“He Gave Me Purpose Before I Knew I Needed It”

Chaplain Ali on mentorship, identity, and the burden of sacred trust.

In this episode of the American Muslim Podcast, host Imam Tariq El-Amin interviews Chaplain Syed Ali Nasaruddin. Raised in a scholarly family, Nasaruddin shares his journey from learning Islamic studies under his grandfather in Chicago to earning a Master of Divinity in Islamic Chaplaincy from Bayan Islamic Graduate School. He discusses his practical application of traditional Islamic teachings in modern American contexts, emphasizing community service, interfaith relations, and the importance of empowering youth. Nasaruddin also highlights the challenges and opportunities he has encountered moving from Chicago to Southern California and reflects on the dynamic nature of identity and leadership in different cultural environments.

00:00 Introduction to Bayan on Demand

01:02 Meet the Host and Guest

01:10 Chaplain Syed Ali Nasaruddin's Early Life

02:50 Family Legacy and Scholarly Background

05:52 Cultural and Community Engagement

16:20 Leadership and Mentorship

23:49 Challenges and Reflections

24:58 Navigating Constant Change

25:42 Identity and Perception

27:15 Community and Service

29:23 Comparing Chicago and Southern California

34:12 Educational Journey and Chaplaincy

41:02 Practical Applications of Faith

47:43 Final Reflections and Lessons

50:19 Podcast Conclusion and Call to Action

bayanonline.org

Subscribe to Bayan on demand at https://shorturl.at/wlQl7

Donate to the Muhammad Ali Scholarship at https://pages.donately.com/bayan/campaign/2028-endowment-campaign/donate

Cover Art & Intro Music - Tariq I. El-Amin @ImamTariqElamin

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Malik Shaw, Executive Director of Midtown Mosque: At His Best When Serving

In this episode of the American Muslim Podcast, host Imam Tariq El-Amin speaks with Brother Malik Shaw, the Executive Director of Midtown Mosque in Memphis. The discussion covers a broad range of topics including the history and mission of Midtown Mosque, the importance of good company and community building, as well as the transformative power of faith and service. Brother Malik shares personal stories and formative experiences that led to his dedication to community work, highlighting the sacrifices and joys of serving in a neighborhood with historical significance and contemporary challenges. Key themes include resilience, the impact of education and faith on community development, and the importance of investing in communal spaces to foster economic and social well-being.

00:00 Introduction to Bayan on Demand

00:56 Welcome to the American Muslim Podcast

01:05 Meet Brother Malik Shaw

01:38 Formative Experiences and Lessons

04:20 Journey into Education

06:37 Impact of Growing Up in Detroit

09:16 Connecting Education, Faith, and Economics

11:31 Starting Midtown Mosque

14:40 Community Initiatives and Challenges

26:14 Creating Community Spaces

26:48 Addressing Loneliness and Its Impact

29:14 Sacrifices and Gains in Community Work

33:22 Family Dynamics and Leadership

38:22 The Importance of Smiling and Gratitude

42:39 Lessons in Faithfulness and Service

48:45 Supporting Midtown Mosque and Final Thoughts

https://midtownmosque.org/donate-now/

bayanonline.org

Subscribe to Bayan on demand at https://shorturl.at/wlQl7

Donate to the Muhammad Ali Scholarship at https://pages.donately.com/bayan/campaign/2028-endowment-campaign/donate

Cover Art & Intro Music - Tariq I. El-Amin @ImamTariqElamin

🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major streaming platforms.

Imam Rushdan Mujahid-Deen: Turning Grief Into Guidance

In this episode of the American Muslim Podcast, host Imam Tariq El-Amin welcomes Imam Rushdan Mujahid-Deen, the associate Imam at Masjid Bilal Islamic Center in Los Angeles and the first commissioned Muslim chaplain for the LAPD. Imam Mujahid-Deen shares his transformative journey of faith, inspired by the legacy of his mother and the teachings of Imam W. Deen Mohammed. He discusses his multifaceted roles as an Imam, hospital chaplain, and LAPD chaplain, articulating the emotional challenges, spiritual insights, and the importance of servant leadership. Imam Mujahid-Deen emphasizes the necessity of self-care for those in service positions and reflects on how his faith and personal experiences shape his approach to spiritual care and community leadership. He also touches on the upcoming community center at Masjid Bilal Islamic Center, designed to serve both Muslim and non-Muslim communities. The episode concludes with a call to support Bayan Islamic Graduate School and its initiatives.

00:00 Introduction to Bayan on Demand

00:56 Welcome to the American Muslim Podcast

01:22 Introducing Imam Rushdan Mujahid-Deen

02:38 Imam Rushdan's Early Life and Family

05:18 Journey into Chaplaincy

09:38 Roles and Responsibilities of a Chaplain

16:46 Servant Leadership and Community Service

23:01 Personal Reflections and Lessons Learned

25:02 Reflecting on Family and Upbringing

26:40 Daughter's Journey in Africa

27:42 Experiences with Family in Africa

29:41 Challenges in Chaplaincy

34:55 Interfaith Chaplaincy and End-of-Life Care

38:10 Self-Care for Leaders

42:55 The Bayan Experience

46:46 Conclusion and Call to Action

bayanonline.org

Subscribe to Bayan on demand at https://shorturl.at/wlQl7

Donate to the Muhammad Ali Scholarship at https://pages.donately.com/bayan/campaign/2028-endowment-campaign/donate

Cover Art & Intro Music - Tariq I. El-Amin @ImamTariqElamin

🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major streaming platforms.