Tuesday, 1 September 2026
Wednesday, 19 August 2026
The ONE Decision That Changed Muslim History
In this lecture, Shaykh Yasir Qadhi explores the overlooked history of the printing press in the Muslim world and why its adoption lagged behind Europe. He examines whether scholars were truly responsible, introduces historiography, and challenges simplistic narratives about Islam, technology, and modernity. Drawing on examples including paper, the printing press, the fall of Constantinople, and animal rights, he encourages a more critical understanding of Islamic history and its lessons for today.
Friday, 14 August 2026
900 Years Ago, Damascus Treated Mental Illness Better Than We Do | Dr. Francesca Bocca-Aldaqre
In this episode of The Thinking Muslim, we sit inside the historic Al-Nuri Bimaristan in Damascus with Dr. Francesca Bocca-Aldaqre to explore one of the most remarkable institutions in Islamic civilisation.
The bimaristan was not simply a hospital. It was a place of healing that understood the human being in their entirety, body, mind, and soul. At a time when much of the world had yet to develop humane approaches to mental healthcare, Islamic civilisation had already built institutions rooted in dignity, compassion, and holistic care.
Together, we explore what made the bimaristan unique, from its patient-centred design and therapeutic environment to the waqf systems that sustained it for generations. We also reflect on what Syria has lost through war, what traditional Islamic approaches to healing can still offer today, and whether these institutions can once again play a role in rebuilding a wounded society.
As Syria looks toward recovery, this conversation asks an urgent question: can true reconstruction happen without healing the people themselves?
Here is Dr Francesca's profile if you wish to find out more about her:
Dr. Francesca Bocca-Aldaqre is a neuroscientist, Islamic psychology practitioner, and author. She’s appeared on our channel before, discussing mental health and Islamic thought — but her connection to Syria runs deeper than that. Through conversion, years of study, and a family she acquired here, Syria sits at the very heart of her Islamic psychology practice. In this episode, she explains how the very place we’re recording in today was once the crown and glory of Muslim mental health.
Monday, 9 March 2026
How Muslims Came to India | Shaykh Yasir Qadhi
In this episode of his Ramadan series, Yasir Qadhi explores one of the earliest encounters between the Muslim world and the Indian subcontinent: the campaign that brought Islam to Sind.
Long before the arrival of Muslim armies, the region was home to ancient civilizations, powerful dynasties, thriving Buddhist centers, fortified river cities, and maritime trade networks that connected India to the wider world. Into this complex landscape entered a young general whose name would become inseparable from the history of the region: Muhammad ibn al-Qasim.
Under the Umayyad Caliphate, and with the backing of the powerful governor al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf, the campaign into Sind was launched with multiple objectives. It sought to address piracy along the Makran coast, secure trade routes, and expand the political authority of the Umayyad state.
The episode traces the political context of the time, from the rule of ʿAbd al-Malik and al-Walid, to the wider expansion of the Muslim world across Central Asia and beyond. It also examines the role of other figures such as Qutaybah ibn Muslim, whose campaigns opened the eastern frontiers of the Muslim world.
Beyond military history, the episode explores how early Muslim rule interacted with the existing religious communities of the region. Hindus and Buddhists were largely allowed to maintain their traditions while participating in the new political order through the system of jizya, reflecting a broader pattern of governance in early Islamic expansion.
Throughout the lecture, Shaykh Yasir reflects on the deeper lessons of history: the rise and fall of kingdoms, the role of youth in leadership, and the Qur’anic reminder that true authority belongs to Allah alone.
This episode also reflects on prophetic traditions about the conquest of India and places them within the broader historical context of the early Muslim world.
From the Makran coast to the cities of Sind, this is the story of how Islam first entered the Indian subcontinent and how those events shaped centuries of history that followed.
Monday, 2 February 2026
Tuesday, 9 December 2025
Monday, 17 February 2025
Zionism 1,000 Years In the Making | Ep. 9 | Al-Aqsa Series
How did we lose Jerusalem after Salahuddin’s victory? What will it take to liberate Masjid al-Aqsa today? What can we learn from the Crusades, the rise of Zionism, and the internal divisions that have plagued the ummah? Join Dr. Omar Suleiman on this story of resilience, betrayal, and a question that still haunts us: will we rise to reclaim what was lost?
Thursday, 13 February 2025
Tuesday, 4 February 2025
Salahuddin: The Legend Who Liberated Jerusalem
Salahuddin al-Ayyubi (rh) is one of the greatest heroes in Islamic history. How did he liberate Masjid al-Aqsa after nearly 90 years of the Crusaders’ occupation? Take a deeper dive into his story, including the early centuries of the Muslim rule in Palestine, the motivations of the Crusades, the mentorship of Nuruddin Zengi in Syria, Salahuddin's rise to power in Egypt, his personal piety, and his road to victory in Jerusalem.
Thursday, 12 December 2024
Why is Quds (Jerusalem) So Special? | Ep. 1 | Al-Aqsa Series | Dr. Omar Suleiman
Masjid al-Aqsa: the first qiblah of this ummah, the second masjid ever built in this world. Why have the hearts of believers always yearned for it? What profound secrets and virtues does it hold? This lecture uncovers these hidden gems, inviting you to explore the unique significance of al-Aqsa.
Monday, 23 September 2024
al-Hallaj: Mystic Martyr of Sufism
Explore the life and profound teachings of Husayn Ibn Mansur al-Hallaj, the 9th-century Sufi mystic known for his controversial declaration, “Ana al-Haqq” (I am the Truth) & the factors which led to his martyrdom. In this video, we delve into al-Hallaj’s spiritual journey, his poetry, role in Sufism, and the lasting impact of his philosophy on Islamic mysticism.
Friday, 2 August 2024
Arab Jews: The Hidden History | Ash Sarkar meets Avi Shlaim
A foundational principle of the state of Israel is that it keeps Jews safe. This principle has been profoundly challenged in the last nine or so months. But what if Israel never really had the will or capacity to keep all Jews safe and, in fact, has made them less safe?
Avi Shlaim is a historian and author of “Three Worlds: Memoirs of an Arab-Jew”. He joined Ash to talk about the Israeli right, Mossad’s covert operations in Baghdad and what it means to have hyphenated identities.
Thursday, 6 June 2024
When Allah Guided the Children of Abu Lahab | The Firsts | Dr. Omar Suleiman
The only enemy of the Prophet ﷺ mentioned by name in the Quran, yet his own children became Muslim and would read about their father’s punishment. The incredible story of the believing children of the Prophet ﷺ's uncle and how he received them.
Monday, 29 April 2024
Ibn Sina (Avicenna) - The Greatest Muslim Philosopher?
Dive into the timeless wisdom of Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna, and his philosophy. Explore the profound teachings and contributions of this influential Islamic philosopher, physician, and polymath. From his groundbreaking philosophical works to his advancements in medicine and even a famous "proof" for the existence of God. In this episode, we explore the historical context and legacy of one of history's greatest minds.
Friday, 23 February 2024
The Sacred Heart: Understanding the Importance of Jerusalem in Islam
In the tapestry of Islamic faith and history, few cities hold as profound a significance as Jerusalem. Known in Arabic as "Al-Quds," meaning "The Holy," Jerusalem occupies a central place in the hearts and minds of Muslims worldwide. Its importance stems from a rich blend of religious, historical, and cultural significance, weaving together centuries of spiritual devotion and human longing. In this blog post, we delve into the multifaceted importance of Jerusalem in Islam, exploring its sacred sites, historical legacy, and enduring symbolism.
At the core of Jerusalem's significance in Islam lies its association with the Prophet Muhammad's Night Journey (Isra and Mi'raj), a miraculous journey recounted in the Quran and Hadith literature. According to Islamic tradition, the Prophet Muhammad was transported from Mecca to Jerusalem, where he ascended through the heavens, encountering prophets, and ultimately standing in the divine presence. The Al-Aqsa Mosque, located on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, is believed to be the site where the Prophet Muhammad led other prophets in prayer during his night journey, solidifying Jerusalem's sanctity in Islamic belief.
Furthermore, Jerusalem holds a special place in Islamic eschatology, serving as the backdrop for significant events prophesied to occur in the end times. Muslims believe that the Day of Judgment will begin at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, underscoring the city's role in the unfolding of divine destiny. This belief infuses Jerusalem with a sense of sacred anticipation, drawing pilgrims and believers to its gates in search of spiritual fulfillment and divine mercy.
Moreover, Jerusalem's significance in Islam is intrinsically linked to its role as a center of religious pluralism and coexistence. Throughout history, Jerusalem has been home to diverse religious communities, including Muslims, Christians, and Jews, who have lived side by side, sharing the city's sacred spaces and shaping its cultural landscape. Despite periods of conflict and division, Jerusalem's spiritual heritage embodies the Islamic values of tolerance, compassion, and respect for diversity, serving as a beacon of hope for peaceful coexistence in a fractured world.
Jerusalem's importance in Islam also extends beyond its religious significance to encompass its historical and cultural legacy. As the site of significant events in Islamic history, including the Umayyad Caliphate's establishment of the Dome of the Rock and the subsequent rule of various Muslim dynasties, Jerusalem has left an indelible imprint on Islamic civilization. Its architectural marvels, artistic treasures, and literary legacy continue to inspire Muslims worldwide, connecting them to their shared heritage and collective memory.
In today's world, where political tensions and territorial disputes often overshadow Jerusalem's spiritual essence, it is essential to reclaim and reaffirm its sacred status in Islamic consciousness. By recognizing Jerusalem as a symbol of unity, peace, and divine presence, Muslims can uphold its sanctity and honor its rich heritage, transcending narrow political agendas and fostering a deeper sense of spiritual solidarity.
In conclusion, Jerusalem holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims as a city of profound spiritual significance, historical importance, and cultural resonance. Its sacred sites, prophetic legacy, and enduring symbolism continue to inspire believers around the world, uniting them in their reverence for the city's divine mysteries. As we reflect on Jerusalem's timeless allure, let us strive to uphold its sanctity, preserve its heritage, and nurture its potential as a symbol of hope, reconciliation, and peace for all humanity.
Tuesday, 31 October 2023
Wednesday, 4 October 2023
Resilient Souls: Stories of Spanish Muslims
Introducing a groundbreaking documentary exploring the lives of converted Spanish Muslims who, for the first time ever, are opening their doors to international media and sharing their inspiring stories with a global audience. The resilient community invited TRT World into their homes, offering a rare glimpse into their captivating lives. Discover their remarkable journeys — filled with both triumphs and challenges — as they navigate the intricate tapestry of being Muslim in the heart of Europe. Witness the joy, struggles and unique perspectives that shape their identity and contribute to the rich multicultural fabric of Spain.
Monday, 24 July 2023
Friday, 23 June 2023
The History Of Al-Khawarij
The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, warned his followers of a group of people who would arise after his death. The Prophet mentioned their arrival and characteristics no less than 10 times. Among the characteristics he mentioned were: They would worship so much that “you shall consider your worship and your prayer and your recitation of the Qur’an to be nothing compared to theirs.” Meaning, their outward actions, like praying and reciting the Qur’an, would be on overdrive. And yet, “They shall recite the Qur’an but it will not leave their throats.” Meaning that their understanding of the Qur’an will not go any farther than their recitation, and they will not have religious knowledge or insight.
Wednesday, 31 May 2023
The History Of Al-Khawarij
The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, warned his followers of a group of people who would arise after his death. The Prophet mentioned their arrival and characteristics no less than 10 times. Among the characteristics he mentioned were: They would worship so much that “you shall consider your worship and your prayer and your recitation of the Qur’an to be nothing compared to theirs.” Meaning, their outward actions, like praying and reciting the Qur’an, would be on overdrive. And yet, “They shall recite the Qur’an but it will not leave their throats.” Meaning that their understanding of the Qur’an will not go any farther than their recitation, and they will not have religious knowledge or insight.

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