Yaqeen Podcast

What you do in private is not hidden forever. On the Day of Judgment, your worship will be made public and it will either illuminate your path or speak against you.Every action you take is shaping your reputation, not just in this world, but in the next. Your character, consistency, and sincerity are building a brand that follows you beyond this life. Listen to the full khutbah by Dr. Omar Suleiman.

The truth is that women face difficulties—sometimes even discrimination—in many areas of life. We cannot deny that, but at the same time, we cannot wallow in it. So how do we acknowledge these realities without letting them define or derail us? In this episode of Real Talk, Dr. Tesneem Alkiek answers this question, shares how she navigates gendered challenges, and reveals whether or not she identifies as a feminist.

Three thousand riders. One race to Egypt.As the Ismaili dynasty collapsed, Nur ad-Din Zengi had the opportunity to take control of the regional powerhouse: Egypt. Risks, betrayals, and the Crusaders got in the way. Who was standing tall when the dust settled?

Imad ad-Din Zengi revives hope by capturing Edessa, but is quickly assassinated, causing new despair. His son, Nur ad-Din, emerges: a king raised by scholars.He shifts the state from power (dawla) to faith (din) and abolishes all unjust taxes. But can he truly unite Damascus and Aleppo before the Second Crusade returns for revenge?

Leaders were rising—and being buried.But behind the chaos, scholars were laying foundations history rarely credits.This episode reveals the scholarly blueprint that produced Salahuddin—from Ibn Khashab’s urgent resistance to Imam al-Ghazali’s generational reform.

Some of the most important battles in life are fought in silence—against Shaytan, against envy, and within our own hearts. This lecture explores the quiet daily struggles that shape our faith, character, and resilience. Learn how to protect your heart, resist unseen opposition, and stay grounded in sincerity while striving for success—all for the sake of Allah.

Palestine has led many to Islam. Just in the last few weeks, long-term activist for Palestine, Robert Martin, embraced the faith after many years of working among Muslims. In this Gaza Diaries interview with Dr. Omar Suleiman, Martin recalls his earliest visits to the Holy Land, when he was warmly welcomed everywhere he went, to his recent experience on the Freedom Flotilla.

Social media is built to be addictive. It harms our mental health and damages our self-worth. We all know this...but it's still so hard to disconnect. Join Dr. Tesneem Alkiek and host Qaanitah Hunter to explore the dangers (and some of the benefits) that social media adds to our lives and learn practical ways to build a healthier relationship with it

Before Jerusalem fell, something else collapsed first.The First Crusade wasn’t won because the Crusaders were stronger or more numerous. It succeeded through discipline, organization, and psychological warfare—while the Muslim world was divided by rival rulers, short-term thinking, and emotional reactions without strategy.This episode traces that collapse from Europe’s mobilization to Antioch, Ma‘arra, and the fall of Jerusalem in 1099.More importantly, it asks the uncomfortable question history leaves behind:why did sincere people keep losing?

Allah tests His servants in different ways, and what may feel like punishment can often be a path to growth, purification, and deeper faith. In this khutbah, Dr. Omar Suleiman explains how challenges can serve as a form of refinement, drawing you closer to Allah and shaping you into a better believer.

Is hustle culture toxic? Like so much else, it’s a confusing mix of good and bad. Ambition, hard work, and high aspirations are noble, but they need to be kept in perspective. When our goals for the dunya start to outweigh our efforts for the akhirah, or when we push ourselves so hard we burn out, it’s time to stop and ask: Why? In this episode of Real Talk, reflect with Dr. Tesneem Alkiek on why culture pushes us to work so hard and whether that’s really the best way forward.

What does Islam say about karma? In what ways do our past actions affect our present and future? Listen to this khutbah by Dr. Omar Suleiman to gain deeper insight on the connections between our actions and their consequences.

Is Islam defined by men? It’s a question many Muslim women wrestle with—but maybe it’s the wrong question to begin with. Women have played an indispensable role in shaping the Islamic tradition. From hadith transmitters and legal scholars to the teachers of imams, Muslim women were never sidelined by the religion itself—even if some voices have drowned them out. In this episode, Dr. Tesneem Alkiek and host Qaanitah Hunter reframe the conversation, reminding us that while the path forward may not always be easy, it’s always there.

Before Salahuddin could unite the Muslim world, earlier leaders had to address deep internal divisions. When radical groups like the Qarmatians stole the Black Stone and extremist factions terrorized scholars, visionaries like Nizam al-Mulk responded by building institutions—the Nizamiyya schools—that would educate the generation of scholars who would guide leaders like Nur al-Din and Salahuddin.Sign up for exclusive updates on this series: https://yqn.io/231b800:00 - The worst time in Islamic history?4:19 - Emergence of the Ismaili Empire9:40 - How the Qaramita stole the Black Stone from the Ka’bah11:30 - The founding of Cairo and spread of Ismailism13:36 - The arrival of the Seljuks and Nizam al-Mulk 17:47 - Imam al-Ghazali’s response to the Ismailis and philosophers21:57 - The Order of the Assassins25:47 - The attempt to assassinate Salahuddin (rh) This episode draws on leading historical works about Salahuddin and the revival that reshaped the Muslim world. If you’d like to explore the era more deeply, we recommend:How the Generation of Salahuddin Appeared — Dr. Majid Irsan Al-KailaniThe Rare and Excellent History of Saladin — Ibn ShaddadSalahuddin al-Ayyubi — Dr. Ali Muhammad al-SallabiSaladin: The Triumph of the Sunni Revival — A.R. AzzamFor young readers: Saladin: Noble Prince of Islam — Diane Stanley

What does it mean when Allah “hits” you with a consequence? The Prophet ﷺ taught that when Allah wants good for a servant, He hastens the purification of their sins in this life. What does that mean for us today?

Marriage is weighed down by so many expectations. His rights, your rights, cultural norms, social pressure, mahr debates, Islamic rulings… how do you even begin the conversation without getting overwhelmed? In this episode, Dr. Tesneem Alkiek and host Qaanitah Hunter unpack the topic of marriage through examples from the Seerah, showing how Islam gives us breathing room to approach marriage with calm and clarity.

Dr. Omar Suleiman explores the second defining quality of Ibad ur-Rahman (Servants of the Most Merciful): those who embody forbearance (hilm) and composure when confronted by ignorance or provocation.“When the ignorant address them, they only respond with peace.” — Qur’an 25:63What does it mean to stay calm when you’re tested? How do we respond to rudeness, mockery, or anger without losing our dignity? Through stories of the Prophet ﷺ and the early believers, Dr. Omar Suleiman reveals that this verse is not about remaining silent in the face of oppression, but about rising above the foolish, refusing to be drawn into their heat, and maintaining moral strength when emotions run high.

What is the foundation of true unity? Is it shared heritage, culture, or even family ties? This lecture by Dr. Omar Suleiman highlights that genuine unity is rooted in piety and the collective striving for goodness.Learn why the most effective way to help an oppressor is to stop their oppression—and how this principle becomes the basis for working together in truth. This isn't just a discussion about community; it's a profound challenge to redefine your understanding of unity and solidarity.

Ten episodes, three days, and numb legs. In this bonus session, Dr. Tesneem Alkiek and host Qaanitah Hunter spill the secrets of filming Real Talk and discuss everything from first impressions to high school awkwardnes to maintaining trust in the timing of Allah. True to title, the two get very real. Sign up for email updates: https://yqn.io/dfebff

What does it mean to walk the earth lightly? In this opening lecture of the Ibad al-Rahman: Servants of the Most Merciful series, Dr. Omar Suleiman explores the very first quality that Allah attributes to His most beloved servants — humility.“The servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth humbly…” — Surah al-Furqan, 25:63Dr. Omar explains how true faith begins not only in the heart, but appears in the way we move, speak, and carry ourselves. Through reflections on the Prophet ﷺ’s character, the struggles of the early believers in Makkah, and the contrast between arrogance and grace, this session invites you to embody a faith that walks gently — yet stands firm in dignity.Join the journey of Ibad al-Rahman — a call to live as those recognized by Allah Himself.

Are you feeling bored, distracted, or emotionally flat in your worship?Explore why believers sometimes feel disconnected or weary in their salah, duʿāʾ, and dhikr, and how to revive sincerity and spiritual energy. This khutbah also offers a deep and practical explanation of the profound hadith: “Allah does not tire until you tire,” clarifying its meaning and what it teaches us about consistency, balance, and Divine mercy.

Of all the ways of Muhāsabah (holding ourselves accountable) this is the most unique. How do we work on ourselves before our own bodies speak on the Day of Judgment. Our limbs, our eyes, our hearing, our tongues, and even our desires are recording every step, every glance, and every word.

When everyone said “me, me,” the Prophet ﷺ said “my ummah, my ummah.” He cried for his followers and made du‘a for people he never met — including you. The Prophet ﷺ taught us that when you pray for others, angels reply: “Ameen, and for you the same.”So expand your du‘a. Pray for the ummah, for the oppressed, for those who’ll never know your name.When you pray beyond yourself, Allah expands your heart.Watch till the end to learn how the Prophet ﷺ’s example can transform your du’a.

When the test came, the Sahabah didn’t hesitate. Neither did the disciples of Isa (AS). Their devotion wasn’t just words, it was action, sacrifice, and faith. Are we even close to their level of devotion? While we can never be Sahabah, we can discover what it truly means to embody the spirit of those who showed utmost devotion.

In this Gaza Diaries episode, a Palestinian-Australian doctor who volunteered in Gaza recalls paramedics who had to make peace with death, a night when hundreds of injured and dying children filled the hospital wards to overflowing, and a moment that changed a colleague’s worldview as young patients awoke reciting Qur’an. Anchored by his mother’s words—“Death is in Allah’s hands”—Dr. Mohamed Mustafa reflects on intentions, resilience, and why elevating Palestinian voices is the path to re-humanization.

One day, everything we chase of wealth, power, or status, will lose its shine. The world will expose what we once thought was worth fighting over, and every argument, betrayal, and war will come down to one question: Was it really worth it?This khutbah is a reflection on how greed and ego blinds us from doing the right thing. From broken homes to global injustice, the pattern is the same: we destroy what’s priceless for what’s temporary.

From the Rapture to the Antichrist, religious texts often outline visions of the future. The Qur’an, too, speaks of what’s to come. But Allah ﷻ emphasizes the past—on the stories, lessons, and warnings from history—so that we’re prepared for what lies ahead. Is the past more important than predicting outcomes of the future? Dr. Omar Suleiman answers these questions and more in this khutbah.

We've witnessed calls for a ceasefire before, only to be met with broken promises. While we hope the war is over, in moments like these, we’re reminded that true victory begins not with celebration, but with remembrance. Dhikr before shukr, this was the way of the Prophet ﷺ, who taught us to turn to remembrance after relief, anchoring our gratitude in worship rather than emotion.

The flotilla heading toward Gaza is more than a group of ships; it's a united act of resistance with a single goal in mind: end the blockade on Gaza. Ultimately, Allah (swt) decides when justice will come, but we must always keep in mind that change doesn’t come from a single act, it comes from many people moving together with purpose.

Not every believer is loud or visible, but many of the most beloved to Allah are the ones you barely notice. The Prophet ﷺ praised the quiet, modest Muslim whose duʿāʾ is accepted, whose service is sincere, and who lives humbly without seeking attention. #BecauseOfMarwan honors a leader who is the heart of the Dallas Muslim community and being unjustly held and persecuted.

What happens when your dreams don’t come true? You find contentment, because your dreams are not greater than Allah’s decree. Tune in to Dr. Omar Suleiman deliver a powerful message about manifesting your story while trusting in Allah’s plan.

There is more good in saving more than just yourself. The Prophet (Saw) taught frequently about the sincerity and superiority of those who go beyond worship, and build and benefit others.

Activist Mahmoud Khalil sits down with Dr. Omar Suleiman to share what kept him grounded through months in ICE detention for protesting the genocide in Gaza. From seeing “Allah” etched on a cell wall to hearing that strangers made du’a for him daily, Mahmoud reflects on faith, courage, and the power of a united ummah.

Charlie Kirk's murder is a reminder that not all deaths are the same. While the media amplifies some, others, like the tens of thousands in Gaza, are minimized or completely overlooked. This can shape how we respond emotionally to different deaths.Dr. Omar Suleiman delves into the Islamic response to death, examining how the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ responded differently depending on people who died, from the hypocrites to the honored martyrs.

Mahmoud. Leqaa. Dr. Khan Suri. They imprisoned their bodies, but not their minds. True activism is rooted in fearlessness, as Dr. Omar Suleiman highlights in this powerful message on standing up to those complacent and complicit with oppression.

Islam values emotional well-being and encourages us to care for our mental health, but faith is not meant to be reduced to a tool for self-soothing alone. Allah says, “Do not grieve or despair,” yet He also reminds us that this life is a test, one that involves hardship as much as it does ease.

Are your goals too small? You might be selling yourself short without even realizing it. If your aspirations are too small, you risk falling into sin, settling for mediocrity, and never reaching the life (or akhirah) you’re truly capable of.

What does it mean to eat and enjoy food while our brothers and sisters are dying because they're being denied a basic human need? Dr. Omar Suleiman looks at the morality of eating while keeping Gaza's suffering close to heart.

Want to know what kind of Muslim you truly are? Pay attention to how people react around you. In this powerful message, Dr. Omar Suleiman reminds us that good character isn't just about personal piety. It's also about being someone others feel safe around. He contrasts this with the painful reality of Muslims who have let their brothers and sisters in Gaza down, not through direct harm, but through silence and inaction when they were most needed.

How can we hold onto the Qur’an, like the 12-year-old girl in Gaza, paralyzed and unable to move, who still lets the words of Allah guide her in her toughest moments? Dr. Omar Suleiman delivers a powerful message on anchoring our hearts to the Qur’an, even as hope begins to fade.

Witnessing starvation, dehumanization, and atrocity can erode your spirit – or worse, your faith in Allah’s promise to help the believers and hold the oppressors accountable. Shaykh Mohammad Elshinawy shares valuable insight on divine timing, including how to strengthen your faith in the help of Allah.

In a world filled with constant change, uncertainty, and global upheaval, pause and reflect on this question: What if we stopped just asking for safety… and started asking to be used by Allah for something greater? In this heartfelt lecture, Dr. Omar Suleiman explores how to see ourselves as vessels for Allah’s work amid the ongoing global shifts we face. Through inspiring examples of figures like Salman Al-Farsi and Abu Bakr As-Siddiq, learn how true safety and success come from spiritual devotion, not worldly gains. Now is the time to align our talents, circumstances, and heart with divine purpose and to seek Allah’s guidance and protection through challenging times—holding fast to faith and performing every deed sincerely for His pleasure.

Dr. Omar Suleiman explores how to love your blessings without being imprisoned by them, and how to practice detachment daily using dhikr, gaining perspective, and being disciplined with your dunya.

What if the Muslim representation we’ve been fighting for is actually working against us?In this Focal Point episode, Imam Tom Facchine explores the rise of Muslim representation in media, politics, and pop culture, and why it might be more harmful than helpful. From tokenism to identity politics, we unpack how visibility without values can betray the very communities it claims to uplift. Before we celebrate inclusion, we need to ask: At what cost?

In this powerful reflection, Dr. Omar Suleiman shares a moving conversation with a man who was wrongfully imprisoned as part of the Holy Land Foundation Five—men known for their humanitarian work for Palestinian children. Despite enduring extreme hardship, including solitary confinement, this brother's deep faith and commitment never wavered.Explore how to stay true to our values, find purpose through our struggles, and stay spiritually grounded no matter the circumstances.

Follow Focal Point with Imam Tom for full episodes! Who profits from making people fear Muslims? In this Focal Point episode, Imam Tom exposes the multi-million dollar network fueling Islamophobia—fake experts, front organizations, and political actors who weaponize misinformation for profit and power.This isn’t ignorance, it’s strategy. Who funds the fear? Who benefits? And how do we counter it?

The Bosnian genocide is a testament to the resilience of Islam—and a reminder that Gaza will overcome too. Listen to Dr. Omar Suleiman as he visits Bosnia and reflects on the stories of survivors and the atrocities of Srebrenica 30 years later, where bones are still being recovered, and speak on what lessons can be learned from witnessing yet another atrocity targeted toward Muslims.#bosnia #gaza #genocide00:00 Introduction and Opening Prayers01:34 My Purpose to Visit Bosnia02:03 The Freshness of Genocide03:14 Personal Reflections and Survivor Stories05:25 Comparisons to Gaza06:27 The Importance of Early Intervention09:14 Symbolism of the Srebrenica Flower10:18 Survival and Resilience of Islam in BosniaClick SUBSCRIBE and hit the 🔔 icon to receive the latest updates from Yaqeen!Visit http://www.yaqeeninstitute.org for full access to all research publications, infographics, and videos. Join the conversation on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @yaqeeninstitute!

A century after his birth — and 60 years after his assassination — El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, or Malcolm X, continues to exert a powerful influence on efforts against racism and oppression from the United States to Africa.After enduring the cruelty of overt and systemic racism at a young age, Malcolm made a lifelong commitment to uplifting himself and all African-Americans. Bold and uncompromising, but also a sincere seeker of truth, he embraced Islam, performed Hajj, and traveled widely. Malcolm found inspiration and solidarity in Africa’s decolonization movements, from Ghana to Algeria. And his little-known visit to Gaza and his sharp critique of Zionism were among these efforts, even while he continued to forcefully challenge anti-Black racism in America.We highlight various points in Malcolm’s winding journey, relying primarily on his own ever-insightful words, and reflect on why he remains an inspiration today.

South Africa’s former Minister of International Relations, Dr. Naledi Pandor, became the face of the ICJ case accusing Israel of genocide. In this conversation with Dr. Omar Suleiman, she explains why South Africa took that stand, how faith shaped her response, and what international solidarity truly means.From confronting false media narratives to receiving death threats, Dr. Pandor reflects on the personal and political cost of speaking out—while urging Muslims to reclaim their moral leadership and global influence. What does it mean to act with Iman when the world chooses silence?

He was told the Palestinian flag would ruin his career.He carried it anyway — into the cage, into press conferences, and into history. UFC Champion Belal Muhammad sits with Dr. Omar Suleiman to talk about pain, prayer, and the real fight beyond the cage. This is a story of rejection, resistance, victory, and divine timing.