Explore every episode of the podcast ISRA Academy Podcast

In this follow-up discussion, Dr Zuleyha Keskin and Dr Omer Atilla Ergi respond to Neil deGrasse Tyson’s arguments about God, particularly in light of the many questions and comments raised after the first episode.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction 00:25 Summary of Neil deGrasse Tyson’s main argument 01:19 Why Neil deGrasse Tyson’s belief — or lack of belief — matters 05:12 Why the question of God and suffering comes up so often 07:15 How agnosticism leaves the door open to dialogue 11:18 Why is there suffering? 16:08 Why do humans experience pain and hardship? 21:39 Does God create evil? 24:32 The biggest mistake in deGrasse Tyson’s argument

What changes when doing good no longer feels like a constant battle, but begins to come from within? In this episode of our series on The 7 Levels of the Nafs, Prof Mehmet Ozalp and Dr Zuleyha Keskin explore Nafs al-Mulhamah — the Inspired Self.

📌 Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 03:20 The Qur’anic basis for Nafs al-Mulhamah 07:45 Intrinsic motivation at this level 10:36 Weight training analogy 14:22 Salah at this level 20:12 Is Nafs al-Mulhamah explicitly mentioned in the Qur’an? 22:35 Why is Nafs al-Mulhamah so important? 24:35 The impact of society on reaching higher levels 31:30 Why knowledge is so important at this level

This episode is part of our series on The 7 Levels of the Nafs, exploring the journey of spiritual purification and inner transformation in Islam.

Dr Zuleyha Keskin speaks with Dr Omer Atilla Ergi about the scientific, philosophical, and theological questions surrounding the beginning of the universe. The conversation explores the limits of current cosmological theories and what the universe’s beginning may imply for deeper questions about creation, causation, and the possibility of something coming from nothing.

Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 05:43 Scientific answer about before the Big Bang 12:02 Theories about the universe are speculative 17:01 Stephen Hawking’s discomfort with the Big Bang singularity 23:52 Nothing pops into existence from nothingness

Can destiny and free will coexist? If everything is already known and determined by Allah, are we truly free to make our own choices?

In this episode of the Risale-i Nur Series, Dr Omer Atilla Ergi explores these questions through Said Nursi’s 26th Word (Treatise on Divine Determining), examining the relationship between divine destiny (qadar), human free will and personal responsibility.

In this episode of our Risale-i Nur Series, Dr Omer Atilla Ergi reads and explains the Second Flash, reflecting on the story of Prophet Ayyub (AS) and the deeper wisdom behind illness, hardship and patience. A powerful reminder that illness can become a means of spiritual growth, reflection and drawing closer to Allah.

What happens when we begin to recognise our faults, question our behaviour, and hold ourselves accountable?

In this episode of our series on The 7 Levels of the Nafs, Prof Mehmet Ozalp and Dr Zuleyha Keskin explore Nafs al-Lawwamah — the Self-Reproaching Self.

📌 Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 02:52 Three things that bring us into Nafs al-Lawwamah 06:28 Why Allah swears by this level of the nafs 12:20 Low self-worth and muhasabah 14:20 Traps of this level 21:46 Three key strategies for dealing with sin 24:33 Feeling hypocrisy at this level 36:50 If we lapse at this level, there’s still hope 41:55 Key take-home messages

This episode is part of our series on The 7 Levels of the Nafs, exploring the journey of spiritual purification and inner transformation in Islam.

Dr Suleyman Sertkaya explores the historical and Qur’anic context behind the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ military engagements in Madinah. The discussion examines why permission to fight was given, the objectives behind military expeditions, and how the Prophet’s actions are often misunderstood when removed from their broader context.

📌 Timestamps

00:00 Foundation steps the Prophet took in Madinah 07:56 Muir: The Prophet has a violent personality in Madinah 14:55 Many sīrah books focus on battles during the Madinah period 22:08 Human beings tend towards adventure and action 25:23 The Prophet was guided by revelation: what the Qur’an says 41:28 Why was permission given to fight in Madinah? 49:57 Objectives of permission to fight 52:55 Objectives of sariyyas (expeditions) 58:22 Conclusion

In this episode, Dr Omer Atilla Ergi explores Said Nursi’s Addendum to the Fifteenth Word, where Nursi recounts an inner dialogue with Satan concerning the Qur’an.

Through a series of doubts and responses, the discussion examines claims that the Qur’an resembles human speech and that people can produce words similar to it.

Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 03:30 Said Nursi: “Satan whispering into my heart” 07:38 Satan: “Think of the Qur’an as neither the word of God nor the word of a human” 17:52 Satan: “The Qur’an resembles human speech” 33:00 Satan: “People say similar things to the Qur’an”

In discussions about faith and atheism, the conversation is often shaped not only by evidence, but also by the way arguments are constructed. In this episode, Dr Zuleyha Keskin speaks with Dr Omer Atilla Ergi about several common logical fallacies that frequently appear in arguments against belief in God. Together, they explore how these fallacies influence public discourse and why clear reasoning is essential when discussing questions of faith.

Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 04:27 Argument from ignorance 11:38 Shifting the burden of proof 21:56 Nietzsche: As modernity and science advance, belief in God declines 25:37 They fight with the God in their imagination

Both Dr Omer Atilla Ergi and Dr Zuleyha Keskin teach in the Islamic Studies courses offered by ISRA Academy. For more info: https://www.isra.org.au/uni-courses/

More than 1,400 years ago, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ established the Charter of Madinah, bringing diverse religious, tribal and cultural communities together under a shared framework.

Dr Suleyman Sertkaya explores its principles of coexistence, religious freedom, cultural autonomy and shared responsibility and argues that this historic document can solve many of the problems we’re facing today.

Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 04:16 The last 100 years: turmoil after turmoil 15:17 Recognition of every community in Madinah 18:47 A timeless and ideal document 21:30 Everyone participates 24:00 Religious and cultural autonomy for each group 25:38 The Prophet ﷺ as mediator rather than judge 31:00 Islamic laws are binding upon Muslims only 34:25 The Charter as an overarching framework 37:15 Recognition of cultural differences and autonomy 40:23 Madinah as a protected territory and one ummah 46:35 Concluding comments

This  episode is part of the Risale-i Nur Series

Mental health is discussed more openly than ever before, yet many Muslims still hesitate to speak about their struggles or seek support. Does experiencing anxiety, sadness or emotional distress mean our faith is weak? And what role can therapy play alongside faith?

Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:16 Why some Muslims are ashamed to experience certain emotions 03:08 Why Muslims shy away from therapy 05:14 Do faith and therapy serve the same purpose? 12:02 A message for someone struggling with their mental health

This conversation is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as personal psychological or medical advice. If you are experiencing persistent or severe distress, please seek support from an appropriately qualified health professional.

This episode part of the the Risale-i Nur series.

In this episode, Dr Zuleyha Keskin speaks with Dr Omer Atilla Ergi about one of the most enduring questions of our time: are science and religion really in conflict? They explore the historical relationship between faith and scientific inquiry, challenge common misconceptions about Islam and science, and discuss why the deeper we understand the universe, the more profound its mysteries become.

Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:15 Emergence of naturalism 05:03 Many classical scholars were scientists as well 10:37 God of everything, not God of gaps 14:54 Life is the biggest mystery 21:17 God is the author of the Qur’an and the universe

Raising daughters in a Western context comes with challenges that are not always obvious. In this conversation, Zeynep speaks with Dr Zuleyha Keskin about helping Muslim girls develop the confidence, resilience and inner strength needed to remain grounded in their faith. They discuss the subtle social pressures young Muslim women face, the importance of building trust and creating a relationship in which daughters feel safe speaking openly.

Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:30 One of the biggest challenges 04:36 Being Muslim requires a lot of strength 07:58 The challenges are socially more subtle 13:55 Your daughter should be able to come to you for anything

In this conversation, Ustadh Ahmet Ozturk speaks with Professor Mehmet Ozalp about the deeper meaning and spiritual significance of Bismillah — “In the name of Allah.” This is a thoughtful conversation on faith, creation, dependence on Allah, and the spiritual power contained in words we often say without fully reflecting on their meaning.

Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:00 We don’t say Basmala enough 02:34 Basmala is the summary of the Qur’an 09:40 Everything cooperates to support life 15:43 Humankind being created in the “image of God” 20:50 Tapping into the power of God with Basmala

If God needs nothing, why did He create the universe? And if He is completely self-sufficient, why does He ask us to worship Him?

In this episode, Dr Zuleyha Keskin speaks with Dr Omer Atilla Ergi about Allah's absolute independence, the purpose of creation, and why worship benefits us, not God. Together they explore how worship is ultimately a process of purification and spiritual growth.

Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 04:49 It’s the talent that results in an outcome 10:10 Humans are agents of need and we compare 15:55 Response to “Why does God need our worship?” 21:15 Purification process

In this thought-provoking Q&A session, Dr Omer Atilla Ergi addresses some of the most challenging questions surrounding suffering, justice, evil, and the wisdom of Allah. Drawing on Islamic theology and spirituality, he explores how believers can make sense of suffering while maintaining faith, trust, and hope.

Timestamps:

00:00 Why do evil people get away with evil? 06:48 Why is suffering distributed unevenly? 09:44 Advice for someone who feels distant from Allah because of suffering 17:33 Why do non-Muslim countries appear more just than Muslim countries? 21:21 Why do some people suffer to the point of suicide? 28:20 Does a privileged Muslim have it easier than a destitute non-Muslim? 35:20 Why are evil people created?

In this episode, Dr Suleyman Sertkaya explores the historical significance of the Madinah Charter, one of the earliest documented agreements governing a diverse society. He discusses the circumstances that led to its formation, when and how it was documented and who the parties were.

Dr Omer Atilla Ergi explores one of the most challenging questions in philosophy and theology: the Problem of Evil. Drawing on reason and Islamic theological insights, he examines whether suffering truly contradicts belief in a merciful God and how concepts such as free will, human perspective, and divine wisdom contribute to understanding this issue.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction 00:26 The term theodicy 01:17 The argument that suffering contradicts God’s mercy 09:02 Is God All-Powerful? 09:51 If God is all-powerful, is He intentionally not stopping suffering? 13:50 Evil and suffering are subjective 19:03 Free will can cause suffering, but free will is needed

In this conversation, Dr Zuleyha Keskin and Dr Omer Atilla Ergi explore one of the most important questions a person can ask: how do we know which religion is true? 

00:00 Introduction 00:52 Who asks this question? 05:07 How the names of God may be understood in other religions 07:12 Renowned historic figures may have been prophets 13:15 Why would there be no prophet after Prophet Muhammad? 17:12 What if I was born into a non-Muslim family? 23:31 Being born into a certain religion is not an advantage

Many modern atheists argue that the natural world is fundamentally cruel, a place where survival depends on predation, competition, and death. In this thought-provoking discussion, Prof Mehmet Ozalp and Dr Zuleyha Keskin explore a different perspective.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction 00:38 Famous atheists portray life as all about suffering 04:05 There’s less suffering in the animal kingdom than it’s made out to be 11:44 Rational argument that life is about helping one another 19:50 Imam Ghazali’s approach 22:47 Knowledge beyond the animals

What drives our thoughts, emotions, habits, and behaviours? In this new series, Prof Mehmet Ozalp and Dr Zuleyha Keskin explore the classical Islamic concept of the seven levels of the nafs (self), beginning with the first and lowest level: Nafs al-Ammarah (the Commanding Self).

Drawing on Islamic scholarship, spirituality, and practical examples from everyday life, this discussion examines how the nafs influences our actions, why we struggle with certain habits, and how spiritual growth begins.

📌 Timestamps

00:00 Introduction 00:58 What is the nafs? 02:36 Introduction to Nafs al-Ammarah 08:30 Habit change and the different levels of the nafs 09:38 Signs of Nafs al-Ammarah 17:43 Hadith on anger and emotional dysregulation 21:22 The relationship between iman and Nafs al-Ammarah 25:28 How do you recognise that you are coming out of Nafs al-Ammarah?

This episode is part of our series on The 7 Levels of the Nafs, exploring the journey of spiritual purification and inner transformation in Islam.

What was Madinah like before the arrival of Islam?

In this insightful lecture, Dr Suleyman Sertkaya explores the history of Yathrib (later known as Madinah) before the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ migrated there. Discover the tribal dynamics, longstanding conflicts, and social conditions that shaped the city and prepared it for one of the most significant transformations in human history.

Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 03:15 Why it was called Yathrib 07:38 Population breakdown of Yathrib when the Prophet ﷺ arrived 11:23 Aws and Khazraj: Two brothers from the same mother and father 20:32 The Buʿāth Wars 30:46 The search for an external person to resolve conflict in Yathrib 43:17 Islam comes into the picture 44:15 Factors contributing to the people of Madinah accepting Islam

In this first episode of Response to Atheists, Dr Zuleyha Keskin speaks with Dr Omer Atilla Ergi about humanity's place in creation, the possibility of other intelligent beings, and what the Qur'an says about the vast universe around us.

📌 In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 00:31 Introduction to the series 02:10 Does the Qur'an say the entire universe was created just for us? 05:47 We are not alone 09:34 Qur'an 17:70: Favouring humans over most, not all of creation 14:24 Qur'an 65:12: Many earths? 19:31 Why I'm a strong believer in other creations like humans

Both Dr Omer Atilla Ergi and Dr Zuleyha Keskin teach in the Islamic Studies courses offered by ISRA Academy. For more info: https://www.isra.org.au/uni-courses/

Most parents love their children deeply. However, children need more than love. Drawing on examples from the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and stories from the Qur'an, this talk offers practical insights for parents who want to raise children who feel secure, guided, resilient, and spiritually grounded.

Dr Suleyman Sertkaya explores the foundational steps taken by the Prophet ﷺ after the Hijrah, showing how Madinah was shaped through faith, community, education, economic independence, social responsibility and ethical leadership. This talk offers powerful lessons for Muslims today on how prophetic guidance can shape not only individual character, but also families, communities and society.

Timestamps: 00:00 Foundational Steps After the Hijrah 04:25 Mosque, Brotherhood and Education in Madinah 12:40 Declaring Madinah a Sacred Sanctuary 19:40 Establishing an Independent Marketplace 46:00 Laying the Foundations of Civilisation

Can we stop time and ageing? In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr Zuleyha Keskin and Dr Omer Atilla Ergi explore one of humanity's deepest questions, weaving together modern science and Islamic wisdom to uncover what time truly means, and what our faith teaches us about its inevitable passage.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction 01:00 Time cannot be defined 07:49 Theoretically you can go forward in time 10:17 Two reasons why ageing occurs 12:05 Nothing is eternal 14:11 Death is a blessing

Astrophysics accepts the existence of unseen realities through their observable effects. Dark matter, gravity, black holes and many cosmic phenomena are not directly seen, yet their impact is measurable and scientifically accepted.

If this method of reasoning is considered valid in physics, then on what grounds is the existence of God rejected?

In this thought-provoking discussion, Dr Zuleyha Keskin speaks with Dr Omer Atilla Ergi about science, metaphysics, causality, and the rational basis for belief in God.

In this deeply moving conversation, Dr Zuleyha Keskin sits down with Angelica-Hazel, a women’s health and fertility nutritionist, mother, and breast cancer survivor, to explore her journey through illness, faith, and healing.

From the moment of her diagnosis to navigating life as a convert, Angelica shares a powerful and honest reflection on what it means to face one of life’s greatest tests. We speak about loss, resilience, family, and the unexpected gifts that can emerge through hardship.

Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:10 Moment of breast cancer diagnosis 08:00 How did being a convert impact how you dealt with cancer? 15:10 “I lost my mum to breast cancer a few months ago” 15:54 The beautiful gift 18:02 Dealing with the challenges of being a convert 23:30 Your relationship with your husband and children post-cancer

In this podcast, Prof Mehmet Ozalp and Dr Zuleyha Keskin explore five Qur’anic proofs for the existence of the afterlife. While many assume belief in the Hereafter is purely based on faith, the Qur’an repeatedly invites us to reflect, question, and recognise the signs that point to life after death. What are these proofs? And how do they strengthen conviction in the unseen? 

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction 00:26 – Why talk about proofs of the afterlife? 03:57 – Why classical scholars focused less on rational proofs 06:19 – Proof 1 16:12 – Proof 2 18:53 – Proof 3 22:20 – Proof 4 26:43 – Proof 5

In this episode, Dr Suleyman Sertkaya explores the powerful moment in Madinah when the Prophet ﷺ established mu’ākhāt, pairing the Muhājirūn and Anṣār in a bond of true brotherhood. Discover how strangers became family overnight—and what this profound model of unity, sacrifice, and care means for us today.

In this podcast, Dr Zuleyha Keskin speaks to Dr Omer Atilla Ergi about thoughts, especially unwanted thoughts. Are we responsible for them? Are we bad people because we have negative thoughts. This podcast explores these questions plus many more.

In this podcast, Dr Zuleyha Keskin sits down with Prof Mehmet Ozalp to explore one of the most profound concepts in Islamic spirituality: the journey of the nafs.

Using the powerful analogy of a spiritual athlete, they unpack the 7 levels of the nafs—showing how each stage reflects a different level of inner struggle, awareness, and transformation. This conversation moves beyond theory, offering a deeply reflective framework for understanding the self and striving towards spiritual excellence.

📌 Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:33 What is the nafs? 03:07 Where is the nafs located? 09:57 Where the nafs becomes an issue 14:29 The feature of nafs al-ammarrah 17:24 We are spiritual athletes 19:00 Nafs al-lawwamah signals commitment 20:35 The biggest hurdle is nafs al-lawwamah 21:48 Nafs al-mulhimah is when the heart truly opens 26:50 Nafs al-mutmaʾinnah – the good amateur spiritual athlete 34:44 Nafs al-radiyah – transcending good and evil 36:22 Nafs al-mardiyyah – the self Allah is pleased with 38:07 Nafs al-kamilah – reaching full potential

In this talk, Dr Suleyman Sertkaya explores the lives of the People of Suffa among the earliest devoted companions who dedicated themselves to learning in the time of the Prophet (pbuh). Through their story, we gain insight into sacrifice, knowledge, community, and the pursuit of a life centred around faith. This session reflects on their struggles and the lasting impact they had on the transmission of knowledge in Islam. 📌 Timestamps 00:00 Recap 04:05 The Role of Suffa 04:22 The Location of Suffa 09:20 The Population of Suffa 14:53 The Companion of Abu Huraira 17:19 The Struggle of Hunger 18:35 The Miraculous Bowl of Milk 20:40 The Value of the People of Suffa 27:45 The House of the Guest 28:48 The Father of the Destitute 29:53 The Verses for Suffa 38:44 The Knowledge of the People 43:35 The Lasting Impact of Suffa

In this podcast, Dr Omer Atilla Ergi explores the concept of divine revelation, examining its different forms, the transmission of earlier scriptures, and the unique preservation, structure, and timeless message of the Qur’an.

📌 Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:36 The oldest copy of the Qur’an 01:37 Types of revelations 03:50 Verses of creation 08:00 Animal instincts 11:50 Divine guidance 13:32 Prophetic inspiration 14:40 Holy books of revelation 16:53 Scrolls of revelation 17:42 The superseding of the Qur’an 25:00 The structure of the Qur’an 30:28 The timelessness of the Qur’an 31:00 Original copies of the Qur’an 32:39 The themes of the Qur’an

In this podcast, Dr Omer Atilla Ergi and Dr Zuleyha Keskin explore the assumptions people bring to the question of belief, the limits of empirical testing, and the philosophical challenges involved in denying the existence of a Creator. They also discuss common arguments, the nature of disbelief, and how analogies from art and design help us reflect on the deeper questions behind existence.

Does quantum physics really show that the universe came from nothing? In this conversation, Dr Zuleyha Keskin speaks with Prof Mehmet Ozalp and Dr Omer Atilla Ergi about one of the most debated questions in science and theology.

In this podcast, Dr Zuleyha Keskin speaks with Nadia El-Mouelhy, Director of the Halal Certification Authority, about her groundbreaking survey of over 1,000 Muslims across Australia. Together they unpack the findings of the newly released Halal Report, exploring how our community understands halal and what influences consumer choices.

Why do we suffer? Is there a deeper purpose behind it? In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr Zuleyha Keskin and Prof Mehmet Ozalp explore the hidden dimensions of pain, from the role of the nafs and intention to the impact of modern life. This episode invites you to rethink suffering, not as something purely negative, but as something that may carry meaning, protection, and even transformation.

In this podcast, Dr Suleyman Sertkaya explores the building of the first mosque in Madinah and the central role it played in the formation of the early Muslim community. From the moment the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ arrived in Madinah, the masjid became the spiritual, social, and administrative heart of the new society.

This session reflects on the construction of Masjid al-Nabawi, the individuals who served within it, the establishment of the adhān, and the many functions the mosque fulfilled in the life of the Prophet ﷺ and his companions. Through these events, we gain insight into how the mosque helped shape a unified and spiritually grounded community.

In this episode, we explore one of the most important figures in the Qur’an: Iblis. Who is he really? How did his story begin, and what does it reveal about pride, free will, and the human condition?

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr Omer Atilla Ergi and Dr Zuleyha Keskin explore the relationship between science and faith from an Islamic perspective. Does modern science challenge belief in God, or does it actually point towards His existence? Are science and religion truly in conflict, or can they complement one another? This discussion invites viewers to reflect on the relationship between faith and reason, shedding light on how Islam approaches this long-standing question.

Are you struggling with low energy, hunger pangs, or fatigue during Ramadan? The key to an easier fast might be what you eat before Ramadan even begins! In this video, we explore, with Mete Samci, how reducing carbohydrate intake before Ramadan can help your body transition into ketosis, making fasting easier.

In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr Sadeq Ansari speaks with Ovamir Anjum about the state of Islamic studies in modern universities, his motivation for translating a major work of Ibn Qayyim, and practical advice for students pursuing graduate studies in Islam. Prof Anjum also reflects on tensions between Western academic scholarship and traditional scholars, critiques a recent work by Joel Hayward, and concludes with an important message on navigating sectarianism with intellectual integrity and principled unity.

Are Heaven and Hell infinite and eternal? In this reflective conversation, Dr Zuleyha Keskin speaks with Dr Omer Atilla Ergi about how Islamic theology understands the nature of the Hereafter. They unpack the distinction between infinity and eternality, explore philosophical and theological questions about time, space, and continuity, and discuss how scholars have addressed concerns about eternal punishment in relation to a finite human lifespan.

Ramadan is more than just fasting from food and drink. It is a month of transformation — physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially. In this podcast episode, Dr Zuleyha Keskin sits down with Dr Omer Atilla Ergi to explore the deeper dimensions of Ramadan and how this sacred month transforms the human soul and enhances connection with Allah.

In this insightful conversation, Dr Sadeq Ansari sits down with Shaykh Muntasir Zaman to explore how contemporary scholarship is reshaping the field of Hadith studies. From cutting-edge research methods to classical works that deserve renewed attention, this discussion challenges common assumptions and invites viewers to think more deeply about how Hadith is studied, analysed, and understood today.

In this thought-provoking podcast, Dr Zuleyha Keskin and Dr Omer Atilla Ergi discuss Neil deGrasse Tyson's argument: If God exists, how can He be both All-Powerful and All-Good, given the presence of suffering in the world? Drawing from Islamic teachings and theological insights, the discussion explores key questions about the nature of God, human free will, the purpose of trials, and the wisdom behind life's challenges. Join us as we delve into faith, reason, and spirituality, as we uncover a nuanced Islamic perspective on this age-old philosophical dilemma.

In this podcast, Dr Zuleyha Keskin sits down with Prof Mehmet Ozalp to explore three Sunnahs of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) that guide us towards balanced and healthy eating. Together, they discuss how these timeless teachings are beneficial for physical well-being while fulfilling our responsibility towards our body.