In this inaugural episode of In Good Faith, Iqbal Nasim — educator, speaker and writer on the topics of prayer, giving, leadership and revelation — is joined by guest host Taimur Abdaal.

Together, they discuss what this new show is all about, focusing on the profound question: what does it mean to lead a truly God-centred life?

This conversation examines the personal and societal implications of orienting one’s life around divine guidance.

With plenty of reflection on scripture, Iqbal and Taimur talk about how the prescriptions of faith are not arbitrary, but divinely calibrated for human flourishing.

They consider the opportunities and challenges of the status quo and also discuss how revelation offers a framework for living with purpose, integrity and clarity in the modern world.

An invitation to thoughtful, sincere inquiry, this episode sets the tone for a podcast that seeks to uncover the principles and practicalities of being truly faithful in the 21st century.

(0:00) – Core principles of In Good Faith

(6:38) – Iqbal's escape from investment banking 

(13:47) – Iqbal's journey from CEO of NZF to educator and podcaster

(21:52) – Qualifications, authority and scholarship

(28:42) – Islam as a state of devotion, not a fixed identity

(37:49) – Restoring the universal tradition of Abraham

(43:08) – Divine prescriptions and human flourishing 

(47:42) – Iqbal's worries about the podcast 

(50:49) – Vision, tradition and traditionalism

(1:01:17) – Language, meaning and unity

(1:09:12) – How to find out more

In this episode of In Good Faith, Taimur and I discuss the single most important action in the life of a believer: prayer (salat).

After some initial reflections on the importance of meaningful communication through our prayer - and exploring some analogies to illustrate how it should fit coherently into our overall lives - we referred to a number of verses from revelation to see how God Himself explains this central topic.

(0:00) - Prayer as connection 
(3:36) - The importance of meaningful communication with God 
(11:38) - Prayer in public and useful analogies for prayer 
(15:29) - Prayer as conscious engagement with scripture 
(17:35) - The restorative effect of prayer, plus another analogy
(26:29) - The behavioural effect of prayer 
(28:57) - Prayer as an ancient prophetic practice 
(33:07) - Prayer as a cornerstone of social action and public advocacy 
(39:23) - Overcoming our split-brain approach to life  
(43:00) - The connection between prayer, remembrance, contentment and paradise 
(46:49) - How not to pray and taking prayer seriously

In this discussion, Taimur and I go deep into exploring the way we as believers use certain Arabic phrases in our day to day lives. Why is it that we say certain things in Arabic instead of English amongst ourselves? Do we say these phrases meaningfully? Why is it that we don't feel comfortable saying the English equivalents with those outside our community even when it's relevant to do so? We tackle these questions with plenty of practical examples and scenarios. We also explore the issue of language in the context of "du'a", i.e. calling upon God. Finally we revisit the appropriateness of the way we think and speak about "Islam" and "Muslims" with some analysis of key verses in revelation. I think this episode makes for our best conversation so far. Hopefully it gives you plenty of food for thought and a basis upon which to reflect on your own practice. Enjoy!(0:00) Taimur introduces the discussion(6:28) Keeping the vision in mind(8:43) Truth and the diversity of languages(11:01) Do you mean what you say? (15:57) Practical examples of saying “alhamdulillah” in English(24:55) Practical examples with “insha’Allah” and “masha’Allah”(31:03) A summary of the key points so far(33:04) The problem with the way we “make du’a” (39:49) How to understand Quranic and prophetic supplications (49:50) Are there special times to call on God? (54:26) Are “Islam” and “Muslims” appropriate terms? (1:01:44) Analysis of relevant verses from Chapter 3(1:05:51) How to deal with Jehovah’s Witnesses! (1:09:29) Were the disciples of Jesus “Muslims”? (1:11:20) Taking responsibility for our brand; conclusion

Dr Sahira Dar is a portfolio GP in Glasgow working in both the NHS and private sector. She is also President of the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA).

Dr Sahira and I sat down ahead of the BIMA Conference on Saturday 28th June to discuss the organisation's work as well as challenges and opportunities for the future.

She also talked about her work as Founder of Vibrant Scottish Mosques and a recent conference she organised to celebrate and raise the profile of women leading the way in scholarship, community leadership, and faith-based activism.

Get your tickets to the BIMA Conference: https://britishima.org/event/bima-national-conference-2025/

Check out job opportunities at BIMA: https://britishima.org/who-we-are/careers/

Connect with Dr Sahira: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahira-dar-59801453/

Follow BIMA: https://www.linkedin.com/company/britishima/(0:00) Vibrant Scottish Mosques and female leadership

(7:30) Mosque inclusion: has anything changed?

(13:39) Dr Sahira's BIMA journey

(15:05) What does BIMA do?

(22:45) Do Muslim staff in the NHS feel welcome?

(30:54) BIMA's unique training and advocacy work

(42:36) Theory of change and impacting wider society

(59:22) Hiring a CEO

(1:01:05) The BIMA Conference 2025

(1:02:56) How is AI being used in the NHS?

(1:05:22) Top priorities for BIMA

(1:08:15) Top leadership lessons

(1:09:37) How Dr Sahira would like to be remembered

(1:11:23) Concluding thoughts

If you're a working professional who knows deep down that there's more to life than whatever you're up to right now, this one's for you!

New guest hosts Ali Siddiqui and Fiyal Malik - who work in corporate law and financial services respectively - put their questions to me on finding our ultimate purpose.

We covered a range of considerations and concerns, including how to set our intentions, transcend constraints, avoid compartmentalisation, escape the minority mindset, find balance, and much more...(0:00) Teaser

(0:51) Introducing Ali and Fiyal

(6:20) What is the God-centred life?

(9:11) Freeing our minds to find purpose

(13:41) Avoiding compartmentalisation

(19:28) Iterating towards the ideal

(22:31) Our lack of shared cause

(26:30) Are there stages in life?

(32:15) Establishing true intentions

(41:01) Escaping the minority mindset

(45:01) Doing God in the workplace

(51:15) Capacity constraints

(53:22) Fiyal and Ali ideate their objectives

(1:10:19) Gender, marriage and mission

(1:22:00) Finding balance as a woman

(1:26:06) Quickfire questions

It was a pleasure catching up with scholar and social scientist Dr Haroon Sidat.

Our conversation focused particularly on the past, present and future of religious scholarship and leadership.

Haroon also shared many stories from his personal journey, including encounters with those who have inspired him and those who have threatened his life!

(0:00) The importance of humour

(2:02) Haroon’s early intellectual journey

(6:57) Challenging the notion of “Islamic Studies”

(27:04) The state of contemporary scholarship

(44:30) Haroon invites your questions!

(49:15) How to - and how not to - use hadith

(55:51) Have Darul Ulum seminaries changed?

(59:40) Scholarly spaces and a culture of respect

(1:07:41) Advice to budding scholars

(1:20:49) Is it time for a 5th school of law (madhab)?

(1:38:17) Cambridge Muslim College

(1:43:33) Haroon’s future plans and ambitions

ABOUT HAROON:

Haroon holds two undergraduate degrees, a Masters degree and a PGCE. In 2019, he completed the prestigious Jameel PhD scholarship in Philosophy, Religion, and Theology at Cardiff University, in which his topic of study was the education, formation and training of Muslim religious leadership in Britain. He is currently a research associate and scholar at the university's Centre for the Study of Islam in the UK. Haroon has long served as an imam and teacher at a number of mosques and local community organisations in the North of England.

Learn from Haroon: https://hujjahacademy.com

Cardiff University profile: https://profiles.cardiff.ac.uk/staff/sidathe

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-haroon-sidat-00515943/

Taimur just left with his mum for his first ever Hajj, the major pilgrimage to Mecca. A few days ago we sat down to see how his preparations were coming along and what he was hoping to get out of it all. I shared some reflections based on my own trips as well as, of course, from revelation itself - especially Chapter 2 (The Cow) and Chapter 22 (Pilgrimage).

(0:00) Will Taimur shave his head?

(1:43) Anticipation and preparations

(6:25) Connect, cultivate, control, conquer

(13:02) Iqbal's experience and memories

(20:06) Substance, patience and sacred dress code

(28:25) Why can't "non-Muslims" visit the holy sites?

(36:18) The blessing of livestock; food waste

(38:54) More inner dimensions

(43:02 ) Abrahamic leadership and devotion

(53:19) Ordering our priorities around revelation

(1:00:50) Why would God care about footwear?

(1:06:55) Wishing Taimur well

Azim Kidwai is CEO of Mercy Mission, Chairman of the Bradford District Community Foundation and, most of all, my best friend. 

After we first met in 2010, Azim was the one who helped me transition from investment banking to taking the helm at National Zakat Foundation the following year. He's been the most wonderful mentor, colleague and comrade ever since.

Azim doesn't do podcasts. So I'm honoured that he made an exception for me. I hope that you benefit from this enriching conversation in the same way that I did. 

(0:00) Iqbal’s tribute to Azim

(2:09) Azim outlines his mission

(7:16) Designing zakat systems internationally

(14:44) Local community funding in the UK

(20:46) How should faith be reflected in social action?

(23:11) Advice for those who want to do good

(26:34) Mindset, belonging and identity 

(35:01) Palestine and overcoming pessimism 

(42:53) Scaling up our long-term efforts

(51:19) What’s going on in Bradford?

(57:32) How to make faith more accessible to others

(1:11:52) Longing to meet God 

Find out more about Mercy Mission here: https://www.mercymission.org.uk

Connect with Azim here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azim-kidwai-5595a66/

The Public Forum was launched on 12th February 2026. It’s the in-person strand of the In Good Faith podcast. This episode contains the panel’s responses to the final audience questions.

The Public Forum was launched on 12th February 2026. It’s the in-person strand of the In Good Faith podcast. This episode contains the panel’s responses to the second audience question.

Tech developments are happening at breakneck speed... but the evolution of schooling systems seems to be moving at a snail's pace. What's happening and what can / should parents do?

Watch or listen to the full episode here.

Why are Bible sales and Church attendance on the rise? Why are far-right nationalists invoking Christian beliefs and symbols? Is there a way forward for Britain that unifies its citizens and respects difference?

To learn more about these questions, I spoke to James Walters, both a priest and a professor. James is founding director of the LSE Faith Centre and LSE Religion and Global Society. He is a Professor in Practice, affiliated to the Department for International Relations and an associate of the LSE Department of International Development.

James studied theology at Cambridge University and writes on the interface of theology, philosophy, and political science. He has published five books, his most recent being Loving Your Neighbour in an Age of Religious Conflict (Jessica Kingsley 2019), and his next one coming later this year.

He is a priest in the Church of England, an honorary canon of Chichester Cathedral in West Sussex, a member of the Academic Board of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Examination in Theology, and a member of the governing council of Westcott House Theological College.

Follow James.

Find out more.

(0:00) Overarching worldview

(2:40) Upbringing & background

(7:35) Jesus & the Trinity

(12:55) Mystery of divine self-disclosure

(18:25) Approaches to religious pluralism

(27:32) The Church & multiculturalism

(33:40) Is Britain still a Christian country?

(37:02) Religious resurgence & Church revival

(42:42) The problem of Christian nationalism

(50:50) Does the Church have an online strategy?

(55:08) Crises facing the Church

(57:42) Advice for the new Archbishop

(1:04:49) Mediating Gaza debates on campus

(1:13:33) The tech threat to humanity

(1:23:39) Upcoming projects

(1:26:01) A brief sermon

In this clip, I contrast different approaches to being faithful in the work environment.

Watch my full conversation with Ali and Fiyal here.

Hear from Arfah Farooq, Founder of Muslim Tech Fest, about a small change that can make a big difference when it comes to one issue that concerns all parents nowadays: screen time!

Watch or listen to my full conversation with Arfah here.

Like me, Dr Mamnun Khan has a big issue with how we understand basic terms such as "Muslim"... but we differ on the best practical way forward. Much of this discussion was dedicated to hashing out questions of identity, not just in terms of how we see ourselves, but also how we see and relate to others.

Dr Mamnun is the author of Being British Muslims: Beyond Ethnocentric Religion and Identity Politics, and a Fellow at Equi think tank. He explores the topics of identity, Islam, and the social integration of Muslims in contemporary Britain. His work critically examines the challenges and opportunities faced by British Muslims, advocating for a balanced God-centred approach that transcends ethnocentrism and ideological extremes. In his spare time, Mamnun advises a number of UK organisations on projects and strategy. He has over 20 years of experience in corporate management and strategy in the science and tech sector.

Follow Dr Mamnun

Check out his website

(0:00) Core observations and background

(6:47) Being “Muslim” - form vs substance

(14:32) The problem with Islamophobia

(18:45) Translation vs transliteration

(30:09) Inclusive vs exclusive language

(39:23) Monotheism vs Islam

(50:04) Revelation, morality and accountability

(59:00) A summary of the key ideas

(1:04:38) How to increase religious literacy

(1:06:35) Mamnun’s current projects

Watch my full conversation with Dr Bilal Hassam here.

A top clinical psychologist who speaks about the importance of putting God at the centre of discussions around mental health?

That’s an unusual mix nowadays and it’s what got me interested in speaking with Dr Roger McFillin, who has over two decades of experience in his field but who is also rebelling against much of what is practised within it.

He’s on a determined mission to expose the harsh truths about the mental health industry that others avoid or overlook, and his Radically Genuine podcast is a hard-hitting exploration of what it really takes to overcome life's toughest challenges, free from the constraints of traditional therapy-speak.

More recently he’s been writing and speaking about the deliberate and dark attempts by powerful proponents of the transhuman agenda to rob us of our connection with God and, in the process, dehumanise us completely.

Follow Dr Roger’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RadicallyGenuine

Read Dr Roger’s Substack: https://drmcfillin.substack.com/

(00:00) - Connecting God and mental health

(13:10) - Different ways of experiencing God 

(17:54) - What’s the meaning of life?

(26:06) - Programming and human compliance

(36:03) - The illegitimacy of psychiatry

(41:38) - How to respond to mental illness

(46:22) - Cities damage, nature heals 

(52:41)- Is Roger’s work gaining momentum?

(58:01) - Echo chambers and division 

(1:00:38) - Awakening is on the way 

(1:05:27) - Advice on smartphone usage 

(1:08:44) - What is 5D living?

(1:13:28) - The dark transhuman agenda(

1:14:43) - Striving in God’s cause 

I reflect briefly on the usage of the terms "Islam" and "Muslim" in revelation.

The way in which these terms are understood has significant implications for how believers see themselves and how their public narratives are shaped.

This is a short clip from Episode 1 of In Good Faith.

You can watch or listen to the full episode here.

The last verse (110) of Chapter 18 (The Cave) of the Quran forces us to think about the true nature of our relationship with God.

Do we yearn to encounter the divine, or do we shy away from the inevitable meeting?

In this highlight clip, Azim Kidwai - CEO of Mercy Mission and Chairman of the Bradford District Community Foundation - reminds us that In the end, all earthly bonds will fall away, and what remains is only one relationship: the servant and the Master.

You can watch or listen to my full conversation with Azim here.

In this conversation, I sat down with Dr Wajid Akhter to reflect on his first year as Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain. It was a sobering - and at times shocking - exchange. His verdict: Muslims are facing multiple, urgent, interconnected crises, yet they are not responding with the speed, coordination or seriousness the moment demands.

We touched on a whole host of issues: from mental health problems and youth disengagement to health inequalities, political powerlessness and institutional inertia... not to mention Gaza and grooming gangs. So what is the solution? What is MCB doing about it? Is it being sufficiently backed by the very community it exists to serve and represent?

In addition to his voluntary MCB role, Dr Wajid Akhter works as a GP. He is the founder of Charity Week, as well as a founding member of the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) and the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management. His passions include history, public speaking and travelling.

Find out more about the MCB: https://mcb.org.uk

(0:00) Muslim crisis and lack of urgency

(6:23) What the problems are

(12:17) Are Muslim problems Muslim-specific?

(19:34) What are the positives?

(22:05) Why there is failure despite potential

(26:30) What is MCB doing about this?

(36:44) Changing culture at the MCB

(38:41) Mental health challenges and solutions

(47:52) The MCB sustainability problem

(59:05) The need for proactive ambition

(1:06:41) Has MCB become powerless?

(1:11:04) Is power the right objective?

(1:14:18) Summary and the way forward

I launched The Public Forum on 12th February 2026. It’s the in-person strand of the In Good Faith podcast. This episode contains the panel’s responses to the first audience question.

(00:00) Introductions

(04:02) The question

(05:04) Zara Mohammed

(08:28) Omar Salha

(12:46) Saleha Bukhari

(18:03) Audience contributions

(23:14) Zia Salik

(28:53) My thoughts

(30:38) Sohail Hanif

Most people feel trapped because they let past decisions, social expectations and fear define their future, instead of first identifying their true ideal.

Real alignment begins when you strip away constraints, clarify what you would pursue if success were guaranteed and time were limited, and then move towards that vision gradually and intentionally.

You can watch my full conversation on this topic here:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7A5NbXQ947NL8jvh0uefwl?si=EG2gGyxESqSO5aNGun7J7w

Muslim legal tradition ended up crystallising in four schools of law: Hanafi, Shafi'i, Maliki and Hanbali.

But does it need to be this way forever more?

Some insist that no change is needed and that for a person to adhere unquestioningly to one of them is vital.

Others claim that these schools remain invaluable in theory but they need radical revision in practice.

Still others that they should all be done away with and something else needs to take their place if we are to confront seriously the significant challenges of the day.

Whatever one's view, it seems clear that the contemporary situation is very messy and that it confuses most people who want to do the right thing.

In this highlight clip, we hear from Dr Haroon Sidat, currently a research associate and scholar at Cardiff University's Centre for the Study of Islam in the UK.

You can watch my full conversation with Dr Haroon here.

The narrative for Muslims to migrate from so-called Western countries hasn't just been growing amongst bigots and haters... it's been gathering significant momentum amongst Muslims themselves.

So what defines home? What's happening to people's sense of belonging? Is it really time to leave?

In this highlight clip, we hear from Azim Kidwai, CEO of Mercy Mission and Chairman of the Bradford District Community Foundation.

You can watch or listen to my full conversation with Azim here.

This is Part 2 of my conversation with Professor Joel Hayward. We discussed the morality of modern warfare, including the latest indiscriminate versus precision weaponry, as well as issues of asymmetry, proportionality and diplomacy, especially in the context of Israel, Palestine and Sudan.

Watch or listen to Part 1 here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4o3Nch9kc1DfsdYyqsWeMX?si=37UTgZT1QSOeMjAkgSBd7w

Visit Prof Joel's website: https://joelhayward.org

Follow Prof Joel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/professor-joel-hayward-2aa2248/

(0:00) Indiscriminate vs precision warfare

(13:09) Asymmetry and proportionality

(21:46) Thoughts on Israel and Palestine

(30:52) Thoughts on Sudan

(39:39) Phenomenal prophetic diplomacy

(50:30) Thoughts on the problem of evil

(59:38) A more human, universal approach

(1:04:36) Concluding thoughts

I spoke with Mohammed Faris, one of the world's leading faith-based productivity experts, about what it actually means to be productive, achieving sincerity, the tyranny of clocks and watches, the restoration of the lunar calendar, overcoming regrets, remembering death... and a little about the future of this podcast!

Mohammed is founder of The Productive Muslim Company - a faith-based training and coaching company with over a million followers online - and the author of best-selling books “The Productive Muslim: Where Faith Meets Productivity” and "The Barakah Effect: More With Less".

He has delivered seminars and workshops in over 15 countries, featured on international media as well as the TEDx stage, and spoken at organisations such as Google, American Airlines, Salesforce, Accenture and the Islamic Development Bank Group.

Check out Productive Muslim: https://productivemuslim.com

Follow Mohammed: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammedfaris/

(0:00) What is productivity?

(2:30) Diverse experiences of productivity

(7:05) Challenges of universalising language

(17:53) How to know if you're productive

(23:09) How to assess & increase sincerity

(28:56) Letting go of outcomes

(36:12) Doing what you love

(40:53) Tyranny of the mechanical clock

(52:58) Intentions & resolutions

(56:33) Restoring the lunar calendar

(1:08:57) Rethinking business productivity

(1:13:40) Helping people to write books

(1:16:13) Overcoming regrets

(1:19:56) Remembering death

(1:25:49) What makes a podcast productive?

I spoke to one of the world's leading authorities on the biography of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, about why war persists, the prophetic approach to conflict and diplomacy, the challenge of historical objectivity and methods of contextualising prophetic practice.

Part 2 of this conversation will focus on contemporary questions that pertain to restraint, proportionality and accountability in an age of increasingly powerful and sophisticated weapons.

Prof Joel Hayward is Dean of the Sycamore Leadership Academy. He is the author or editor of 18 books and major monographs and over forty peer-reviewed articles, mainly in the fields of strategic studies, military history and the ethics of war and conflict.

Hayward has given strategic advice to political and military leaders in several countries, and was tutor Prince William. In 2011 he was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and in 2012 as a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. In 2016 he was named as the “Best Professor of Humanities and Social Sciences” at the Middle East Education Leadership Awards.

Visit Prof Joel's website: https://joelhayward.org

Follow Prof Joel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/professor-joel-hayward-2aa2248/

(0:00) Joel’s interest in warfare

(4:23) Is war inevitable?

(8:29) The nature of prophetic conflict

(21:02) Understanding prophetic raids

(33:18) Prophetic wisdom and clemency

(43:50) Are humans good or bad?

(54:16) Reconstructing historical incidents

(1:09:55) Contextualising prophetic example

🔽 DOWNLOAD a PDF summary of the key points of this conversation here: https://www.abrahamicrestoration.school/neovscovdownload

I hosted Mohammed Nizami once again for a detailed compare-and-contrast of the neoliberal status quo with the Abrahamic covenantal vision. It's a whistle-stop tour through the various spheres of life, showing not just how unnatural and destructive modernity has become, but also what a wholesome and prosperous alternative lies ahead... if only we would rise to the occasion.

In case you missed it, watch my first conversation with Mohammed here: https://youtu.be/DOmkMv4WKKY

Mohammed Nizami is founder of the New School for Abrahamic Restoration. The aim of the New School is to revive a way of life rooted in God’s law, aligned with the created order, and capable of renewing both soul and society.

Mohammed has completed a range of undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Al-Azhar, LSE, UCL and Warwick. He has expertise and experience in the fields of theology, covenantal law, politics, education and business administration.

Find out more: https://www.abrahamicrestoration.school

Follow on Telegram: https://t.me/shmnizami

(0:00) Taking a holistic approach

(4:31) The neoliberal order

(11:38) Nuanced reasoning

(15:47) Source of authority

(19:13) Human nature & meaning of life

(20:20) Freedom & moral grounding

(22:08) Economic philosophy

(27:32) Political philosophy

(41:50) Anthropology & psychology

(50:10) Education & character

(58:46) Environment & globalisation

(1:04:45) Definition of success

(1:10:57) Depth & continuity of revelation

(1:24:24) Dysfunction & hypocrisy

(1:29:18) What you should do next

(1:37:51) Relating to God properly

I've never been a fan of MyTenNights (MTN), the charity platform that has facilitated over $100m of donations by offering timed contributions on the Night of Decree (laylatul-qadr) in the month of Ramadan. Now it seems that the person who founded it, Ismael Dainehine, isn't too much of a fan of what he built either!

We spoke about his recent and very significant turning point in how he understands the purpose and contemporary reality of charitable activities, and also how the absence of a sound monetary system undermines the possibility of the very outcomes that aid is intended to achieve.

Now Ismael's focus is fully on EverGive, a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve for social impact. I challenged him on various aspects of the existing operational model and we discussed what the future might hold for this new offering.

Check out EverGive: https://www.evergive.com

Ismael's latest thought piece: https://www.evergive.com/blog/when-money-loses-its-soul-society-rots-from-within

Follow Ismael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ismael-dainehine-668776a7/

(0:00) Headline proposition

(0:27) In what way is charity broken?

(15:39) More on sustainability

(19:30) Addressing the root problem

(34:38) Is MyTenNights shutting down?

(51:09) How does EverGive work?

(57:23) Why a Bitcoin-based endowment?

(1:05:45) End-to-end Bitcoin aid

(1:13:02) Onboarding charities

(1:15:17) Spiritual & economic liberation

(1:17:25) How Ismael spends his time

(1:21:21) A more universal approach

(1:23:29) Life lessons & reflections

In this conversation, I explore another perspective on the potential future of Bitcoin as sound money, this time with Harris Irfan, a veteran of the Islamic finance industry.

We discussed some of the common arguments against Bitcoin as a possible medium of exchange as well as what the transition to a Bitcoin-based world might actually look like.

Harris is the CEO of Cordoba Capital Markets and advisor to Onramp MENA. He is former co-founder of Deutsche Bank Islamic Finance. He has three decades of professional experience in London and the Middle East, specialising in Islamic finance and fintech.

He is also author of the critically acclaimed best-seller, "Heaven's Bankers: Inside the Hidden World of Islamic Finance". He is Chairman of the UK Islamic FinTech Panel, and has been ranked in the Top 100 BAME Leaders in UK Tech by the Financial Times.

Follow Harris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrisirfan/

(0:00) Trailer

(1:25) Getting orange-pilled

(7:43) Is Bitcoin too concentrated?

(9:42) Separating money from state

(12:17) Is Bitcoin *real* enough?

(20:01) Dedollarisation will happen

(25:18) Faith and low time preference

(31:27) Educate and buy it yourself

(37:55) Goods, services and charity

(40:56) What about inheritance?

(43:20) Grassroots campaigns needed

(56:25) Who are the villains?

(1:00:28) Having universal concern

(1:07:29) What Harris is working on

(1:13:50) Becoming excellent

(1:15:38) Personal reflections

If you're thinking about the price of Bitcoin in terms of dollars or pounds... you're missing the point. The real power of Bitcoin, says investment expert Muhammed Yesilhark, lies in its intrinsic properties that make it a form of digital gold, i.e. a form of sound money that can protect your savings, help you win back your time and lead to more peaceful, prosperous and purposeful societies. If all this sounds too good to be true... well this conversation is for you.

Muhammed is Chief Investment Officer at Noia Capital, Board Member at Dubai Chambers and Co-founder & President at EverGive. He combines years of experience at the highest level of the investment management industry with a proactive approach to philanthropy and a faithful concern for the future of humanity, which he believes will depend in large part on the reestablishment of sound money.

Follow Muhammed: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muhammed-yesilhark-b089996/

(0:00) Trailer

(1:19) Getting introduced to Bitcoin

(10:11) The fiat system is illogical

(19:52) Why Bitcoin is revolutionary

(28:15) Sound money characteristics

(48:24) Fixing the incentive structure

(58:20) Is there a risk of hoarding?

(1:06:48) Less conflict, less crime

(1:12:06) Separating money from state

(1:16:03) Transition has already begun

(1:25:59) Central bank adoption

(1:32:40) How to buy Bitcoin

(1:35:27) Two effects of AI

(1:39:55) Advice for Iqbal

(1:45:41) Closing remarks

I came across a couple of Saad Yacoob's Substack articles in 2025, and knew straight away that I had to get him onto the show. When I then learned that his PhD was centred on the famous Muhammad Iqbal - after whom I was named - I was even more keen to do so.

Our paths crossed unexpectedly in Doha and we sat down for an impromptu chat. Saad didn't disappoint. This was easily one of my favourite conversations of In Good Faith so far. In it, Saad puts forward a powerful and beautifully articulated rallying call for us all.

Saad's academic bio.

Saad's Instagram.

Saad's Substack.

(00:00) Confrontation & confidence

(06:29) Critique of legal tradition

(15:18) Internal vs universal relevance

(21:52) Critique of mysticism & modernity

(36:15) Reviving the spirit of faith

(39:17) Salvific anxiety & material flourishing

(46:20) How to overcome collective depression

(56:10) Colonial mentality of the colonised

(1:06:11) Identity, individualism & community

(1:14:08) Becoming standard bearers

(1:24:42) Closing couplet & reflections

I sat down with the wonderful Tarek El Diwany after the recent publication of the 4th Edition of his hugely influential book: The Problem With Interest.

We revisited some familiar themes of his work - namely the great harms of interest-based economies and the ills of fiat money creation - as well as his views on Bitcoin as a form of sound money. Tarek also shared his thoughts on whether there is any hope of saving ourselves from the sinking ship in which we all find ourselves.

At Tarek's request, this is an audio only episode.

See Tarek's website: https://theproblemwithinterest.com

(0:00) Introduction

(3:31) Conceptual frameworks

(6:31) What is the problem with interest?

(11:10) Hasn't capitalism reduced poverty?

(24:50) Our broken monetary system

(30:42) If Tarek were Chancellor...

(41:01) Would a mass transition be painful?

(44:01) The power of vested interests

(49:24) Is Bitcoin the solution?

(59:06) Possibilities in the meantime

(1:08:01) Truth will win

Alcohol consumption has been rapidly declining in Britain, but the full benefits of this trend are yet to be fully understood and unlocked.

To discuss what's been happening and what the future could look like, I spoke to the highly experienced Dr Jennifer Eggert, Director of Policy and Research at Equi, about the think tank's new report entitled: "A Teetotal Britain? Learning from Faith Communities."

Equi is a new, dynamic, faith-based think tank committed to producing ethically-driven research and policy recommendations on issues affecting the UK.

Follow Jennifer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-philippa-eggert-6639a553/

Read the full report: https://equi.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/08-Equi-Report-Teetotal-Britain.pdf

Discover Equi: https://equi.org.uk

(0:00) Trailer

(1:31) Introducing Equi's work

(8:31) Why discuss this topic?

(17:10) Calculating cost & data issues

(32:15) Why the fall in consumption?

(35:22) Reimagining nightlife

(51:50) Changing workplace trends

(53:49) Better use of cultural spaces

(57:51) How research impacts policy

(1:07:10) Equi's future

(1:11:15) Jennifer's journey

(1:16:01) Career advice

(1:22:43) Concluding remarks

One of my central convictions and most contrarian ideas is that the ways in which we use the terms "Islam" and "Muslim" - not to mention their various transliterated derivatives such as "Islamic" and "non-Muslim" - are inauthentic, inaccurate, misleading and divisive.

The identity and strategy of what is supposed to be a deeply faithful and universally impactful community has instead become irrelevant, redundant and insular, in large part because of the misunderstanding and misuse of these foundational terms.

I realise that these are significant claims with massive potential consequences for the way believers understand, organise and represent themselves.

But, based on my learning and experiences over the last decade in particular, I have come to see them as almost indisputable. I only say 'almost' because I always try to keep an open mind, no matter the level of my conviction. So I welcome critical responses, as long as they're shared... in good faith.

With thanks to my highly capable guest host Ali Siddiqui, this episode is a thorough exploration of the above ideas. There is always a lot more to say, which will perhaps follow in due course, if God wills. But if you can't wait...

- for a detailed exploration of all 72 nominal and verbal references to the root "aslama / yuslimu" found in revelation, see here: https://www.iqbalnasim.com/products/club-revelation/categories/2152673277

- for a related article, see here: https://www.iqbalnasim.com/blog/the-problem-with-islam-and-muslims

- read The Meaning and End of Religion: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meaning-Religion-Wilfred-Cantwell-Smith/dp/0800624750

(0:00) Trailer

(1:07) Review of In Good Faith so far

(7:02) Isn't it too late for change?

(16:03) Transcending "us and them"

(24:10) The tyranny of doctrine

(30:17) Tackling our shared challenges

(42:32) Universal values & universal concern

(51:12) Being deeply in our context

(1:17:20) Reconciling revelation with reality

(1:34:30) Practical ideas for a better future

(1:45:11) The importance of courage

Jehangir Malik OBE is Interim Director of the Asylum Reform Initiative, the alliance behind the Together With Refugees campaign coalition. He has over 30 years of leadership experience in local and national civil society institutions, notably having run both Muslim Aid and Islamic Relief UK, two of the country's most well-established, faith-based humanitarian organisations.

I very much enjoyed Jehangir's well-informed and no-nonsense assessment of topical issues - immigration, political division and the kind of introspection needed by Muslims - as well as his practical advice and solutions for these difficult times.

Follow Jehangir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jehangir-malik-obe-015a292a/

Also: https://togetherwithrefugees.org.uk

Check out the Himmah project from (51:49): https://himmah.org

(0:00) Trailer

(1:21) Civil society response to populism

(7:35) Immigration and integration

(14:51) Sensible immigration policy

(21:37) Taking the heat out of dialogue

(27:59) Growing anti-Muslim narrative

(33:29) Is there a Muslim attitude problem?

(51:49) Case study: Himmah in Nottingham

(55:55) Muslim national-level dysfunction

(1:02:55) Start being of service to all

(1:07:15) A reflection on Quran 41:34-36

(1:11:19) Concluding thoughts

Could the solution to the woes of modernity lie in an ancient story that Jews, Christians and Muslims have largely forgotten, and of which others may be completely unaware?

That’s the view of my guest Mohammed Nizami, founder of the New School for Abrahamic Restoration. The aim of the New School is to revive a way of life rooted in God’s law, aligned with the created order, and capable of renewing both soul and society.

Mohammed has completed a range of undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Al-Azhar, LSE, UCL and Warwick. He has expertise and experience in the fields of theology, covenantal law, politics, education and business administration.

Find out more: https://www.abrahamicrestoration.school

Follow on Telegram: https://t.me/shmnizami

(0:00) Trailer

(1:30) Setting the scene

(3:45) Who is God?

(15:04) Restoring order on earth

(24:25) Abrahamic tradition & legacy

(45:15) Message to Jews & Christians

(1:06:16) The universal proposition

(1:18:52) A coherent approach today

(1:36:17) What the future holds

Technological developments are reshaping our environments - and therefore our minds and souls - at an alarming rate. In this chat, Fahad Tasleem wonderfully makes the case for why a return to natural beauty is vital to preserve our connection with the divine.

This conversation was originally intended to be a private one for Fahad Tasleem and I to get to know each other for the very first time. He kindly allowed it to be recorded, and afterwards we both agreed it was interesting enough to be released into the public domain as an In Good Faith episode!

Fahad is a research fellow and instructor at The Sapience Institute, where his research focuses on Islamic Theo-Philosophy & Spirituality. He is the author of the book, "No Doubt: Finding Certainty in an Age of Uncertainty". He is also at the tail end of his PhD in Islamic Thought.

Fahad's channel: @FahadTasleemOfficial

Follow Fahad: https://www.instagram.com/fahadtasleem/

Find out more: https://www.fahadtasleem.com

(0:00) Being proactive and universal

(8:20) Othering and dehumanisation

(14:49) Engaging with empathy

(27:46) How colour influences us

(34:04) How natural beauty affects us

(41:45) Different types of perception

(50:41) Connecting sound and meaning

(58:16) How natural beauty points to God

(1:03:19) Appreciating beauty is the default

(1:11:50) Salvation and legal categories

(1:16:51) How technology erodes our souls

(1:32:51) Reflecting on Quran 35 : 27-28

(1:38:24) Concluding remarks

Why are we in a meaning crisis when we are constantly surrounded by sources of meaning? To help us understand this issue more deeply I spoke with Dr Tubanur Yesilhark, Head of Operations at the International Foundation for Muslim Theology (IFMT). The main goal of the IFMT is to bring God-talk back into the centre of day-to-day life. The most recent project of the IFMT on Divine Revelation and Communication was funded by the John Templeton Foundation.

Dr Tubanur's completed her PhD at Durham University, UK. Her thesis - A Muslim Response to Evil: Said Nursi on the Theodicy" - was published by Routledge in 2018.

Follow Dr Tubanur: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tubanur-yesilhark-ozkan/

Check out IFMT: https://ifmt.co.uk

(0:00) Trailer

(0:44) The meaning crisis

(3:24) A world without humans

(6:43) Our unique purpose

(13:20) The levels of meaning

(19:44) Surrounded by signs

(25:00) Advice to parents

(29:47) Divine names: an example

(34:59) How to sustain deep connection

(45:32) How intention transforms action

(59:18) From multiplicity to unity

(1:10:01) Levels of paradise

(1:12:50) About the IFMT

(1:23:40) Future plans and conclusion

In the most open, heartfelt and vulnerable conversation of In Good Faith thus far, Salman Hasan shares his personal story of how he suffered from feelings of hypocrisy and unworthiness for years before finally finding a way to confront them in a hugely transformative manner. There's something here for anyone struggling with - but still seeking - a deep connection with the divine.

Salman is Chief Legal Officer & Co-founder at Pfida, a fintech company with a mission to provide everyone with equal and fair opportunities to save, invest and ultimately own a home without interest and debt. He is a qualified solicitor and scholar with over 20 years of legal and Islamic finance experience.

Follow Salman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/badrulhasan/

Check out the spiritual development network from which Salman has benefited: https://propheticpath.co.uk

Check out Pfida: https://www.pfida.com

(0:00) Trailer

(0:50) How me first met

(2:10) The need to have a mentor

(4:11) Background and realisation

(9:59) Declaring the need for help

(15:53) The divine-human connection

(23:22) Beyond the transactional

(33:54) Revelation as a mirror

(41:04) Receiving direct insight

(49:15) Dreams and synchronicity

(53:37) Reflecting divine qualities

(59:39) The possibility of self-deception

(1:04:54) The qualities of a mentor

(1:14:02) Taking a universal approach

(1:29:51) Concluding reflections

Dr William Barylo is a sociologist and visual artist using pictures and film to explore social issues from a decolonial and restorative perspective. He looks at how grassroots initiatives in Europe and North America navigate societal challenges. We sat down to discuss his latest publication: British Muslims in the Neoliberal Empire: Resisting, Healing, and Flourishing in the Metacolonial Era.

Dr William's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UC1KQMrAkTXCx0oGPWppZKVg

Website: https://williambarylo.com

Get hold of the book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/British-Muslims-Neoliberal-Empire-Metacolonial-ebook/dp/B0F1NCFJVH/

(0:00) Trailer

(0:57) What is neoliberalism?

(6:09) How to survive the system

(13:27) Harms vs benefits

(23:44) What is metacolonialism?

(34:36) Breaking the cycle

(42:28) The importance of faith

(1:02:36) Reimagining ummah

(1:15:01) Representation... so what?

(1:17:39) Remaining hopeful and active

(1:25:08) Conclusion

Dr Ali-Reza Bhojani is Assistant Professor in Islamic Ethics at the University of Birmingham, where he has been based since 2021. He has held previous academic posts at the Al-Mahdi Institute, the University of Nottingham, the University of Oxford, and the Markfield Institute for Education. He completed his PhD at the University of Durham and his thesis was published as Moral Rationalism and Sharia (Routledge, 2015).

I found our conversation - which centred on the ethics of Artificial Intelligence - refreshing and illuminating. Aside from the opportunities and threats of current technological trends, we touched on the role of moral rationalism in the formation of law as well as the future of Muslim scholarship in the UK.

--

Follow Ali-Reza: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-reza-bhojani-1b612272/

Check out Al-Mahdi Institute: https://www.almahdi.edu

--

(0:00) Trailer

(0:45) Our previous meetings

(2:10) The vast range of AI issues

(7:02) How faith informs an ethical approach

(17:51) Should AI development stop?

(24:33) Where do we place value?

(33:40) Aiming for prosperity in this life

(42:08) The human cost of automation

(54:02) How LLMs can erode truth

(1:05:47) An example based on Ali's PhD

(1:09:15) Guidance for students

(1:11:30) How moral rationalism gets sidelined

(1:22:10) Being open to learning from others

(1:27:10) The nature and future of scholarship

(1:41:40) How people can support scholars

Dr Sohaib Saeed gives his view on the implications of the revelation being in Arabic. Watch the full episode here.

In Part 2 of my conversation with Hamza Tzortzis, he speaks for the first time publicly about his recently submitted PhD thesis: A Theo-Philosophical Assessment of al-Iʿjāz al-ʿIlmī and the Multiplicity of Readings Approach.

Using so-called scientific miracles to prove the divine origin of revelation has been an extremely popular way of bolstering the faith of existing believers, as well as encouraging others to believe. But does this approach make sense? Watch to find out!

(0:00) Trailer

(0:52) Why the PhD topic was chosen

(4:47) Epistemic goal as priority

(7:43) Embryology example

(10:27) Are there any scientific miracles?

(17:43) Probability and transient science

(26:04) The multiplicity of readings approach

(33:19) The benefit of instrumentalism

(36:09) Backbone and ribs example

(40:41) The real miracle of the Quran

In this first episode of a two-part conversation with the prolific and well-renowned Hamza Tzortzis, I got to pick his brains about the Quran. How should people approach and understand it today? How can and should it be contextualised? How do we separate between the universal and the particular?

Part 2 will focus entirely on his recently submitted PhD, entitled "A Theo-Philosophical Assessment of al-Iʿjāz al-ʿIlmī and the Multiplicity of Readings Approach."

--

Hamza is the founder and CEO of Sapience Institute. He is the author of the best-selling book: “The Divine Reality: God, Islam and The Mirage of Atheism”, which has been translated into over 10 languages. He has an MRes, MA and a PgCert in Philosophy from the University of London. He has studied Islamic Thought and Theology with a wide range of scholars.

--

Follow Sapience Institute: @SapienceInstitute

Follow Hamza: @HamzaTzortzisOfficial

Hamza's website: https://www.hamzatzortzis.com

--

(0:00) Trailer

(1:12) About Hamza's PhD

(2:41) How to introduce someone to the Quran

(15:52) Should we read in order or at random?

(26:41) The importance of living the Quran

(32:31) How to frame guidance for people today

(46:42) Paying attention to our worldview

(54:28) How to contextualise the Quran

(1:11:45) Case study: inheritance

(1:21:11) Case study: zakat threshold (nisab)

(1:35:56) Balancing realities and ideals

In this episode, Taimur Abdaal is back to quiz me about what it means to lead a truly authentic, God-centred life, especially in the context of work. For most of us, work occupies the bulk of our time, attention and energy. Unfortunately, for many of us, it also often ends up being unfulfilling and misaligned with our deepest values and our overall worldview. Can this tension be resolved in a way that is sustainable? I believe so... and this conversation will help show you how.

(0:00) Do we each have an authentic self?

(3:41) Seeing money and time in perspective

(10:04) Deciding what you don't want

(18:03) Assessing your real intentions

(23:27) Start adding value

(26:39) How do we know what God wants?

(32:27) Various possible outcomes

(38:11) My priorities vs the world's needs

(44:23) Using the Ikigai framework

(51:12) Case studies

(55:28) Tuning your own antenna

(59:17) Macro priorities today

Surkheel Sharif, aka Abu Aaliyah, founded and has been the director of the Jawziyyah Institute since 1999: a non-profit organisation dedicated to cultivating an Islam true to its time-honoured tradition, relevant to its current context, and of benefit to wider society.

He has authored the following works: More Fish Please & the Earth’s Complaint (2011), Fussing Over the 15th of Sha’ban & the Golden Rule of Differing (2011) and, most recently, A Muslim’s Guide to Modernity (2025). He has also translated a few texts from Arabic to English, notably The Exquisite Pearl (2000). He gained an MA in Islamic Studies from Birkbeck College, University of London, in 2009.

Find our more: https://thehumblei.com

Buy A Muslim's Guide to Modernity: https://turath.co.uk/products/a-muslims-guide-to-modernity

Article referenced at 1:04:35: https://thehumblei.com/2019/10/27/women-mosques-misogyny-to-misrepresentation/

(0:00) Trailer

(1:12) The meaning of Surkheel

(4:47) Early life and education

(16:27) Evolving community concerns

(29:53) How our attitude needs to change

(36:34) An assessment of the status quo

(48:44) The failures and future of scholarship

(59:55) Integrating macro and micro factors

(1:11:52) The need for imagination and conversation

(1:22:01) A vision for faith in Britain

(1:27:11) Future publications and final thoughts

I've long been a fan of the work of Peter Gould. Wise, humble and immensely talented, Peter shared many lessons and insights from his 20+ years of experience as a creator, entrepreneur and pioneer of heart-centred design. He also spoke about his long and wonderful journey in producing his beautiful new book - The Heart of Design - as well as the result of his latest collaboration - Tales of Khayaal.

Visit Peter's website: https://www.peter-gould.com

Read Peter's book: https://www.theheartofdesign.com/book

Follow Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petergouldart/

(0:00) Trailer

(0:53) Peter's weekend

(2:40) Nature vs nurture

(4:51) The growth of intentional design

(9:31) Peter's favourite projects

(12:41) Dealing with creative block

(19:40) Peter's projects and planning process

(28:36) Peter's creative process

(36:29) The book publication journey

(42:53) Who is the book for?

(45:15) The burden of responsibility

(55:53) Universal relevance and concern

(1:05:51) Future plans and conclusion

Chris Blauvelt is one of the most dynamic and creative faith-based social entrepreneurs around. Based in Detroit, Michigan, he is co-founder and CEO of LaunchGood, the world's largest faith-inspired crowdfunding platform. Since 2013 it has facilitated ~$1bn of giving across the world.

We spent time discussing the past, present and future of LaunchGood... but first we talked in some detail about the potential of GUMmies and Chris's nascent idea of creating a digital nation.

Follow Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjblauvelt/

Check out LaunchGood: https://www.launchgood.com

(0:00) Trailer

(0:42) Chris's names

(3:34) Who are GUMmies?

(9:03) Our untapped potential

(13:40) The idea of a digital nation

(19:10) Is a tipping point coming?

(21:03) Power as a false god

(28:28) A vision for society or community?

(35:15) Different engagement mindsets

(40:43) Next steps for the digital nation

(44:19) The LaunchGood journey so far

(53:13) How to use discretionary funds

(1:04:14) Limits of LaunchGood's responsibility

(1:13:50) Mindset, patience and blessings

Ibrahim Khan is Co-Founder of Islamic Finance Guru (IFG) and Cur8 Capital, IFG's investment platform. He's hosted me a few times on the IFG channel and so it was nice to return the favour.

Follow Ibrahim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mibrahimkhan/

Find out more about IFG: https://www.islamicfinanceguru.com

Find out more about Cur8 Capital: https://cur8.capital

(0:00) Trailer

(0:41) Does IFG need a rebrand?

(3:50) Should “Islamic Finance” exist?

(16:51) Do Muslims want Islamic Finance?

(22:39) What does investing morally mean?

(28:02) What’s the problem with interest?

(32:06) Giving universal financial advice

(39:41) Do scholars need to revisit basic assumptions?

(42:47) How might systemic change emerge?

(58:31) Can you build a sound system on fiat money?

(1:03:56) Do we need a finance focused think tank?

(1:07:36) How can Cur8 Capital scale 10x from here?

(1:15:54) Ibrahim’s strengths and weaknesses

(1:19:29) Advice to those coming into the industry

(1:25:19) Ibrahim’s biggest worry and final thoughts