#58 - Unify on the Basis of Virtue & Action… NOT Belief & Doctrine!

#59 - Reflecting On Life & Death After My Mother’s Passing

My mother, Azeeza Shah, passed away on Tuesday 9th June and was buried on Friday 12th June. I sat down with my best friend Azim Kidwai, whose own mother was buried on exactly the same day ten years prior, to share reflections and stories with each other. To all those who have reached out to me or my siblings with prayers for my mother as well as words of support and encouragement for us, my heartfelt gratitude to you all. May she rest in peace, enveloped in divine love and light.

#58 - Unify on the Basis of Virtue & Action… NOT Belief & Doctrine!

This conversation focuses on who constitutes your “community” - is it as simple as people who claim the same beliefs and are adherents of the same “religion”? Or is it something a lot more substantial? I also share some views on contextualising certain prescriptions in revelation, such as those to do with prayer, marriage and meat consumption! (0:00) Hairstyles (0:32) Verse analysis 49-10 (12:25) Clarifying the “label” problem (15:59) Stop wanting to define everyone (22:50) Characterising true faith (33:22) What forms are existentially vital? (45:00) Moving between different states (49:25) Isn’t all selflessness also godliness? (59:19) The value of natural goodness (1:02:55) The power of prophetic example

#57 - HOW Dropping Religious Labels Will Help Us Solve Everyone's Problems

Is this whole discussion about religious labels a low priority or just a waste of time? In the context of all the issues people face, how can this even be relevant? Well that's what this episode is about, because in fact there is very deep connection between the way we see and possibly constrain ourselves and others on the one hand, and our collective ability to understand reality and collaboratively develop constructive solutions on the other. I go as far as to say that the rigid, contemporary label and identity based obsession is a type of idolatry that has led us to desecrate the prophetic legacy rather than honour, renew and uphold it. (0:00) Banter (1:32) The identity discussion is critical (12:24) Labels hinder universal concern (23:12) No need for addition after subtraction (28:33) Practical benefits of zero identity (39:33) Realising universal principles in context (49:49) Local vs absolute ideals & "Who decides?" (1:01:26) Course correction is ultimately inevitable (1:09:12) Labels cause bigotry & division (1:16:27) Do I have inferiority complex? (1:19:20) Did everyone miss this for 1400 years? (1:22:16) Is another label or category unavoidable? (1:27:03) Revisiting beliefs, salvation & idolatry (1:42:40) Outstanding matters

#56 - Clear PROOF from Revelation that “Islam” is NOT a “Religion”

There are two key verses (3:19 and 3:85) which seem to suggest that “Islam” is indeed supposed to be understood as a “religion” and in fact the only valid path to God… but on closer analysis this extremely popular way of reading the verses becomes completely untenable. In this conversation these two verses are reviewed in their surrounding context - to show that the word إسلام is best understood as an existential orientation rather than a “religion” - with additional conversation on the topics of whether false doctrine can render good deeds worthless, the nature of idolatry and hypocrisy, having a founder’s mentality with regards to an effort to renew society which is rooted in faith, and the severe dangers of division that is caused by unnecessary and misleading labelling. If we stop being obsessed with doctrine, dogma and identity, and start being obsessed with meaning, practice and adding value, only then will we even begin to realise the vision for human beings presented in revelation. It’s time to unblock ourselves and let the divine light shine. (0:00) Din (دين) is orientation not religion (11:20) Verse analysis 3:19 (18:11) Contextual nuances of groups in revelation (25:34) Can doctrine make goodness worthless? (38:36) The value of humility & non-judgement (47:00) Everyone’s exposure to idolatry & hypocrisy (55:45) Faith (إيمان) & good deeds are inseparable (1:00:54) Simply subtract & let the light shine (1:07:56) Having a founder’s mentality (1:10:42) The severe dangers of division (1:15:19) Verse analysis 3:85 (1:25:08) The road ahead (1:28:38) Verse analysis 10:104

#55 - Why I'm Not A "Muslim" & Why "Islam" Isn't My "Religion"

Every single day I come across uses of the words "Islam", "Muslim" and their various derivatives that I think are scripturally, philosophically and pragmatically bankrupt. All this reveals a fundamental and widespread misunderstanding, one which obscures truth and wisdom, as well as preventing deeper relationships and genuine cooperation amongst human beings. If we are to make any serious progress and align ourselves to Reality, we must differentiate between what is existential and conventional, what is universal and particular, what is clariying and what is misleading. But have a watch / listen, and let me know if I'm barking up the wrong tree. (0:00) Why this conversation is critical (5:25) If I'm not a "Muslim", what am I? (9:40) Oversimplification & pervasive idolatry (13:42) What the "labels" in revelation tell us (24:49) Uppercase identites vs lowercase states (30:57) Stated beliefs are completely irrelevant (37:54) What matters far more than stated beliefs (45:55) More analysis of key verses (57:00) Proper language & substance are vital (1:06:35) "Islam" & "Muslim": examples of confusion (1:15:20) The martial arts analogy (1:21:35) A universal, existential, practical framework (1:33:20) More contemporary problematic examples