Épisodes

  • The Politics of Armageddon: Crusades of the End Times | Ismail Arafa
    Apr 24 2026

    Help us expand our Muslim media project here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership


    Donate to our charity partner Baitulmaal here:

    http://btml.us/thinkingmuslim


    In this episode of The Thinking Muslim, we are joined by Ismail Arafa for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation on religion, power, and global politics.


    Together, we explore the complex relationship between faith and statecraft, beginning with discussion of crusader undertones in modern U.S. policy and what this reveals about the role of religious language in shaping political agendas. The discussion then broadens to examine both right- and left-wing trends in the West, questioning whether hostility toward Islam is rooted in belief - or driven by strategy, power, and economic interests.


    As the conversation deepens, Ismail Arafa reflects on how religion continues to be instrumentalised in an increasingly secular Western world, and why it remains such a potent force despite declining religious affiliation. We also unpack the important distinction between mainstream Christianity and its more extreme expressions, while critically engaging with historical narratives like the Crusades and their relevance to modern conflicts.


    The episode also tackles the dehumanisation of Palestinians and Muslims in Western discourse, alongside a candid discussion on how Muslims view non-Muslims. Is the idea of an inevitable conflict between believers and non-believers real - or constructed?


    Finally, we address the rise of right-wing and authoritarian movements across the West, and what this means for Muslim communities navigating an increasingly polarised landscape.


    Join us for this nuanced and challenging conversation that encourages deeper reflection on the narratives shaping our world today.

    And do comment your thoughts down below!



    You can find Ismail Arafa here:

    X: https://x.com/ismailarafa9

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ismail.arafa2


    Become a member here:

    https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership


    Or give your one-off donation here:

    https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/donate


    Listen to the audio version of the podcast:


    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636a


    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762


    Purchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merch


    Find us on:

    X: https://x.com/thinking_muslim


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-thinking-muslim/


    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490


    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/


    Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslim


    BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thinkingmuslim.bsky.social


    Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thinkingmuslimpodcast


    Find Muhammad Jalal here:

    X: https://twitter.com/jalalayn

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jalalayns/


    Sign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.com


    Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 3 min
  • Strait Talk with Sami Hamdi: Iran and the Crisis of Muslim Leadership
    Apr 20 2026

    Help us expand our Muslim media project here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership


    Donate to our charity partner Baitulmaal here:

    http://btml.us/thinkingmuslim


    In this episode of The Thinking Muslim, we are joined by political analyst Sami Hamdi, as we confront some of the most pressing political and moral questions of our time. From the state of free speech in the West to escalating tensions in the Middle East, this conversation goes beyond headlines - challenging assumptions and asking what it truly means to stand for justice today.


    We explore censorship, media narratives and the geopolitical stakes surrounding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, and the influence of military power on policymaking. The discussion then turns inward, questioning leadership, responsibility, and whether figures like Donald Trump represent a “lesser evil” in global politics.


    The episode closes on a powerful reflection inspired by Mohammad Asad - what does it mean to do as much good as possible in a world filled with complexity and contradiction?


    Join us for a thought-provoking episode and let us know what you think in the comments!



    You can find Sami Hamdi here:

    X: https://x.com/SALHACHIMI

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/salhachimi/


    Become a member here:

    https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership


    Or give your one-off donation here:

    https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/donate


    Listen to the audio version of the podcast:


    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636a


    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762


    Purchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merch


    Find us on:

    X: https://x.com/thinking_muslim


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-thinking-muslim/


    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490


    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/


    Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslim


    BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thinkingmuslim.bsky.social


    Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thinkingmuslimpodcast


    Find Muhammad Jalal here:

    X: https://twitter.com/jalalayn

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jalalayns/


    Sign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.com


    Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com


    Disclaimer:

    The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 50 min
  • Inside Iran's Strategic Mindset | Dr. Sami Al-Arian
    Apr 17 2026

    Help us expand our Muslim media project here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership


    Donate to our charity partner Baitulmaal here:

    http://btml.us/thinkingmuslim


    In this episode of the Thinking Muslim Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Sami Al-Arian for a wide-ranging and incisive discussion on the shifting geopolitical landscape in the Middle East and beyond. Drawing on deep insight and experience, Dr. Al-Arian unpacks internal dynamics within Iran, questions of global responsibility, and the broader ideological currents shaping today’s conflicts.


    We begin with an introduction before exploring assessments from within the Iranian regime, offering a perspective rarely heard in mainstream discourse. The conversation then turns to the question of blame - examining the roles of Israel, Washington, and inconsistencies in policy.


    As the discussion unfolds, we look at potential turbulence within the Pentagon and what figures like Pete Hegseth and Donald Trump signal for future U.S. strategy. We also examine the role of Christianity in politics, asking whether “crusader-style” rhetoric is making a return in modern geopolitical narratives.


    The episode then delves into the structure of power in Iran, questioning who truly holds authority and how influence is exercised. From there, we analyse the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and whether it represents the central point of tension between Trump and Iran.


    Finally, we explore rising tensions between Israel and Turkey, considering whether Erdoğan’s Turkey is increasingly in the crosshairs - and what escalation could mean for the region.


    You can find Dr. Sami Al-Arian here here:

    X: https://x.com/SamiAlArian

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/profsamialarian/


    Become a member here:

    https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership


    Or give your one-off donation here:

    https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/donate


    Listen to the audio version of the podcast:


    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636a


    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762


    Purchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merch


    Find us on:

    X: https://x.com/thinking_muslim


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-thinking-muslim/


    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490


    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/


    Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslim


    BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thinkingmuslim.bsky.social


    Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thinkingmuslimpodcast


    Find Muhammad Jalal here:

    X: https://twitter.com/jalalayn

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jalalayns/


    Sign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.com


    Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com


    Disclaimer:

    The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 18 min
  • Dire Straits: Oil, War, and Economic Collapse | Mehreen Khan
    Apr 13 2026

    Help us expand our Muslim media project here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership


    Donate to our charity partner Baitulmaal here:

    http://btml.us/thinkingmuslim


    What are the real economic consequences of the current war - and are the “doomsday” predictions justified?


    In this episode of The Thinking Muslim, we are joined by Mehreen Khan to explore the global economic shockwaves triggered by the Iran war and what they reveal about the future of power, finance, and geopolitics. From the resilience of sanctioned economies to the vulnerabilities of Gulf states, this conversation examines whether we are entering a new era of fragmentation and economic realignment.


    We ask difficult but necessary questions:

    Are Gulf Arab states truly stable? Why didn’t energy get used as leverage during Gaza? Is liberal capitalism reaching its limits? And are we witnessing the early foundations of a more independent and coordinated Muslim economic bloc?


    You can find Mehreen Khan here:

    X: https://x.com/MehreenKhn



    Become a member here:

    https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership


    Or give your one-off donation here:

    https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/donate


    Listen to the audio version of the podcast:


    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636a


    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762


    Purchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merch


    Find us on:

    X: https://x.com/thinking_muslim


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-thinking-muslim/


    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490


    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/


    Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslim


    BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thinkingmuslim.bsky.social


    Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thinkingmuslimpodcast


    Find Muhammad Jalal here:

    X: https://twitter.com/jalalayn

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jalalayns/


    Sign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.com


    Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com


    Disclaimer:

    The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 12 min
  • Ceasefire: Iran Broke the Myth of American Power | Mouin Rabbani
    Apr 13 2026

    Help us expand our Muslim media project here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership


    Donate to our charity partner Baitulmaal here:

    http://btml.us/thinkingmuslim


    In this episode of The Thinking Muslim, renowned Middle East analyst Mouin Rabbani joins us for a deep and unfiltered conversation on the escalating tensions surrounding Iran and the shifting global order.


    The discussion opens by examining whether the recent ceasefire represents a genuine strategic win for Trump - or something far more fragile. It then turns to the intensifying bombing campaign in Lebanon, exposing the stark imbalance on the ground and what it reveals about the trajectory of the conflict.


    Can the region return to the pre-February status quo, or has a permanent shift already taken place?


    The conversation expands to the role of the Gulf States, evolving security arrangements, and who is ultimately emerging as the real loser in this confrontation. With global stakes rising, Rabbani also unpacks China’s strategic calculations - particularly its interest in the Strait of Hormuz - and whether US actions are inadvertently accelerating Beijing’s influence.


    The episode also explores the ideological forces shaping Western policy, including the intersection of extreme Christianity, imperialism, and Zionism.


    You can find Mouin Rabbani here:

    X: https://x.com/MouinRabbani


    Become a member here:

    https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership


    Or give your one-off donation here:

    https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/donate


    Listen to the audio version of the podcast:


    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636a


    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762


    Purchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merch


    Find us on:

    X: https://x.com/thinking_muslim


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-thinking-muslim/


    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490


    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/


    Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslim


    BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thinkingmuslim.bsky.social


    Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thinkingmuslimpodcast


    Find Muhammad Jalal here:

    X: https://twitter.com/jalalayn

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jalalayns/


    Sign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.com


    Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com


    Disclaimer:

    The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised.



    Timestamps:

    00:00 – Introduction

    00:35 – Was the ceasefire a victory for Trump?

    07:00 – Escalation of the bombing campaign in Lebanon: assessing the imbalance between sides

    16:50 – Is a return to the pre-February status quo possible?

    24:00 – The Gulf States, security agreements, and identifying the net losers of the conflict

    30:00 – China’s strategic perspective: understanding the Strait of Hormuz

    37:30 – The intersection of extreme Christianity, imperialism, and Zionism

    41:44 – What might the emerging new world order look like?

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    47 min
  • Iran Exposes the Delusions of Empire | Dr Nader Hashemi
    Apr 3 2026

    Help us expand our Muslim media project here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership


    Donate to our charity partner Baitulmaal here:

    http://btml.us/thinkingmuslim


    This week on The Thinking Muslim, Iranian-born academic and dissenting voice Nader Hashemi of Georgetown University joins us to examine how the logic of American empire is driving this disastrous war with Iran. We also dissect the roles of Iran, Israel, and the Arab regimes in sustaining this conflict.


    You can find Nader Hashemi here:

    X: https://x.com/naderalihashemi


    Become a member here:

    https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership


    Or give your one-off donation here:

    https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/donate


    Listen to the audio version of the podcast:


    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636a


    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762


    Purchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merch


    Find us on:

    X: https://x.com/thinking_muslim


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-thinking-muslim/


    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490


    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/


    Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslim


    BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thinkingmuslim.bsky.social


    Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thinkingmuslimpodcast


    Find Muhammad Jalal here:

    X: https://twitter.com/jalalayn

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jalalayns/


    Sign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.com


    Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com


    Disclaimer:

    The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 15 min
  • Iran and Gaza: Was Human Rights Always a Lie? | Omar Shakir
    Mar 27 2026

    Help us expand our Muslim media project here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership


    Donate to our charity partner Baitulmaal here:

    http://btml.us/thinkingmuslim


    In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Omar Shakir, former Israel & Palestine Director at Human Rights Watch, to explore whether the global rules-based order was ever truly fair - or if it has always been selectively applied.


    From the blocking of a major HRW report accusing Israel of crimes against humanity, to the broader failures of international law in places like Palestine and beyond, this discussion confronts uncomfortable truths about power, hypocrisy, and the limits of humanitarian institutions.


    We also examine the post-9/11 world, the role of Western states, funding pressures within NGOs, and whether meaningful reform is even possible. Finally, we reflect on whether a values-driven ethical framework - rooted in justice and consistency - can be rebuilt in an increasingly unstable world.


    You can find Omar Shakir here here:

    X: https://x.com/OmarSShakir

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/omarishakir/


    Become a member here:

    https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership


    Or give your one-off donation here:

    https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/donate


    Listen to the audio version of the podcast:


    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636a


    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762


    Purchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merch


    Find us on:

    X: https://x.com/thinking_muslim


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-thinking-muslim/


    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490


    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/


    Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslim


    BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thinkingmuslim.bsky.social


    Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thinkingmuslimpodcast


    Find Muhammad Jalal here:

    X: https://twitter.com/jalalayn

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jalalayns/


    Sign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.com


    Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com


    Disclaimer:

    The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    54 min
  • The Power of Words: Sami Hamdi on Stage
    Mar 22 2026

    Help us expand our Muslim media project here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership


    Donate to our charity partner Baitulmaal here:

    http://btml.us/thinkingmuslim


    Welcome to our very first LIVE show on The Thinking Muslim, featuring Sami Hamdi.


    In this special session, we explore some of the most pressing intellectual and spiritual questions facing the Muslim Ummah today. From reflecting on why Fatih continues to hold such deep significance to the Ummah, to examining the power of words in shaping narratives, we dive into how language can uplift, influence, and even be weaponised.


    We also discuss how we can make our words more impactful, analyse the ongoing battle between truth and propaganda, and reflect on the importance of trusting in Allah’s (SWT) timing when it comes to victory. The session concludes with a live audience Q&A, addressing key questions from the community.


    You can find Sami Hamdi here:

    X: https://x.com/SALHACHIMI

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/salhachimi/


    Become a member here:

    https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membership


    Or give your one-off donation here:

    https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/donate


    Listen to the audio version of the podcast:


    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636a


    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762


    Purchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merch


    Find us on:

    X: https://x.com/thinking_muslim


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-thinking-muslim/


    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490


    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/


    Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslim


    BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thinkingmuslim.bsky.social


    Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thinkingmuslimpodcast


    Find Muhammad Jalal here:

    X: https://twitter.com/jalalayn

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jalalayns/


    Sign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.com


    Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com


    Disclaimer:

    The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    2 h