Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Daraja: Stairway to Your Higher Self

In this episode, we are honored to host Haroon Moghul, the Director of Strategy at The Concordia Forum, a global platform connecting over 2,500 leaders from diverse backgrounds who are committed to making a lasting impact in today’s world. Haroon is an accomplished writer, educator, and institution-builder, with a career spanning media, education, and leadership development. He has dedicated his work to shaping new, empowering narratives and inspiring positive change, particularly within Muslim communities.
During our conversation, we delve deep into Haroon’s unique insights on how to build meaningful connections, foster a sense of community, and cultivate a strong sense of self. Haroon explains how understanding history can help us navigate present challenges and prepare for a brighter future, particularly for marginalized communities like Muslims, who often face negative narratives.
We also explore strategies for countering harmful stereotypes, the role of institutions like The Concordia Forum in supporting leaders globally, and how leaders can inspire resilience and positive change amidst the complex realities of our world.
This episode offers invaluable lessons for anyone looking to build bridges between communities, push back against misinformation, and reimagine leadership for a better future.
Key Discussion Points:
1. Building Connection and Community**: The importance of bringing diverse leaders together to drive innovative solutions.
2. Understanding the Past to Shape the Future: How history can help communities move beyond negative narratives.
3. Responding to Negative Narratives: Strategies for countering stereotypes and misinformation in the media.
4. Empowering Leaders and Communities: How leaders can navigate uncertainty and drive change, especially within Muslim communities.
5. The Role of Institutions and Networks: The power of networks like The Concordia Forum to support global leaders.
6. Personal Journey and Reflections: Haroon’s personal experiences in community building and institution development.
7. The Future of Leadership and Legacy: Envisioning the future of leadership and the legacy Haroon aims to leave.
Tune in to gain new perspectives on leadership, community building, and creating meaningful change in a world that often pushes back with negativity.
Useful Links
- The Concordia Forum: https://www.concordiaforum.org
- Haroon Moghul’s books: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=haroon+moghul&crid=31MHWFZRSII24&sprefix=haroon+m%2Caps%2C144&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_8
- Articles and media by Haroon Moghul: https://www.haroonmoghul.com
- Queen City Diwan: https://www.queencitydiwan.com/-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queencitydiwan/-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/queencitydiwan/  Join us for this insightful episode as we explore how to build connection and create positive change in our world!

In this episode of the Stairway to Your Higher Self podcast, host Umar sits down with Atia Lokhat to explore the incredible work of Zubeda Welcome, an organization dedicated to providing free Quran education to refugee and asylum-seeking children in the UK. This initiative, a profound form of Sadaqatul Jariyah, plays a crucial role in helping these young Muslims, who are among the 365,000 displaced individuals in the region, reconnect with and retain their faith.

During the conversation, Umar and Atia delve into the challenges these children face in preserving their Muslim identity amidst financial and social uncertainties. They discuss how Zubeda Welcome addresses these challenges, offering spiritual support and religious education to ensure that these vulnerable children are not lost to the pressures of displacement. The episode sheds light on the importance of such initiatives in safeguarding the faith and identity of the next generation of Muslims in the diaspora.

Website: https://zubedawelcome.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zubedawelcome/

Email: mailto:info@zubedawelcome.org

Acclaimed British photographer Peter Sanders, known as the pre-eminent photographer of the Muslim world, has traveled the earth to capture more than half a million images, including once-in-a-lifetime portraits of modern saints and sages of Islam. In this episode, Peter shares about his extraordinary journey as a photographer and to accepting Islam.

Website: petersanders.com

Books referenced in this episode:

Meeting with Mountains: link

In The Shade of the Tree: link

The Game of Life and How to Play It: link

When meningitis left Valerie Shirley’s son deaf at 5 months old, she learned sign language, eventually became an ASL teacher, and co-founded the Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community (MDMC). In this episode, Sr. Valerie shares her journey of developing MDMC, aspirations for the future, as well as advice for how to make your community more inclusive.

LinkedIn: Valarie Shirley

Website: MDMC

LaunchGood, the world's largest crowdfunding platform for Muslim's, celebrated its ten year anniversary in 2023. In this episode, Co-Founder and COO, Amany Killawi, sits down with Umar to discuss her organization's start-up story, lessons learned, as well as exciting insights into what's next for LaunchGood's growth. 

Naz Shah, British Labour Party politician and Member of Parliament for Bradford West, discusses her journey from childhood poverty, to escaping a forced marriage, to fighting for her mother's freedom from prison, to running, winning, and serving her delegation. 

More about Naz Shah:

https://www.nazshahmp.org.uk https://members.parliament.uk/member/4409/career

In this premier episode, Umar sits with Nausheena, a native Chicagoan, philanthropist, and Doctoral candidate to reflect on events unfolding in Gaza. 

More about Nausheena Hussain: www.nausheena.com

Bismillah, As Salaamu Alaikum and welcome to Daraja: Stairway to Your Higher Self podcast. In this episode, Umar reflects on the concept of daraja and the impetus for starting this podcast. 

In this insightful episode of the *Stairway to Your Higher Self* podcast, Umar and Ali delve into the profound concept of resilience, examining it through the lens of prophetic wisdom. Ali, a dynamic professional with over a decade of experience in the marketing and advertising industry, brings his rich background as a Digital Marketing Maverick, Entrepreneur, and Certified Life Coach to the conversation.
Ali's journey is one of continuous growth and vibrant creativity. As the founder and CEO of GLOBMOBI.com, and the visionary behind platforms like VICI-mena.ai and CREPE.com, he has demonstrated innovative leadership and a passion for entrepreneurship. His role as President of the Garden Toastmasters Club has further fueled his aspiration to become a motivational and inspirational speaker, while his strengths in adaptability, ideation, strategic planning, and positivity have guided him through various successful campaigns for both international and national brands.
Together, Umar and Ali explore how the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) can inspire a deeper understanding of resilience, offering listeners practical insights on how to navigate life's challenges with strength and purpose. This conversation promises to be both enlightening and empowering, shedding light on how ancient wisdom can be applied to modern-day struggles to achieve personal and spiritual growth.
Links:

linkedin.com/in/alihasbini
globmobi.com

Email: alih@globmobi.com

From the vibrant streets of Somalia to the cultural tapestry of Pakistan, and finally finding a home in the diverse landscape of Canada, music has been a steadfast companion in Ilyas Mao's extraordinary journey. As a groundbreaking artist with a global reach, Ilyas has resonated with audiences across more than 170 countries, accumulating over 20 million views on streaming platforms worldwide.

In this special episode, Ilyas Mao joins Umar for an intimate conversation delving into the threads of his life, music, faith, and his profound connection to the community at large. As a cherished friend and brother, Ilyas not only shares his personal stories but also provides insights into how music has been a bridge across cultures and continents in his life.

We are deeply honored to feature Ilyas as a guest on our podcast. Beyond his musical talents, Ilyas is the creative force behind our distinctive intro music, enriching our podcast with his artistry and passion.

Join us as we explore the multifaceted journey of Ilyas Mao, a musician whose melodies transcend borders and touch the hearts of listeners worldwide.

Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilyasacappella/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpigf8GfwA6lU8f9VRbCv8g

Tours: https://www.vocalsonlytour.com

Email: ilyasmao@gmail.com

In this compelling episode, join Umar as he delves deep into the fascinating journey of Candace Ashley (@theblondemuslim), a remarkable individual whose path to both embracing Islam and rising as a prominent social influencer is nothing short of inspiring.
Candace Ashley’s journey towards Islam didn’t follow the conventional route. It began unexpectedly, in a setting not often associated with spiritual awakenings: a bar. Yet, from that unexpected encounter, Ashley embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery and faith.
But her journey didn’t stop there. As she embraced Islam, Ashley soon realized that her unique identity and experiences were not obstacles, but rather, sources of strength. This realization became the cornerstone of her burgeoning presence as a social media influencer, where she fearlessly advocates for authenticity and self-acceptance in a world often obsessed with conformity.
In this candid conversation, Ashley opens up about the challenges she faced as a new Muslim, navigating the complexities of faith, family dynamics, and societal expectations. From grappling with misconceptions within her own community to confronting skepticism and resistance from loved ones, Ashley’s journey is a testament to resilience and unwavering determination.
Join Umar and Candace Ashley as they explore the intersections of faith, identity, and influence, offering profound insights into the power of embracing one’s true self and forging a path that defies expectations. This episode promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of the human spirit and the transformative power of authenticity.

Links:

YouTube - https://youtu.be/6ximLkkvJF4?si=OGitee1NY4YxghAS

IG - https://www.instagram.com/theblondemuslim/?hl=en

Website - https://hayatlife.com/2024/02/02/the-blonde-muslim/

In this episode, Umar engages in a conversation with Arshia Ali-Khan about her journey to MLFA and the organization's mission and impact. Together, they delve into the complexities surrounding the Noor Salman case and shed light on the inherent biases that occasionally permeate the American legal system. They also discuss MLFA's overarching mission to establish equitable and just legal frameworks.

Useful links

MLFA: https://mlfa.org/

Arshia’s on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/arshia-ali-khan-1b58083

Arshia's personal page: emerge-lifecoach.com

Noor Salman on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cM-ci1IFXkw

Noor Salman's case: https://abcnews.go.com/US/pulse-nightclub-shooters-wife-found-guilty/story?id=54122947

In this episode Umar and Tasneem delve into the challenges, opportunities, and nuances associated with DE&I, colonial violence, and global racism. Tasneem provides an in depth perspective on the topics and shares some of the personal and professional challenges that inform her views on the subject.

In this episode Umar speaks with Business Strategist and Certified Faith-based Productivity trainer, Hannane Ramdani. Hannane's journey towards becoming a certified faith based productivity trainer began with a transformative experience at the Productive Muslim Company retreat.

Fueled by a desire for holistic productivity, she emerged from a personal crisis, embracing coaching and a spiritual awakening.Today, Hannane stands as a beacon of positive change, committed to empowering others through her platform, The Productive Sister.

Important Links

https://productivesister.com/ramadan-masterclass/ 

iOS App https://apps.apple.com/tj/app/islam-quran-learning-academy/id1584089710 

Google store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.islamicfinder.alif&hl=en_US 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannaneramdani/

A genuine conversation with Author, Civil Rights Attorney, Policy Drafter, Triathlete, and Mother, Maaria Mozaffar shares her thoughts on overcoming adversity, challenging societal expectations, and finding one's purpose.

Maaria's Website: https://maariamozaffar.com/

AWF's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maaria-mozaffar

IG: https://www.instagram.com/mozaffarmaaria/

Diversity, equity and inclusion expert, Dr. Rubina, discusses the importance of tapping into one's unique strengths and building equity in the workplace. She also shares a few of her own unique talents as well as daily habits that keep her grounded.

More on Dr. Rubina:

LinkedIn: link
Morehouse bio: link
Website: link
TEDxGeorgiaStateU Video: link