DoubleTake, a Yaqeen podcast (Yaqeen Institute)

In 1989, at fifteen years old, Dr. Yusef Salaam was tried and convicted in the “Central Park Jogger” case along with four other Black and Latino teenage boys.  The infamous case made headlines around the world. The Exonerated Five spent between seven to 13 years behind bars for crimes they did not commit, until their sentences were overturned in 2002.

Today, we’re sitting down with Dr. Yusef Salaam to talk about how his experiences have shaped his relationship with Allah, including his thoughts on dealing with doubt, building tawakkul, and finding sources of strength.

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Season 3 of DoubleTake is finally here! New episodes will be released weekly starting next Wednesday, inshaAllah - starting with four Ramadan specials!

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Note: The quote Ustadha Ieasha mentions at 8:00 (“Allah says…”) is not a verse from the Qur’an, but a quote from the Israa’eeliyyaat, a narration from the people of the Book. It means that Allah (SWT) puts love and knowledge of Himself in the heart of His slave.

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In verse 183 of Surat al-Baqara, Allah says, “O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you—so perhaps you will become mindful of Allah.”  Every Ramadan is full of reminders that the purpose of fasting is to gain taqwa, meaning mindfulness of God, or God-consciousness. But how exactly does that work? What is the relationship between what our bodies physically consume and the states of our hearts? What should be mindful of throughout our fasts so we can achieve the goal Allah intends for us?

In this episode, Ustadha Ieasha Prime joins the show for a special presentation about how fasting protects and cleanses the heart, followed by a personal reflection by host Mohamad Zaoud.

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Ramadan is the month Muslims wait all year for. It’s a time when devils are chained and mosques are full of worshipers. But what does it mean if we find ourselves falling into familiar sins during this blessed month? Can our fasts still be accepted if we commit sins while fasting? And what does an ideal Ramadan fast look like? How can we make the most of the moments when we aren’t able to worship directly?

In this Ramadan special, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Dr. Tamara Gray, founder of Rabata and senior fellow at Yaqeen Institute, about making the most of fasting.

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We often hear that Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world, but conversions to Islam aren’t necessarily the main reason for this growth. In fact, despite the appeal of Islam to many people who seek the truth about God, joining a new faith community can be difficult, and some converts struggle to hold onto their religion. What are some of the challenges that new Muslims face? What can Muslims do, as communities and individuals, to help converts on their journeys? What role can Ramadan play to strengthen their resolve? Join host Mohamad Zaoud as he sits down with Sh. Abdullah Oduro, Head of Convert Resources at Yaqeen Institute, to discuss the convert experience.

Additional Resources for New Muslims:
New Muslim Landing page
Telegram community
Survey 

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For many people, our Ramadan excitement is high at the beginning, lower near the middle, and high again toward the end. 

But the question is: Where does that excitement go after Ramadan? More importantly, if one of the signs of an accepted Ramadan is the continuation of our deeds after the month comes to an end, if one of the signs of an accepted Ramadan is the continuation of our deeds after the month comes to an end, does that mean there are consequences to slowing down? Is this dip inevitable, or is there something we can do to stop it? 

In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Ustadha Lobna Mulla, Board Member at Yaqeen Institute, about overcoming the post-Ramadan dip.

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Jealousy is a complex emotion that causes anger, sadness, pettiness, and other negative feelings. Nobody wants to feel jealous, yet this hyper-connected age of oversharing makes it easier than ever to become consumed by it. What causes jealousy? What are the psychological and spiritual harms of letting it fester? How can our relationship with Allah help us make sense of these feelings? In the first episode of a two-part special, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Sr. Sarah Sultan and Sr. Najwa Awad, co-authors of the Yaqeen Institute paper, “‘Why Is Everyone’s Life Better than Mine?’ Protecting Yourself from the Dangers of Comparison.”

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Jealousy can be psychologically and spiritually devastating if it goes unchecked, but that doesn’t have to be the case. 

How can we detect jealousy before damage is done? What role does social media play in worsening these feelings? How can we remove jealousy from our hearts and protect ourselves from feeling it again? 

In the second episode of a two-part special, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Sr. Sarah Sultan and Sr. Najwa Awad, co-authors of the Yaqeen Institute paper, “‘Why Is Everyone’s Life Better than Mine?’ Protecting Yourself from the Dangers of Comparison.”

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If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the S∪icide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or to you local prevention centers or mental health experts . 
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S∪icide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and despite what some may believe, Muslims are not immune to it. As such, it is necessary for us to understand how best to respond to it. 

What is Islam’s position on s∪icide and those who passed away from it? How should we respond as a community when we lose someone in this way? What can we do as individuals to protect ourselves and others from this crisis? 

In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud sits down with Dr. Farah Islam, Director of the Psychospirituality Department at Yaqeen Institute, to explore these questions and discuss suicide prevention.


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The contents of this episode are for general informational purposes only, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any condition or disease or substitute for medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health professional, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.


#mentalhealth #islam #yaqeeninstitute

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Every culture has expectations for men and women about their roles at home and in society, but the line between cultural practices and religious duty isn’t always clear. The role of men is often reduced to being the financial provider for the home, but does this fully capture their responsibilities?

Are the roles of men and women in the home interchangeable, or are there distinct Islamic expectations for each? How can men balance these responsibilities to become ideal fathers and husbands?

In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy, co-author of the Yaqeen Institute paper “Gender Uniqueness in Islam and the Significance of Fatherhood.” Read it here.

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Pørnography. It’s a word that’s taboo to say out loud in many of our communities, yet it’s responsible for psychological, spiritual, and social harms on a scale that is almost impossible to comprehend. While it is common knowledge that watching pornography is forbidden in Islam, its addictive nature makes it difficult to overcome. 

What are the harms of watching this content? What are the underlying issues that cause people to turn to it, and why do they have a hard time turning away? What can we do to stop this habit before it becomes an addiction?

Join host Mohamad Zaoud for a conversation with Dr. Omar Husain, Head of Instruction at Yaqeen Institute and Assistant Professor at Seattle University in the Clinical Mental Health Program. 

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Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and more. Cryptocurrency has continuously made headlines in recent years, but despite the popularity of the subject, it seems like there is still no consensus about how Muslims should engage with it. ⁠
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What should Muslims know about investing in cryptocurrency? ⁠
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How can we be mindful of Islamic values while trying to keep up with the latest trends in finance? ⁠
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What can we do to take ownership of our financial futures? ⁠
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In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Sh. Joe Bradford, one of the leading experts on issues involving Muslims and Finance in North America, about how Muslims fit into the world of cryptocurrency. ⁠

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Abortion is dominating headlines as the United States Supreme Court considers a decision that could lead to it being outlawed in many states. While the political debate is framed as being either pro-life or pro-choice, the Islamic perspective is not so simple. 

Is abortion halal or haram, and are there any exceptions? What principles do Muslim scholars use to determine their understanding? How should we be thinking about this issue on an individual and political level? 

In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Dr. Omar Suleiman and Sr. Hanaa Hasan about the Islamic perspective on abortion and the article Islam and the Abortion Debate. 

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The James Webb Space Telescope is set to be operational by July as NASA’s flagship mission in astrophysics. In the coming years, we are expected to learn more about the first stars and galaxies after the Big Bang, and we may see significant progress toward becoming a multi-planetary species. 

What does Islam have to say about the importance of space exploration? How does the Big Bang fit into our understanding of creation from the Islamic perspective? Does studying space have any importance to our daily lives as Muslims? 

In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to astrophysicist and data scientist Dr. Aycha Tammour, about how Muslims should think about space exploration.

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The importance of mental health is discussed everywhere today, from workplaces and schools to television shows and social media. In most cases, however, it has a distinctly secular approach. There is rarely any mention of the role that faith and spirituality can play in mental well-being.

A recent study by Yaqeen makes the case that religiosity is not only relevant to mental health, but central to it.

What are the biggest factors affecting the mental health of Muslims? How can religiosity lead to positive psychological outcomes? Can religiosity even be measured?

In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Dr. Osman Umarji and Dr. Farah Islam, co-authors of “Faith in Mind: Islam’s Role in Mental Health.” Read the study here.

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No matter which religion a person is born into, we all eventually face the same question: “Do I really believe in God?” The Qur’an tells us that the signs of His existence are spread all over the world around us, yet today, more than ever before, people are saying it’s not enough.

Is it possible to prove God’s existence? What is the strongest argument for His existence, and do we have evidence for it in our tradition? Beyond proving God’s existence, how do we know that He is worthy of worship?

In the Season 4 premiere of DoubleTake, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Sh. Hamza Karamali, founder of Basira Education, about proving the existence of God.

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Three-in-ten American adults describe themselves as atheists, agnostics or “nothing in particular” when they are asked about their religious identity, according to a Pew Research report from December 2021. Proving God’s existence is important, but it’s not the end of the conversation.

What distinguishes the Islamic perspective on God from other religious traditions? How certain can we be that Islam is correct? What are people missing when they choose to follow other religions?

Join host Mohamad Zaoud as he discusses these questions and more with Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy, Associate Director of the Systematic Theology Department at Yaqeen.

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When people choose to follow a religion, they are often looking for feelings of peace, contentment, and connection to a higher power. This feeling of spirituality is central to the life of a Muslim, but some may feel like it’s not necessary to follow a religion in order to experience it. They might consider themselves spiritual, but not religious. 

Do sentiments like this help people come closer to God? Can a person be spiritual without being religious? What does an Islamic approach to spirituality look like? 

Mohamad Zaoud explores these questions and more with Imam Tom Facchine, a fellow at Yaqeen and the Imam of Utica Masjid in New York.

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When Facebook changed its company name to Meta, it doubled down on its commitment to the future of the internet: the so-called “metaverse.” But with tech companies laying off thousands of employees and billions of dollars being wiped out in the cryptocurrency bubble collapse, the future is still unclear, and preparing for it seems as confusing as ever. 

What is Web3, and what will it change about how we use the internet? As Muslims, how should we assess the risks and opportunities offered by this new frontier? How can we utilize the latest technologies as a means of better serving Islam, Muslims, and the world at large?

In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Sh. Mustafa Umar, a fellow at Yaqeen and the Religious Director at the Islamic Center of Irvine.

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In Surat Faatir, Chapter 35 verse 6, Allah (SWT) says, “Indeed, Shaytan (Satan) is an enemy to you; so take him as an enemy.” One of the weapons at Satan’s disposal is his whispering. 

What does it mean for Satan to whisper to us? How do we draw the line between his whisperings and our own thoughts? What is the relationship between these whisperings and obsessive-compulsive disorder? 

In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Sr. Najwa Awad, a fellow at Yaqeen Institute and author of the paper, “Clinicians, Imams, and the Whisperings of Satan.”

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The most authentic and verified texts for Muslims, after the Qur’an, are the books of Hadith. They’re foundational to how we understand and practice our religion. 

But if the Qur’an is complete and perfect, why do we even need the Hadith? What is the method that scholars use to determine if the Prophet (S) really said something? How can we be certain that we are understanding and applying the Prophet's (S) narrations correctly?

In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Dr. Jonathan Brown, the Director of History and Islamic Thought at Yaqeen.

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Some of the most popular influencers today are being hailed as guides and teachers for boys and men. They claim to understand the challenges that men are facing, and they say they have the solutions. 

Why are people talking so much about masculinity, and are these conversations productive? What does the Islamic tradition have to say about what it means to be a real man? What are the values that men should be building in order to thrive in the modern world? 

In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Dr. Osman Umarji, the Director of Survey Research and Evaluation at Yaqeen.


#podcast #masculinity #islam 

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In the 51st chapter of the Qur’an, verse 22, Allah (SWT) says, “In heaven is your rizq and whatever you are promised.” Rizq, meaning provision or sustenance, comes in different forms, but Allah is clear that He is the One who provides it. 

Can we control our rizq to get the things we want? If our provision is already determined, what is the purpose of our effort? How can our understanding of God as The Provider change our day-to-day actions? 

Join host Mohamad Zaoud for a conversation with Dr. Jinan Yousef, a fellow at Yaqeen and author of the popular book, "Reflecting on the Names of Allah." 

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On February 6th, a devastating earthquake hit Türkiye and Syria. Over 12,000 lives have been lost, and thousands more have been injured and displaced. When tragedies and disasters occur, it’s understandable to wonder, “Why did God let this happen?” Are natural disasters a form of punishment from God? Are they a warning to turn back to Him? If Allah is Merciful, why does He allow suffering to exist? Join host Mohamad Zaoud as he discusses these questions and more with Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy, author of the Yaqeen paper, “Why Do People Suffer? God’s Existence & the Problem of Evil.”

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The Prophet (S) once critically said, “O people! Some of you scare people away [from faith].” He was addressing the best generation of Muslims when he said this, so it certainly still applies today.

Are Muslim communities pushing women away today? What do we lose when women are disengaged from Islamic institutions? How can we improve access and connection to the tradition for Muslim women?

Earlier this season we talked about The State of Masculinity. This week, join host Mohamad Zaoud in conversation with Ustadha Lobna Mulla and Ustadha Maryam Amir as they discuss how we can make our communities better for women.

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In Surat al-Hujurat verse 18, Allah (SWT) says: “Surely Allah knows the Unseen of the heavens and earth. And Allah is All-Seeing of what you do.” Al-Ghaib, or the Unseen, refers to knowledge that is only known to Allah, such as knowledge about the angels and jinn, heaven and hell, and fate and predestination. 

Why do we struggle to connect with and be motivated by the Unseen? Can we prove the existence of the Unseen? How can connecting with the Unseen world help us come closer to God? 

Join host Mohamad Zaoud for the season four finale of DoubleTake with Dr. Omar Suleiman, founder of Yaqeen Institute. 

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Have you ever heard something about Islam that made you double take? Questions like “with our political climate, will my children be Muslim?” or “if God is the Most Merciful, why does Hellfire exist?” 
Welcome to DoubleTake, Yaqeen Institute's new podcast exploring Islamic topics that give us pause. Join our host Mohamad Zaoud as he explores difficult questions with experts and scholars so that you don't have to be left wondering. 

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In a recent study of over 17,000 individuals, 64% of them had experienced something traumatic during their childhood years. Trauma can be something your friend endured as a child, an event your sibling has kept private to themselves, or a load that you have been quietly carrying with you without even realizing it. In this episode, host Mohammed Zaoud talks to licensed therapists Najwa Awad, LSCW-C and Sarah Sultan, LPC, LMHC, authors of the Yaqeen Institute series “Trauma: Your Lord Has Not Forsaken You,” about the impact of trauma on faith.

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The question of how Islam started from a small desert city in the Arabian Peninsula to eventually reach Spain and China is sometimes reduced to the faith being “spread by the sword.”

In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Hassam Munir, author of the Yaqeen Institute paper “Did Islam Spread by the Sword? A Critical Look at Forced Conversions,” to deconstruct this narrative.

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The Qur’an frequently describes God as the Most Merciful, but it also describes the severity of Hellfire. How do we reconcile God’s mercy with His punishment? In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud explores this question with Sheikh Mohammad Elshinawy, author of the Yaqeen Institute paper “The Infinitely Merciful and the Question of Hellfire.”

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Tahajjud, or qiyaam ul-layl, is the voluntary night prayer that was recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is a simple act of worship that can have profound benefits. In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Dr. Tamara Gray, author of the Yaqeen Institute paper “Tahajjud: Fuel for the Self and Society,” about how tahajjud can reinvigorate your personal relationship with God and your ability to contribute to positive social change.

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Apostasy and atheism have been on the rise in America in the past decade. Although Muslim families transmit their religious affiliation to their children at higher rates than Christians in America, approximately 20% of those raised as Muslims do not identify as Muslim in adulthood.

In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Dr. Osman Umarji, author of the Yaqeen Institute paper “Will My Children Be Muslim? The Development of Religious Identity in Young People,” about how families can socialize their children to develop a healthy Islamic identity.

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COVID-19 vaccines are becoming more available around the world, and people are starting to return to their places of work, recreation, and worship. However, life still feels far from normal for many of us. How have the lives of Muslims changed during the past year? What can we learn from the experiences of early Muslims who endured similar plagues?
Host Mohamad Zaoud explores these questions and more as he speaks to Dr. Rania Awaad, Research Fellow at Yaqeen Institute and lead author of the paper “Coping with Pandemics: Psychological and Spiritual Lessons from Islamic History.”

DoubleTake will be going on hiatus during Ramadan and will resume on May 19th insha'Allah.

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There is a rapidly growing industry in the Western world dedicated to fighting radicalization, the process of individuals developing an intent to support or commit acts of political violence. But is this industry accomplishing what it claims to be working toward? If it is, then at what cost? In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Dr. Tarek Younis, author of the Yaqeen Institute paper “Counter Radicalization - A Critical Look into a Racist New Industry,” about the racism that underlies strategies and policies like Countering Violent Extremism (USA) and Prevent (UK).

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Seeking forgiveness after wronging someone can be difficult, but how do we seek redemption from the Lord of the Universe? How do we know that our repentance has been accepted? And if God is All-Powerful, All-Knowing, and the Most Merciful, why do we have to seek forgiveness in the first place?

In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud sits down with Sr. Roohi Tahir to discuss her Yaqeen Institute paper "Repentance, Redemption, & Salvation: An Islamic Framework.”

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It can often be unclear what causes someone to struggle with their faith and identity as a Muslim. The roots of religious doubt can vary from person to person, and they manifest in ways that may be contrary to popular belief. To better understand this phenomenon, Dr. Youssef Chouhoud fielded a survey of over 600 Muslims across America and asked them to share their opinions on various social, political, and religious issues. In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud sits down with Dr. Chouhoud to understand his findings on the sources, subjects, and manifestations of religious doubt outlined in his Yaqeen Institute paper "What Causes Muslims to Doubt Islam? A Quantitative Analysis."

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Aisha (ra), the wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, was known for her level of scholarship, her love for the Messenger ﷺ, and her love for Islam. Yet these days, many conversations about her life center on the age when she got married. How can we understand this incident considering how we view marriage today? More importantly, what are we missing by reducing her story and contributions to simply a number? 
Mohamad Zaoud explores these questions with Ustdha Nuriddeen Knight, author of the Yaqeen Institute paper “The Woman Behind the Number: The Irrelevance of the Age of ‘Aisha (ra).”

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The document known as the ‘Constitution of Medina’ has been described as the first-ever written constitution in human history. Some attempt to use it to defend and formulate their political views, while others question its authenticity and significance. How important is the ‘Constitution of Medina’ to our view of an ideal society? What were the major goals and themes of this document? How relevant are they to our practice and understanding of Islam today? In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Dr. Ovamir Anjum, author of the Yaqeen Institute paper “The ‘Constitution’ of Medina: Translation, Commentary, and Meaning Today.”

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The struggle for social justice has shaped many of our conversations in recent years. Issues like police brutality, income inequality, and the oppression of minorities are at the forefront of the minds of many. What does Islam have to say about our role as believers in addressing social injustices? What are the issues that we should be mindful of as we enter activist spaces? How can we navigate these spaces without compromising our faith? In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Dr. Omar Suleiman, author of the Yaqeen Institute paper “Faithful Activism: A Sunnah Framework,” about how Muslims should approach social activism.

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We hope you enjoyed season 1! Catch up on Season 1 if you haven't already and make sure to follow us on Instagram for Season 2 updates.

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The DoubleTake production team makes their first on-camera appearance, alongside host Mohamad Zaoud, to talk about season one, their favorite episodes so far, and what they’re looking forward to exploring in Season Two: The World Through the Qur’an.

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The Qur’an is the rope of Allah that saves all who hold onto it. It is nourishment for our souls and a light that discerns between truth and falsehood. But its messages and meanings cannot be unlocked without tadabbur: deep and regular reflection. What role should the Qur’an play in the daily lives of those who believe its message? What are the barriers preventing us from building meaningful and transformative relationships with the Qur’an? What steps can we take to finally feel like we’re connecting with God’s final message?

In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Sheikh Mohammad Elshinawy, co-author of the Yaqeen Institute paper “Keys to Tadabbur: How to Reflect Deeply on the Qur’an.”

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Human beings naturally desire to be in a state of peace, but understanding what that means can be complicated, and the journey to attaining it is full of challenges and distractions.

Allah tells us that He is as-Salām, the Flawless, the Source of Peace. How can our understanding of God transform our hearts? What does it look like to be in a state of peace? Where should we start if we feel distant from as-Salām?

In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Dr. Jinan Yousef, author of the Yaqeen Institute paper, “Seeking the Source of Peace: Allah’s Name as as-Salām.”

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God has promised us that with every hardship comes ease, and we know that He does not send any tests or difficulties without the means to seek His aid and relief. Why, then, do we sometimes struggle to trust His plan? What is missing from our understanding of God that can help us feel comfortable with the unknown? What does it look like to do our part and take action?
In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Sr. Roohi Tahir, author of the Yaqeen Institute paper “In Hardship and in Ease: How to Rely on God.”

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God has given us the ability to reach out to Him for guidance and support in all our affairs, and one of the most challenging of those affairs is parenthood. God does not expect us to fulfill our responsibilities on our own, and He has filled the Qur’an with examples of righteous parents and their prayers for their children.

What is missing from our lives when we neglect to pray for our children? What can we learn about ourselves from the things we choose to pray for? What can we learn from the Qur’an about the role of prayer in managing difficulties with our children?

In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Sh. Ibrahim Hindy, presenter of the Yaqeen Institute video series “Keys to Prophetic Parenting.”

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The consumption of drugs and alcohol is a subject that is under-discussed and understudied in the Muslim community. The legalization of marijuana and easy access to vapes and electronic cigarettes should push parents and guardians to take the lead on these conversations in their homes.
What is driving people, young and old, to consume drugs and alcohol? How can parents cultivate relationships that open the door to healthy communication? What can we learn from the Qur’an and Sunnah about how to teach prevention?
In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Dr. Jibran Khokhar, author of the Yaqeen Institute paper, “Talking to Teens about Drugs and Alcohol: A Qur’anic Approach.”

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“Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” This phrase from the United States Declaration of Independence presents three examples of rights that it says have been given to all people. 

But what does “happiness” mean from a Quranic perspective? What’s the difference between how Muslims think of happiness compared to people of other faiths? What does the journey to attaining happiness look like? 

In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Dr. Yasien Mohamed, author of the Yaqeen Institute paper “The Idea of Happiness in the Qur’an.”

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Have you ever felt it was difficult to follow Islamic practices?

Learning about Islam is a necessary part of every Muslim’s faith journey, but sometimes, we come across rules and recommendations that may feel confusing or overwhelming. We might feel like our day-to-day experiences in the West clash with our practice of Islam and make our lives feel more difficult. 

What should we do when we feel burdened by Islamic rulings and recommendations? How can we make sense of rules that feel disconnected from our perspectives and daily lives? 
How can we understand the wisdom behind rulings that we find difficult to follow? 

Join Mohamad Zaoud as he explores these questions and more with Dr. Tesneem Alkiek, Director of Expanded Learning at Yaqeen Institute.


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The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) compared the believers to one body; when one limb aches, the whole body feels it. However, the members of this body come from different backgrounds, and this can sometimes cause us to become disconnected from one another and from our responsibilities to each other. 

What can we learn from the different experiences of Muslims from different socioeconomic backgrounds? How can poverty and wealth affect our relationship with God? 

In a special episode of DoubleTake, host Mohamad Zaoud sits down with Dr. Tahir Wyatt, the Director of the Systematic Theology Department at Yaqeen Institute, to discuss his background, his work in the inner city of Philadelphia, the relationship between material circumstances and faith, and how we can find our place in our local communities.

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Islam was revolutionary at preserving and elevating the rights of women when it was revealed over 1400 years ago, but today’s challenges and sensibilities may cause us to wonder if that is still the case. However, many of our concerns have been addressed as early as the time of the Prophet (S), when female companions asked him about differences in the way men and women were addressed in the Qur’an. 

Are the concerns of women secondary to the concerns of men in Islam? How can we make sense of Qur’an verses and Hadith narrations that challenge our understanding of the status of women? How can we better understand these issues at a time when it seems like good role models are hard to come by? 

In this episode, join Mohamad Zaoud for a conversation on women in Islam with special guest Ustadha Zaynab Ansari.

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Human beings are imperfect, and no one knows this better than God, but He has given us resources that can help us better understand our shortcomings and how to come back when we stray from His path. 

Where do sins come from, and what can we do to protect ourselves from them? What’s the difference between sins that come from ourselves and those that are inspired by shaytaan? Why is it that we sometimes feel numb to our sins, and what can we do to change that? 

In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Sh. Yahya Ibrahim, presenter of the Yaqeen Institute video series “Road to Return.”

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Modern technology has made it easier than ever to instantly connect with a world far bigger than our local neighborhoods. It’s given us the opportunity to learn, work, and keep up with our loved ones no matter where we are, and in the midst of a global pandemic, this has been a blessing for a lot of people. However, the smartphone era has also introduced new challenges to our spirituality that we aren’t always aware of.

Are smartphones tools that we can use to our benefit, or are they designed to be harmful? What are the spiritual consequences of our over-reliance on social media and modern technology? What can we do to mitigate the harms of technology as we strive to connect with God?

In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Dr. Zara Khan, author of the Yaqeen Institute paper, “Taking Account of Tech: Fulfilling Our Personhood in the Smartphone Era.”

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Among the most foundational beliefs of Muslims is that the Qur’an is the divine, preserved, unparalleled Speech of God. The Qur’an itself challenges those who deny it to “produce something like it” if they are truthful in their claim. This is known as the eternal challenge of the Qur’an, and it is part of demonstrating that the Qur’an’s authorship cannot reasonably be attributed to anyone but God.

What does it mean for the Qur’an to be miraculous in nature? What are the different proofs that show us this is true? How does this knowledge affect our relationship with God and with His Book?

In the season 2 finale of DoubleTake, join host Mohamad Zaoud for a conversation with Sh. Suleiman Hani, author of the Yaqeen Institute paper “Introduction to I’jāz al-Qur’ān: The Miraculous Nature of the Qur’an.”

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