In this powerful and informative episode of The People's Podcast by Ismail, I sit down with Fauzia Deen, an activist lawyer and civilian board member of the Fairfax County Police Civilian Review Board in Virginia. Fauzia brings deep insight into the role of civilian oversight in policing and the ongoing work required to build accountability, transparency, and trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Our conversation explores Fauzia's personal journey into activism and law, what motivated her to serve on the civilian review board, and the real challenges faced when civilians are tasked with holding powerful systems accountable.
She breaks down how the board functions, why civilian involvement matters, and what meaningful police reform looks like beyond slogans and headlines. This episode is an honest, necessary discussion about justice, civic responsibility, and the importance of community voices in shaping public safety. Fauzia Deen's work reminds us that change often happens at the local level-and that informed, engaged civilians play a critical role in that process. Professional Summary
Purpose-driven leader with 20+ years of cross-sector experience in law, wellness administration, government relations, and culturally responsive community
engagement. Proven ability to build strategic partnerships, launch public-facing programs, and lead mission-based initiatives that uplift diverse communities. Former Wellness
Director, Deputy Director of Outreach & Government Relations, and Guardian ad Litem, known for advancing interfaith understanding and strengthening community wellness infrastructure.
Skilled in program development, state and county collaboration, cultural competency, and public-access readiness planning-positioning me to support the Diyanet Center of America in expanding its gym, spa, and cultural spaces to the public while honoring Islamic values.

Core Competencies
* Strategic Community Engagement
* Wellness Program Leadership
* Interfaith & Cross-Cultural Outreach
* Government Relations & Public Sector
Partnerships
* Mission & Vision Alignment
* Program and Policy Development
* Grant & Bond Preparation Support
* Public Education & Speaking
* Trauma-Informed Practice
* DEI & Community Wellness
Professional Experience
Deputy Director, Outreach & Government Relations
Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center - Falls Church, VA | 2015-Present

Professional Experience
Deputy Director, Outreach & Government Relations
Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center - Falls Church, VA | 2015-Present
* Built and maintained strategic partnerships with county agencies, healthcare systems, public schools, and cultural institutions to improve access for underserved and immigrant communities.
* Led interfaith engagement and represented the Center at government meetings, civic forums, and multicultural coalitions.
* Designed and facilitated public-facing programs on senior wellness, domestic violence prevention, youth mentorship, safety awareness, and community education.
* Coordinated high-impact cultural events-including the Solidarity Cup of Tea and Taste of Islam-that uplifted Muslim identity while fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
* Collaborated with Fairfax County's Health Department, Police Department, and Equity Committees to address racial disparities in health, safety, and outreach effectiveness.
*
* 6:27
* •ll 5Gc
* •••
* Coordinated high-impact cultural events— including the Solidarity Cup of Tea and Taste of Islam-that uplifted Muslim identity while fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
* Collaborated with Fairfax County's
Health
Department, Police Department, and Equity Committees to address racial disparities in health , satety, and...

In this special 50th birthday episode of The People's Podcast, the mic is turned around as Ismail Shahid sits in the guest chair.
Interviewed by his wife, Ismail reflects on his life journey — the highs, the hardships, and the lessons that shaped him into the man he is today. From humble beginnings to a life of purpose and growth, this conversation is filled with honesty, gratitude, and reflection. Join us as Ismail shares his story of faith, resilience, and what it truly means to keep growing, no matter where life takes you. Part two of one.

In this special 50th birthday episode of The People's Podcast, the mic is turned around as Ismail Shahid sits in the guest chair.
Interviewed by his wife, Ismail reflects on his life journey — the highs, the hardships, and the lessons that shaped him into the man he is today. From humble beginnings to a life of purpose and growth, this conversation is filled with honesty, gratitude, and reflection. Join us as Ismail shares his story of faith, resilience, and what it truly means to keep growing, no matter where life takes you. This interview was done in two parts. This is part one of two.

In this inspiring episode, Ismail sits down with Daiyan Heard, a young college wrestler and skilled barber, to talk about life, discipline, and purpose. From the mat to the barbershop, Daiyan shares his personal journey—navigating the challenges of today’s world, staying focused through adversity, and finding balance between passion and responsibility. This conversation dives deep into what it means to grow up in modern times, overcome struggle, and stay grounded while chasing your dreams.

Tune in for real talk, motivation, and wisdom from the next generation.

•Support from older mentors or adults is not just “nice to have”—it often makes a measurable difference in school performance, life choices, and long-term success.
•Intergenerational relationships (older generation guiding youth) help fill in gaps for those who may lack consistent support at home or in school.
•Regular, consistent relationships are more powerful: one-off advice helps, but ongoing mentoring gives stronger results.
•Beyond academics, the older generation helps shape identity, resilience, and moral grounding—all critical given the pressures youth face today.

From these stats, you can draw connections that help illuminate your interview with Daiyan:
•Having at least one trusted adult—coach, mentor, someone older—is important. In SC, most youth do have someone they can rely on, but “having someone who knows you well” doesn’t always mean that person is active or capable of guiding through adversity.
•In sports (like wrestling), youth benefit greatly from social recognition, structure, discipline, and community. Given Daiyan’s dual life as both athlete and barber, that structure and mentorship from both coaches and master barbers can amplify positive outcomes.
•Vocational mentorship (like in barbering) isn’t as well documented in peer-reviewed studies as sports mentoring, but organizations like the American Barber Association do engage youth apprenticeship and certification programs which implies formal support and structured paths.
•When youth don’t perceive support (for instance, in sports that are less popular in their community), they may feel isolated. Daiyan’s perspectives on struggle and discipline could be richer by speaking to whether wrestling is embraced in his community, whether his barber craft is encouraged, etc.

In this episode of The People’s Podcast by Ismail, we sit down with Michael for an open and honest conversation about men’s mental health, the struggles he faced growing up, and how he continues to move forward in life. Michael shares his personal journey — the pain, the resilience, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Men’s mental health is an issue that doesn’t get talked about enough. The statistics are alarming: nearly 1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety, and men die by suicide at a rate almost 4 times higher than women. Despite this, many men still feel pressure to stay silent, to “tough it out,” or to hide what they’re going through.

Michael’s story is a powerful reminder that silence is not strength. By opening up about his experiences, he breaks down barriers and shows the importance of seeking help, finding hope, and building a healthier future.

This conversation is raw, real, and needed. Whether you’re struggling yourself or want to better understand the challenges men face, this episode is for you.

⸻

Hashtags & Keywords for Reach:
#MensMentalHealth #ThePeoplesPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingJourney #BreakingTheSilence #MentalHealthMatters #GrowthMindset #Inspiration #PodcastInterview #Resilience #MentalHealthForMen

Thank you for watching this important conversation with Michael. Men’s mental health is something we all need to talk about more.

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments:
•What part of Michael’s story spoke to you most?
•How do you think we can break the silence around men’s mental health?

If you found this episode valuable, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share so more people can join the conversation. Your voice matters!

#ThePeoplesPodcast #MensMentalHealth

In this powerful episode, Ismail sits down with A. Wahid, the visionary founder of NEZ — The No Excuse Zone. From humble beginnings to building a movement rooted in discipline, accountability, and self-determination, Wahid shares the mindset behind NEZ and how it’s inspiring people to push past their limits and eliminate excuses from their lives.

We dive deep into his journey, the core principles of NEZ, and how he’s using this platform to challenge others to rise above their circumstances — mentally, spiritually, and physically. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a student, or simply seeking motivation, this conversation is packed with raw truth, practical gems, and spiritual insight.

🔊 Listen in as we explore:
•The birth and meaning of No Excuse Zone
•Overcoming inner and outer limitations
•The role of faith, structure, and mindset in success
•How NEZ is impacting lives around the country

This isn’t just motivation — it’s a wake-up call. No more excuses. Just action.

Join host Ismail Shahid for a special edition recorded live at the 2025 ALA Conference in Philadelphia. In this episode, we explore the energy, stories, and voices from the heart of America’s largest library gathering. From passionate librarians to community leaders and authors, “Philly Stories” is a celebration of literacy, learning, and the people who make it all possible.
Tune in for conversations that inspire, inform, and remind us why libraries still matter.
The short talk we heard was from Dr Jamison the new appointed president of literacy Nation.
Dr. Jamison is…..
Librarianship at Illinois State University. Professor Jamison has more than 17 years of experience working in education and libraries. She speaks internationally on library inclusivity, intellectual freedom, and the interplay of race, power, and privilege in children's books. Her research involves examining equity issues in library services and the role that libraries play in either perpetuating or mitigating systems of inequity. She received her Master of Teaching from Concordia University and her Master of Library Science and Ph.D. in Information Studies from Dominican University School of Library and Information Science in River Forest, Illinois. She is currently the immediate past chair for ALA's Ethnic & Multicultural Information Exchange Roundtable, which promotes multiculturalism in librarianship, and a library ambassador for Lee and Low Books. #podcastforthepeople1 #podcast #changeyourmindsetchangeyourlife #librarian

In this powerful and thought-provoking interview with Podcast for the People, Ismail Shahid explores the true meaning of freedom through three critical lenses: religious, economic, and social.

From spiritual independence and the right to practice faith freely, to the impact of economic systems on personal liberty, and the societal structures that shape our daily lives—this conversation goes beyond surface-level discussion. I break down how freedom is often misunderstood, and why reclaiming it starts with awareness, action, and unity.

🔹 Religious Freedom: What does it really mean to be free in your faith?
🔹 Economic Freedom: Are we truly in control of our financial lives?
🔹 Social Freedom: How do societal norms and systems impact our choices?

Whether you’re seeking clarity, empowerment, or just a different perspective, this episode invites you to think deeper.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more honest conversations that matter.

#Freedom #PodcastForThePeople1 #Ismailshahid #ReligiousFreedom #EconomicFreedom #SocialJustice #Empowerment

On this episode of The People’s Podcast, we’re joined by Jameel E. Shabazz — entrepreneur, small business owner, and a strong advocate for self-sufficiency and ownership. Our conversation dives deep into the realities and challenges of fatherless homes, the impact of social conditioning, and the role economics play in shaping our communities. Jameel shares his personal perspective and offers insight on how we can empower ourselves and each other through accountability, knowledge, and economic independence.

Fatherless homes have significant social and economic implications. Children raised without fathers are more susceptible to mental health issues, behavioral disorders, and academic challenges. Economically, these households often face higher poverty rates.

Key Statistics:
•Mental Health and Behavioral Issues:
•Children from fatherless homes are five times more likely to commit suicide.
•They are 20 times more likely to have behavioral disorders.
•They are 14 times more likely to commit rape.
•They are nine times more likely to drop out of high school.
•They are 20 times more likely to end up in prison.

•Educational Challenges:
•Fatherless children are twice as likely to drop out of school.
•Children with involved fathers are 40% less likely to repeat a grade and 70% less likely to drop out.
•They are more likely to achieve academic success and engage in extracurricular activities.
•Economic Impact:
•Children in father-absent homes are almost four times more likely to be poor.


Short Story: “The Unseen Struggle”

In the heart of a bustling city, Malik, a bright-eyed 12-year-old, navigated life without his father. His mother, working two jobs, provided for their modest apartment but couldn’t always be there for him. Malik often felt a void, a longing for guidance he couldn’t name.

At school, Malik’s grades began to slip. He found it hard to concentrate, his mind wandering to questions about his father he dared not ask. His teachers noticed his withdrawn demeanor and declining performance.

One afternoon, Malik’s school counselor, Ms. Thompson, invited him to her office. She spoke gently, asking about his interests and dreams. Through their conversations, Malik discovered a passion for art, a talent he had never explored. Ms. Thompson encouraged him to join the school’s art club, providing him with materials and support.

As Malik immersed himself in art, he found an outlet for his emotions. His grades improved, and he began to smile more. While the absence of his father remained a silent ache, Malik learned that with support and self-discovery, he could navigate the challenges life presented.

This story underscores the resilience of children facing adversity and the profound impact of mentorship and community support in their lives.

'Do you know what backbiting is?' They replied, 'Allah and His Messenger know best'. He said, It is saying something about your brother which he would dislike' Someone asked 'What if I say something about my brother which is true?' The Prophet (peace be on him) replied, If what you say of him is true, it is backbiting and if it is not true you have slandered him.''
When a person dislikes someone, he is likely to find faults in his appearance, behavior, lineage, and anything else which pertains to him. 'Aishah narrated that she said to the Prophet (pece be on him),
"Do you see that Safiyyah (another wife of the Prophet) is such and such?" meaning that she was short. The Prophet (peace be on him) replied,
"You have spoken a word such that, if it were mixed in the water of the ocean, it would darken it."?
Backbiting is nothing but a desire to belittle people, to slander their honor, and to deride their accomplishments in their absence.
Since this is stabbing in the back, it is an expression of narrow-mindedness and cowardice. Backbiting is a negative trait, and only those engage in it who themselves are not achievers. It is a tool of destruction, for one who is addicted to it leaves no one without throwing a dart at him and wounding him.
It is no wonder then, that the Qur'an paints such a repulsive picture of this vile habit as would make people shrink from it in horror:
And do not…..backbite one anther; would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would abhor that. (49:12)
Since one feels sick at the very thought of eating human flesh, how much more revolting it is to think of eating the flesh of one's dead brother!
Whenever an opportunity arose, the Prophet (peace be on him) stressed this Qur'anic imagery in order to imprint it on peoples' hearts and minds. Here's a glimpse of our profound conversation. As Ramadan approaches, we hope this discussion motivates us all to introspect, evolve, and embody the universal values of compassion and empathy that rise above faiths, offering invaluable lessons for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Imam Raqeeb Abdul Jabbar
C L A S S E S T A U G H T
Aqeedah & Islamic Worldview
Dawah: Theory and Experiential Training
Islamic History
Fiqh
Thematic Study of the Quran
Chaplaincy & Counseling from Islamic Framework
Teaching and Mentoring New Muslims
Counseling the Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated
I S L A M I C E D U C A T I O N
Ijazah in Islamic Studies, 2022
Taught by Sheikh Haroun Faye,
Mauritania and Senegal
Bachelor of Islamic Studies, 1988
Madrassa Jamia in Jakarta, Indonesia
Islamic Studies and Dawah Training, 1978
State Street Masjid, Brooklyn, NY
One of the First Sunni Muslim Masajid in America
Taught by Sheikh Dawud Faisal
S E C U L A R
E D U C A T I O N
2020
Master’s of Divinity,
Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care
United Theological Seminary
of Twin Cities
2015
CPE Certificate,
Clinical Pastoral Counseling
& Patient Counseling
Bon Secours Clinical Pastoral
Care
1991
Associate of Science,
Electrical Engineering
TESST College of Technology
1991
Associate of Science,
Computer & Info. Sciences
NEC Electronics
R E F E R E N C E S
Imam Khalid Griggs
Imam Siraj Wahhaj
C O N T A C T
M. 832-515-2458
P R O F E S S I O N A L E X P E R I E N C E
IMAM & TEACHER
Sacramento Islamic Resource Center, 2019 - 2022
Sacramento, California
Masjid As-Sabur, 2018 - 2019
Sacramento, California
Masjid Ibrahim, 2017 - 2018
Sacramento, California
Masjid Umm Barakah, 2010 - 2013
Richmond, Virginia
ISLAMIC CHAPLAIN AND COUNSELOR
Texas Department of Criminal Justice, 2021 - Present
...

Dr. Deborah Weidner, a seasoned child, adolescent, and general psychiatrist; recently returned from her Gaza mental health mission. She was sponsored by the Palestinian American Medical Association (PAMA) and Islamic Relief. She completed her psychiatry residency at the Unibersity of Pensylvania, her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Harvard Children's Hospital in Boston, and her MBA at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
She spoke passionately about her journey and experiences in a war-torn environment. And the resilience of the Gaze families who strive to live day by day, cherishing the small joys in life. All this in an environment where life is precarious from one minute to the next. Her message inspires us to continually appreciate the lives we have, the gifts we have received, and the freedoms we enjoy in America. 🇺🇸

As we step into a vibrant new year and a thrilling season of podcasting, we invite you to join us on a transformative journey of growth, self-discovery, and limitless possibility. In our previous episodes, we shared our personal stories and backgrounds, offering a glimpse into the host's life experiences. This season, we're excited to dive into practical strategies for maintaining peace of mind, with host Ismail Shahid sharing innovative approaches to mental resilience. Our goal is to provide actionable advice rooted in facts and personal experiences, empowering you to unlock your full potential, unleash your inner strength, and create profound positive change in your life.

Tahir Pearson, a devoted husband, father, and young entrepreneur, leads his life guided by his Muslim faith. He dedicates this show to the memory of Aunti Salima Bay, co-founder of Project Save Our Sons and Daughters, and Jamaal, a young man transformed by the organization. Tahir shares his upbringing, overcoming life's challenges, and advancing the project's mission. He emphasizes investing in youth as the most valuable investment, driving positive change. Join us as we follow his journey and explore ways to support the organization's growth, empowering communities.

I had the privilege of sharing a heartfelt and uplifting conversation with Luqman, a visionary entrepreneur and trailblazer. Our discussion traversed life's journey from our formative years in the 70s to the present, highlighting the challenges we've overcome. We reflected on the invaluable lessons from our parents and spiritual mentors, acknowledging the simplicity of the past while embracing the complexities of our spiritual growth. May our conversation inspire more transformative discussions, fostering personal growth and guidance as we navigate life's path together. We pray that this encounter sparks meaningful connections and illuminates our journey towards spiritual enlightenment.

Damon Austin is a trailblazing leader, passionate about empowering others to navigate life's complexities. Through his tireless efforts, he invites you to a groundbreaking vulnerability conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, on October 12. At 700 N. Tryon st Act now, as only 40 tickets remain. Furthermore, he welcomes you to join him for enlightening brunch conversations every other Saturday. At Food Geeks Eatery
GoodWill Campus, 5301
Wilkinson Blvd,
Charlotte, NC 28208
Show topics;
Damon and I had a powerful conversation on The People's Podcast about his inspiring journey of launching Bro Can We Talk, a platform born out of passion and purpose. By sharing his story, Damon has courageously opened up about his own experiences, creating a safe space for men to connect, share, and support one another in overcoming the unique challenges they face. His vision is a testament to the impact we can have when we dare to be vulnerable and authentic. You can find Bro Can We Talk on Facebook and Instagram. Follow their pages to keep with the work him and his team are doing. https://www.ticketleap.events/...

This show is a humble dedication to my father Muhammad Atiq Abdush Shahid (RA). We decided to give a brief recap of his life's work and achievements. He was committed to his country,community, and his family. Due to the amount of lives he positively contributed to and the role that he plays in American history, we wanted to dedicate not only season 3 of the podcast, but also this specific episode to him because he is my hero AND my father.

My father's birthday is in March and we considered doing an episode for him then. However, we waited until the last 10 days of Ramadan when our hearts are most pure. Still, we considered uploading on Veterens Day because he was in the military. Even then we decided to wait. My father was a great man for many people. But for me, he was a great father, so we decided to share with everyone on Father's Day.
Disclaimer: I would like to apologize in advance if anyone in the family of Shaikh Syed Mubarik Ali Shah Gilani (our spiritual guide) is offended if I misspoke in any way.

Asaad Davis
Speed Training Coach
Certifications:
National Association Sports Medicine
(NASM), Youth Physical Training (YPT)
CPR Certified
Experience:
Over six years of experience with training athletes. Asaad Davis runs football, soccer, tennis, baseball, and basketball speed and agility training sessions throughout the year.
Training Philosophy:
A successful speed and agility training program equals a successful athletel
Asaad was born in New York, and raised in California. A lifetime athlete Asaad has competed in Track and Field since the age of seven. He played a total of nine years in a Semi Pro Football League with three different teams. Asaad was also the head coach of a 10-12 year old boy's recreational football team for three years. In his free time, he enjoys working out and playing sports.
Specialties:
Speed & Agility Trainer
Weight Loss & Cardiovascular
Conditioning Technician
Working with the youth
Affiliations:
NASM (National Association Sports
Medicine)
• YPT Youth Physical Training
American Heart Association CPR/AED certified

Jennifer Arellano has come on our show a few times. This time she spoke about obtaining a sustainable relationship. This is a topic she speaks about frequently on her own podcast. (The beautiful you podcast )….on YouTube like and subscribe 👍🏽. We spoke and comprared some ways every day people go about seeking and finding a good solid partner, and how Muslims find a partner to live their lives. Love and care is something we all should be able to experience and share with someone loyal to our feelings and dreams. This is an on going topic as we all are continuing down the road of learning who we are. #officialchannel #podcast #motivation #relationships

Abduhl Rahhahman engraved by Thomas Illman, 1833-1834, courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Ibrahima Abdur Rahman was born into a royal family in the Futa Jallon region, present-day Guinea. Educated in several centers of Islamic intellectual learning, including Timbuktu, Rahman learned to read and converse in Arabic, and came to speak at least three other languages – Bambara, Mandingo, and Jallonke. Not a first-born son, however, Rahman was then sent by his father for training in military leadership. During battle, around the age of twenty-four, Rahman was captured and sold into slavery.

We felt this story we’ve learned about throughout our travels was worthy of talking about and many more like his. Our journey through Mississippi, and many other states educated us in the rich history that African-Americans share. Hopefully we continue to learn about our history and it makes us into a better version of ourselves every day. You could find the story of Abdurahman on YouTube a series called a Prince among slaves.

We opened up with a few of my brothers. With season 3 being dedicated to my father
K. M. Atiq Shahid (ra) we chatted on a few things reminders and self reflection.
Zaid Shahid
Rafai Shahid
Salahudeen Kareem
And your host Ismail Shahid