"We need an organization that is going to support Muslim candidates."

In this conversation, Zohaib speak with Ali Aljarrah, an advisor for CAIR Action, a Muslim version of AIPAC, shares his journey from political activism to his current role with CAIR Action, emphasizing the importance of political engagement within the Muslim community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ali Aljarrah and His Journey

03:07 Understanding CAIR Action and Its Mission

05:53 The Importance of Political Engagement for Muslims

09:01 The Role of Muslim Candidates in Politics

11:46 The Impact of the Muslim Vote in Elections

14:59 Evaluating Candidates: Trump vs. Kamala

18:04 The Significance of Third-Party Candidates

20:48 The Need for Political Education in the Muslim Community

24:04 Building Political Power Through Local Elections

26:48 The Role of Community in Political Activism

30:09 Future Initiatives and Hopes for Change

To donate and keep up to date with CAIR Action…

Donate: https://cairaction.org/donate/

Instagram: @cairaction

Sign up for updates: https://cairaction.org

🎙️ Welcome to the Muslim Professionals Podcast - The go-to space for career insights, networking, and professional development tailored for the Muslim community. 🎙️ Episode Overview: In today's episode, we sit down with Unsur, the Senior Director of Finance at Home Depot. Unsur delves into the ins and outs of corporate finance, career growth, and how to navigate the professional world as a Muslim. From discussing critical financial strategies that drive Home Depot's success to sharing personalized tips on work-life balance, this episode is packed with actionable insights. What You'll Learn: 📊 The role and impact of finance in a Fortune 500 company. 🌱 Career progression tips from starting as a junior analyst to reaching a directorial position. 🕌 Balancing faith and work in the corporate environment. 💡 Unsur's personal strategies for continuous learning and staying ahead in finance.

Why You Should Listen: Whether you're a budding finance enthusiast or a seasoned professional, this episode offers a unique perspective on corporate finance, career growth, and maintaining your faith in a fast-paced environment. 👇 Don't Forget to Subscribe! 👇 Connect with Us: Official Website: muslimprofessionals.us LinkedIn: Muslim Professionals Instagram: @uslimprofessionalms 📧 For Sponsorship and Collaboration, please email us at zohaib@muslimprofessionals.us 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. We hope you enjoy the show! 🌟

Salaam!

Finding your first job but can't get any hit-ups back?

Got laid off and it's been 9 months and your still looking?

There may be a reason for that. Things have changed in the job/networking landscape. Following conventional methods like Linkedin and cold email are dead.

We go through some techniques that may help you stand out!

Salaam #muslimprofessionals!

In this episode, Zohaib speaks with Ali Khan, a Sr. Technical Program Manager at Microsoft on how he made a rebound after being laid off from his first gig after 8 months of starting. Ali and Zohaib also discuss different techniques and strategies to maximize finding that next rebound gig and ensuring to maximize as much time as possible.

Salaam Muslim Professionals!

On this episode, Zohaib interviews Tabish Bhimani, the founder and operator of Mastrat, a Retention Marketing Agency.

We discuss the following topics:

- What is retention marketing and DTC marketing

- What it takes to build a retention marketing agency

- The impacts of entrepreneurship in a relationship

- Mindset one needs when building a company

- Is building a company something you should really even do

Follow Tabish on twitter: https://twitter.com/TabishB

As-salamu alaykum MPs!

We're excited to host our very own Hana Rasheed! She is one of the Co-Founders of #muslimprofessionals, Senior Engineering Program Manager at Adobe, a Podcast Host of HireTalk, Career Coach, Mentor, and so much more!

With over 15 years of experience as a Program Manager, Hana has delivered strong products, built a solid relationship with customers and stakeholders in Network infrastructure, Software, Analytics, and Technical Products. Hana thrive in leading cross-functional programs from end-to-end project lifecycle.
• Project Management from Stanford University.
• Managing 15 projects at PG&E with teams of over 30-40 stakeholders with an estimated value of ~ $ 32 million
• Managed program and projects with over 25 stakeholders with an estimated value of 23 million dollars.
• Experience in managing multiple project responsibilities ranging from 8-12 projects at New York Power Authority.
• Managed 10 projects on Nokia Servers and Switches and Fiber Optic Ground wire
• Managed installation, integration and managed services of Nokia servers for noc (network operation center)
• Co-ordinated procurement and deployment of Hitachi VM servers.
• Worked cross-functionally with product, sales, engineering, finance and accounts team
• Skilled in project schedule, cashflow, accrual, invoicing, competitive analysis, pre- and post-sales activities, growth campaign
• Product development with roadmap design, go-to-market strategy and market research
• Strong data analysis, statistical analysis, delivered insights, dashboards, KPI reports, analytical framework
• Business metrics to track record, voice of customer and customer analysis
• Experience with SDLC, Agile methodologies, Scrum, Kanban, Plan-driven using JIRA, Asana and Salesforce
• Experience working on Hadoop,AWS EC2/S3
• Worked directly with/ reported to executive staff for several years and collaborated to product line for company’s benefit.

Zohaib lost his voice and mustered up whatever voice he had to do this AMA. Please excuse the poor audio.

Zohaib Rattu shares his time between being one of the co-founders of Muslim Professionals and advising and consulting growth startups. He started out aspiring to be a doctor. Still, he dropped out to study economics and theatre arts, pivoted into tech after watching HBO Max's Silicon Valley, and landed a role as an Intern at the Fortune 100 company Oracle. After Oracle, he transitioned into the Startup scene landing a role at Attentive, falling in love with the ecommerce industry, and then starting and exiting his ecommerce agency, Insaan. Since then, he now consults startups in the Ecommerce space, advises up-and-coming entrepreneurs, and works as the Head of Growth at LiveRecover.

Follow him on Twitter - @zohaibrattu

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MuslimProfessionals

Register to be a member for free today at www.muslimprofessionals.us

Salaam fellow muslimprofessionals! We had the privilege of having Ahmad Abdallah, CMO of NominalX.com speak to our members on a Live AMA. Who is Ahmad Abdullah? Ahmad Abdallah, the Chief Marketing Officer of Nominal (nominalx.com), is a seasoned expert in marketing and storytelling. He brings a unique perspective with a college degree in Creative Writing and Film. In this episode, Ahmad delves into his journey in the realm of marketing, along with valuable insights on how to scale an e-commerce brand. Who is Nominalx.com Nominal is a high-quality jewelry and lifestyle brand specializing in creating modern and minimalist pieces. Please follow Ahmad on Twitter at: @Ahmad_A_96

#muslimprofessionals are at various career and earnings levels, and there's always a need to understand finance. What are stocks? Why should I put money into a 401(k) or a Roth IRA? How do I exercise my shares? How can I keep my money halal? The list goes on! ​Join us as, alongside experts from Nama Private Wealth, as we talk about basic finance literacy, wealth management, real estate investments, and have plenty of time for Q&A! ​Speakers: ​Shady Osman, Corporate & Personal Finance Expert ​Saad Zariff, Co-Founder at Nama Private Wealth ​Ali Farooq, Co-Founder & Head of Real Estate Investments at Nama Private Wealth Chapters 00:00 Introductions and Overview of the Conversation 07:29 Presentation on Financial Literacy and Budgeting 24:15 Discussion on Financial Planning and Goal Setting 27:30 The Importance of a Disciplined and Diversified Approach to Investing 30:42 Controlling Emotions in Financial Decision-Making 31:13 The Value of Financial Education and Professional Advice 32:53 Understanding Retirement Accounts and Investment Options 33:53 Protecting Assets and Engaging in Estate Planning 40:25 Managing Finances with Budgeting Tools and Financial Apps

After a long break, we're back with a game-changing episode that questions if our masjids are handling muslim finances the right way. Join us as we chat with Sharaz Khan, a certified financial planner with Cetera Investors, who specializes in wealth building, protection, retirement planning, and Islamic investments. Sharaz shares his expert insights on the financial mistakes many mosques and community members make and offers practical tips on how to avoid these pitfalls.

Join us in an exciting episode with Yara and Nourin, the daring co-founders of Makani Homes. They share their bold leap from Big Four firms to start a unique venture. Discover how they transitioned from corporate life to entrepreneurship, creating a home swapping platform tailored for the Muslim community. In this episode: Yara and Nourin dive into their startup journey, discussing challenges, business evolution, and their approach to expanding city by city. Get insights into their bootstrap beginnings, funding strategies, and the motivation driving their dream. This episode isn't just a business talk; it's about two professionals chasing big dreams, making a mark in travel for the Muslim community. Tune in for an inspiring and candid story of innovation and resilience with Makani Homes.

In this episode of #muslimprofessionals the podcast, our host Hana Rasheed sits down with Nabil Pervez, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at AoE Creative, for an in-depth conversation going over his unique journey from growing up as a tech-enthusiast playing fighting games like Smash Brothers and Street Fighter, to becoming a multi-award-winning executive in the gaming, esports, and entertainment industry.

Key highlights of the discussion include:

1. Early Passion for Gaming: Nabil recounts his childhood filled with gaming and his early exposure to technology, fostering a deep-seated passion for both.

2. Professional Trajectory: Nabil walks us through his career evolution, including his initial years in corporate IT at companies like Fujitsu and T-Mobile, leading to his transition into the startup culture.

3. Venture into Esports: His journey takes a significant turn as he delves into esports, initially as a commentator and eventually taking on executive roles in various companies, including his current position at AoE Creative.

4. Entrepreneurial Spirit: Nabil discusses the challenges and triumphs of co-founding AoE Creative, emphasizing the importance of vision, hard work, and embracing entrepreneurial ventures.

5. Championing Diversity and Inclusion: He talks about the importance of diversity in the workplace, specifically focusing on hiring minorities and women in the gaming industry.

6. Giving Back: Nabil highlights his commitment to community service, sharing his experiences of mentoring young professionals and his efforts to support his spouse's career ambitions.

7. Personal Reflections: Nabil shares personal anecdotes, including his approach to being a Muslim professional in a predominantly non-Muslim industry, and the values that have guided him throughout his career.

8. Advice for Aspiring Professionals: He offers advice to listeners interested in pursuing a career in gaming, esports, or tech, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and staying true to one’s passion.

This episode not only sheds light on Nabil’s professional accomplishments but also provides valuable insights into the dynamic world of esports and gaming, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in these fields.

Check him out on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perveznabil/

Check out his Portfolio:

https://nabilpervez.com/

https://www.behance.net/aoecreative

Join host Zohaib in an engaging and insightful conversation with Samar Owais, a renowned freelance writer and email marketing strategist. In this episode of "Muslim Professionals," Samar delves into her personal journey, sharing experiences and lessons from her successful career.

What You'll Discover:

• Samar's Start: Learn how Samar navigated the early challenges of freelance writing after moving to the UAE in 2007, including her initial struggles and breakthroughs.
• Email Marketing Mastery: Hear about Samar's transition from content writing to specializing in email marketing, and how she found her true calling.
• A Remarkable Campaign: Samar shares the story of a project where she achieved a 100% conversion rate for a B2B client, highlighting her expertise.
• Overcoming Prejudices: As a Muslim woman in the freelancing world, Samar discusses facing and overcoming biases, and the importance of confidence in one's abilities.
• Entrepreneurial Tips: Get valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and freelancers, particularly on pricing your work fairly and avoiding the pitfalls of undervaluation.
• Balancing Work and Life: Samar reflects on the importance of maintaining a work-life balance and shares her personal experiences with burnout.

Connect with Samar: For more insights into email marketing and information about her specialized course, follow Samar on Twitter and check out her websites.

Watch, learn, and be inspired as Samar Owais shares her journey and invaluable advice for anyone looking to succeed in the competitive world of freelancing and email marketing.

The long awaited episode is finally out. I got the chance to speak to Zarina Bahadur, the Founder and CEO of 123 Baby Box! On this episode we discuss how she came up with the idea of 123 Baby Box, the way she raised her funds, got her brand out there, and how she currently competes with her competition. If you're an entrepreneur or a want to be entrepreneur this is a must listen.

and reasons why you're probably not getting a job.

In this episode, Ali and Zohaib go deep into their mental archives to fish out their cheat codes for how they approach interviews and get call backs within the next 24 hours. This episode gets a little spicy, so listeners beware.

Hey there! You've tuned into #muslimprofessionals the podcast. I'm your host, Zohaib Rattu, and today we're diving head-first into the buzzing topic of personal branding. You're probably thinking, "What the heck is personal branding and why should I even care?" Well, get ready because we're about to break it all down!

Our episode "What the Heck is Your Personal Branding and Why Is It Important?" is all about figuring out what personal branding is, and more importantly, why it's a game-changer in your career. It's not just about selling yourself or impressing the boss. It's about knowing who you are, what you're awesome at, and how you can bring something totally unique to the table.

We'll chat about how to build a personal brand that's truly YOU - reflecting your values, skills, and what you're passionate about. We'll also share some top tips on how to showcase your personal brand to the world, whether you're networking in person or connecting online.

So whether you're an experienced pro looking to switch things up in your career, or a newbie wanting to make a splash, this episode has got you covered. Dive into the world of personal branding and navigate your professional journey with a fresh perspective with #muslimprofessionals the podcast.

Grab a cup of coffee, your ambition, and of course, your unique professional vibe. Let's get this personal branding party started, shall we?

​​In this recording - Sharaz Khan, CFP, Investor Advisor Representative, Cetera Investors goes over last-minute things that you should take care of financially before ending the year such as:

• ​Plan for Major Life Changes
• Tax Planning
• Retirement Planning
• Investment Portfolio
• Insurance Review
• Estate Planning

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Community Engagement

03:24 Year-End Financial Checklist Overview

06:15 Choosing the Right Financial Advisor

09:13 Life Changes and Their Financial Implications

12:01 Tax Considerations for Year-End Planning

15:13 Retirement Planning Essentials

18:15 Investment Strategies and Review

20:52 Insurance and Beneficiary Updates

23:47 Estate and Legacy Planning

26:41 Sharia Investment Process and Q&A

31:21 Exploring Halal Investment Options

32:35 Navigating Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

34:00 The Value of IRAs and Avoiding Riba

36:25 Choosing Between Roth and Traditional 401(k)s

37:39 The Importance of Financial Education

39:53 Investment Strategies for 1099 Contractors

41:08 Understanding RSUs and Tax Implications

45:11 Strategies for Managing Equity in Acquisitions

48:33 Leveraging Professional Financial Advice

50:49 Addressing Financial Literacy in the Community

On this episode, Hana sits down with Syed Rahman, AKA Saif, Owner and Operator of Modern Wall Art, a custom Islamic Calligraphy to learn about his journey leaving the healthcare profession to start a company designing and manufacturing goods.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Modern Wall Art and Saif's Journey

01:38 Overcoming Doubts and Embracing Entrepreneurship

04:23 Engaging with Non-Muslim Customers

06:18 Art as a Reflection of Islamic Values

08:02 Balancing Tradition with Modern Aesthetics

10:50 Customer-Centric Approach and Customization

13:39 Addressing Criticism and Selling Faith

16:19 Commitment to Quality and Customer Service

19:14 Charity Work and Community Engagement

21:55 Passion for Palestine and Humanitarian Efforts

23:00 Charity and Community Engagement

27:58 Facing Challenges and Biases

33:17 Digital Marketing Journey

36:02 Balancing Community Focus and Broader Reach

38:07 Advice for Young Muslim Artists

40:44 Reflections and Future Aspirations

ICYMI: Recorded live at the NY FNDRS&INVSTRS MIXER on Jan 16th, 2025, host Zohaib Rattu chats with Moiz Ali, the founder of Native Deodorant. They discuss Moiz's journey from Harvard Law graduate to successful entrepreneur, the challenges of starting a business, and his transition into investing. Filled with insights and personal anecdotes, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring founders and investors alike.
Note: Our microphones died mid-way, which distorted the audio a bit. We did our best to fix the audio!
A special shout to those who helped make this podcast happen:
@moiz.r.ali
@humandevelopmentfund
@makanihomes
@fridayhq.co
@jamallawnyc

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:15 Inspiration Behind the Event

00:42 Journey from Law to Deodorant

01:24 Entrepreneurial Roots and Family Influence

02:36 Challenges of Being an Illegal Immigrant

04:00 Founding Native Deodorant

06:25 Bootstrapping the Business

08:35 Scaling and Early Success

11:24 Employee Growth and Customer Service

12:26 Paying Yourself as a Founder

14:01 Transition to Investing

14:35 Investment Philosophy and Strategies

18:44 Family Involvement and Personal Life

22:12 Advice for Founders

25:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Dr. Osama Hashmi shares his journey from being a dermatologist to co-founding a healthcare tech company, Impiricus. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in the healthcare tech landscape, the importance of ethics in pharma, and the role of personal branding and networking in business.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

05:29 The Journey of a Doctor and Entrepreneur

11:03 Ethics in Pharma and Healthcare

16:56 Raising Capital and Growth Strategies

23:08 Networking and Distribution in Business

31:22 Building Trust and Community

39:00 Navigating Identity as a Muslim Entrepreneur

On this episode of the Muslim Professionals podcast, co-hosts Ali and Zohaib are joined by Zohran Kwame Mamdani, a pioneering figure in New York politics and the first South Asian man elected to the New York State Assembly. Now running for New York City Mayor, Zohran discusses his inspiring journey from Uganda to New York, his vision for the city, his candidacy against Eric Adams, and his commitment to making NYC affordable and just for all its residents. Tune in for a conversation on politics, community, and change. Yes... it's a very NY podcast, so be ready.

01:11 Zohran's Rise in Politics

01:37 Challenges in NYC

02:59 Eric Adams' Indictments Impact

04:10 Housing Issues in NYC

05:22 NYC Code Enforcement

10:51 Public Safety and Transit

38:30 Final Takeaways and Dates

43:45 Rapid Fire Questions

41:30 Conclusion and Summary

In this episode of the "#muslimprofessionals the podcast", host Hana Rasheed chats with Fatima Alam—product innovator, three-time founder, and all-around trailblazer. They dive into Fatima’s journey as a female founder in tech, blending art with innovation, and tackling challenges women face in corporate spaces. Fatima shares how faith shapes her career, why self-regulation matters, and her mission to rewrite the narrative around Muslims in corporate America. From public speaking tips to breaking stereotypes and embracing bold ideas, this convo is packed with inspiration for anyone looking to grow, connect, and redefine the game.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fatima Alam

02:56 The Intersection of Art and Innovation

06:10 Challenges Faced as a Female Founder

09:05 Navigating Bias in Corporate Spaces

11:54 The Role of Faith in Professional Life

15:58 Rebranding Muslims in Corporate America

19:56 Experiences in Turkey and Cultural Perceptions

22:59 The Journey into Public Speaking

26:01 Secret Tagline for Muslims

29:01 Career Advice and Embracing Crazy Ideas

35:39 The Spirit of Ideas and Timing

37:11 Navigating Bias as a Female Muslim Professional

38:36 Stereotypes and Misconceptions in the Workplace

41:12 Networking Tips for Muslim Professionals

46:14 The Importance of Mentorship

51:55 Redefining Muslim Representation in the Workforce

53:56 Advice for Aspiring Professionals

01:03:34 Following the Fun in Your Career

On this episode, Zohaib, our host, sits down with Nabeel and Fatemeh, the founders of Dawah Marketing. They discuss the importance of social media, the challenges of originality in content creation, and the significance of targeting the right audience. The conversation also covers influencer marketing, cringe marketing, and the role of imams in the social media landscape. Additionally, they share their experiences as a couple working together, highlighting their interracial marriage and the importance of collaboration in business. The discussion culminates in a call for diversity in marketing strategies.

Chapters

00:00 The Healing Power of Local Honey

02:29 The Birth of DAWA Marketing

05:46 Understanding Marketing: A Unique Perspective

09:17 Targeting the Right Audience in Marketing

12:21 The Importance of Social Media for Brands

14:02 Challenges in Muslim Marketing Content

16:35 Piggybacking Trends in Business

18:44 Navigating Influencer Marketing

22:26 Payment Models in Influencer Collaborations

25:15 Cringe Marketing Trends in Dallas

28:11 The Art of Video Editing

30:04 Influential Imams on Social Media

31:46 The Power of Captions in Video Content

33:36 Addressing Controversial Topics in Islam

40:22 Marketing Strategies for Business Growth

45:29 Inclusivity in Marketing and Community Engagement

In this episode of the Muslim Professionals Podcast, host Hana Rasheed speaks with Zoya Rukh Awan, Director of Public Affairs at Walmart. Zoya shares her journey from growing up in Long Island, New York, to navigating the corporate world as a Muslim woman. Zoya also discusses her experiences at the White House and her aspirations to empower the next generation of Muslim women professionals. This is a must listen!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Zoya Rukh Awan

01:52 Zoya's Journey in Corporate America

05:46 The Role of Mentorship in Career Growth

13:45 Navigating Identity as a Muslim Woman

19:12 The Impact of Stereotypes and Expectations

20:47 Corporate Inclusivity: A Reality Check

23:44 Celebrating Cultural Inclusivity in the Workplace

24:57 Creating Safe Spaces for Authenticity

26:06 Bringing Your Whole Self to Work

29:16 Financial Literacy and Empowerment for Women

33:12 Navigating Cultural Expectations

35:40 The Importance of Disability Awareness

37:09 Balancing Hustle Culture with Self-Care

41:15 Experiences at the White House

43:05 Advice for the Younger Generation

On this episode, Zohaib chats with Shefali Lakhani, the founder and managing attorney of Lakhani Legal, about her leap into entrepreneurship and the lessons she’s picked up along the way. They dive into why every entrepreneur needs a lawyer early (like, before things go sideways), how AI is shaking up the legal world, and why trademarks are a must for protecting your brand. Shefali also opens up about the unique challenges women face in law, the power of transparent billing, and how cultural perceptions shape the way people see legal services.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Shefali Lakhani and Lacani Legal

04:48 Transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur

10:28 Workplace Culture and Gender Dynamics in Law

16:15 Leveraging AI in Legal Practices

26:22 The Importance of Legal Guidance for Startups

31:13 Real-Life Legal Pitfalls and Preventable Mistakes

37:26 Breaking the Stigma Around Legal Consultation

43:56 Cultural Perspectives on Legal Advice

49:00 Future Aspirations for Lakhani Legal

In this episode of our podcast, join host Zohaib as he sits down with pharmacist and entrepreneur Dr.Saimah Arshad to explore the fascinating world of Salaam Nutritionals. Discover how nutrition and supplements play a crucial role in maintaining health, as Saimah shares her personal journey and insights on gut health, collagen, and the risks of modern medications.

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Chapters

00:00 Current Events and Community Concerns

01:51 The Birth of Salam Nutritionals

05:52 Navigating the Supplement Industry

12:02 Gut Health and Nutrition

19:53 The Importance of Collagen

26:48 The Risks of Modern Medications

27:40 The Hidden Dangers of Supplements

31:54 Navigating the Amazon Dilemma

34:48 The Shift to Direct-to-Consumer Sales

38:58 The Importance of Quality Packaging

43:58 Consumer Trends and Future Predictions

49:59 Why Choose Salam Nutritionals?

On this episode of The Muslim Professionals Podcast, I sat down with Adam Ali, CEO and founder of The Uncommon Agency — a multi-channel Shopify Plus powerhouse working with global brands like Rare Beauty and Liquid Death.

We got real. Adam shared his journey from growing up in a mixed-faith household in one of Liverpool’s roughest neighborhoods, to building one of the most respected agencies in the Shopify ecosystem. We talked about the power of partnerships, scaling an agency without outside funding, breaking into new markets like the GCC, and why Muslims need to stop sleeping on the CPG wave.

There’s wisdom here for anyone navigating identity, building from nothing, or trying to figure out how to turn hustle into a high-impact business. This one’s for the underdogs.

This episode is a live recording from our MP Mixer Fireside Chat on May 10th, 2025. Zohaib Rattu sat down with Hoda Abrahim founder of Love, Inshallah and Muslim Matchmaker to explore how she turned her passion for helping Muslims find love into a full-fledged career… and eventually, a reality TV show on Hulu.

Hoda shares the backstory behind her unconventional career path, the challenges and stigmas she’s faced as a Muslim matchmaker, and how her work resonated so deeply that it caught the attention of Hollywood.

If you've ever been curious about how someone turns a community need into a global platform or what it takes to make faith-centered matchmaking mainstream this conversation is for you.

Join over 8000+ Muslim Professionals to network, learn, and grow together. Register for free at www.muslimprofessionals.us

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST

In this episode, Mehdi sits down with Musab Ali, a 28-year-old trailblazer who became the youngest Muslim elected official in the U.S. and is now running for mayor of Jersey City. Musab shares his journey from fighting stage 4 cancer at Harvard Law to shaping policies on housing, transit, and government transparency. We dive into his vision for an inclusive Jersey City, his pledge to tackle corruption, and his commitment to morally grounded leadership—even when it means taking tough stands on Palestine.

This is more than a political conversation—it’s a story about resilience, representation, and what it means to lead with principle in today’s America.

Learn and support Mussab Ali: https://www.ali2025.com/

Live from Valley Ranch Islamic Center, #muslimprofessionals hosts a candid conversation on faith and leadership with three voices who walk the talk. Sheikh Yasir Birjas shares a clear framework for leadership rooted in service, trust, and sincerity. Riaz Surti, CEO of Hearthy Foods, explains how faith shaped his journey from teen operator to a national brand and why values still win in the food and wellness aisle. Dr. Osama Hashmi, dermatologist and CEO of Impiricus Health, breaks down how an AI driven health startup can scale with ethics, accountability, and calm.We cover origins and purpose, leadership and values, resilience through trials, community, legacy, and practical habits that keep you sharp. Expect real stories, direct advice, and a reminder that your prayer, your word, and your character are your edge.Featuring• Sheikh Yasir Birjas, Head of Islamic Law and Theory at AlMaghrib Institute and Imam at Valley Ranch Islamic Center• Riaz Surti, Founder and CEO, Hearthy Foods• Dr. Osama Hashmi, Dermatologist and CEO, Impiricus HealthModerator• Zohaib Rattu, Co Founder and President, Refunnel, and co founder of #muslimprofessionalsWhat you will learn• How to define leadership through intention and service• How trust is built and kept in high stakes arenas• The habit stack that sustains clarity and output• Why community and collaboration multiply impact• Practical ways to carry your faith into rooms that do not understand it yetPerfect for operators, founders, community leaders, and anyone who wants to lead without losing themselves.

In this episode, Mahdi interviews Adil Abbuthalha, the CEO and founder of Boycat, an ethical shopping platform that empowers consumers to make informed purchasing decisions aligned with their values. Adil shares the inspiration behind Boycat, emphasizing the need for collective economic power to drive social change. The conversation explores the certification process for ethical brands, the importance of education in consumer behavior, and the challenges of boycotting in a monopolized economy.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Boycat and Ethical Consumerism

01:21 The Genesis of Boycat: Empowering Consumers

05:00 Building a Global Movement for Ethical Consumption

06:23 Understanding the Certification Process

09:48 The Educational Aspect of Ethical Shopping

11:51 Changing Consumer Behavior Through Engagement

14:54 The Demand for Ethical Alternatives

17:10 The Challenges of Boycotting in a Monopolized Market

19:18 Launching New Products within Boycat

20:57 The Journey of an Entrepreneur

27:44 Navigating Challenges as a Founder

In this episode of the #muslimprofessionals the podcast, Mahdi sits down with Ahmed Al-Sayeed. Ahmed shares his journey from being a college dropout to becoming a successful entrepreneur and founder of A3 Ventures, an e-commerce holding company.

00:00 Introduction to Ahmed Al-Sayed and A3 Ventures

01:04 Ahmed's Entrepreneurial Journey and Challenges

04:47 Navigating College Dropout Conversations with Family

08:47 The Importance of Communication with Parents

10:44 Advice for Students Considering Dropping Out

14:43 Returning to School: The MBA Experience

17:26 Transitioning from Business Owner to Portfolio Manager

18:58 Building a Diverse Brand Portfolio

21:18 The Importance of Diversification

23:05 Lessons from Hardship and Growth

27:18 The Role of Gratitude in Business

30:01 The Impact of Partnership on Success

33:00 Navigating Challenges as a First-Generation Entrepreneur

Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dtcahmed