This episode is an unedited conversation between me and the renowned (mA) author of Secrets of Divine Love - A. Helwa.
I want to keep it unedited to make sure you FEEL the conversation as if it is with you.
We dove into profound themes of divine love, spirituality, and personal growth.
When you listen, you will explore the significance of self-surrender as a path to spiritual growth, the role of prayer as a conversation with the Divine, and how to find peace and purpose in a fast-paced world.
You will also touch upon recognizing the divine in everyday life, the journey of self-discovery, and the importance of authenticity and community in spiritual fulfillment.
Chapters:
Introduction to Divine Love
The Path of Self-Surrender
Prayer and Spiritual Growth
Finding Peace and Purpose
Spirituality in Everyday Life
Links:
Buy the book: https://secretsofdivinelove.com/
Follow A.Helwa: https://instagram.com/@a.helwa_
Follow SufiPunk: https://instagram.com/@sufi.punk
Welcome to The SufiPunk Show!!!
On today's episode, we are joined by Doha Hindi (@daleelfinance) and Kashif Osman (@kashtalkscash) to discuss three key concepts:
how do we promote financial literacy for Muslims
Tune in for an episode loaded with information that ranges from dinner table financial discussions, how to talk money with your partner, to political advantages of endowments and organizing within the Muslim community.
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SufiPunk is a media platform that explores our spirit's role in the world.
We invite spiritual pioneers to discuss our individual and collective paths.
Listen and join the conversation!
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Follow Doha on Instagram:
Check out her website:
https://www.daleelfinance.com/
Follow Kashif on Instagram:
Please leave a rating if you like what you hear
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Welcome, welcome, to the imaginative world of Tales of Khayaal :)
Guys - I really enjoyed talking to Peter and Rehan, and I know you'll love the conversation we had.
Weaving together the imaginative, the spiritual, the Divine, and techno-scientific, Rehan Khan and Peter Gould have created a world replete with wisdom, glory, conflict, love, and inspiration.
It's the book we fantasy lovers wanted to read, growing up on Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings.
Finally, a novel and story inspired by ancient Muslim worlds, wrapped with the intention of bringing you closer to God.
The guests, Peter Gould and Rehan Khan, creators of 'Tales of Khayaal,' discuss their inspiration, intention, and process behind the creation of their fantasy world.
Peter is a heart-centered design expert, and Rehan Khan is an author and thought leader in AI. Together, they collaborate to emphasize a conversation that delves into the balance between technology and spirituality, with insights on how to maintain authenticity and purpose in creative endeavors.
This episode is fantastic for anyone wanting to dive into creative work, are seeking answers on their own spiritual path, or are curious about the latest historical fantasy fiction novel out there.
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Where to find them:
Rehan Khan - @rehankhanauthor
Peter Gould - @petergouldart
https://www.talesofkhayaal.com/
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Instagram: @sufi.punk
This episode is all about preserving the stories of those undergoing genocide in Gaza, Palestine.
It is about preserving the legacy of Dr. Refaat Alareer [9/23/79-12/6/23], and as a birthday gift to him.
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There is an old story of a native Canadian, who is living on their land when the French are occupying.
As they were approached audaciously by the conquerors, the Frenchman boldly exclaims: This is my land now!
To which the native simply replied: “If this is indeed your land, tell me your stories?”
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This past week, I’ve been knee-deep in trying to understand the life of Dr. Refaat Alareer. Alareer was born in Gaza City in 1979 during the Israeli occupation of the Gaza Strip, which he said had negatively influenced every move and decision he made.
He was a man passionate about preserving the art of storytelling as a vehicle for change, and an act of liberation against the occupation of the Zionist regime.
In Nov 2023, he was martyred by an Israeli airstrike.
This podcast episode is about his life and the message that he dedicated his entire life in trying to uphold.
When you dive in with me, you’ll leave in awe at the power of the word, the grace with which, when applied - has the capacity to change the world.
Music: If I Must Die - Omar Kamal
Books:
Youtube Channel: Link
Do you know those pieces of writing, that stay with you long after you read them?
That's how I found the guest of this week's podcast.
I was scrolling through Instagram, trying to avoid doom-and-gloom, and came across this post entitled "You are invited to witness the union of Delhi and Lahore".
It was like stepping into a dream - one where I needed to know the person who spun her dream words and made them reality.
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Aishwarya is a writer and freedom fighter dedicated to speaking her truth.
Currently a creative editor and engineer based in Kolkata, her work is deeply influenced by her rich cultural heritage and personal experiences, which she channels into creating spaces for community and connection.
Her journey is marked by a commitment to standing up for what is right, inspired by strong voices of women and resilience in her own family.
(Also, the recording has some feedback. Apologies asked for in advance :) )
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00:00 Personal Background and Cultural Identity
01:24 Aishwarya's Journey and Creative Process
03:12 Finding One's Voice and Overcoming Challenges
08:05 The Role of Literature and Personal Influences
12:15 Art as a Political Statement
18:26 The Intersection of Art and Activism
24:33 Fighting for Freedom and Justice
25:40 The Pressure to Stay Neutral
26:41 Understanding Politics and Its Impact
28:05 The Artistic Landscape of Kolkata
32:59 Creating a Community for Artists
34:58 The Importance of Art and Connection
37:42 Building Creative Communities
41:03 The Role of Social Media in Connection
43:19 The Essence of Sufi Punk
46:44 A Wedding Between Two Cities
48:49 A Poetic Recitation of "A Wedding Between Two Cities"
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Instagram: @sufi.punk
Substack: https://substack.com/@sufipunk
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1shrIZ3WsL1Zvlsuio83Z1
Email: host@sufipunk.co
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Aishwarya's Instagram: @aish_whereya_at
Growing up, my mother used to insist that my siblings and I remembered our heritage as Kashmiri’s. She would talk about how, although the land of Kashmir was ridden with conflict, it was arguably the most astonishingly stunning place in the world.
Scouring through pictures, and reminiscing on a time I still struggle to call mine, I agree with her.
Kashmir is more than just a conflict zone, and its highly politicized portrayal strips it as being a true paradise on Earth. It’s a land of paradise, of people with mountainous spirit and of passionate struggle. However, it is also the most heavily militarized place in the world.
Today on the show, our guest is a truth-teller and a spiritual resistor, Dr. Hafsa Kanjwal. A daughter of the Kashmiri soil, she is the author of “Colonizing Kashmir: “ a compelling and provocative account of Indian state-building in Kashmir in the aftermath of the partition.
Dr. Kanjwal works as an associate professor of South Asian History in the Department of History at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania.
Before we start the interview, I want to invite you to find your grounding within. Finding grounding before listening is all about finding that deep-rooted intentionality within all of us, and opening up the doors to receptivity within our hearts.
So as you tune into this space, I remind you all of the practice of sacred listening - understanding that this episode is not just an interview, but also an act of collective witnessing.
00:00 Kashmir: Personal and Political Connections
02:22 The Academic Journey: Challenging Narratives
04:54 The Impact of Article 370 Revocation
07:54 Colonizing Kashmir: Understanding Historical Context
10:21 The Princely State of Kashmir Before Partition
13:21 Diplomatic Maneuvers: Accession to India
16:48 Sheikh Abdullah: A Complicated Figure
19:30 Client Regimes and Political Dynamics
22:20 Heart Warfare: Dependency vs. Prosperity
24:17 Colonial Legacies and Counterinsurgency in Kashmir
27:46 Economic Policies and Self-Sufficiency in Kashmir
30:48 The Politics of Life and Dependency
32:51 Media Narratives and Propaganda
37:32 Voices from the Ground: Oral Histories
43:18 Surveillance and Repression in Kashmir
46:04 Hindu Nationalism and the Kashmir Conflict
51:43 Global Implications: Kashmir and Palestine
55:48 The Way Forward for Kashmir and the Diaspora
Episode Notes:
In this episode of SufiPunk, we talk about the ups and downs of relationships, gender roles, and finding balance between being independent and relying on others.
We explore how faith and tradition shape these roles, how society pressures us to be hyper-independent, and why keeping Allah at the center of our lives helps everything stay balanced.
We also touch on the importance of having supportive friendships and building relationships that help you grow. And don’t worry — there’s more to come in Part II!
More on Sara A:
Sara A., the founder of Unfiltered Faith Podcast, created this platform to foster a community where women can openly discuss controversial or overlooked topics. Her mission is to empower women to speak their truths and share their opinions unapologetically.
A recent graduate of New York University’s Global Affairs program, Sara is passionate about breaking stereotypes about Muslim women in the Western world. She hopes that through honest and thought-provoking conversations, the world will recognize the strength, resilience, and power of Muslim women. Outside of her work, Sara is a lover of cats, anime, and all things sweet.
Instagram: @sufi.punk
Music: I Am Alone - Diwan
Substack: Risala
Welcome back to the SufiPunk Podcast!
On today's episode, we have Medina Whiteman, a writer, poet, translator, and musician. She is the author of a collection of poetry, Love is a Traveler and We Are its Path, and Huma’s Travel Guide to Islamic Spain. She’s also the co-founder of Muslim Writer’s Salon, a preserver of the work of Daniel Abdul-Hayy Moore, and a lecturer on Sufism as a practice and a tradition. She lives near Granada, Spain, in a little town called Orgiva with her husband and three children.
We discuss spiritual ecology, the importance of presence, how to manage mental health and activism, writing as form of healing trauma, and so - so - much more!
The soundtracks in the beginning and end are recordings of private dhikrs.
For more information on podcasts and events, please visit our Instagram: @sufi.punk to connect! We'd love to meet with you :)
For all questions, email host@sufipunk.co
- Niwal Sheikh
Hey guys!
Jummah Mubarak and welcome to Ep. 2 of Sounds of Salat - a series where we explore deeper and more consistent ways of connection with the Divine and ourselves.
In this episode, I talk about the word 'bardaasht', an Urdu word that can be loosely translated as "resilience in the face of adversity".
I talk about how in our societies, I've noticed that we haven't struck the right balance of toleration/intolerance, and I ask questions like: how do we decide what to tolerate within a community?
Hint hint: maybe don't use genocide as an opportunity to become a tour guide of the vulnerable. Just my two cents.
Love you as always!
Instagram: @sufi.punk
Music by Shah Lalloo: http://soundcloud.com/lightontheshore
Hello, salaam, and Ramadan Mubarak!
It's been a while since we last spoke - and I want to say, I missed you :)
Here at SufiPunk, we've been at work getting ready to witness Ramadan. In the wake of the brutal terrors in Gaza and Rafah, it's been a spiritual struggle, for sure.
This episode introduces our newest initiative for this month called "Sounds of Salat", or "Sounds of Deep, Consistent Connection".
For the Muslim, Salat is more than just prayer, it's consistent connection with the Divine.
In that vein, we started a series dedicated towards mini-episodes that explore how to consistently connect with Allah and with ourselves.. especially as the opportunity for spiritual connection is at an all time high in this holy month.
Ready to begin? Today we're talking about intentions!
As always, please follow us @sufi.punk on instagram for more information.
Today's music is by Shah Lalloo - you can find more of his work at http://soundcloud.com/lightontheshore
Dive into the heart of storytelling and spirituality in our latest interview with Abdul Rahman Latif, the visionary author behind 'Vultures in the House of Silence', which has been quoted as "The Witcher meets Avatar the Last Airbender in Medieval Baghdad".
Sounds cool just by the description, in my opinion.
We explore how Latif's novel intertwines with the rich tapestry of Prophetic traditions, and offers a lens on applying these teachings in our lives.
But this conversation isn't just about a book; it's a journey through the transformative power of faith-based storytelling, reflecting SufiPunk's commitment to radical authenticity and spiritual depth.
The book will be out on Jan 29, 2024 - go get a copy!
This episode was recorded on Oct 30th, 2023
Follow AR Latif on Instagram: @arlatifauthor
Follow SufiPunk: @sufi.punk
Wanna get involved with our community? Reach out!
Happy New Year! How was your first week of 2024? We have 51 left :)
It's 2024, and we have a glaring choice to make in November.
Biden, or whoever Biden is running against?
If you're upset about how the administration has treated the occupation overseas, you should definitely take a listen. In this episode I interview the incredible Nida Allam, who currently serves as Chair of the Durham County Board of Commissioners.
We discuss everything from her Congressional campaign in 2022, building the democratic bench, and the upcoming election.
I can't promise solid answers to your questions - I can probably promise more questions (sorry) - but this conversation is something that we need to start having in every household.
Have you ever felt heartbroken over something you knew you should've seen coming? Today's episode dives into the intricate world of delusions, or 'delulu' - because I'm right there with ya.
We'll explore how delusions, often seen as distortions of reality, can actually reflect deeper truths about our society and individual psyche.
Through the lens of SufiPunk's values of truth, authenticity, and spirituality, we'll discuss how understanding delusion can lead to greater mindfulness and healing. We'll also weave in perspectives from Islam and anti-colonial thought.
Join us as we unravel the complexities of delusion, seeking to transform understanding into a path for personal and collective justice and innovation.
Follow us on Instagram: @sufi.punk
Music: Ishq Aap Bhe Awalla by Meesha Shafi
Published under Creative Commons ©
In this deeply moving episode, we journey with Eivind, a true seeker of peace, as he recounts his extraordinary experiences in Palestine just before October 7th.
Eivind's narrative is not just a travelogue; it's a profound exploration of spirituality and human connection in a land often overshadowed by political strife.
Through his eyes, we witness the unparalleled beauty of the Palestinian landscape and the indomitable spirit of its people.
Eivind shares poignant stories of the individuals he met, painting a picture of a community rich in culture, warmth, and resilience.
But this episode goes beyond mere storytelling. Eivind delves into the transformative power of love and compassion as tools for healing and understanding in times of pain.
This is not just a story about a place; it's a meditation on the universal themes of love, spirituality, and the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Join us for an inspiring journey that challenges perceptions and invites listeners to see the world through a lens of empathy and hope.
In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Sara D., a Palestinian-American woman from NC, to delve into a narrative that weaves together the threads of faith, identity, and geopolitics.
SD shares her unique experiences growing up as a Muslim woman in the United States, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of navigating two cultures.
As we explore her Palestinian heritage, SD opens up about the complexities of the Palestinian occupation and its impact on her family and community.
Her stories bring to life the realities of growing up with a deep connection to a homeland embroiled in occupation, while also trying to carve out her own identity in America.
This episode is not just about the struggles; it's a celebration of resilience, cultural richness, and the power of faith.
In this trailer, you'll be introduced to the first season of The SufiPunk Podcast.
SufiPunk is a revolutionary call to be your truest self, and we aim to nourish that authenticity through the podcast where we will present story, interviews with some phenomenal guests, and lessons from the Islamic spiritual tradition.
I'm so excited to have you on this journey with us, and I can't wait for you to listen in on all we have in store!