The Creative Minority

Building Healthy Masjids | Dr. Shadee ElMasry | #59

The significance behind a healthy community is critical because they serve as an important source of social connection and a sense of belonging. But how do we build healthy communities? In this podcast, we are joined by Dr. Shadee ElMasry to discuss how to create thriving communities, the importance of building masjids and the role of MSA’s. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 0:57 Building Communities in the West 6:29 Influence and Concern 8:18 Engaging Communities 15:10 The Importance of Mosques 24:51 1st Gen vs 2nd Gen Muslims 29:06 Diversity 33:33 The Power of Umrah 39:11 Fitrah 41:49 Mirroring Those Closest to You 44:03 MSA 46:50 Financing Mosques 57:16 Conclusion

The Power of Storytelling | Diffused Congruence | #58

In this special podcast, we are collaborating with prominent Muslim podcast, Diffused Congruence, on a discussion on the importance of storytelling. We discuss Ahmed's journey to resolving his identity crisis, Parvez and Omar's dedication to narrating the remarkable stories of our pioneers and analyzing the current discourse surrounding Muslim podcasts today.

The Best of Creation | Abdullah Anik Misra | #57

Muslims regard the Prophet Muhammad (S) as the greatest human to walk upon this blessed Earth. Within his life, there are parables and examples that illustrate his (S) greatness and the deep love he (S) had not only for his companions, but for all of humanity as he (S) was sent "as a mercy to all the worlds."  In this podcast, we discuss how we can nurture a deep love for the Prophet (S), the devout loyalty of his companions and how that love can fill the spiritual void that many are searching for.  Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:15 Importance of the Prophet (S) 6:04 Preferring the Prophet (S) Over Yourself 8:45 The Conqueror of Hearts  12:20 Loyalty & Mindfulness  28:32 Being Content with What You Have 40:12 Loving the Prophet (S) After Death 46:38 Developing Love of the Prophet (S) 50:17 Instilling Prophetic Love into Children 55:56 Love & Mercy 1:00:45 Love of God and Love of the Prophet (S) 1:08:55 Conclusion

Islamic Bioethics | Dr. Aasim Padela | #56

Islamic Bioethics is a relatively new discipline that seeks to address ethical issues emerging from advances in biology, medicine and technologies within an Islamic paradigm. It seeks to answer many contemporary issues related to Islam and biology.  In this podcast, we are joined by Dr. Aasim Padela, prominent researcher on Islamic Bioethics to discuss the discipline of Islamic Bioethics and contemporary issues such as Islam and Artificial Intelligence, Islam's view on end of life treatment, and organ transplant.  Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 2:11 Islamic Bio-Ethics is More than Fiqh 9:09 The Paradigm of Islamic Bioethics 19:29 Contemporary Bioethical Issues 22:25 Dealing with Artificial Intelligence 27:23 Bioethics and Near Death Treatment 39:11 Pulling the Plug on Death 50:27 Solutions for Near Death Treatment 1:00:17 Emotions Must Be Tamed 1:03:25 Preparing for Death 1:07:08 Conclusion

Creating Islamic Anime | Dr. Naoki Yamamoto | #55

In recent years, the popularity of anime has increased dramatically and has become mainstream. It is a powerful medium that seeks to impart moral lessons through the use of visual images. But can Anime also be used to impart Islamic teachings? In this podcast, we are joined by Dr. Naoki Yamamoto to discuss the similarities between Islam and anime, the rise of upcoming Islamic Animes, and the relationship between Naruto and Islam.  Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:20 How Naoki Became a Muslim 4:53 Sufism through Anime & Manga 15:42 Anime is Global 19:00 Naruto Through the Islamic Lens 24:59 Using Indigenous Language for Spreading Islam 31:16 The Power of Anime 41:00 Reception to Virtue 46:35 Mastership & Discipleship  50:51 The Hero Archetype 57:35 Process to Greatness 1:05:30 Hero's and Fathers  1:13:24 Popularity of Naoki's work 1:20:19 The Journey Anime 1:23:52 Conclusion