In Season 6, Episode 6 of Talking With Teachers, Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali speaks with Shaykh Mohammad Akram Nadwi about the foundations of Islamic scholarly authority.
Shaykh Nadwi explains the enduring significance of isnād and ijāzah, illuminating how knowledge was authenticated and preserved across generations. He also shares remarkable insights from his groundbreaking research on female Hadith scholars, offering a richer and more accurate understanding of Islamic intellectual history.
A must-listen episode for anyone interested in Hadith, Islamic tradition, and the transmission of knowledge.
Talking With Teachers – Season 6, Episode 5
Dr. Joseph Lumbard
In this episode of Talking With Teachers, host Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali welcomes distinguished scholar Dr. Joseph E. B. Lumbard for a wide-ranging and deeply reflective conversation on Islam, spirituality, and the challenges of the modern world.
Dr. Lumbard—editor of The Study Quran and a leading voice in contemporary Islamic thought—shares his intellectual journey into Islamic studies and explores the enduring relevance of tasawwuf (Sufism), perennial philosophy, and classical Islamic scholarship in today’s rapidly changing global landscape.
The discussion addresses major themes such as:
The spiritual and intellectual roots of Islamic tradition
The effects of modernity and colonialism on Muslim societies
Faith, reason, and the challenges posed by technology and artificial intelligence
The role of sacred knowledge in an age of political and cultural uncertainty
This episode offers profound insights for students of Islam, seekers of spiritual depth, and anyone interested in thoughtful conversations on religion, philosophy, and modern life.
🎙 Guest: Dr. Joseph E. B. Lumbard
🎧 Host: Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali
📌 Series: Talking With Teachers – Season 6
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In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Talking With Teachers, we sit down with Imam Qasim Khan to explore his remarkable spiritual journey and lifelong commitment to faith, justice, and community leadership.
Imam Qasim reflects on his early religious experiences, including his involvement in major Black social and religious movements such as the Nation of Islam and the Black Panther Party, and how these formative years shaped his worldview and moral compass. He also shares a lesser-known chapter of his life—his time as a gospel singer—and how music, spirituality, and devotion intersected long before his embrace of Islam.
The conversation then turns to one of the most controversial periods of his public life, when Imam Qasim faced media attacks in Houston, Texas, accusing him of attempting to impose “shari‘ah law.” He responds directly to these claims, clarifying that his efforts were rooted not in coercion, but in encouraging Muslims to respect their own religious values, particularly through peaceful protest against Muslims selling alcohol within their communities.
This episode offers rare insight into:
The evolution of Black religious consciousness in America
Islam, social justice, and grassroots activism
Media misrepresentation of Muslim leadership
Faith-based moral reform versus political fear-mongering
A candid, thought-provoking discussion that challenges stereotypes and highlights the complexities of Muslim leadership in America today.
In this powerful episode of Talking With Teachers, Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali sits down with Dr. Zachary Wright, an esteemed scholar of Islam and African Muslim intellectual history, for a rich and illuminating conversation on spirituality, scholarship, and tradition.
Dr. Wright reflects on his early influences in Islam, the scholars and teachers who shaped his spiritual and intellectual journey, and his path within the Tijani Tariqah. The discussion explores the importance of maintaining the wird, its role in spiritual discipline, and how structured remembrance of Allah cultivates consistency, humility, and presence of heart.
This episode also highlights the often-overlooked legacy of African Islamic scholarship, emphasizing Africa’s central role in preserving, transmitting, and enriching Islamic knowledge across generations. Dr. Wright sheds light on the depth of West African scholarly traditions, Sufi lineages, and the enduring relevance of African Muslim contributions to global Islam.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into:
The spiritual foundations of the Tijani Sufi path
The significance of regular dhikr and wird
The continuity of African Muslim scholarship
The relationship between spiritual practice and intellectual rigor
Lessons for contemporary Muslims seeking rooted, authentic tradition
This conversation is essential listening for anyone interested in Islamic spirituality, Sufism, African Islamic history, and living scholarly traditions.
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📢 Share this episode with family and friends seeking meaningful Islamic discourse.
Dr. Zachary Wright, Talking With Teachers Podcast, Tijani Tariqah, Wird in Islam, African Islamic Scholarship, Sufism, Islamic Spirituality, West African Islam, Dhikr, Sufi Orders, Lamppost Education Initiative
In this episode of the Talking With Teachers Podcast, Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali sits down with Mobeen Vaid—writer, public intellectual, and prominent commentator on modern challenges facing Muslims in the West. Raised in Northern Virginia, Mobeen reflects on his early life, community influences, and the experiences that shaped his intellectual journey.This conversation dives deeply into Muslims and politics in America, exploring how American Muslims navigate public life, partisan tensions, moral frameworks, and the evolving landscape of Muslim political engagement. Together, we unpack the opportunities and pitfalls of political participation, cultural pressures, and the importance of principled Islamic thought in contemporary debates.About the Guest:Mobeen Vaid is a researcher and essayist whose widely read works address Islamic ethics, modernity, gender, philosophy, and Muslim public discourse. His commentary has appeared across major Muslim platforms, and he is recognized for his thoughtful engagement with today’s most pressing social issues.👉 Topics Discussed:Mobeen’s upbringing and formative years in Northern VirginiaHow American culture shaped early Muslim identityThe shifting political landscape for Muslims in the United StatesEthical frameworks for political participationChallenges of polarization, representation, and public pressureWhat principled engagement looks like for Muslims todayYour support helps the Lamppost Education Initiative continue producing meaningful Islamic scholarship, thoughtful conversations, and resources for the Muslim community.👉 Support our work: https://lamppostedu.org/donate🔔 Subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more listeners.
We open Season 6 of the Talking With Teachers Podcast with a profound and enlightening conversation with Dr. Hadia Mubarak, scholar and author of the acclaimed new book Rebellious Wives, Neglectful Husbands. In this episode, Dr. Mubarak explores the complexities of marriage, gender ethics, and the rich legacy of women’s voices in Islamic scholarship—offering insights rooted in tradition, compassion, and deep academic expertise.
As we begin a new season dedicated to meaningful conversations and transformative ideas, we invite you to support the Lamppost Education Initiative during our Super Tuesday fundraising campaign. Your contribution allows us to continue producing high-quality Islamic content, publishing impactful scholarly works, and making authentic knowledge accessible to English-speaking Muslims around the world.
👉 Support our Super Tuesday effort today: https://lamppostedu.org/donate
Every gift—large or small—helps sustain Islamic learning and community education.
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In this powerful closing episode of Season 5 of Talking With Teachers, Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali sits down with Imam Sulaimaan Hamed of the Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam. Imam Hamed reflects on his beginnings as a Muslim Imam, shares formative personal experiences, and speaks candidly about the urgent need for Muslims to reconcile and find unity on our common foundation as believers in Allah. He also addresses the dangers of heedlessness in our spiritual lives and highlights the enduring influence of Imam Warith Deen Mohammed on his path of faith and leadership.
✨ This conversation is both personal and inspiring, reminding us of the timeless importance of reflection, responsibility, and community in the journey of faith.
In this insightful episode, Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali sits down with Arbazz Mohammed, Executive Director of the Sahaba Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving underprivileged families and fostering community development. With years of experience in social services and advocacy, Arbazz brings a unique perspective to the conversation on faith, leadership, and social change.
The discussion explores:
The role of Muslims in politics and how civic engagement shapes the American Muslim experience.
The impact of Islamic organizations in strengthening communities and addressing pressing social challenges.
A remarkable encounter from his past that broadened his perspective on faith communities (shared critically, without endorsement).
The lasting influence of Malcolm X, whose legacy continues to inspire Arbazz’s commitment to justice, self-determination, and Muslim identity in America.
This wide-ranging interview highlights the intersections of faith, activism, and identity, offering listeners valuable insights into the evolving role of Muslims in public life.
#TalkingWithTeachers #ArbazzMohammed #SahabaInitiative #MuslimsInPolitics #MalcolmX #AmericanMuslim
Professor Yasin Dutton is a renowned scholar of Islamic studies whose personal journey into Islam has shaped both his life and career. After embracing Islam as a young man, he went on to combine spiritual commitment with academic rigor, producing scholarship that bridges tradition and modern scholarship. He has taught at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Edinburgh and University of Cape Town, where he has inspired students in Qur’anic studies, Islamic law, and classical texts. Professor Dutton is also widely respected for his contributions to English translations of foundational Islamic works. His publications and translations include texts such as “The Origins of Islamic Law”, studies on early Qur’anic manuscripts, and his editorial and translation work that continues to make classical sources accessible to English-speaking audiences.In this episode of Talking With Teachers, Professor Dutton reflects on his background, his conversion to Islam, and the profound impact Islam has had on his personal and professional journey. His story offers listeners both insight and inspiration into the transformative power of faith and knowledge.#TalkingWithTeachers #IslamicStudies #YasinDutton #ConversionToIslam #IslamicScholar #MuslimJourney #FaithAndKnowledge #SacredKnowledge #IslamicLaw #QuranStudies #IslamicHistory #PodcastInterview
In this episode of Talking With Teachers, Shaykh Tahir Mahmood Kiani shares his remarkable journey as a student, translator, and educator. He discusses the inspiration behind his widely read translation The Easy Qur’an, the urgent challenges of injustice facing Muslims today, and the enduring influence of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, one of the most important voices in modern Islamic thought.
Listeners will gain insight into Shaykh Tahir’s personal background, his vision for accessible scholarship, and the deep relevance of classical and modern voices in shaping the future of the Muslim ummah.
Perfect for anyone interested in Islamic scholarship, Qur’an studies, Hanafi fiqh, Allama Iqbal, and contemporary issues facing Muslims worldwide.
In this episode of Talking With Teachers, we sit down with Shaykh Muhammad Shareef, the founding director of the Sankore Institute of Islamic-African Studies International (SIIASI). Born in Los Angeles and trained under some of West Africa’s most distinguished scholars, Shaykh Muhammad Shareef has spent decades preserving, translating, and teaching the intellectual and spiritual legacy of Islamic Africa.In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore his journey in Islam and his deep connection to Sufism, the African-American Muslim cultural experience and its roots in West Africa, as well as a historical discourse on slavery, the trans-Atlantic slave trade, and the African jihad movements. Shaykh Shareef also addresses the false propaganda about Arabs promoted by certain strands of Pan-Africanism, while offering insights that reconnect Muslims today to Africa’s profound Islamic scholarly tradition. #TalkingWithTeachers#ShaykhMuhammadShareef#SIIASI#IslamicScholarship#AfricanIslam#LamppostEdu#IslamicEducation#MuslimPodcast#PreservingHeritage#IslamicHistory
From Lahore to global thought leadership — Dr. Ali Salman shares his journey, insights on Islamic economics, cryptocurrency, and the thinkers who shaped his worldview.
Join us for an in-depth conversation with Dr. Ali Salman, CEO of the Islam & Liberty Network, as we explore his early education in Lahore, Pakistan, the influence of Mawlana Mawdudi, and the enduring legacy of Syed Ahmed Khan. We also dive into the world of cryptocurrency, revisit the principles of Islamic economics from the time of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and discuss how these timeless ideas apply to today’s economic challenges.
Whether you’re interested in Islamic history, modern economics, or the role of faith in shaping policy, this episode offers a rich and thought-provoking discussion.
📅 Premiere Date: August 11, 2025, 7:30 AM EST
📍 Watch on Talking With Teachers
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#AliSalman #IslamAndLibertyNetwork #IslamicEconomics #IslamicFinance #MuslimEconomics #TalkingWithTeachers #MawlanaMawdudi #SyedAhmedKhan #Cryptocurrency #CryptoAndIslam #FaithAndEconomics #HistoryOfIslam #IslamicHistory #IslamicThought #ProphetMuhammad #PakistanHistory #MuslimScholars #IslamAndEconomics #IslamicBanking #EconomicsInIslam #IslamicCivilization #ShariahEconomics #FinancialEthics #EconomicJusticeInIslam #IslamicIntellectualHistory
Don’t miss this powerful episode of Talking With Teachers with special guest Yusef Andre Wiley.
Wiley spent nearly 22 years in prison, deeply involved in gang culture. But behind bars, he experienced a life-altering transformation through Islam.
Today, he’s the founder of the Timelist Group, mentoring youth, guiding former inmates, and building stronger communities.
🛑 From prison yards to public service—this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
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🎧 Hosted by Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali
🎙️ Talking With Teachers – Real Stories. Real Scholars. Real Change.
Thsi week we are please to present Shaykh Ali Laraki, a respected Islamic scholar, seasoned translator, and spiritual guide rooted in the Islamic traditions of West Africa and North Africa. A student of some of the foremost scholars of our time, Shaykh Ali brings deep insight into the practical and spiritual challenges facing the global Muslim community today.
In this episode, Shaykh Ali discusses:
Economic Independence: A Path for the Ummah
A Spiritual Awakening Amidst Modern Challenges
The Greatest Challenge Muslims Face Today
The Legacy of Sheikh Uthman Dan Fodio
📺 Subscribe now and tune in for this rich, eye-opening conversation.
#TalkingWithTeachers #ShaykhAliLaraki #LamppostEdu #IslamicScholarship #SpiritualAwakening #UthmanDanFodio #EconomicEmpowerment
Join Shaykh Kifani Ibrahim Cisse as he reflects on his path from Christianity to Islam, the spiritual legacy of Sheikh Hassan Cisse, and the role of faith in dance, hip-hop, and navigating social media. He also shares deep insight on suffering, spiritual growth, and the three essential traits Muslims must embody today.#TalkingWithTeachers #ShaykhKifani #LamppostEducation #SpiritualLegacy #IslamInAmerica
Please support the Lamppost Education Inititiave. Your donations help Lamppost provide high quality content for English speaking Muslims all over the world. Visit us at: https://lamppostedu.org/donate to contribute and aid Islamic education from qualified Muslim scholars. Connect with us on Social Media:http://www.facebook.com/LEIscholarshttp://www.twitter.com/thelight99http://www.instagram.com/lamppost_edu
In this episode, among the topics discussed by Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali and Shaykh Ahmed Al-Azhary is the recent article, “Why Hamza Yusuf’s Voice Doesn’t Speak for the Bilaliyyun."
Shaykh Ahmed addresses the following points: The misreading of hadith about Sayyiduna Bilāl (RA)The limits of racial essentialism in IslamThe universal message of the Prophet ﷺHow ideology can distort sacred tradition.
Don't miss this critical conversation on faith, race, theology, and more from this episode of Talking With Teachers. Please support the Lamppost Education Inititiave. Your donations help Lamppost provide high quality content for English speaking Muslims all over the world. Visit us at: https://lamppostedu.org/donate to contribute and aid Islamic education from qualified Muslim scholars.
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📢 Is Riba Ever Permissible in America? | Shaykh Amin Kholwadia on Islamic Education, Darul Qasim, and Controversial Hanafi Opinions
In this powerful episode of Talking With Teachers, host Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali speaks with Shaykh Amin Kholwadia—one of the foremost Islamic scholars in the West and founder of Darul Qasim—about the urgent need for serious Islamic education in America and the controversial Hanafi view on Riba (interest) in the U.S. context.
🔥 Highlights include:
Why Darul Qasim is different from most Islamic institutions
How American Muslims are misunderstanding Islamic scholarship
The real story behind the Hanafi position on Riba in non-Muslim lands
What it means to preserve Islamic intellectual tradition in the modern world
Shaykh Amin draws from decades of classical training and deep spiritual insight to challenge assumptions and inspire a return to grounded, principled learning.
🔔 Don’t miss this rare and candid conversation with a true teacher of teachers. Whether you’re a student of knowledge, a concerned parent, or just trying to understand how to live Islam authentically in the West—this episode is for you.
👉 Watch now and subscribe to stay connected with Muslim scholars who shape the future.
#ShaykhAminKholwadia #IslamicEducation #Riba #DarulQasim #TalkingWithTeachers #HanafiFiqh #MuslimPodcast #IslamInAmerica #HalalFinance
🎙 Talking With Teachers | Season 5, Episode 1
Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali in conversation with Shaykh Hamzah Maqbul
In this inspiring first episode of Season 5, Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali sits down with Shaykh Hamzah Maqbul to explore his unique journey as a scholar and teacher of Islam in America. Shaykh Hamzah reflects on his upbringing, his formative years of study in Mauritania, and his rare position as a Pakistani scholar who follows and teaches the Maliki madhhab.
The conversation offers rich insights into his life’s work, including his role as Director of Religious Affairs at the Muslim Association of Puget Sound (MAPS) in Washington, where he provided leadership in religious guidance, interfaith dialogue, and educational programming. Shaykh Hamzah shares his experiences lecturing across North America on Islamic theology, law, spirituality, and contemporary ethical challenges.
Today, Shaykh Hamzah continues to teach, mentor, and support Muslim communities through online platforms, speaking engagements, and collaborations. He works closely with the Imam Ghazali Institute and serves as the resident scholar at Ribāt, a center for learning and remembrance in the Midwest U.S.
🎧 Don’t miss this thoughtful discussion on scholarship, identity, and the calling of teaching Islam in the West.
#TalkingWithTeachers #ShaykhHamzahMaqbul #LamppostEducation #IslamicScholarship #MalikiMadhhab #IslamInAmerica #MuslimVoices
Shaykh Ahmed Bangura joins Talking With Teachers to reflect on his educational journey, the founding of the Ihsan Foundation, and his key writings on Islam and West African literature. A deep, thought-provoking episode exploring faith, language, and identity.
#ShaykhAhmedBangura #IslamAndTheWestAfricanNovel #TranslatingIslam #LamppostPodcast #IslamicEducation
In this episode of Talking With Teachers, Shaykh Muhammad ibn Adam Al-Kawthari—renowned jurist and founder of Darul Ifta Leicester—shares his path to Islamic learning, reflections on his written works, and the teachers who deeply influenced him. Tune in for an enlightening and inspiring conversation.Please support the Lamppost Education Inititiave. Your donations help Lamppost provide high quality content for English speaking Muslims all over the world. Visit us at: https://lamppostedu.org/donate to contribute and aid Islamic education from qualified Muslim scholars. Please subscribe to the channel and leave a comment below!