In this illuminating episode, we sit with Shaykh Dr. Ahmed Saad al-Hasani al-Azhari, a distinguished scholar, poet, and teacher whose lineage traces back to Imam al-Hasan and whose scholarship bridges the traditional and modern worlds. Drawing on a life immersed in learning—from memorising the Qur’an at a young age to teaching across continents—Shaykh Dr. Ahmed shares profound insights into what it truly means to seek sacred knowledge.
Through personal reflections, timeless adab (etiquette), and stories from his teachers, he explores the transformative relationship between student and teacher, the importance of sincerity (ikhlāṣ), and how knowledge can be both rooted in tradition and alive in contemporary life. This conversation is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone on the path of learning, faith, and self-betterment.
0:00 – Introduction
1:06 – The Shaykh’s Brief Biography
3:11 – Childhood and Early Influences
9:39 – The Most Impactful Teachers in the Shaykh’s Journey
23:34 – Is Learning Itself a Skill to Be Learned?
31:19 – Why Every Student Needs a Teacher
58:31 – Timeless Etiquettes of Seeking Sacred Knowledge
1:07:33 – Maintaining Ikhlāṣ (Sincerity) in the Pursuit of Knowledge
1:16:16 – Education in Secular and Traditional Islamic Contexts
1:30:30 – Reflections on the Mālikī Madhhab and the Schools of Thought
1:38:26 – The Vision Behind Ihsan Institute
1:52:42 – (Not-So) Quickfire Questions
2:01:09 – The Shaykh Recites His Own Poem
Shaykh Ahmed’s Institution: www.ihsaninstitute.co.uk
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In this powerful episode, we sit down with Ammar Saleem, founder of Sweet Joe’s — a Birmingham-born cookie dough brand. From launching innovative products to building a business rooted in faith, Ammar shares his journey of purpose, patience, and balance.Growing up in Birmingham, Ammar shares how his journey of self-discovery led him to study Islam and eventually dedicate himself to Dawah and entrepreneurship. We discuss how he balances his deen and dunya, the lessons he’s learned as a public speaker, and his advice for Muslims striving to build a halal livelihood.🔥 Key Topics:Growing up in Birmingham & early influencesThe journey from gang life to DawahHow a Christian teacher inspired his study of IslamThe rise of Sweet Joe’s — bringing halal alternatives to the UKBalancing deep study, work, and family lifeWhy earning halal, even if less, is always worth itBuilding a business that serves both the community and your purpose📍 Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction03:26 – Growing Up in Birmingham05:51 – “I Wanted to Be Part of That Gang Life”08:31 – How a Christian Teacher Led Me to Study Islam15:13 – Starting Dawah Work & The Need for English-Speaking Imams20:25 – Balancing Deep Study and the Dunya – Is It Possible?24:54 – What Drew You Into These Two Worlds?28:38 – The Multi-Millionaire Imam?!32:30 – Sit and Eat or Work and Serve?35:10 – Advice for Aspiring Public Speakers38:54 – Building Your Own Business from Scratch40:45 – “Start Where You Are!”45:15 – Dealing with Discouragement47:52 – Keeping It Halal – Even in Business56:15 – Programs That Help You Launch Your Business01:01:47 – Overnight Success vs. Sabr (Patience)01:06:26 – Why Earning Less Halal Is Better Than Earning More Haram01:08:38 – Think Long-Term – Don’t Chase Everything Now01:14:35 – (Not-So) Rapid Fire Round!👇 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories on The Travellers Lantern Podcast — where faith meets ambition.Discover more about Supporting Sunni Scholars:🌐 www.supportingsunnischolars.orgStay connected through their socials:📲 bit.ly/SSS-WhatsApp-Community📢 bit.ly/SSS-Telegram-Group🐦 bit.ly/SSS-X📸 bit.ly/SSS-Instagram📘 bit.ly/Facebook-SSS#ShaykhAnisAhmed #SweetJoes #TravellersLanternPodcast #HalalBusiness #Dawah #IslamicPodcast #HalalHustle #FaithAndBusiness
In this episode of *The Traveller’s Lantern Podcast*, we are honoured to host **Shaykh Muhammad Danyaal**, a British-born scholar renowned for his immense depth of knowledge and expertise in the **Sirah**, **Shamā’il**, and classical works of **Hadith**. With years of dedicated study and teaching, Shaykh Danyaal is a trusted scholar of this field, guiding audiences to a deeper understanding and love of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.Together, we explore one of the most vital questions of our time: *How do we truly love the Messenger of Allah ﷺ in today’s fast-paced and self-centred world?*We discuss:🌿 Building a personal connection with the Prophet ﷺ🌿 The role of the Sirah in deepening love for the Messenger ﷺ🌿 Bringing Sunnah practices into our homes and daily routines🌿 Advice for parents on cultivating prophetic love in their children🌿 Practical steps to grow in love for the Prophet ﷺ every dayThis heartfelt and practical conversation will inspire you to transform love into lived reality — shaping your heart, home, and life around the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.🔔 Subscribe for more episodes and join us on the journey.💬 Share your reflections in the comments — how do *you* build love for the Prophet ﷺ?\#ProphetMuhammad #Sirah #Sunnah #IslamicPodcast #ShaykhAnisAhmed #TravellersLantern
In this episode of The Traveller’s Lantern Podcast*, we sit down with **Shaykh Abu Adam Akhlaq al-Azhari* of Darul Qurra, one of Europe’s leading Qur’an reciters and teachers.Together, we explore:
What makes this episode special is Shaykh Abu Adam’s **unique skill in simplifying complex concepts**. His ability to make the sciences of Qur’an accessible, clear, and inspiring shines throughout our conversation — a gift that students and listeners alike can benefit from.📍 Darul Qurra & Islamic Research Centre and Mosque26 Oakwood Rd, Birmingham B11 4HA🔗 Connect with Darul Qurra:If you’ve ever wanted to understand the art of Qur’an recitation in a way that
Welcome back to **The Traveller’s Lantern**.In this episode, we're joined by none other than **Naqqash Khan**, better known in the fight world as **Kash the Flash Khan** — a decorated Muay Thai champion, elite-level coach, and founder of **Kash Box Martial Arts**.Kash brings over 15 years of fighting experience and nearly two decades of coaching wisdom to the table. A former **Midlands Area, English, British, and European Champion**, he’s ranked among the UK’s top fighters and has gone toe-to-toe with some of the best in the world.But this conversation goes far beyond titles.We dive deep into his **journey from fighter to mentor**, the **challenges he faced staying true to his faith (din)** in a demanding combat sport, and how **Muay Thai shaped his understanding of masculinity, discipline, and self-respect**. Kash opens up about the importance of **positive role models**, how martial arts empowers youth, and the legacy he's building through community and coaching.Whether you’re a fighter, coach, or someone searching for purpose, this episode is for you.📍 **Kash Box Martial Arts**🏠 173–179 Tyburn Rd, Birmingham, B24 8NQ🌐 [https://kash-box.co.uk/home/](https://kash-box.co.uk/home/)🎙️ **Listen to this episode on**:Spotify | Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts📌 **Chapters include**:– Kash’s early days and rise through the Muay Thai ranks– Being tested: faith vs. fighting culture– Redefining masculinity through martial discipline– How Muay Thai is transforming young lives today– The heart behind Kash Box and building a legacy🛎️ **Subscribe** for more meaningful conversations at the intersection of journey, identity, and purpose.\#MuayThai #KashTheFlash #MensMentalHealth #Discipline #MartialArts #Masculinity #Coaching #TheTravellersLantern #FaithAndFighting
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Swoop Ghazi — a former rapper who left the music industry and street life in pursuit of something greater: the pleasure of Allah.
We explore his journey of transformation, covering:
What led him to walk away from rap
The hidden effects of the music industry and street culture
The power of brotherhood in staying firm on the Deen
The role of the masjid in helping today’s youth
What real manhood looks like through the Prophetic lens
A moving spoken word performance by Swopp Ghazi himself
Raw, real, and deeply reflective — this is a must-listen for anyone navigating identity, faith, and purpose in today’s world.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Traveller’s Lantern team. This content is for educational and discussion purposes only.
In this powerful and wide-ranging episode of The Traveller’s Lantern, Shaykh Asrar Rashid joins us to explore some of the most pressing and misunderstood topics in Islamic belief and eschatology.
We discuss:
🔹 What does it mean to follow the Ashari, Maturidi, or Athari schools?
🔹 Did the two great Imams of creed ever meet?
🔹 How do we recognise false claimants and innovations (bid'ah) in matters of belief?
🔹 Who is the real Mahdi — and how do we know?
🔹 Is Dajjal a man, a monster, or something else entirely?
🔹 What did the Prophet ﷺ command us to do when Dajjal appears?
🔹 Is Imam Mahdi already born?
🔹 How should Muslims navigate the trials of the End Times with clarity and firm belief?
We also ask Shaykh Asrar personal questions:
🕯️ Which historic gathering would he most want to attend?
🤲 What is a dua he recites regularly?
This episode is essential listening for anyone seeking to strengthen their understanding of Sunni creed (aqidah) while preparing spiritually for the signs of the Last Day.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Traveller’s Lantern team. This content is for educational and discussion purposes only.
🔔 Subscribe for more thoughtful conversations on faith, history, and spiritual navigation.
#IslamicEschatology #ShaykhAsrarRashid #ShaykhAAnisAhmed #TheTravellersLantern #Dajjal #Mahdi #Aqidah #EndTimes #SunniCreed
Moody Imams, Cat Jealousy & Qur'anic Scholarship: A Conversation with Shaykh Qamar Ilyas al-Madani
In this deeply insightful episode, we’re joined by Shaykh Qamar Ilyas al-Madani — one of the few globally recognised translators of the Quran and a teacher of scholars — for a candid conversation on leadership, character, and community in the modern age.
From growing up in Birmingham to navigating marriage counselling cases, Shaykh Qamar shares hard-earned wisdom on the emotional and intellectual demands of being an imam today. We also explore the immense responsibility of translating the Quran — and whether simply knowing Arabic is enough to do it justice.
Topics include:
What makes a good imam (and a bad one)
Teaching with compassion & relatability
Public speaking & social media influence
Unique challenges of Quran translation
Real-life marriage issues from the counselling chair
Approaching divine text beyond literal language
An eye-opening conversation with one of the few scholars entrusted to translate the Quran — blending depth, humour, and practical advice for anyone involved in community work or spiritual learning.
Episode 02 | From Prison Walls to Sacred Lands
In this episode, Shaykh Anis Ahmed speaks with Imam Bilal bin Asif — a prison chaplain and Hajj & Umrah guide — to explore two vastly different yet spiritually rich environments: the prison system and the sacred cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Imam Bilal shares real-life experiences and valuable reflections on:
The emotional and spiritual challenges faced by Muslim prisoners
Memorable moments and lessons from leading pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah
The shared themes of patience, sincerity, and reliance on Allah
Practical advice for those preparing for the sacred journey of Hajj or Umrah
🎧 Ep. 01 of The Traveller’s Lantern — with Shaykh Kamil Hussain- Muslim Marriage Counsellor.
In this very first episode, we dive into the journey before and after nikah — from searching for a spouse to facing the real challenges of marriage.Whether you're single, newly married, or have been in a relationship for years, this conversation is packed with timeless guidance, emotional insight, and Islamic wisdom.
🔎 In this episode:
What to look for in a spouse (spiritually & emotionally)
How to know someone in a halal way
The emotional side of marriage
Common challenges couples face
Divorce, communication, and growth
The role of social media in relationships
Talking to children about emotions and mental health
This is a must-listen for anyone navigating love, faith, and connection in the modern world.
🔗 Subscribe for more faith-centered conversations on relationships, growth & life.
🕯️ The Traveller’s Lantern — lighting the path through reflection & guidance.
#MuslimMarriage #NikahTalks #HalalLove #EmotionalGrowth #IslamicPodcast #MarriageInIslam #TheTravellersLantern
In this brief introduction, host Shaykh Anis Ahmed shares the purpose behind The Traveller’s Lantern—a space for open, thoughtful conversation on the practical matters that shape our lives and communities. While Shaykh Anis brings the perspective of a scholar, this podcast extends beyond any one field or tradition, welcoming professionals and voices from all walks of life. Tune in to learn what this journey is all about and what you can expect in the episodes to come.