are so led, you can help out at www.GilbertHouse.org/donate. Get our free app! It connects you to this podcast, our weekly Bible studies, and our weekly video programs Unraveling Revelation and A View from the Bunker. The app is available for iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV. Links to the app stores are at pidradio.com/app. JOIN US IN ISRAEL (NOTE NEW DATES)! We will tour the Holy Land October 25–November 6, 2027 with an optional three-day extension to Jordan. For more information, log on to GilbertHouse.org/travel. Think better, feel better! Our partners at Simply Clean Foods offer freeze-dried, 100% GMO-free food and delicious, vacuum-packed fair trade coffee from Honduras. Find out more at GilbertHouse.org/store/.
Wafaat of Prophet Muhammad (SAWW)28th Safar 1448 AHWednesday August 12, 2026Here's the summary and titles.- The Prophet Muhammad (s) left two entities of high esteem (thaqalayn) for the guidance of Muslims: the Qur'an and the Ahlul Bayt.- The narrations establishing the thaqalayn have been authenticated in previous majalis on the Prophet's wafat.- The Sunni claim that the Prophet left "the Qur'an and his sunnah" does not appear in any of the six canonical Sunni hadith collections.- Whoever abandons the guidance of the Ahlul Bayt lives in error and confusion; two Qur'anic verses are examined to show how Muslims have implemented them.- The verse of wudhu (5:6) contains two commands: wash (the face and hands) and wipe (a part of the head and the feet).- Ibn Abbas describes wudhu as two washings and two wipings, meaning the feet are to be wiped, not washed.- Shias wipe the feet as commanded, while Sunnis wash them, and the Sunni position itself has shifted over time.- Fakhr al-Din Razi records four differing Sunni views on the feet: wiping obligatory, washing obligatory, combining both, and free choice between the two.- When questioned about Hajjaj's sermon endorsing washing, Anas ibn Malik affirmed Allah's word and declared Hajjaj wrong, then recited the wudhu verse.- Ayatullah Subhani argues the wudhu verse is addressed to all Muslims and applies five times daily, so its meaning must be plain to ordinary people; had another part needed washing, it would have been stated.- Major companions such as Ali, Ibn Abbas, Hasan, Husayn, Hudhayfah, and Anas would not have wiped if the Prophet had washed his feet.- Following the companions produces confusion and contradiction even in a simple matter like wudhu, whereas following the Ahlul Bayt yields unanimity among the Imams.- The verse of salawat (33:56) commands believers to send blessings on the Prophet, its weight underscored by Allah and the angels doing likewise; the Prophet taught that this salawat must include his family (Al-e Muhammad).- The Prophet forbade the "batra" (incomplete) salawat that stops at Muhammad alone, yet many Sunni scholars recite it incompletely or dilute it, while the truth survives even in Imam Shafi'i's poetry affirming that salat is invalid without salawat on the Ahlul Bayt.- Those who call themselves Ahlus Sunnah did not always honour the Prophet's sunnah, as seen in the rejection of his written will and the burning and suppression of his hadith after his passing.Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)
The head of the peak Islamic leaders' body has defended its response to an imam's speech that appeared to celebrate the 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel. The royal commission on antisemitism heard the imam was privately counselled following the speech but faced no disciplinary action. This is just my opinionIntro song is ‘Bring Me Down'Buy Me a CoffeeThe Slippery Slope SpotifyJ Fallon SpotifyThe Slippery Slope Apple PodcastsThe Slippery Slope YouTube
In this presentation, Ammaar Muslim turns to the biographical work Rijāl al-Kashshī as an underused source for studying the early ghulāt, focusing on the contested profile of the Kufan narrator Mufaḍḍal b. ʿUmar al-Juʿfī. Reading the competing reports as polemical literary creations rather than historical record, he shows what they reveal about early ghulāt attitudes toward antinomianism and the true status of the Imams.
In this presentation, Syed Ali Hur Kamoonpuri develops a Qur'ānically grounded definition of ghuluww (religious exaggeration), challenging reductionist readings that limit it only to claims of divinity or prophethood for the Imams. Engaging the views of scholars like Grand Ayatullah Sistani and Ayatullah al-Muhsini, he argues for a rigorous, evidence-based standard — one anchored in the Imams' own call to be like "mid-sized cushions," neither excessive nor deficient in belief.
In this presentation, Shaykh Arif Abdul Hussain examines how doctrines now central to mainstream Shi'i theology and piety — such as wilāya takwīniyya, the Imams' knowledge of the unseen, and tawassul — sit within a broader Qur'ānic definition of ghuluww. He traces this to an inconsistency in how verification standards are applied across different genres of Imāmī literature, and argues that applying the Imams' own criteria consistently exposes these ghulūw-adjacent idioms.
In this presentation, Mohsen Kadivar distinguishes rubūbī ghuluww (attributing lordship to the Imams) from tafwīḍī ghuluww (attributing supra-human but non-divine status), tracing how the latter — though initially contested by the Imams' own companions — gradually became mainstream Imami theology from the fourth century onward, sidelining its early opponents.
In this presentation, Hossein Barati and Sobhan Ranjbarzadeh trace how various ghulāt sects appropriated Jesus's ascension and extraordinary attributes to legitimize claims about ʿAlī, Ḥusayn, and the Hidden Imam. They show how Shi'i Imams and later Qom theologians responded directly to these Christological analogies in shaping mainstream doctrine.
In this episode of The Ansari Podcast, we are joined by Hassan Muzzad to explore one of the most significant and misunderstood chapters in Islamic history: the origins of the Sunni–Shia divide.Together, we examine the leadership of Abu Bakr and Ali, the role of the Companions, the tragedy of Karbala, and why the Battle of the Camel may have been the defining moment that transformed political disagreement into a lasting division. Exploring both Sunni and Shia perspectives with nuance and respect, this conversation asks an enduring question: Was the Sunni–Shia split inevitable, or did history take a path that changed the Muslim world forever?JOIN OUR WEBSITE MEMBERSHIP! @ https://ansaripodcast.comThe Debt Clinic: https://www.mydebtclinic.com/ansariProvision Capital: https://www.provisioncapital.com00:00 What Caused the Sunni Shia Split?05:54 Why Ali and not Abu Bakr?11:50 Ad13:23 Why Does the Position of Khalifah Matter?19:38 Who Are the Imams?27:11 Who Are the Real Sahaba and are Reliable Sources?39:06 Isn't Abu Bakr the Family of the Prophet PBUH?45:31 Ad46:22 What Happened at the Battle of the Camel?59:09 What Happened with Hussain and Yazid?01:08:14 Who Betrayed Hussain?01:11:15 When did the Actual Sunni Shia Split Happen?01:13:55 When Did Shia Hadith Begin?01:16:42 Who are The 12 Imams?01:24:28 Why Did Allah Allow Abu Bakr to Be the Khalifa?01:33:44 Can Shia Insult the Sahaba?01:36:14 Is the Ayatollah like the Pope?01:49:38 Sunni and Shia are a Part of the Same Civilization01:53:13 Final Thoughts#shia #sunni #iran #islamichistory #muslimunityListen on All Audio Platforms: https://tr.ee/JeX-ILYSyjFollow The Ansari PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/ansaripodcastTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@theansaripodcastTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/ansaripodcast
Friday Juma KhutbaFriday July 31st, 2026Arba'in is only days away, and the Ahlul Bayt (a) placed extraordinary emphasis on the ziyarah of Imam Husayn (a) throughout the year, especially on Arba'in.Imam Hasan al-Askari (a) described five defining signs of a true Shi'a, highlighting both worship and religious identity.The first sign, praying 51 rak'ahs daily, encourages believers to go beyond obligatory acts and embrace recommended worship.Even with modern lifestyles, believers should gradually build habits such as nawafil, shorter recommended prayers, and Salat al-Layl.Wearing a ring on the right hand reflects the Sunnah of the Prophet (s) and serves as a visible expression of Islamic identity.Historical evidence shows some Sunni jurists reversed the Prophet's practice after it became associated with the Shi'a, raising the question of who truly preserved the Sunnah.Reciting the Basmalah aloud is another sign of following the practice of the Prophet (s) and the teachings of the Ahlul Bayt (a).Imam Ali's (a) commitment to reciting the Basmalah aloud was even acknowledged by prominent Sunni scholars as a source of guidance.Two of the five signs are directly connected to Imam Husayn (a): prostrating on natural earth and performing the Arba'in ziyarah.Sajdah on earth reflects the practice of the Prophet (s), and the Imams later recommended using the turbah of Karbala because of its unique spiritual significance.Imam al-Sadiq (a) taught that prostrating on the turbah of Imam Husayn (a) carries immense spiritual merit.Imam Hasan al-Askari (a) emphasized Arba'in ziyarah as the community approached the Occultation, ensuring Imam Husayn (a) remained central to Shi'a identity.Despite attempts by rulers like Mutawakkil and later Saddam Hussein to erase Karbala and stop pilgrims, their efforts ultimately failed.The more tyrants tried to suppress the pilgrimage to Karbala, the stronger and larger it became.The millions who walk from Najaf to Karbala each year demonstrate that the message of Imam Husayn (a) continues to outlive every oppressor.Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)
This week I speak with Paul Smith, a former Stake President and dedicated volunteer prison chaplain for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the UK. I wanted to chat with him about his unique journey into prison ministry and the unexpected spiritual insights he has gained while ministering to incarcerated individuals. What began as a simple request to visit a youth acquaintance transformed into years of compassionate service, offering hope, scriptural teaching, and Christlike mercy to those serving time in Victorian-style prisons.We explore the profound spiritual realities of prison chaplaincy, the transformative power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and how seeing inmates through the eyes of the Saviour changes everything.Some highlights from this episode include:Worshipping Across the Globe: Reflections on Paul's recent world travel, the humbling experience of being a stranger in foreign congregations, and the unique camaraderie of holding improvised Sunday School classes at sea.An Unintentional Calling: Paul shares the surprising story of how a request to visit a friend led to a nine-month clearance process, only to discover he had accidentally applied to become an authorized prison chaplain and that over 20 inmates were listed as members of the Church.Life Inside the Walls: A look into the daily statutory duties of a prison chaplain, from checking on inmates in segregation units to welcoming newly arrived prisoners and navigating strict security and safety protocols.The "Hot Chocolate" Anomaly: A light-hearted yet insightful discussion on why many inmates claim membership in the Church, the unique culture of prison chaplaincy, and how simple perks open doors for genuine gospel conversations and Book of Mormon placements.Seeing Inmates as the Saviour Sees Them: Paul shares deeply moving personal experiences about looking past heinous crimes, recognizing the tragic circumstances of upbringing, and witnessing the infinite reach of God's mercy and redemption.Inter-Faith Fellowship: The inspiring dynamic between chaplains of diverse faiths, from Imams and rabbis to pagan and Rastafarian ministers, working together with pure motives to bring light to those in darkness.For further Information of serving in Prison Ministry as a member of the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints see the link:https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/prison-ministry/general-principles/1-1-introduction?lang=engFollow For All The Saints on social media for updates and inspiring content:www.instagram.com/forallthesaintspodhttps://www.facebook.com/forallthesaintspod/For All The Saints episodes are released every Monday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVDUQg_qZIU&list=UULFFf7vzrJ2LNWmp1Kl-c6K9Qhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3j64txm9qbGVVZOM48P4HS?si=bb31d048e05141f2https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/for-all-the-saints/id1703815271If you have feedback or any suggestions for topics or guests, connect with Ben & Sean via hello@forallthesaints.org or DM on InstagramConversations to Refresh Your Faith.
30th of Imam Hussain and Wafat of Bibi SakinaJuly 25th, 202610th Safar 1448Imam Husayn's mission was to reform the Ummah through al-amr bil ma'ruf and an-nahy 'anil munkar, not merely political opposition.Quran 9:71 places commanding good and forbidding evil before prayer and zakat when describing the characteristics of a believing community.Imam Ali (a) explained that when amr and nahy are upheld, all other religious obligations remain protected.The obligation of amr bil ma'ruf has conditions: knowledge, likelihood of effectiveness, and avoiding serious harm.The three levels are the heart, the tongue, and the hand, progressing according to circumstances and authority.Social activism in Islam must consider time, place, and the surrounding political and social environment rather than applying one method everywhere.Muslims living as minorities, such as in Canada, face different realities than Muslims living in majority-Shia countries.Passion for activism should be balanced with wisdom, experience, and preserving community unity.The lives of the Ahlul Bayt demonstrate that different circumstances require different strategies while pursuing the same divine objectives.Imam Hasan (a) and Imam Husayn (a) adopted different approaches because their circumstances differed, not because of differences in courage.Imam Husayn (a) himself remained patient during Mu'awiyah's rule before acting against Yazid when conditions changed.Zayd ibn Ali's uprising was supported by Imam al-Baqir (a) and Imam al-Sadiq (a), yet the Imams themselves pursued educational jihad according to their responsibilities.Revolutionary action is not the only form of jihad; teaching, scholarship, and preserving authentic Islam are equally vital forms of struggle.Imam Zaynul Abidin (a) taught that true jihad requires righteous believers possessing the qualities listed in Quran 9:112.The lecture concludes with the sacrifices of Imam Sajjad (a) and Sayyidah Sakina (a), reminding believers that preserving the message of Karbala also took the form of patience, remembrance, and education.Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)
In this presentation, Dr Riyaz Timol explores findings from Understanding British Imams, the largest academic study of mosque-based religious leadership in Britain, drawing on survey data from over 2,000 imams and 40 in-depth interviews. He focuses on how imams respond to mental health issues raised by congregants despite limited training, poor institutional support, and entrenched stigma, and calls for greater investment in their professional development.
Dive into one of the most mysterious and controversial concepts in Islamic theology: the Salawat. What does it truly mean when the Quran says that Allah and His angels “pray” upon the Prophet Muhammad? Is the common translation accurate, or is there a deeper hidden reality behind these words that has been overlooked for centuries? In this episode, we explore the spiritual meaning of the Salawat, the role of the Ahl al-Bayt, and ancient narrations connected to divine presence, recognition, and guidance. Through Quranic verses, narrations from the Imams, and powerful theological reflections, this discussion uncovers profound mysteries surrounding Wilaya, divine manifestation, Imam Ali, Imam al-Sadiq, and the hidden meanings within Islamic tradition. This episode is essential viewing for anyone interested in Islam, Shia Islam, Quranic interpretation, Islamic mysticism, esoteric knowledge, and the deeper realities behind faith and spiritual perception.
Join author Zimarina Sarwar to explore her latest book, The Four Imams, a profound examination of the lives and legacies of the four most revered Islamic scholars. It is known that Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik, Imam Shafi'i, and Imam Ahmad made contributions that have shaped Islamic jurisprudence and scholarship for centuries. Through her compelling narrative style, Sarwar will bring to life the personal journeys, intellectual achievements, and spiritual wisdom of these eminent figures, offering both historical context and real-world applications of their teachings.
Women in Islam (S1) The Messenger ﷺ said: “The man who has no wife is the most dependent”. The Companions رضي الله عنهم asked even if he's wealthy? The Messenger ﷺ said yes. He ﷺ then said the woman with no husband is the most dependent. The Companions رضي الله عنهم asked even if she's wealthy? He ﷺ said yes. Forced marriages are completely forbidden within Islam. The Messenger ﷺ said: “Do not marry your women off without their consent”. According to the majority of scholars (r.h), women doing the household chores is optional but highly rewarding. (The 4 Imams (r.h) are of this view). A minority of scholars (r.h) say it is obligatory. If they do the household chores it will be recorded as sadaqah for them. Righteous women will enter Paradise before their husbands. They will be beautified and readied and will be given to their husbands. What are the signs of righteous women? The Messenger ﷺ said the best women are those who flatter and flirt with their husbands and they are chaste before other men. They are skilful, they know how to please their husbands.
More about space clearing or to book a space clearing assessment: https://spaceclearingacademy.com.Exploring Bran Castle: Dracula Lore, Vlad the Impaler, and the Castle's Unsettling Energy.Lais Stephan, the host of the Happy Home space-clearing podcast and guest Jane travel from Budapest to Romania to visit Bran Castle, popularly linked to Dracula, to sense its energy and discuss the history behind Vlad the Impaler. They describe immediate dark, claustrophobic feelings upon entering, a sense of many spirits, and increasingly creepy rooms featuring projected hauntings (including the “white ladies”), a sarcophagus display, and an “impaled” exhibit tied to Vlad's torture method. Jane outlines Vlad's life, Ottoman hostage years, family murders, campaigns, imprisonment, and death, plus stories of a “forest” of thousands of impaled bodies and paintings of him dining among corpses, which they connect to Bram Stoker's inspiration. In meditation, the host perceives Vlad's angry presence, chooses not to clear the castle, and notes a more compassionate spirit associated with Princess Ileana..00:00 Impaler Dinner Legend00:34 Podcast Intro Setup01:27 Why Visit Bran Castle02:35 Meet Jane Past Hauntings05:22 Vampire Pop Culture Roots06:42 Bram Stoker Origins Theory07:51 Arrival in Brasov Journey08:51 First Steps Dark Energy10:47 Haunted Rooms White Ladies12:46 Impaled Room Explained14:24 Vlad the Impaler Timeline17:15 Aftermath Violence Legacy17:30 Vlad the Hero Debate18:11 Forest of the Impaled19:07 Dracula Origins and Legends20:09 Spirits in the Castle21:13 To Clear or Not22:54 Torture Chamber Dread23:33 Imams and Battlefield Healing25:30 Castle Review and Tips27:55 More Haunted Travel Plans28:38 Princess Ileana Presence29:47 Farewell and Next Trips.Connect with Lais:FB: https://www.facebook.com/Laisstephan1.IG: https://www.instagram.com/lais_thehousewhisperer/.What if one small corner of your home could help you release what isn't yours? I created a simple five-day practice for sensitive souls who absorb emotional energy easily..Space Clearing for Empaths includes five guided meditations to help you create an Empath Corner, strengthen your aura, and reset your nervous system. → Explore the book & meditations here.........#spaceclearing #ghosts #earthboundspirits #paranormal #dracula #vampires #brancastle #hauntedplaces
(0:00) Intro(0:02) Khutba(0:13) Iman bil Ghaib ki Zarurat(3:03) Roza aur Mufti Sahab(4:05) Aaj ka Daur vs Sahaba (RA)(4:45) Nabi ﷺ ke Mojezat(5:48) Ibn Masood (RA) Hadis – Mojezat(7:28) Wahi ka Nazool(8:51) Aayat nazil hone par Nabi ﷺ ki Kafiyat(12:31) Qur'an ka Paharr par Nazool(13:02) Sahaba ka Imaan – Ali (RA)(13:37) Usman (RA) ki Fazilat(13:52) Sahaba ki Taraweeh vs Aaj(14:37) 8 Rakaat ka Jawab(15:30) Ayesha (RA) Hadis ki Tashreeh(16:23) Shia aur Ghamdi view(17:02) Ehl-e-Hadis view(18:06) 4 Imams – 20 Rakaat(19:10) Reply to Ehl-e-Hadis(19:57) Taraweeh vs Tahajjud(21:14) Taraweeh Nafil nahi(21:33) 20 Rakaat ke Dalail(21:40) Naseehat(22:48) Pabandi ka Tariqa(23:24) Sahaba ki Taraweeh(23:39) Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal (RA)(23:54) Sunnat-e-Muakkadah(24:15) Aslaaf vs Aaj(25:09) Dil ke Ghulam(25:21) Hajj ka Waqia(25:50) Reels ki Addiction(27:10) Insan vs Janwar(27:30) Sakoon ka Nuskha(29:58) Dil ka Sakoon(30:53) Kafir vs Muslim(31:11) Fajar ka Sakoon(31:23) Actor ka Waqia(32:34) Suicide Ratio West(33:01) Pur Sukoon Zindagi(33:31) Zani ki Zindagi(34:03) Haram ki Nahoosat(34:57) Halal ki Barkat(35:16) Ayyashi ka Anjam(35:53) Khahishat ki Qurbani(36:49) Hakeem Akhtar (RA)(37:52) Dil ke Masail(38:46) Ayyash Log(39:51) Artificial Sakoon(40:46) Drugs Addiction(41:20) Suicide ka Jawab(41:47) Dua ka Asar(41:56) Ramazan 2026 Azaaim(42:29) Eid Namaz Announcement(42:35) Be Pardagi – Ibrat(42:52) Cousin se Pardah(43:58) Bhabi / Saali se Pardah(45:04) US Woman Accept Islam(45:47) Mayyat ka Protocol(46:02) Western Culture Advice(46:22) Joint Family System(47:21) Be Sukoon Zindagi(48:21) Aurton ke liye Naseehat(50:05) Khushbu laga kar Masjid(50:25) Pardah ka Hukam(50:47) Parents ki Ghalti(51:51) Tauba ka Topic(54:58) Tauba ki Fazilat(55:20) Mazboot Tauba(56:00) Bazurg ka Waqia(56:36) Gunah + Tauba Niyyat(56:51) Mayoosi ka Ilaj(59:07) Saza ka Nizam(59:44) Fohash Movies(1:00:18) Chhotay Gunah → Baray Gunah(1:00:53) Dua(1:01:16) Bayan + Tabligh ka Faida(1:02:12) Khahishat ki Mukhalfat(1:02:30) Masjid ke liye Donation(1:04:43) Masjid Repair System Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Send a textDo you know where your Jummah donation actually goes? The answer might surprise you.In this episode of the MotivateMe313 Podcast, we go behind the scenes of the American Moslem Society to uncover the real costs of keeping a masjid open in 2026. From the shocking monthly overhead bills to the misconceptions about fundraising, we are breaking down the business side of running a spiritual center.We also dive into the challenges of modern mosque leadership: balancing security threats with being a welcoming space, the pressure on Imams to act as "unofficial therapists," and the debate over whether the masjid should be a "third space" for coffee and remote work.Our guests are AMS board members Yousaf Mohamed, Ahmed Alizzi and Mahdi Ali.If you've ever wondered why the masjid is always fundraising or what happens behind closed doors at board meetings, this episode is for you. IN THIS EPISODE:0:00 - Intro: The Reality of Running a Masjid 02:15 - History & Mission: The American Moslem Society 08:30 - Busting Myths: Misinformation About Masjids 14:45 - The Truth About Donations & Fundraising 21:00 - Shocking Overhead Costs: Keeping the Lights On 27:30 - Security vs. Open Doors: A Modern Dilemma 34:15 - The "Third Space" Debate: Coffee Shop or Prayer Hall? 40:00 - Managing Diversity: When Congregants Disagree 45:30 - Imams as Therapists: Mental Health Crisis52:00 - Future Projects & Community Goals 58:00 - Final Word to the Community SUBSCRIBE TO OZ MEDIA: Support independent media in the 313! Click subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss a MotivateMe313 update. CONNECT WITH US: Website:Ozmedia313.comFollow us on social media:- Instagram: @motivateme313 or @ozmedia313- Website: ozmedia313.com- Facebook: ozmedia313-TikTok: @ozmedia313-Apple Podcast: ozmedia-Spotify Podcast: ozmediaThis show was sponsored by:-The Family Doc https://thefamilydocmi.com/-Juice Box Juiceboxblend.com-Holy Bowly http://www.myholybowly.com-Wingfellas thewingfellas.com-Hanley International Academy https://www.hanleyacademy.com-Malek Al-Kabob malekalkabob.com-Bayt Al Mocha https://baytalmocha.com/-Chill Box https://www.chillboxstore.com/-Royal Kabob https://www.royalkabob.com/-GEE Preparatory Academy https://www.gee-edu.com/schools/geepreparatory/index #AmericanMoslemSociety #MosqueLife #DetroitMuslims #MotivateMe313 #OZMedia #IslamicCenter #CommunityLeadership
Send a textIn this special replay of our LIVE YouTube Ask Me Anything episode, Tim Stewart and Steve Stewart answered your questions in real time — beginning with a thoughtful and practical discussion about sharing the Gospel in Muslim communities.Broadcast from two different studios (Albuquerque and Wilmington, NC), this wide-ranging conversation opened with ministry wisdom and powerful stories from decades of experience in Africa, India, and other predominantly Muslim regions.Rather than engaging in apologetics or religious comparison, Steve explained why he has always focused exclusively on presenting Jesus — and how that approach led to remarkable openness, unexpected encounters, and even Imams becoming followers of Christ.In this episode:Practical insights for sharing Jesus with MuslimsWhy apologetics and comparison were not his approachPowerful stories from Kenya, India, and the Somali borderWhat happened after preaching at a central mosqueHow the Gospel created peace without confrontationThe difference between conversion and encounterWhy simply presenting Jesus carried transformative powerThis episode reminded us that the Gospel was never about winning arguments — it was about introducing people to the living Christ.Connect with Impact Nations
Ted Page is on a journey to discover how to be a wonderful grandparent and help his grandchildren become The New Greatest Generation. We discuss some of the insights he learned after interviewing grandfathers from diverse backgrounds – everyone from John Cleese and Tom Brokaw, to veterans, rabbis, Imams and grandpas across cultures and socio-economic backgrounds. He heard and recorded their stories, capturing and distilling their wisdom to convey what our children (and all of us!) can learn from. You can purchase Ted's book, “Good Grandpa – Stories from The Heart of Grandfatherhood” hereCheck out his blog for ongoing stories and to reach out to Ted with your own stories: www.goodgrandpa.com Follow Ted on social media:IG at @GoodGrandpaBlog Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ted.page.923**********Thank you to FeedSpot for selecting “Parenting the Adlerian Way” as the #1 parenting podcast in Canada!Do you have a parenting question for me? Send it to hello@alysonschafer.com and I'll answer (anonymously) on an upcoming Q&A podcast.Sign up for my monthly newsletter at www.alysonschafer.com and receive my “Responsibilities By Age” pdf. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit groundeddaily.substack.comWhy Belief Must Come Before Practice: Introduction to Imam Al-Ghazali's 40 PrinciplesUnderstanding the foundations of Islamic knowledge requires more than memorizing rulings or performing rituals. It demands a systematic approach to learning that begins with certainty in belief before moving to practice. This article explores the framework laid out in Imam Al-Ghazali's The 40 Principles of Our Religion, examining why aqidah (creed) forms the essential foundation upon which all other religious knowledge is built.The Three Dimensions of Islamic PracticeThe Islamic tradition recognises three fundamental dimensions of religious life: Islam, Iman, and Ihsan. This framework, derived from Hadith Jibreel (known as Umm al-Sunnah), provides the organisational structure for understanding our religion.Islam: The Science of PracticeIslam encompasses the ritualistic and practical aspects of religion, which later developed into the science of fiqh (jurisprudence). While four major schools of Islamic law are widely recognised today, the historical reality reveals far greater diversity. Scholars document more than 80 madhabs during the early period of Islamic intellectual development.The survival of a legal school depends not on the Imam's knowledge alone, but on the continuity of transmission. Consider the madhab of Imam Al-Layth ibn Sa'd: despite Imam Al-Shafi'i's assertion that he was “afqahu min Malik” (more knowledgeable in fiqh than Imam Malik), his school did not survive because his students failed to continue the work.The Importance of Unbroken TransmissionContemporary practitioners receive their understanding of Islamic law through an unbroken chain of transmission (isnad) extending back to the founding Imams. For Shafi'i scholars, this means a documented chain of teachers and students from the present day all the way to Imam Al-Shafi'i himself.This chain preserves not just the rulings, but the contextual understanding and technical terminology. Without this living transmission, legal texts become increasingly difficult to interpret accurately. Imam Al-Shafi'i's magnum opus, Al-Umm, illustrates this challenge. Despite its importance, this foundational text is rarely taught in traditional Islamic circles today because the specific terminological framework has not been preserved in the same way as later works.Legal terminology evolves across generations. Early scholars often used cautious language when discussing prohibitions, preferring phrases like “I dislike this” rather than definitively declaring something haram. This reflected both their taqwa (God-consciousness) and their reluctance to claim authority over matters of divine law. In communities with high levels of religious commitment, such subtle expressions were sufficient to guide behavior.As communities changed, scholars adapted their pedagogical approach. The terminology became more explicit and categorical, even as the underlying rulings often became more accommodating. Imam Al-Nawawi's strict position on Fatiha recitation—invalidating prayer for mispronouncing even a single letter—was later moderated by scholars like Imam Al-Haythami, who recognised that people from certain linguistic backgrounds might be physically unable to produce specific Arabic phonemes.This adaptation reflects not inconsistency, but the dynamic nature of fiqh as a living discipline that must address the reality of Muslim communities. A contemporary example: visiting a remote fishing village in Malaysia, one encounters Imams who are part-time dive masters or boat captains, leading congregations where the recitation quality varies significantly. The fiqh tradition accommodates this reality while maintaining standards appropriate to each context.Iman: The Science of BeliefIman addresses matters of belief, formalized into the science of Aqidah. Within this domain, several schools of thought emerged:Athari (textual): This approach relies primarily on scriptural authority. The Quran commands belief, therefore one believes. This circular reasoning functions effectively in majority-Muslim contexts where baseline assumptions about God's existence and the Quran's authority are shared cultural knowledge.Ash'ari and Maturidi: These schools, founded by Imam Abu Hassan Al-Ash'ari and Imam Mansur Al-Maturidi respectively, integrate revelation with rational argumentation. This synthesis became necessary as Muslims encountered diverse philosophical traditions and needed to defend their beliefs through reasoned discourse.Ihsan: The Science of Spiritual ExcellenceIhsan developed into the science of tasawuf (Islamic spirituality), which also encompasses multiple approaches:The Salaf approach emphasizes wara' (scrupulousness) and zuhud (asceticism). Note that “Salaf” refers to a historical period—the first three centuries of Islamic history—rather than the modern movement called “Salafism,” which emerged several centuries later.Imam Al-Ghazali championed tazkiyah (purification of the soul), focusing on removing spiritual diseases from the heart and cultivating praiseworthy character traits.The Falsafah (philosophical) school, represented most prominently by Ibn Arabi, engaged with metaphysical questions and influenced Islamic mystical thought, particularly in Ottoman territories.This study focuses primarily on the tazkiyah tradition, as it addresses the practical work of spiritual development most directly applicable to contemporary Muslims.
In this profound episode of School of Divine Mysteries, Aba Al-Sadiq explains the ancient and hidden doctrine of the soul (Rūḥ) and the self (Nafs) — a teaching preserved across Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and the traditions of the Ahlulbayt. This episode explores: The difference between Nafs (self) and Rūḥ (soul)How Elijah transferred a double portion of his soul to ElishaWhy the Israelites believed Jesus could carry the soul of John the BaptistThe mystery of Moses and the 70 eldersWhy Joseph was prostrated to — and whose soul was presentThe meaning of “We are the Holy Spirit”Whether the Imams carried the soul of Muhammad ﷺHow divine authority operates through multiple vesselsWhy angels, prophets, and nations prostrate only to the Spirit of God This episode dismantles centuries of misunderstanding and reveals a consistent divine pattern hidden in scripture.
David Littleproud faces a potential leadership revolt as new Sky polling confirms the meteoric rise of One Nation. Plus, top Imams slam Scott Morrison’s calls to reform Islamic teaching in Australia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What does every new Imam need to know about being an imam? What do you do if you're in a small community with minimal resources? How do you manage joining a new community, learning the ropes, and not biting off more than you can chew? In this episode, Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy shares his advice for new imams, community building, and reflections on his own imam experience.
The capture of the Venezuelan leader Nicholas Maduro, the attacks on alleged drug-running boats off the Venezuelan coast, the threats to strike the regime in Iran, the determination to take Greenland even though it is the territory of a fellow NATO member, the musings about invoking the 1807 Insurrection Act so that active-service troops can be deployed on the streets of Minneapolis - all of these things raise profound legal and moral questions. Edward Stourton speaks to the Catholic archbishop Timothy Broglio who leads the United States Archdiocese for the Military Services.Sales of the Bible have rocketed according to data from Britain's biggest Christian publisher, SPCK. For most of the 2010s they ran at a reasonably steady rate - between two and a half and three million a year - but they began to take off in 2021, and last year they hit over six million three hundred thousand. This comes amid claims of a religious revival being led by younger people. We begin a mini-series of reports devoted to Gen Z believers. There has been a huge increase in the proportion of imams in this country who are British born, according to new research. A study nearly two decades ago found the figure was just eight percent - a new study, due to be published this autumn, concludes the figure has increased to forty eight percent, or nearly half. The findings form part of Cardiff University's 'Understanding British Imams' research project.PRESENTER: Edward Stourton PRODUCERS: Dan Tierney & Katy Davis STUDIO MANAGERS: Chris Mather, Luke Holmes & Phil Booth EDITOR: Tim Pemberton
Send us a textMuslims with doubts! Doubt no more! YOU are welcome to come onto the stream and tell us your doubts about Islam. Doubt Busters is here to help empower you. So keep a note of your doubts and questions on Islam and call into the show or post your questions in the live chat. Please note : waiting lists are very high and places are limited to a maximum of 10 placements at any given time so keep your questions concise, to the point and please be patient. Link to join the stream : https://streamyard.com/3fcd72hwzgGAZA: Shelter Projecthttps://fundraise.matwproject.org/gaza-shelter-project-dowie--x61yxbPlease support Br Ijaz with his monthly medical fees: https://buymeacoffee.com/ijazthetrini© 2025 EFDawah All Rights ReservedWebsite : https://efdawah.com/https://www.patreon.com/EFDawahhttps://gofund.me/7cb27d17https://www.paypal.me/EFDawahTimestamps:00:00 - Intro01:07 - EF Dawah Panel join: Format of the Stream04:31 - Issue of Repeated Doubts: Qadr in Islam07:18 - Understanding Qadr & Justice in Islam09:33 - Examining the premises of questions/doubts13:25 - Br. Da'wah Trucker joins: Truck Driving in
Motivational Quotes for true Happiness words of love to Empower you with positive Vibe
Hello My dear - PRIEST Volunteer & ORGANIZATIONS PARTNERS Welcome WhatsApp: +7 905 633 3606. Join our G CAMPAIGN to Go from ZERO to BILLIONS – Do Maximum Distribution to Unlock Your Destiny & Receive 430+ GLOBAL BENEFITS 95% of Global Empowerment You've Been Missing Daily – Until Now – Watch LIVE Holistic Video in Direct Presence of God Best Motivational:https://www.youtube.com/live/EhdiRE6ds-M
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Hello My dear - PRIEST Volunteer & ORGANIZATIONS PARTNERS Welcome WhatsApp: +7 905 633 3606. ESCAPESUFFERING: Go FROM ZERO TO BILLIONS AND DO MAXIMUM DISTRIBUTION!Unlock Your Destiny & Receive 430+ GLOBAL BENEFITS!Watch today's Motivational video:https://www.youtube.com/live/EhdiRE6ds-M
Motivational Quotes for true Happiness words of love to Empower you with positive Vibe
Hello My dear - PRIEST Volunteer & ORGANIZATIONS PARTNERS Welcome WhatsApp: +7 905 633 3606. ESCAPESUFFERING: Go FROM ZERO TO BILLIONS AND DO MAXIMUM DISTRIBUTION!Unlock Your Destiny & Receive 430+ GLOBAL BENEFITS!Watch today's Motivational video:https://www.youtube.com/live/EhdiRE6ds-M
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Motivational Quotes for true Happiness words of love to Empower you with positive Vibe
Hello My dear - PRIEST POSITION Volunteers Needed, IMMEDIATE Hiring. You arewarmly welcome. Apply now via WhatsApp: +7 905 633 3606. ESCAPESUFFERING: Go FROM ZERO TO BILLIONSDO MAXIMUM DISTRIBUTION!Unlock Your Destiny & Receive 430+ GLOBAL BENEFITS!Watch today's holistic video for Endless Inspirations:https://www.youtube.com/live/EhdiRE6ds-M
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Hello My dear - PRIEST POSITION Volunteers Needed, IMMEDIATE Hiring. You arewarmly welcome. Apply now via WhatsApp: +7 905 633 3606. ESCAPESUFFERING: Go FROM ZERO TO BILLIONSDO MAXIMUM DISTRIBUTION!Unlock Your Destiny & Receive 430+ GLOBAL BENEFITS!Watch today's holistic video for Endless Inspirations:https://www.youtube.com/live/EhdiRE6ds-M
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Hello My dear - PRIEST POSITION Volunteers Needed, IMMEDIATE Hiring. You arewarmly welcome. Apply now via WhatsApp: +7 905 633 3606. ESCAPESUFFERING: Go FROM ZERO TO BILLIONSDO MAXIMUM DISTRIBUTION!Unlock Your Destiny & Receive 430+ GLOBAL BENEFITS!Watch today's holistic video for Endless Inspirations:https://www.youtube.com/live/EhdiRE6ds-M
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Hello My dear - PRIEST POSITION Volunteers Needed, IMMEDIATE Hiring. You arewarmly welcome. Apply now via WhatsApp: +7 905 633 3606. ESCAPESUFFERING: Go FROM ZERO TO BILLIONSDO MAXIMUM DISTRIBUTION!Unlock Your Destiny & Receive 430+ GLOBAL BENEFITS!Watch today's holistic video for Endless Inspirations:https://www.youtube.com/live/EhdiRE6ds-M
In this episode, the group delves into the intricacies of the Malazan book 'House of Chains', focusing on character dynamics, symbolism, and the overarching themes of power and sacrifice. They discuss Tavor's leadership challenges, the legacy of Coltain, and the significance of the sword of vengeance, while also exploring the implications of the Throne of Shadow and the motivations of various factions within the narrative. In this conversation, the participants delve into the intricate themes of factions, allegiances, and character relationships within the Malazan series. They explore the significance of the Drift of Oli, Kalam's journey, and the Cult of the Nameless Ones, while also discussing the power dynamics and the nature of gods. The complexity of the Imams and the search for truth are highlighted, culminating in the impactful imagery of the crucified dragon, which serves as a powerful symbol within the narrative. The discussion reflects on the narrative structure and how it weaves together various threads, creating a rich tapestry of lore and character development.Send us a message (I'm not able to reply)Support the showPage Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Film Chewing PodcastSpeculative Speculations Podcast Support the podcast via PayPal Support the show by using our Amazon Affiliate linkJoin Riverside.fm Co-Hosts: Jarrod Varsha Chris Jose Carl D. Albert (author) Thomas J. Devens (author) Alex French (author) Intro and Outro Music by Michael R. Fletcher (2024-Current)
In this episode of The Hall of Mysteries, the Mahdi Aba Al-Sadiq (fhip) continues his exploration of the sacred writings of the prophet Hermes. He explains how the Hermetic vision of creation and the divine mind mirrors the teachings of the Imams, describing the cosmic order from the unknowable Creator to the manifestation of light in Muhammad and his family. Through this profound journey, the Mahdi reveals how every soul is called to ascend toward that same divine reality.
Were the ancient people fools who worshiped stone idols, or is it possible that these idols once held a living power? Could they have possessed certain god-like abilities, and is there evidence for it? For thousands of years, a single mystery has been locked away at the heart of every religion. Hidden in symbols, condemned by dogma, and buried beneath misunderstanding. On this episode of The Hall of Mysteries with the Mahdi Aba Al-Sadiq, we explore the forbidden wisdom that unites Moses, Hermes, Jesus, and the Imams. It is the key that reveals how the divine presence once interacted with matter, and how this sacred operation shaped every revelation in history. This episode leads to the center of the Hermetic mystery, uncovering the divine mechanism within creation itself.
BIO: Sandra Van OpstalEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CO-FOUNDER OF CHASING JUSTICESandra Maria Van Opstal, a second-generation Latina, is Co-Founder and Executive Director of Chasing Justice, a movement led by people of color to mobilize a lifestyle of faith and justice . She is an international speaker, author, and activist, recognized for her courageous work in pursuing justice and disrupting oppressive systems within the church. As a global prophetic voice and an active community member on the west-side of Chicago, Sandra's initiatives in holistic justice equip communities around the world to practice biblical solidarity and mutuality within various social and cultural locations.https://chasingjustice.com/sandra-van-opstal/ Giving in Chicago: https://newlifecenters.org/ Ordg to follow in chicagohttps://www.icirr.org/ Tshirt https://secure.qgiv.com/for/peoplearenotillegalt-shirt/Danielle (00:09):good afternoon, y'all. I have a second video coming to you from my dear friend and colleague in Chicago, Humboldt Park area, a faith leader there that collaborates with the different faith communities in the area. And she's going to talk about some ways she's personally affected by what's happening by the invasion there and how you can think about things, how you might get involved. I hope you'll join me in this conversation and honor yourself. Stay curious, honor, humanity, get involved. Take collective action. Talk to your own neighbor. Let's start caring really well for one another.Oh wow. Sandra, you know me. This is Jenny McGrath. This is my colleague. She's a bible nut. She wrote out the Bible How many times?Like scripture nut and a researcher, a therapist and purity culture, kind of like Survivor, but did a lot of work with women around that. And we talk a lot about race and current events. And I restarted my podcast and I asked Jenny if she'd want to join me. She has a great love for justice and humans and making a difference. So that's kind of how Jenny joined up with me. Right. Anything else you want to say?Sandra, I saw your post on social media and I was like, I could do that. I could contribute to that. And so that's what I'm here to do. Want to hear about your experience. What does resilience look like for you all over there? What do you need from us? How can we be a part of what's happening in Chicago from wherever we are? And if there's practical needs or things you want to share here, we can also send those out.Yeah. Can you tell us a little bit about who you are, what you do, where you're located in Chicago, and just a little bit even about your family, if you're willing?Sandra (01:40):Yeah, sure. So it's great to be with you guys. I'm Sandra Van Opal and I'm here on the west side of Chicago in a neighborhood called Humble Park. It's if you see in the news with all that's happening, it's the humble Hermosa, Avondale kind of zone of the ice crackdown. Well, let's not call it a crackdown. The ice invasion(02:06):Here in Chicago. I am the daughter of immigrants, so my mom is from Columbia. My father was from Argentina. They came to live in Chicago when they were in their twenties and thirties. They met in English class, so they were taking TOEFL exams, which is an exam you take in order to enter into college and schooling here in the US to show your language proficiency. And so they met learning English and the rest is history. I grew up here. I've lived here my whole life. I'm raising my family here. I'm married. I have two kids that just turned 11, so they're in fifth grade and sixth grade. And the school that they go to is a primarily immigrant school immersion, Spanish immersion. So it's a school where you take classes basically 90% in Spanish when you start and you move every year a little bit more English until you graduate when you're 50 50.(03:03):And so the school context they've been in has been receiving a lot of new neighbors, a lot of new classmates. And for that reason, actually most of their classes are still almost fully in Spanish, so they should probably be 60 40 right now. But I think a lot of their curriculum is still in Spanish, or the children have the option of having the math book in Spanish or English if they want it. If they're supposed to be English Spanish, or sorry, English math this year, then they might choose to have a Spanish book even if the instruction is in English. So that's the context I live in. I am here. I live in a home. I have chickens and a garden, and I love to be outside watching my neighbors and connecting with people. And we have a black club in our community, so a lot of our information that we're sharing with each other is through our email list and our signal group. Yeah. Oh, also what I do, I run an organization called Chasing Justice, which is focused on the intersection of faith and making the world a better place. And I am a local pastor and author on issues of worship and justice. So that's my function in this world.Danielle (04:31):I think we talk about what's happening in one sense, it seems like social media and other ways like Zoom, we're on a screen with Zoom and we're all in three different locations right now. We think of ourselves as really connected. But then when tragedy strikes or trauma or an invasion, for instance, strikes, we're connected, but it seems like we're also disconnected from one another and the practical needs and storytelling on the ground, and what does resilience look like for one person versus another? Or what does survival versus thriving look like for one person versus another? And how do we kind of join together and form a collective bond in that? I've been thinking a lot about that after I read your post Sandra on Instagram and what does that mean for me? And just as I'm talking, what does that mean for you or what are thoughts that come to mind for you?Sandra (05:27):Yeah, I am think I remember what posts you're referring to, but I think part of it is whenever something happens in our world, I believe that because of the highly digitally connected world that we're in, it feels like we are all supposed to say something. That's how we respond. Something happens and we all go, that's not right, which I think is good, we should say that, but I think the frustration, I'm sure people in LA and DC felt that, but it's like something is happening in your real life every day to your neighbors and everybody all around the country is commenting on it and commenting with such confidence and commenting with such expertise, and you're like, wait a minute. That's not how I would say that. And I think the reason that maybe that post came up for me as a kind of, it was less frustration and more sorrow, I think it felt more, more sorrow that the people that are most impacted by the issues are not the ones that are given the voice to talk about how those systems of oppression are impacting them. And I think the reason I think about things like that is I remember when I first started pastoring locally here. I mean, I had been working for a parachurch organization doing national and international work. I really felt like it was time for me to become a local pastor to understand, hey, if I'm going to be writing to pastors and speaking to pastors and challenging pastors, I should probably know what it's like to be one. And so I was supposed to be a five year stint, which ended up being 12 years pastoring locally.(07:08):And in my discussions with my staff team, I would often have one of them very respectfully, I was the executive pastors in a community with hierarchy. So they would very respectfully say, Hey, your friends that are out there blogging and writing articles and books, they're talking about stuff in ways we would never talk about it. They're talking about it in a tone that we would never use to talk about our situation and with words we would never use to describe our situation. And it's not that my friends maybe didn't have a perspective, it's that it didn't reflect their perspective. And so I think I became very sensitive to that, paying attention to, oh, how do expert justice people talk about issues of justice versus the people that are most impacted by those issues of injustice? Or how do people from within a community express their journey in ways that maybe even have a different tone than mostly anger that was coming out from the justice space?(08:10):And they're like, we wouldn't say it that way. We wouldn't talk about it that way. So I think because of that, it's really important when something happens in a local space and it is impacting us all nationally, national news, that we ask the question, how can I hear the voices of the people that this is most impacting? And so that's why I think I wrote that post. I was like, A lot of y'all have a lot to say about Chicago who don't live here and thank you, but no thank you. Invite us to talk for ourselves, invite us to speak for ourselves because there are local pastors and priests and imams and mental health providers who are experiencing this in a very real way that they probably could shed some light on what would be helpful to us. I called a bunch of friends in Los Angeles when things were happening there, and I was like, oh, how are you guys doing?(09:05):What's really happening? How can we help? If you don't have time to reply back, just know that I'm here praying for you, and I'm like with you and I'm sending money to the orgs. I see you posting and don't know what else to do. Obviously, the ice raids are impacting all of us across the country, but they're impacting each city in very different ways. Each city is a very different city with a very different ethos and a way of handling things. And as you guys know, Chicago is the best. I'm so proud of us right now. I'm so proud of us. We're like, no, you can't talk to us like that. No, you can't have our streets. But it also gets us into trouble because it's rooted in our philosophy of community organizing, though the linsky method, which is agitation, agitation, agitation. So we have stuff to learn too. But that's what you're seeing in Chicago is a lot of agitation. But yeah, that's why I wrote it. I wrote it like, I know 20 community leaders you could talk to here in Chicago that would give you a good idea of what we're experiencing and what would be best for us if you wanted to come alongside of us and help in prayer. So yeah.Jenny (10:27):Yeah, I think just a sense of wanting to hear more, whatever you feel. Well, and whatever feels safe to share in this podcast setting of just what it has been like for you to be on the ground in the community that you're in, in the roles that you're in with the family you're in. I just find myself curious about your experience.Sandra (10:52):Yeah. Okay. So I think about this in three different areas. One is, how is this impacting me as a parent, the other in my family and connected to family members. The other one is how is this impacting me as a neighbor? And then the other is, how is this impacting me as a civic leader, as a faith leader here? And so the hardest one has actually been, as a parent, if I could be honest with you, it's really been hard. Those of us that have raised kids, especially younger children or well all children, they each have their own season of development. But raising kids and being a village for children right now I think is really hard. They've gone through lockdown, George Floyd protests, watching multiple genocides, a war in Ukraine, and now this locally. And I believe in talking to your kids about what's happening and talking to them about it in ways that is appropriate for their age. So that has changed for me since my children were five when the pandemic started and now they're 11. That has changed for me what that looks like.(12:32):But there are many families, dozens of families in their school that have not returned since the ice raids have started. Their friends are missing from class. Ice has repeatedly been around their school. Ice has been on our corner where we grocery shop, get tacos, go to therapy. My son asked me the other day, will they throw me on the ground? If they see me, will they throw me on the ground? And this is one of my sons already struggles a lot with anxiety and he has anxiety, and he's also a black child. And so he's already been processing being black in the context of law enforcement in our city and what's happened. And so I think he kind of went through that season and he's like, so will they throw me on the ground if they see me? And I'm like, no, buddy. They're not going to. Hopefully there's enough cameras around that they'll throw you on the ground.(13:42):And so I think trying to figure out how to answer those kinds of questions. How can we think about our friends? How can we pray for our friends? We've done a lot more prayer in the 15 minute commutes to and from school, I think just for very specific needs that our neighbors are going through. And neighbor that I live in close proximity to the other day was running an errand and was detained by ice and was let go on the spot in the parking lot of the Home Depot, but its someone our kids know really well and helping them to process that. Their friend, a neighbor has gone through this, I think requires a different set of parenting skills and I believe are in most parenting books.(14:48):And so I find myself almost, man, I wish there was a resource for that man. I wish there was a place to talk about that. Let me talk to my neighbor about how they talk to their kids about that. And for those of us that come from Latino cultures, we don't really talk about hard things a lot. We're not really taught to talk about them. It's like we endure them and we go through them, but we don't give them space for processing. And so both of my children are in therapy. I don't know what they talk about in therapy, probably girls and love interests and bullying and all the rest of the things that kids talk about, but I think they probably unpack some of what they're going through with their friends. They are also wanting to make a difference. So we're trying to figure out what does that look for them to make things good in the community they live in.(15:42):So that's the first area is parenting. I don't know if you guys have anything to add advice to give me on that, but I think the hardest thing for me is what do we do with our children? What do we do with a generation that is growing up, watching their government step over so many boundaries, doing things that are completely illegal or unethical or dangerous for our society and feeling like, Hey, we're living in a time, I know a lot of people posted the quote from Ann Frank talking about what was happening in their streets. And I'm like, yeah, my kids are watching that. And I don't know how they're processing it or where they see their faith in the midst of that. I mean, luckily we have an amazing church. We talk about stuff like that all the time. So I mean, yeah, the mayor goes to our church and the pastor's an amazing person, and we have lots of civic leaders and law enforcement in our church. So I think they're watching, they're able to have some mentorship in that area, I think because spoken about from the pulpit, but man, being little must be really hard right now.Danielle (17:09):Maybe we don't need to press too fast, even though we're in a podcast right now. I think it bears the weight of just a little bit of space to just hang with that comment. I have older kids than you. As recently, I told my 20-year-old son who we are not suffering yet, the street raids. For some reason, Seattle hasn't been the focus point yet, but he did lose his federal aid and his Pell grants and everything for college this year. And so him and a lot of other kids had a significant do have a significant college tuition to make up. And we were talking about it and I was like, well, this will be the normal for you. This will be what's normal. This will be what's normal for our family. And my husband actually stepped in and said to me in a moment of despair and lament, because my son wants to be a music teacher.(18:21):He said to me, he's like, but you always tell me nothing's impossible. We can figure it out. And I was like, yeah, I do say that, but I don't believe it right now. He is like, well, he's like, I believe it right now. So I don't know what it looks like to come up with an extra for us. It's an extra $6,000, so we don't have the money yet, but what does it look like? But I think it goes back to that sense of finding some balance with our kids of what's real, what's not giving. What I hear for you, Sandra, and I'm kind of fumbling through my words, so maybe Jenny can step in, but offering our kids the validation of their reality that's so important in age appropriate and the different steps we're in the validation of reality. But I also find myself searching and grasping for where's the hope? Where are the strands of faith for our family? Where are the strands of hope searching for? Like you said, what are the practical actions your boys can do that also kind of I think plant seeds and generate hope in their hearts when we can step out and do actions?Sandra (19:43):Yeah. No, I think the hard part is I can't promise them things will get better. I can't promise them there's going to be an end to genocide in Palestine. I can't promise them. I keep telling everyone, when we pray at night and we talk about our days and stuff, and I just tell 'em, we, my husband and I tell 'em, and the only thing we can promise you is that God is with us. And I think the reality is when you've had proximity to our global siblings, that suffering didn't just start two Octobers ago or even for our own families. The suffering as my African brother once told me at a conference, he said, what do you mean when we suffer? Life is suffering and suffering is life. Or if we suffer, someone said, yeah, if we suffer, it's like some pretty from the west if we suffer.(20:35):It's like no, life is suffering and suffering is life. So I think part of it is we have within our story as people who follow the Jesus way, we have a story of people who have really always suffered. The story of scripture is a story of marginalized, persecuted, displaced people that are wandering in a land looking for home. And in those stories, you find God's presence with them. You find the worship of their creator. You find moments of joy, rhythms of feasting and fasting. You find all the traditions we do now that come out of the story of the people. So I can tell them, baby, I can only promise you that God is with us the same way that God was with, we go through the stories and the same way that God has always been with the black church in America, the same way that God has always been with our Latino community, the same way that God is with our siblings in Gaza, God is with us.(21:35):And so it doesn't take the pain away, but we can know that God is there. I try to teach my kids, lemme tell you, this is so bad parenting. Sorry, you can cut this out if you need to. But the other day we were praying for our country and I said, God, I just pray. Pray for Trump. I pray God, either you would change his heart or you would help him to go to sleep and just not wake up tomorrow. And then my son was like, I can't believe you prayed that prayer. Mom, I can't believe you said that. That's such a bad prayer. I was like, have you read the Psalms?(22:12):I was like, tonight, let's read a psalm. I'm going to read to you what David prayed for his enemies. And just because the Bible calls us to love our enemies and to see them as human does not mean we cannot pray that they will fall asleep. And so I said, I'm not saying I'm going to do anything bad. I know my phone's listening to me right now. I'm not saying I'm going to take matters into my own hands. I'm just saying I wouldn't be sad. That's all. And he's like, he just could not get over it because, and he just kept digging. Papa, Papa would never pray a prayer like that. He would never, I said, Papa hasn't read the Psalms. I read the Psalms. I know exactly what the Psalms say. And I was like, and the thing is because God is for good, because God is against evil and because God knows my heart, he knows God knows how much I love him, and I'm asking him to please take this evil away from our neighborhood.(23:04):Please take this evil away from our country. Please take this evil away. We're living in evil times, Terry. These are bad times. And this is not only a bad person. This is somebody that's raising up all of the badness to be allowed. And so I'm going to pray that prayer every day. And I know that you think it's not good, and I'm so sorry, but tonight we'll read the Psalms. Then that night we read some Psalms. I was like, see what David prays for his enemy. I said, and the thing is, God is there with us in our prayers. He's not like, what? I can't believe she cussed. I can't believe she said that bad. I can't believe she want to be friends with this guy that's too evil. And so I think part of it's processing faith with them. It's like, I don't know what kind of, let's just talk about Jesus and what he said. Let's talk about what the Bible models for us and prayer. Let's talk about It's okay to be mad. It's okay. It's okay to want evil to end. It doesn't mean we take things into our own hands, but it's okay to want the evil to end. And so those are the kinds of conversations where I go home, I'm like, okay, let me just look at my stuff. Is that wrong? Is that theologically correct? I called my husband. Do you think this is theologically okay? Am I mal forming our children? But I feel like it's an okay prayer, isn't it an okay prayer? Those are the kinds of things that are happening. I don't know,Jenny (24:37):I mean, I am not a theologian, but I think it's an okay prayer to pray. And I'm just thinking about, I've had two thoughts going through my mind, and one of course I couldn't and wouldn't want to put on some type of silver lining and be like, kids are going to be fine. They're resilient. And something that we say in the somatic trauma world a lot is that trauma isn't about an event. It's often about not having a safe place to go in the midst of or after an event. And what I just keep hearing is you making yourself available to be a safe place for your kids to process and reimagine what moving through this moment looks like. And also holding that in families that are being torn apart, that don't have those safe places to go in this moment. And I think part of what we're experiencing is this term, the boomerang of imperialism, as you said, these are not new things happening to families all over the world. And the ricochet of how we are now experiencing that in the heart of the empire, where I find my sense of hope is that that is the sign that the snake is eating its head and it will collapse. And I believe in rebirth and regrowth and hope that we can create a world that is different than a world that builds empires that do this to families. And as where my mind goes.Sandra (26:39):Yeah. And I think for ourselves, for our children, for in the work that I do with chasing justice with activists, it's like the only thing I can do, I'm not going to be able to change the world. The only thing I can do is change the little world that I'm in. So what can I do to make a difference and make things good in the world that I'm in? And so it boils down to very, very practical, tangible, embodied unfancy. Things like calling your neighbors and checking in on them to see if they need you to take their kids to school, finding out if everybody got home, okay. When there was a raid in a particular area, asking, or not even asking, but dropping food off for people and saying, Hey, we made a grocery room. We just thought we'd pick up some essentials for everybody.(27:27):Because part of it too is how do you do that without asking your, how do you help your neighbor without asking your neighbor their status? And that's not appropriate. And how do you help your neighbor without assuming they don't have money or making them feel like some kind of project? And so I think part of it is figuring out how to practice mutual aid in ways that are communal that just says, Hey, we picked up this. We figured this week we'd drop it off to five different families, and next week we'll do five other families. Who knows if they need it or not, but at least they know you're thinking of them. I think something you said about trauma, which I think is really important when you work in communities where you have communal, collective, complex generational trauma, which is we're just always living in this.(28:19):I have status, so I don't worry about leaving my home. I also am white. I'm a white Latina, so I'm not like, well, maybe they'll pull me over. Well, I don't know. But I know if I was browner my other family members that would definitely be like, please carry a copy of your passport and your ID at all times. But now I don't leave the house without, I used to leave the house with my keys and my phone, maybe a wallet. I don't know where a wallet is. Now I'm like, oh, I better have my ID on me(28:48):Mostly because if I intervene, I'm afraid if I get arrested, I won't have ID on me. But I think about all the ways that you have to leave the house differently now. And this is for people that they already felt vulnerable in their TPS, in their temporary protective status status or in their undocumented status or in their green card holder status or whatever status they had, that they already felt vulnerable in some way. And now if they don't go to work, their family doesn't eat, so they leave the house. But how do they leave the house? If you go to school every day and you're wondering if your parents are going to pick you up because now you're aware you have this emergency family plan, what does that feel like day in and day out, decade after decade to feel vulnerable? That kind of trauma is something I don't understand in my body, though I understand it as a concept.(29:47):It's the trauma of feeling vulnerable at all times of sending your kids out into the world. And because our US Supreme Court and because our government has decided it's okay to racially profile people, so I keep telling my mom, you better not be speaking Spanish at Target. She's bilingual. I'm like, please do not speak Spanish at Target. Do not open your mouth. And I would never have said that ever in the past, super proud of being a Latina and being bilingual, but I'm scared for my mom. And so I'm checking in on family members who have vulnerable status. I'm trying to find out if everybody's okay. So I think there are, it's like I told my husband the other day, and the car was like, can you imagine having this kind of fear day in and day out for decades at a time in a country and building a life?(30:44):And all of a sudden, many of our DACA recipients or young undocumented folks that are in college, all of a sudden they're not going to finish their degree. They're now in a country they don't even know. They didn't grow up there in a language they don't understand or their spouse is missing. And now they don't know if they're in Swatee, they don't know if they're in Mexico. They don't know where they are. And so I think that, I don't know that I fully understand what to do about that as a neighbor or as a pastor, but to say there must be something within the community like some gift or strength or accessing that helps them endure that kind of trauma when they cannot reach out for help.(31:44):My brother also told me the other day, he's an ER doctor. He's like, man, the county ER is so empty right now because people go to the county hospital for services when they don't have insurance. And many, many of them are Asian, south Asian, Latino, and African immigrants, and now they're not going or Ukrainian or Russian or whatever. So now it's emptiness and churches. Some of our churches are used to be 300 people now. There's like 40 people on a Sunday. So the reporting that I'm hearing from, whether it's the hospitals or just the stores, if you drive down our street, it's like empty nest. It is never empty. There's always people walking around on the street, whole family is going grocery shopping now. There's just nobody out. It's like a ghost town. Nobody's leaving unless they have to leave. And so it changes the feel of a community. It changes the environment. People that need access to healthcare aren't going for their follow-up appointments or their treatments because they're afraid to go to the hospital. People that would normally go to law enforcement if there's domestic violence or something happening, which already would feel very, very difficult to do, are unwilling to do it because they're afraid to leave and afraid to report to any law enforcement. Even in a sanctuary city.(33:18):I don't know what's happening to these families that aren't going to school. I'm assuming that the school has some kind of e-learning doing for them or some kind of packets they're making for the kids in the meantime while they're missing school. But there's all these things that daily rhythms of life that aren't happening. And so for many of us are like, I don't feel like going to church today. Oh, well, I feel like I'm many Sundays. I don't feel like going to church for other people, the privilege of attending worship in a congregational setting is something they'd love to have that they just can't access anymore. And so there's all these things that have changed about our daily reality that I don't know if we're going to fully understand how that's impacted us until years from now. We just don't see an end to it. We're not sure when this is going to end.Danielle (34:13):I have a flurry of thoughts going through my mind as you're speaking. One is when I did a consult with my analyst that I consult with, and we were talking about anxiety around different things with clients, and she was like, well, that's not anxiety, that's terror. And this person should feel terror because that's the reality.(34:45):That's not a pathology. So that's number one just in the therapy world, we don't want to pathologize people for feeling this terror in their bodies when that's actually the appropriate response. When immigration is sitting outside on your street, you should feel terror. Your body's giving you the appropriate warning signal. So I think about just even the shortcomings of Western psychological frameworks to address what's happening. We can't pathologize. It's not about prescribing enough medication. It's not about that. I do think you're right. I think there's some sense of, I've even felt it in my own body as you talk, a sense of, I'm going to engage what Sandra's saying and I'm also going to separate myself just enough in case that happens in Seattle so I can be just distant enough. So I got to get up, I got to eat. I got to feed my kids, I got to make sure everything's happening, got to go to work.(35:40):So I can almost feel it happening. As you describe it, we call it dissociation in psychology world, but in my analyst world, she would call it a psychic retreat, which I really like. Your psyche is kind of in a battle. You might come back from the front line to preserve yourself. And that's kind of how I think of the collective mentality a bit come back from the front lines in certain ways. So you could preserve, I need to eat, I need to sleep, I need to drink some water. I need to breathe air. So that's one thing I'm thinking about that's maybe collectively happening on multiple levels. The other thing I'm thinking about is if you're listening to this and you're in a body, even mine, a same as you, like a light-skinned Latina, white Latina, and our family has a lot of mixed identities and statuses, but if you're not in one of these situations, you can help mental health by going out and getting shit done.Sandra (36:50):Yes, absolutely. Get it done, get it done, get it done. It's like show up, put yourself. I think that's half the battle is how do we show up in spaces? I think white folks have to ask themselves. That's why all the protests, it's like, yes, it's diverse, but it's a whole lot of white people.The reason is because a lot of black folks, brown folks, vulnerable folks, we're not going to put ourselves in a position where we can have an encounter with law enforcement. So one of the things I have to say, talking about church, one of the things our pastor said the Sunday before, not the No Kings, but the immigration protest, it was like maybe a month ago, he said, listen, some of us should not be at that protest because we have a record, because we are prone to be maybe, what is it called? Oh my gosh, we're prone to be singled out by the police. We should not be there. We should pray. We should stay at home. We should host people when they come back and feed them. We should not be there. Others of us, we should be there. And you know who you are.(37:55):And so I think that's part of the discernment, which I think that's literally, it's half the conversations I'm having with people is should my children go to this protest? I fully intended to go to the No Kings protest with my full family, all of us. And I also saw these amazing alternatives like a rally for families and children. And so all these parks all over the city of Chicago, which again, were an amazing city, they had all these alternatives for if your child, someone in your family does not do crowds well, right? You're immunocompromised or you have anxiety, or I thought about, oh, maybe we shouldn't take my son to this protest. Maybe he's going to actually get an anxiety attack. Maybe we should go to this. So we had all those options till the very last minute we're decided to go to Kids Rally, but there were options for us to show up.(38:43):So when you can show up, show up if your neighborhood, there's a ton of activities in, I hope other cities are doing this too, but they're packing these little zines and these little whistles and they're telling people what to do. It's like, okay, now there's this Instagram blast about, oh, the ice is over here, and everyone shows up in their cars and they all honk their horn. You can show up in a neighborhood, honk your horn, you can blow a whistle. And we're fully intending to give away free whistles for every person that buys. The people are not a legal t-shirt for chasing justice. We're like, have a whistle. Get ready. If anything, even if you never blow that whistle, no ice in your town, you're trying to show people that I'm prepared. I'm prepared to raise my voice for you. I'm prepared to show up for you.(39:34):And so it ends up being maybe an artifact or a symbol of our willingness to ally if the time should come. But yeah, some of us, we have more privilege and showing up because I definitely have two lawyers in my speed dial right now because my husband knows that I'm prone to show up in spaces and say things that maybe will get me in trouble. So we had a meeting with a lawyer three weeks ago. He's like, please tell me what to do if my wife gets arrested or if something happens to a neighbor or he's just prepared our community block club emails and texts and signal threads. We have rapid response ready things that are rapid response. So it's like, Hey, where do you see something? I see this is the license plate. Here's a video. I saw just even informing people and praying alongside of one another.(40:29):So we have this group of pastors we gather called Pastors Rabbis and Imams called Faith Over Fear. And so in this group, someone posted like, look at Ice was heavily in our neighborhood. They said arrests that were made or the people that were detained. This is the situation, let people know. So we're just letting people know this is what's happening. Teaching people to use their phones to record everything and anything they can always being ready to show up. So I'm the type of neighbor that would anyway, if I would see law enforcement pulling over a young black or brown man, I would pull the car over and I would get out of my car and I would say, hi, I am Reverend Sandra and I'm here. I live down the street. I'm wondering if everything's okay. Here is everything. And the reason is just to show them that I'm watching. They said, no, everything's fine. I said, okay, I'm just going to sit in my car. Let me know if you need something because I'm letting them know that I'm watching.(41:37):And so I think part of it is the accountability of a community. And I love to see the walking school buses, the ride shares that parents are doing the grocery dropoffs because you can't stand in the food pantry line anymore. The GoFundMe's for particular legal fees, the trying to utilize your networks to find out if you can figure out what district or what holding location you, your loved one would be in offering mental health services. Like, Hey, here are the three organizations that do group therapy or circles or there's going to be a meditation and yoga thing offered at this center. A lot of them have a lot of embodied practices too. So I think those things are great. But yeah, we still have to, we're still living life. We're still submitting book reports for school, we're still having birthday parties and christenings, we're we still black and brown communities have been living through trauma for so long, they can't stop living.(42:53):So the question is how do we invite one another to more wholeness in our living, within our own communities, and then how do we help one another? This is affecting everybody. It's affecting not only Latino communities and not only Asian immigrant communities, but it's also affecting black communities because there's more enforcement and they're not more law enforcement and they're not necessarily targeting black communities, but where there are brown communities, sometimes there are black folks also. And so it's impacting them in just the militarization of our city. I mean, everywhere you go, there's just people marching with weapons and it could be Michigan Avenue in the shopping area downtown near the Bean, or it could be in our communities. And so I think how people are trying to, I think a city like Chicago, because it's got such a rich tradition of community organizing and community development and advocacy, I think it's very set up for what can I do in my world for my neighbors?(44:08):And then for those of you that aren't in Chicago, I think knowing which organizations are doing fantastic things, I think that's really helpful. Within the faith and justice space, I think organizations like New Life Centers that are kind of spearheading some of the new neighbors initiatives already, but they're doing this whole care system for, they're already new neighbors from Venezuela, Ecuador, and Central America who are now more vulnerable. And so they have systems in place for that. There are organizations live free Illinois who are doing more of the advocacy, raising awareness stuff. I can give you a couple, I can put in the show notes, but I think there's organizations that are doing fantastic work. Some people are just, I have a friend who's in Houston who's just like, there's a refugee family who's vulnerable right now and I need to take them groceries. Who wants to give Venmo?(45:06):Me? I think you have to trust your friends aren't going to go out for a nice rooftop beverage and 300, $400 later. Then there's groceries for this. So it's like you may not know anyone, but you may know someone who knows someone who's vulnerable. And so maybe you just are giving money to, or maybe you, I've had people send me money and be like, Hey, maybe someone who needs something. And I'm like, great. And we little, we put it cash and we put it in our car and when we need it, we help a neighbor who's in need. I think I'm calling our friends to, another one I thought of was calling our friend, inviting our friends to action. So sometimes I don't think it's that we don't want to do anything or that we're unwilling to do something. It's that we just feel so stunned. So that news that came out this week in Houston about the 15-year-old autistic boy who was taken by ICE and who has the capacity of a 4-year-old, and I was thinking about him all day long. So I just started pinging all of my friends in Houston and Austin and Dallas. I was like, anybody in Texas? I have a lot of friends in Texas. I'm like, not just, Hey Texas, do something directly. Sending it to them and saying, what have you done?(46:28):Is there a number you can call? Can you gather your small group? They're always asking, I don't know what to do. I don't know what to, I'm like, so I was like, I have something for you to do, and it's in Texas. I'm like, do you know what's happened to this kid? Is he back at home? Can you do something? Is there a GoFundMe for the parents? So I think when we're activated in small things, we develop the discipline of just being activated in general. So it's like if there's a thing that somebody invites you to give to and you give to it, then you get into the practice of giving.(47:06):If you don't start well, then where is it going to happen? So we're thinking right now, I dunno about you guys, but there's nothing in me that wants to do anything fancy right now. I rest for sure. We went to Michigan, we walked around, we took hikes. It was great. It was super free because we stayed with a friend. But there's nothing in me that's like, let me just plan a fancy vacation right now. It's not in me. And I think part of it is, it's almost like a detoxing from an American consumeristic way of seeing celebration and rests. I don't need fancy things to have rest. I don't need, doesn't have to be expensive. I don't know who came up with this. And I think it's a sensibility in us right now, and I've talked to a couple of friends about it, but it's like it's a sensibility in us that feels like it's really tone deaf to start spending a whole lot of money right now when there are so many needs in the world. And no, we can't give away our whole salaries, but we might be able to give more. For example, I don't think our friend should be saying, Hey, my son can't go to college this year. He needs $6,000. I think somebody in our friend groups could be like, actually, I am getting a bonus of $12,000. I'm going to give you three. We should be able to do that for those of us that have access.(48:27):And there are many people who have access, many other people who think they don't have money, but they do. And I think if we invite each other to say, Hey, I want to give to this person's legal fees, or I want to give to this person's college fund, or I want to give to will you give with me? And we are practicing then the kind of mutual aid that's collective that I know our grandparents did for the Latino culture, it's like the RIA system where y'all put the money in every month and every Monday the month. So it's like Koreans do it too. It's like everybody gives a hundred dollars a month and all goes into this pile and every month that pile of money moves around. So it's like our way of providing, I think there's a lot more we could be doing with our money that would give integrity to our voice. And I see a lot of talking and not a lot of sharing.Danielle (49:34):It's so true. It's a lot of talking and it's like, I think we have to get over that old white supremacy norm. If you see somebody on the street, you got to buy them food. You can't ever give them cash. That story rings through my mind as a child and just sometimes you just got to load up the cash, send someone cash for dinner and send someone cash for, I don't know, whatever they need, a bus fare or an airplane ticket or find the miles in your community if someone needs to fly somewhere. Just all these things you're talking about, we kind of have to just get over the hump and just say, Hey, people need help. Let's just go help.Sandra (50:12):And for some of us, I think it's particularly of those of us within our community that are no longer congregating at a local church. I don't know. Did you think the tithe justI think the call to generosity is still there. Whether you want to call your church a local formal traditional church or not, I would hate, I would've hated in our season that we were churchless to have stopped giving out would've been a significant amount of money that would've stopped going out. We still got salaries that year. Well, at least Carl did. Carl got a salary. So I'm like that invitation to generosity, at least at the bare minimum, at the bare minimum, 10% at the bare minimum that should be going out. And so the question is, what did all of us that left churches do with our 10% not to be legalistic because really we should be giving more. The question is, what am I allowed to keep? And for people making six figures, you need to be asking yourselves, why do you need six figures if you don't? Because most of the people, even in places like Seattle and Chicago, are living off of $50,000 a year. So I think as much as we need to ask our government to do well and be integrous in their budget, I think we need to think about that as a place of, and I say that not because I think it's going to solve the problems in Chicago, but I think that money does actually sharing does actually help some people. They haven't eaten.(52:06):They just haven't eaten. We know families whose kids don't eat.Jenny (52:19):Just thank you. It's been really important and meaningful to have your voice and your call to action and to community. I don't take lightly sharing your story and how it's specifically showing up in your community and in your own body and in your own mothering. So thank you for speaking to how you are practicing resilience and how we can think more about how to practice that collectively. It's been really, really good to be here. I am sorry I have to jump off, but thank you Danielle. I'll see you all soon.Sandra (53:23):Yeah, I mean even if you were to think about, you may not be able to provide for anyone, but is there someone in your ecosystem, in your friend group that could really use four sessions of therapy that doesn't have the finances to do so? Or that could really use sessions of acupuncture or massage therapy that doesn't have the money for it, it doesn't have insurance, and of someone who's willing to work with you on that as far as providing that for them. So I think even at that level, it's like if we had to put ourselves in someone else's shoes and say, well, what I want for someone, how would I want for someone to help me without me asking them? I think that is the biggest thing is we cannot, I don't believe we can rely on a person's ability to say what they need.(54:27):I mean, you've had stuff happen in your life. I've had health issues in my own family and problems with my family, and when people are like, oh, how can I help? I'm like, I can't think about that right now. But if a plant shows up at my house that is bringing me joy. Someone just sent me a prayer plant the other day. It's literally called a red prayer plant or something. I was like, yes, I love this. Or if someone buys dinner for my family so I don't have to cook for them, I can't stand up right now. Or if someone said, looks in on me and says, Hey, I know you guys can't be out and about much, so I just wanted to give you some funding for a streaming service. Here you go. Whatever they use it for, that's up to them. But I think to let someone know that you're thinking about them, I think is easy to do with baking something for them, sharing something with them, taking their kids for a few hours.(55:31):Because what if they just need a break from their children and maybe you could just watch their kids for a little bit, pick them up, take them to your house, watch them for a little bit. So I think there are ways that we can practically help each other that again, will make a world of difference to the person that's there next to you. And as always, calling your senators, writing letters, joining in on different campaigns that organizations are doing for around advocacy, checking in with your local city officials and your parent teacher and your schools, and figuring out what are we doing for the kids in our school even to be informed as a neighbor, what is it that our school's doing to protect our families and children? I think those are all good questions that we should always be doing and praying for people and praying specifically. We do that as a family. I think sometimes I don't know what else to do, but to say God to help.Danielle (56:35):Yeah, I mean, I have to go now, but I do think that's kind of key is not that God isn't going to intervene at some point practically, I think we are that active prayer answer for other people we're that answer. I'm not saying we're God, but we're the right. Yeah. Yeah. And just to step into that, be that answer, step into loving when it says, love your neighbor actually doing it and actually showing up and maybe loving your neighbor isn't bringing them dinner. Maybe it's just sitting down and listening to how their day went. Maybe you're not a therapist, maybe you're just a friend. Maybe you're just a community member, but you can sit in and you can hear how rough it was for that day and not take up your own space emotionally, but just be there to listen and then give them a hug and hang or leave. There's a lot of ways to show up and yeah, I'm challenged and want to do this more, so thank you. You'reSandra (57:36):Welcome. Thanks for having me. Well, first I guess I would have to believe that there was or is an actual political dialogue taking place that I could potentially be a part of. And honestly, I'm not sure that I believe that.
Aujourd'hui, Abel Boyi, Barbara Lefebvre et Jérôme Marty débattent de l'actualité autour d'Alain Marschall et Olivier Truchot.
In this episode of the Blood Brothers Podcast, Dilly Hussain spoke with the prominent South African imam, Bilal Ismail, from Durban. Topics of discussion include: Ustad Bilal Ismail's background and the Muslim community of Durban. What is the ‘Imam Development Programme'? The socioeconomic reality of imams in Africa. Amazing stories of the ‘super imams' the IDP supports. Muslim communities' treatment of their local imams. FOLLOW 5PILLARS ON: Website: https://5pillarsuk.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@5Pillars Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5pillarsuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5pillarsnews Twitter: https://x.com/5Pillarsuk Telegram: https://t.me/s/news5Pillars TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@5pillarsnews
Is there a valid difference of opinion in the most fundamental part of Islam? Is making dua to the dead not really worship? Have today's trends and voices made you question what once felt clear? These aren't fringe questions. They are issues no Muslim can afford to ignore. In this comprehensive 12-hour deep dive, Ustadh Abdulrahman Hassan returns to the bedrock of our religion: Tawheed al-Uluhiyyah — the oneness of Allah in worship. In this video, you'll uncover: - What “Ilah” truly means — and how misunderstanding it shakes your entire faith - Why "La ilaha illa Allah" is not just a phrase — but a binding contract with conditions - Rational and textual proofs of Tawheed, broken down step by step - What the Prophets actually called to — and how modern distortions betray their message - Clear definitions of worship, dua, shafa'ah, istighathah — and where shirk quietly creeps in - The difference between Tawheed ar-Ruboobiyyah and Tawheed al-Uloohiyyah — and why confusing them is dangerous You'll hear direct evidence from the Qur'an and Sunnah, insights from the Imams of Islam, and responses to the most common modern-day confusions. This isn't a lecture for specialists. It's urgent study for every Muslim. Because every Prophet was sent with the same message: “Worship Allah alone, and avoid everything worshipped besides Him.” If your Tawheed is unclear or compromised — nothing else you build will stand. Make time for what matters most. Sign up now to AMAU Academy: https://www.amauacademy.com/ AMAU Academy: https://www.amauacademy.com/ AMAU Junior: https://amaujunior.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amauofficial/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AMAU Telegram: https://t.me/amauofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AMAUofficial Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMAUofficial iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/al-madrasatu-al-umariyyah/id1524526782 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08NJC1pIA0maaF6aKqZL4N Get in Touch: https://amau.org/getintouch BarakAllahu feekum. #Allah #tawheed #shirk #aqeedah #islamicknowledge
Is there a valid difference of opinion in the most fundamental part of Islam? Is making dua to the dead not really worship? Have today's trends and voices made you question what once felt clear? These aren't fringe questions. They are issues no Muslim can afford to ignore. In this comprehensive 12-hour deep dive, Ustadh Abdulrahman Hassan returns to the bedrock of our religion: Tawheed al-Uluhiyyah — the oneness of Allah in worship. In this video, you'll uncover: - What “Ilah” truly means — and how misunderstanding it shakes your entire faith - Why "La ilaha illa Allah" is not just a phrase — but a binding contract with conditions - Rational and textual proofs of Tawheed, broken down step by step - What the Prophets actually called to — and how modern distortions betray their message - Clear definitions of worship, dua, shafa'ah, istighathah — and where shirk quietly creeps in - The difference between Tawheed ar-Ruboobiyyah and Tawheed al-Uloohiyyah — and why confusing them is dangerous You'll hear direct evidence from the Qur'an and Sunnah, insights from the Imams of Islam, and responses to the most common modern-day confusions. This isn't a lecture for specialists. It's urgent study for every Muslim. Because every Prophet was sent with the same message: “Worship Allah alone, and avoid everything worshipped besides Him.” If your Tawheed is unclear or compromised — nothing else you build will stand. Make time for what matters most. Sign up now to AMAU Academy: https://www.amauacademy.com/ AMAU Academy: https://www.amauacademy.com/ AMAU Junior: https://amaujunior.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amauofficial/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AMAU Telegram: https://t.me/amauofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AMAUofficial Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMAUofficial iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/al-madrasatu-al-umariyyah/id1524526782 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08NJC1pIA0maaF6aKqZL4N Get in Touch: https://amau.org/getintouch BarakAllahu feekum. #Allah #tawheed #shirk #aqeedah #islamicknowledge
They're calling Texas an Islamic country just waiting to be taken—radical Imams are buying churches, building mega-mosques, and claiming territory while politicians stay silent. This isn't immigration—it's Hijra, a strategic spiritual conquest. Throw in Tesla attacks and Trump's 25% tariff threats, and you've got a prophetic collision of chaos, courage, and clarity. Support today's show and take control of your family's water health! Visit LanceWallnau.com/Water and use code LANCE to save 10% on the best water treatment system.
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