Explore every episode of the podcast Islam and Liberty Podcast

How do students in Moroccan Madrasas achieve Arabic fluency in just a few years, without the use of modern tools? Dr. Mohamed Bufaris, Associate Professor and Imam at Zaytuna College, explains the powerful teaching methods employed in traditional Madrasas, such as Madrasa Igleh. In this rich conversation moderated by Badr Tachouche, discover how holistic learning, close teacher-student bonds, and deep immersion in Arabic poetry and grammar foster both linguistic mastery and intellectual independence.

This discussion explores how Madrasas balance tradition and modern needs, the significance of Arabic in understanding Islamic texts, and how these centuries-old institutions are adapting to contemporary challenges without compromising their core values.

🔹 Highlights:

• Arabic instruction for non-native speakers

• The role of the “Sheikh” in holistic education

• Poetry and memorization in Arabic mastery

• Madrasas as community and spiritual centers

• Educational relevance in today’s world

📌 Keywords: Madrasa education, Arabic fluency, traditional Islamic learning, Zaytuna College, Mohamed Bufaris, Islamic pedagogy, Arabic language instruction

#Madrasa #ArabicLearning #IslamicEducation #TraditionalLearning #ZaytunaCollege #DrMohamedBufaris #MoroccoMadrasas #ArabicForBeginners

Dr. Mustafa Radji, a senior professor from the University of Mustaganum in Algeria, delivered a webinar presentation on the role of Sufi endowments in Algerian civil society, discussing their historical significance and potential for addressing contemporary challenges. The presentation explored how waqf (Islamic endowments) systems can support social welfare, particularly for women and refugees, while highlighting the need for legal reforms to empower Sufi institutions in North Africa. Despite facing various challenges in establishing the Hayek Institute of Economic Thinking in Algeria, Dr. Radji continues to work with civil society and Sufi organizations to promote economic freedom and civil society development rooted in Islamic tradition.

Introducing Edraak - Recognizing Liberty, Islam and Liberty Network's latest webinar series!

 

Democracy is conducive for good governance, human rights and accountability, thus empowering citizens to change their governments. However, democracies can also become plutocracies and captured by the deep state. They may also initiate colonial conquests, wars of aggression and crimes against humanity.

 

Is liberal democracy on the rise or on a path to decline in the world, particularly in the Muslim societies? Do we have any alternatives? Listen to the first podcast of this exciting new series to understand these critical issues.

 

This podcast featured esteemed speakers, 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐬 𝐇𝐣 𝐃𝐫. 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐦 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐮𝐪𝐢 of 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐚, 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐚 and 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐫. 𝐁𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐒̧𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐧 of 𝐇𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐲𝐞 with Dr. Ali Salman, CEO Islam and Liberty Network as Moderator which was aired live via Zoom on the 18th July 2024. A big thank you to our esteemed speakers for delivering such valuable insights in this enlightening event and to our fellow participants for making this first webinar a success.

  Be sure to follow our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube channel and X (Twitter) to stay abreast with our upcoming Edraak series webinar, or visit our website to subscribe to our email newsletter for any latest updates!

This podcast features Dr. Iqbal Ahnaf, Assistant Professor at CRCS. He explores the intricate relationship between 'Religion, Violence, and Peacebuilding,' sharing profound insights based on his presentation at the ILN 10th International Conference on Peace and Prosperity in Muslim Majority Countries and Beyond, held in Kuala Lumpur on 5th-6th September 2023. 

This podcast features Dr. Ahmad Fauzi, Professor of Political Science at USM. He addresses 'Non-Violent Extremism,' sharing profound insights based on his presentation at the ILN 10th International Conference on Peace and Prosperity in Muslim Majority Countries and Beyond, held in Kuala Lumpur on 5th-6th September 2023. 

This podcast features Tan Sri Daud Bakar, Chairman of Amanie Group. He addresses the 'Challenges & Achievements in Promoting Shariah Compliance Products in the Islamic Economy,' sharing profound insights based on his presentation at the ILN 10th International Conference on Peace and Prosperity in Muslim Majority Countries and Beyond, held in Kuala Lumpur on 5th-6th September 2023. 

This podcast features Dr. Mohamed Nouri, a member of the Paris-Europlace Islamic Finance. He explores the 'Market Economy from an Islamic Perspective,' sharing profound insights based on his presentation at the ILN 10th International Conference on Peace and Prosperity in Muslim Majority Countries and Beyond, held in Kuala Lumpur on 5th-6th September 2023. 

This podcast features Dr. Pradana Boy Zulian, Associate Professor at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) and an Indonesia Fellow at ILN. He discusses 'Religious Rights in Indonesia,' sharing valuable insights based on his presentation at the ILN 10th International Conference on Peace and Prosperity in Muslim Majority Countries and Beyond, held in Kuala Lumpur on 5th-6th September 2023. 

This podcast features Dr. Abbas Mehregan, Assistant Professor at the University of Tehran. He explores the 'Notion of Equality in Islamic Law,' providing valuable insights based on his presentation at the ILN 10th International Conference on Peace and Prosperity in Muslim Majority Countries and Beyond, held in Kuala Lumpur on 5th-6th September 2023.

This podcast features Ozlem Caglar Yilmaz, Board and General Coordinator of ALT, and a council member at ILN. She delves into the 'Liberty & Democracy Case of Türkiye,' offering unique insights based on her presentation at the ILN 10th International Conference on Peace and Prosperity in Muslim Majority Countries and Beyond, held in Kuala Lumpur on 5th-6th September 2023. 

This podcast features Dr. Thowhidul Islam, an Associate Professor at the International Islamic University Chittagong and a Bangladesh Fellow at ILN. He explores the topic of 'Development & Freedom in Bangladesh,' sharing his valuable insights based on his presentation at the ILN 10th International Conference on Peace and Prosperity in Muslim Majority Countries and Beyond, held in Kuala Lumpur on 5th-6th September 2023.

This podcast features Dr. Husnul Amin, a Research Fellow at Stockton University, New Jersey. He explores 'Social Non-Movements in Muslim Majority Countries,' providing valuable insights on the topic based on his presentation at the ILN 10th International Conference on Peace and Prosperity in Muslim Majority Countries and Beyond, held in Kuala Lumpur on 5th-6th September 2023.

Is religious conversion an ultimate expression of free choice? How does embracing Islam in secular society reshape one's sense of identity and freedom?

Join us as Dr. Václava Tlili explores the complex journey of Czech converts to Islam, framing religious conversion not as a single moment but as a gradual process shaped by personal experience and existential searching. Discover how individuals navigate between societal expectations and their inner quest for authenticity and spiritual meaning in a country with little historical connection to Islam.

Speaker: Dr. Václava Tlili, Cultural Anthropologist specializing in Islamic religious expressions, affiliated with Department of Middle Eastern Studies, Faculty of Philosophy and Arts, University of West Bohemia in Pilsen Discussant: Noor Netusha Nusaybah, Program Manager at ILN Moderator: Dr. Ali Salman, CEO at ILN

You can also watch the full webinar recording here.

 

Do follow our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube channel and X (Twitter) to stay abreast with our upcoming Edraak series webinar, or visit our website to subscribe to our email newsletter for any latest updates.

Thank you for listening to our podcast and see you in the next one!

This is part of the Edraak series, an initiative by the Islam and Liberty Network Foundation (ILNF) designed to deepen our understanding of liberty and its various manifestations in theoretical, legal, and social contexts.

This podcast features Dr. Syed Farid Alatas, a Professor at the National University of Singapore. He shares his insights on 'Revisiting Ibn Khaldun’s View of Khidma,' offering valuable commentary on the topic based on his presentation at the ILN 10th International Conference on Peace and Prosperity in Muslim Majority Countries and Beyond, held in Kuala Lumpur on 5th-6th September 2023.

This podcast features Dr. Muhammad Khalid Masud, former Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology, Pakistan. He delivers a keynote address on 'Un-productive Labour: Revisiting Ibn Khaldun’s View of Khidma.' Drawing from his wealth of experience, he explores the topic based on his presentation at the ILN 10th International Conference on Peace and Prosperity in Muslim Majority Countries and Beyond, held in Kuala Lumpur on 5th-6th September 2023. 

This podcast features Souad Adnane, an International Development Expert and a council member at ILN. She delves into 'Women and Economic Prosperity,' sharing insights from her presentation at the ILN 10th International Conference on Peace and Prosperity in Muslim Majority Countries and Beyond, held in Kuala Lumpur on 5th-6th September 2023.

 

This podcast features Dr. Ali Hassania, Assistant Professor at Shahed University. He delves into 'Personal Freedom & the Dress Code in Iran,' sharing insights from his presentation at the ILN 10th International Conference on Peace and Prosperity in Muslim Majority Countries and Beyond, held in Kuala Lumpur on 5th-6th September 2023.

 

This podcast features Dr. Azeemah Saleem, Assistant Professor at JK Lakshmipat University and an India Fellow at ILN. She explores 'Equality and Women's Rights,' drawing insights from her presentation at the ILN 10th International Conference on Peace and Prosperity in Muslim Majority Countries and Beyond, held in Kuala Lumpur on 5th-6th September 2023. 

This podcast features Dr. Mustapha Radji, a Professor at the University of Mostaganem and an Algeria Fellow at ILN. Explore Dr. Radji's insights on 'Algeria and Muslim World from Economic Perspective (2011-2019),' derived from his presentation at the ILN 10th International Conference on Peace and Prosperity in Muslim Majority Countries and Beyond, held in Kuala Lumpur on 5th-6th September 2023.

This podcast features Dr. Mustafa Acar, an expert and trainer in Islamic Finance, and a Türkiye Fellow at ILN. Explore Dr. Acar's insights on 'Free Markets: Perspectives from Türkiye,' derived from his presentation at the ILN 10th International Conference on Peace and Prosperity in Muslim Majority Countries and Beyond, held in Kuala Lumpur on 5th-6th September 2023. 

This podcast features Dr. Aymen Al-Boughanmi, a distinguished researcher and professor at a Tunisian University, also a Tunisian fellow at ILN. Explore Dr. Al-Boughanmi's insights on the 'Roadmap for Economic Reforms in Tunisia,' derived from his presentation at the ILN 10th International Conference on Peace and Prosperity in Muslim Majority Countries and Beyond, held in Kuala Lumpur on 5th-6th September 2023

This podcast features Dr. Saeed Khan, Associate Professor at Wayne State University and an ILN fellow. He explores the important topic 'Can Muslims Save Democracy? Muslim Minority Communities Resisting Illiberalism,' drawing insights from his presentation at the ILN 10th International Conference on Peace and Prosperity in Muslim Majority Countries and Beyond, held in Kuala Lumpur on 5th-6th September 2023."

This podcast features Dr. Bican Sahin, Professor at Hacettepe University and a ILN fellow. He explores the intricate dynamics of 'Rule of Law & Democracy,' drawing from his presentation at the ILN 10th International Conference on Peace and Prosperity in Muslim Majority Countries and Beyond, held in Kuala Lumpur on 5th-6th September 2023. 

In a world fractured by conflict and religious division, how do we find common ground for dialogue and understanding?

Dr. Mohsin Naqvi invites us to rediscover the shared ethical, spiritual, and philosophical foundations of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Drawing from scriptural, historical, and theological perspectives, learn how these traditions unite on fundamental principles like monotheism, justice, and compassion—creating pathways to mutual understanding in our divided world.

Speaker: Dr. Mohsin Naqvi Moderator: Dr. Ali Salman

You can also watch the full webinar recording here.

 

Do follow our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube channel and X (Twitter) to stay abreast with our upcoming Edraak series webinar, or visit our website to subscribe to our email newsletter for any latest updates.

Thank you for listening to our podcast and see you in the next one!

This is part of the Edraak series, an initiative by the Islam and Liberty Network Foundation (ILNF) designed to deepen our understanding of liberty and its various manifestations in theoretical, legal, and social contexts.

This podcast features Ms. Amel Azzous, a Tunisian politician and former Secretary of State. She discusses the challenges and opportunities for the future of democracy in Tunisia, drawing from her presentation at the ILN 10th International Conference on Peace and Prosperity in Muslim Majority Countries and Beyond, held in Kuala Lumpur on 5th-6th September 2023

ILN Associate Director Tasnim Idriss and Prof. Mustafa Acar discuss the topic of free market and how it could be compatible with Islam, and debunk some of the most famous anti-capitalist fallacies.

ILN Associate Director Tasnim Idriss and Mr. Ali Salman discuss the root causes of the political and economic crisis in Pakistan and the potential solutions to overcome it.

ILN Associate Director Tasnim Idriss and Professor Pradana Boy Zulian discuss the different manifestations of the challenges of progressive Islamic thought in Indonesia and look into the ways to rise above them.

ILN Associate Director Tasnim Idriss and Member of Indonesian Parliament and former Chairperson of Central Board Fatayat NU Ms. Anggia Erma Rini discuss the political spectrum in Indonesia with a special focus on women participation in Indonesian politics.

ILN Associate Director Tasnim Idriss and Mr. Salih Yasun discuss the similarities and differences between the Turkish and the Tunisian democratic experiences in the previous years, with a special focus on the Tunisian Revolution and the post-Kemalist Turkiye.

Watch the discussion between Tasnim Idriss, ILN Associate Director and Mr. Bedirhan E.Mutlu about the history of the public religious institutions in Tunisia.

ILN Editorial Associate Tasnim Idriss and Tunisian politician Amel Azzouz discuss the political, social and economic developments in Tunisia after the July 25th 2021 presidential decrees

As part of our ILN-Atlas Network-Fondation Friedrich Naumann pour la Liberté project entitled “The Arab Spring 10th Anniversary: Life and Opportunities for Bouazizis in Tunisia ”, we conducted an online conference to present our work with Tunisian and international audiences. MOINS

Join us as Dr. Kazeem Olaniyan explores Nigeria's historical journey with Shariah implementation, examining how the lack of absolute religious freedom has impacted the nation's path to peace and prosperity. From pre-colonial to post-independence periods, Dr. Olaniyan demonstrates how Shariah extends beyond a mere legal system to encompass a comprehensive code of conduct designed for human welfare. The discussion will critically analyze the ongoing challenges in harmonizing Shariah with Nigeria's constitutional framework, and why the quest for its full implementation continues to shape the nation's religious and legal landscape.

Speaker: Dr. Saeed Khan Moderator: Dr. Ali Salman

You can also watch the full webinar recording here.

 

Do follow our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube channel and X (Twitter) to stay abreast with our upcoming Edraak series webinar, or visit our website to subscribe to our email newsletter for any latest updates.

Thank you for listening to our podcast and see you in the next one!

This is part of the Edraak series, an initiative by the Islam and Liberty Network Foundation (ILNF) designed to deepen our understanding of liberty and its various manifestations in theoretical, legal, and social contexts.

The 2nd ILN Tunisia Conference took place in Tunis on March 18th, 2022. Our objective was to discuss the crisis in Tunisia and welcome questions from non-Tunisians who are interested in learning more about what is happening in the country which started the Arab Spring since what some refer to as the “Presidential Coup” of 25th July 2021. There was a number of Tunisian speakers, mainly politicians and civil society activists, as well as international ones, a foreign online audience and a limited in person attendance.

ILN Editorial Associate Tasnim Idriss and Women's Rights activist Ivy Josiah Discuss the difficulties faced in order to pass the domestic violence act in Malaysia and the situation of women in other Muslim majority countries and beyond.

Discussing religious pluralism in India, with a special focus on the situation of Muslims in India with regard to the Karnataka Hijab controversy.

Ali Salman, ILN CEO and Tasnim Idriss, ILN Editorial Associate discuss the highlights of the 48th Organization of Islamic Cooperation Council of Foreign Ministers held in Pakistan on March 22nd and 23rd, 2022.

9th ILN Talk Show with Tasnim Idriss, ILN Editorial Associate, discussing Ali Salman's book entitled: "Islam & Economics, a Primer on Markets, Morality and Justice". This primer is an introductory text to rediscover the principles of commerce and economics revealed in the Qur'an, espoused by the Sunnah (practices of the Prophet Muhammad), and understood by the jurists. Amazon link to order the book : https://www.amazon.com/Islam-Economics-Markets-Morality-Justice-ebook/dp/B097KKYGB3

8th Episode of the ILN Talk Show hosted by Tasnim Idriss, ILN Editorial Associate, on the political development in Malaysia, democratic governance and future of democracy, with Ms. Aira Azhari, Manager of the Democracy and Governance Unit at the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), Malaysia.

7th Episode of the ILN Talk Show hosted by Tasnim Idriss, ILN Editorial Associate, discussing the ILN online course entitled "Social Understanding of Islam in the Light of Principles of Jurisprudence and Legal Maxims" with course conductor Dr. Mohsin Naqvi and course coordinator Mr. Fida Ur Rahman

6th Episode of the ILN Talk Show hosted by Tasnim Idriss, ILN Editorial Associate, discussing Dr. Ahmet Kuru's book entitled: "Islam, Authoritarianism, and Underdevelopment: A Global and Historical Comparison ». Dr. Ahmet Kuru is a Professor of Political Science at San Diego State University, USA.

5th Episode of the ILN Talk Show hosted by Tasnim Idriss, ILN Editorial Associate, on how Dr. Ali Hasannia, Professor at the Department of Quran and Hadith Studies at Shahd University, Iran, was inspired by ILN. Ali Hasannia's work: https://shahed.academia.edu/alihasannia

Dr Husnul Amin is the ILN Pakistan Fellow. He is a Fulbright Research fellow at the Stockton University New Jersey US. He is working on recent civic rights and social mobilizations in the north-west of Pakistan. He is on sabbatical from his permanent position of Associate Professor of Politics and Executive Director of the Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue, International Islamic University Islamabad.

Join us for an illuminating discussion with Dr. Saeed Khan on Islamic constitutionalism and its relevance in today's world. In this webinar, Dr. Khan explores the rich history of constitutional development in Muslim societies, from the Medina Charter to modern nation-states, offering fresh perspectives on how Islamic principles can contribute to contemporary governance.

Dr. Khan challenges common misconceptions about Islamic law and constitutionalism, examining how the Maqasid al-Sharia (objectives of Islamic law) align with modern constitutional values. Through historical examples and current case studies, he demonstrates how Islamic constitutionalism might offer solutions to challenges facing diverse societies today.

Key topics include:

• The relationship between Islamic law and state authority
• The evolution of constitutional thought in Muslim societies
• The Ottoman Empire's constitutional experiences
• Contemporary challenges in Muslim-majority countries
• The potential role of Islamic constitutionalism in an era of globalization

This thought-provoking session, moderated by Dr. Ali Salman, features engaging audience participation and explores critical questions about governance, religious freedom, and social cohesion in modern Muslim societies.

Presented by the Islam & Liberty Network, this webinar brings together scholarly insight with practical applications for today's complex political landscape. Speaker: Dr. Saeed Khan Moderator: Dr. Ali Salman

You can also watch the full webinar recording here.

 

Do follow our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube channel and X (Twitter) to stay abreast with our upcoming Edraak series webinar, or visit our website to subscribe to our email newsletter for any latest updates.

 

Thank you for listening to our podcast and see you in the next one!

 

This is part of the Edraak series, an initiative by the Islam and Liberty Network Foundation (ILNF) designed to deepen our understanding of liberty and its various manifestations in theoretical, legal, and social contexts.

 

Mustafa Akyol  is the ILN Global Fellow. He is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute’s Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity, where he focuses on the intersection of public policy, Islam, and modernity. A Turkish journalist and author, he is a regular contributing opinion writer for the New York Times, and has been a regular opinion columnist for Turkish publications such as Hurriyet Daily News, and for the Middle-East focused Al-Monitor.com.

Muddassar Ahmed is President of the The Concordia Forum, a managing partner at Unitas Communications and independent advisor to the U.K. government

This Podcast was based on a casual conversation betweeb Professor Aymen Boughanmi and Ali Salman, CEO of ILN. 

Dr. Aymen Boughanmi is a researcher in political affairs and economic history.  He has a PhD in British and American civilization. He teaches at Kairouan College, English Department. Among his most notable books are: The Post-Revolution State (2012), The Arab Autumn: In the Contradiction between Revolution and Democracy (2015). 

 

Abbas Mehregan, Ph.D. in Sociology of Religion from the University of Cologne (Germany) and licentiate in Islamic Sciences is a faculty member of the University of Tehran. He has carried out several studies in the field of sociology of Islam as well as the sociology of Islamic countries.

Visit us at islamandlibertynetwork.org to explore more on the muslim case for freedom.