This Being Human

Charles Kettaneh and Nicolas Fayad are the founders of EAST Architecture Studio, an architectural design and research collective based in Beirut. They have worked on various projects ranging from master planning to interior design with a focus on sustainability, adaptive reuse, and history.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anida Yoeu Ali’s art mixes humour, public confrontation, and science fiction to explore issues of identity. As a Muslim Khmer woman, Anida is a minority whether she’s in her native Cambodia or in the United States, where her family relocated to escape the regime of Pol Pot. She talks about her work across disciplines, from absurdist poetry to public performances such as the Buddhist Bug, where she meets the public, dressed as a large, orange worm-like creature.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soumik Datta is an award-winning musician, composer and television presenter. He plays the 19 stringed sarod and connects his Indian classical roots with colourful electronica and musical styles from around the world.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Malak Mattar is an artist from the Gaza Strip. She paints expressionist faces, figures and semi-abstract designs. Malak started painting at the age of thirteen. While she was trapped inside during a 51-day day military assault on Gaza, she began painting with supplies from her school to help deal with her emotions. She has since made hundreds of paintings.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yazz Ahmed is a British-Bahraini Trumpet and Flugelhorn player. Through her music, Yazz Ahmed seeks to blur the lines between jazz and electronic sound design, bringing together the sounds of her mixed heritage in what has been described as “psychedelic Arabic jazz, intoxicating and compelling.”The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Born in Wales with Yemeni and Bangladeshi heritage, Karimah Hassan has an expressive, bold aesthetic and is heralded for “taking stories of community gatekeepers full circle, from the canvas to the streets.” Karimah creates live paintings at performance events across London and New York to highlight the importance of communities in the city.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Uzma Jalaluddin is a writer, high school teacher, and published author of her debut novel Ayesha At Last and her latest bestselling novel that has been optioned for film by Amazon Studios, Hana Khan Carries On. Uzma talks about making sure that Muslim women are represented through her storytelling, the journey from publishing her debut novel in 2018 to having her work optioned for film, and finding inspiration in classics like Pride and Prejudice and You’ve Got Mail. The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ali Hassan is a stand-up comic, actor, and host of both CanadaReads and the CBC Radio show Laugh Out Loud. He talks about Canadian fame, being forced by his children to face difficult questions about his identity, and why he came to think of himself as a “cultural Muslim.” His upcoming memoir is called Is There Bacon In Heaven?The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Yousuf Bashir Qureshi, known to many as YBQ, a visionary artist whose work blends music, culture, and storytelling to craft a truly global sound. From his roots to his rise, YBQ shares his journey of artistic discovery, the influences that shaped his music, and the profound themes of identity, belonging, and transformation that echo through his work. Whether you're a fan of his genre-bending soundscapes or curious about how art can bridge cultural divides, this episode will leave you inspired and enlightened. Tune in for an intimate, reflective conversation that celebrates creativity, resilience, and the power of connection.Learn more about YBQ's work at https://www.ybqds.com.If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hisham Matar joins This Being Human to discuss his latest novel, My Friends. He reflects on themes of friendship, exile, and the complexities of writing from the margins. Matar shares how his work explores life's central question: How might we live? Through meditations on cities, memory, and the human condition, he offers a tender and profound view of what it means to connect with others. To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey. If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of This Being Human, host Abdul-Rehman Malik sits down with Krista Tippett, the celebrated creator of On Being. Known for her gift of drawing out insights from some of the world's most profound thinkers, Krista reflects on her journey through wisdom, love, and radical listening. She shares what it means to pursue understanding in a time when we are overloaded with information, and how her approach to conversations invites us to open up to life's mystery and grace. Krista also shares the unexpected joy of new love in her life and how it has deepened her sense of connection and presence. Join us for an intimate, timeless conversation with one of today's most trusted voices in exploring what it means to truly be human. Learn more about Krista's work at onbeing.org. To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey. If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with writer, editor, and librarian Saima Hussain. From her book The Arab World Thought of It: Inventions, Innovations and Amazing Facts, to the anthology The Muslimah Who Fell to Earth, Saima's work uncovers the forgotten contributions and personal stories of Muslim cultures. She shares her journey from Pakistan to Canada, her reflections on the power of storytelling, and how libraries serve as spaces for connection, learning, and equality. Saima also discusses the importance of oral histories, the complexities of identity, and her mission to make knowledge accessible to everyone, especially through her work with young people in library spaces. To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey. If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Marguerite Richards, editor of The Ordinary Chaos of Being Human, an anthology of personal stories from around the world. Marguerite opens up about her love for helping writers bring their visions to life, the intimate relationship between editor and author, and the power of memoir in understanding our shared humanity. We also explore themes of identity, home, and connection across cultures. Listen in for an inspiring conversation about storytelling and the human experience. Learn more about Marguerite's work at margueriterichards.com. To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey. If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we journey into the heart of Qawwali with Bilal Chishty, a descendent of the great Chishti Sufi lineage and a musician devoted to preserving this sacred art form. In this episode, Bilal shares his stories of learning under Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, reflects on the history of Qawwali, and discusses the delicate balance between maintaining tradition and embracing modernity. We explore the profound spiritual power of Sufi music and Bilal’s mission to keep this timeless tradition alive.Listen in for an inspiring conversation on music, mysticism, and the search for divine love.Follow Bilal’s work on Instagram @dhruvsangarimusic, or listen to his music on Spotify by searching Dhruv Sangari.To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey.If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of This Being Human we sit down with Emma Clark, an expert in Islamic garden design, to explore her journey from a childhood surrounded by English gardens to her spiritual awakening through Islamic art and Sufism. Emma reflects on her time at the Royal College of Art, where she studied under the renowned Keith Critchlow, who introduced her to the beauty and meaning within Islamic art. She discusses how Sufism became her path to Islam, how it transformed her understanding of beauty and the natural world, and how she uses her designs to reflect paradise on Earth.Learn more about Emma’s work and her philosophy of garden design at emma-clark.comTo fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey.If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for a captivating conversation with Art Fazil, as we explore his journey through the rich cultural tapestry of Nusantara. Celebrating 30 years of his self-titled debut album, Art shares insights into his timeless music, the influence of Malay folk traditions, and his unique blend of global sounds. Dive into the history of Nusantara, the significance of traditional songs like "Rasa Sayang," and the impact of spirituality on Art's work. This episode offers a deep dive into Art's role as a cultural ambassador and educator, preserving and innovating the musical heritage of Southeast Asia. Listen and be inspired by Art's stories, reflections, and his commitment to creating meaningful art.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we delve into the life and career of Kazem Abdullah, exploring his path from a clarinetist to a prominent conductor. We will discuss his notable achievements, including his tenure as Generalmusikdirektor in Aachen, Germany, and his pioneering work in bringing contemporary and diverse repertoires to traditional concert halls. Kazem's work with American operas and his efforts to expand the American repertoire will be highlighted, showcasing his dedication to both classical and modern music. You can learn more about Kazem's work at kazemabdullah.comTo fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghumanThe Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nasir Sirikhan and Abdul-Rehman Malik discuss Nasir's viral wedding dance video and the joy and connection it brought to millions of viewers. They talk about the origins of QuickStyle and how Nasir, Suleiman, and Bilal met and formed their dance crew. Nasir shares the emotional journey of performing and the camaraderie among the group. They also discuss the influence of hip-hop and their love for music in their dance style. Nasir Sirikhan, a member of the dance crew Quick Style, discusses his background growing up in Oslo as a Thai Pakistani kid and the diverse cultural influences he experienced. He explains how Quick Style Studio was born and how they decided to build community by teaching dance to young students. Nasir Sirikhan discusses the power of dance to connect people and break down barriers. He shares his experiences of witnessing love and unity in different cultures and how it has shaped his perspective. Nasir also reflects on his personal growth as a dancer and artist, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and finding his own unique style. He describes dance as a spiritual practice that allows him to connect with his emotions and find strength and hope in difficult times. Nasir and Abdul-Rehman Malik discuss the significance of movement in human expression and the role of dance in bringing joy and inspiration to the world.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.