Not Another Mum Pod (Nafisa and Tasneem)

Tune in to hear what Celina has to say about how some mosques (masjids) treat single mothers of boys and what impact this has on keeping children connected to their faith. For the full episode, listen to episode 4 where Celina shares her story about why she left Islam and how she found her way back again.

Visit www.notanothermumpod.com

At the end of the fourth and final week of Ramadan, I share a bird’s-eye-view of this holy month and the impact Covid-19 has had on the world and families in Lockdown. This diary entry was part of the Museum of London’s Ramadan Stories Project, documenting the lives of Muslims experiencing Ramadan in lockdown. 

This is the heart-breaking story of Naadia's journey of living with terminal cancer; her fears, her heartbreak, not only battling with her health but also her faith. She shares how Keto gave her a new lease of life, how she remains positive in the face of darkness, and how she is cementing her legacy today.

***For the best audio experience, please use earphone.***

Warning: This topic is triggering. So please be aware of that.

For more episodes, visit: www.notanothermumpod.com

Disclaimer:

By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, including, but not limited to patients that you're treating. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.

Any views or opinions expressed in this podcast is our own and not representative of anybody's or organisation. This topic is triggering. So please be aware of that.

As a little thank you for all your support, here’s a little bonus track following our last episode revealing how we met our other halves! Tune in to hear brief stories of pre-marital encounters that will leave you gasping! 🤣

Nafisa and Tasneem x

Visit www.notanothermumpod.com

In this new episode, we talk to Celina Hanif about what caused her to leave Islam and how she found her way back again. We discuss what the Muslim community can do to support those having a crisis of faith, especially young people and how we as individual Muslims all have a role to play. Celina Hanif is a Master practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming and hypnosis. She is also a divorce coach who helps South Asians recreate, rebuild and restore their lives post-divorce. She is also a full-time mum and home educator to her four boys.

***For the best audio experience, please use earphones.***

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on these podcasts are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Not Another Mum Pod’s management or of any sponsors. Any content provided by our contributors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, identity (gender or sexual) club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.

Visit www.notanothermumpod.com

This episode is the first of two episodes that explores an asexual marriage. The intention behind this candid conversation is to bring to light the serious issues that can happen in a marriage, that nobody openly talks about.

We'll be hearing the story of sister Aleenah, who recently got divorced as her husband refused to sleep with her. It led her to believe he was, in fact, gay. Aleenah's story highlights the importance of how far we should actually compromise when we're under pressure to marry.

The question to ask ourselves is to what degree should our sisters compromise when getting married as well as during the marriage, and when do warning signs become too serious to ignore?

WARNING: this is an explicit episode with adult themes and language. Please put your earphones on and listen to this in private.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on these podcasts are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Not Another Mum Pod’s management or of any sponsors. Any content provided by our contributors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, identity (gender or sexual) club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.

Visit www.notanothermumpod.com

“People have this idea that child marriage is like a child being taken, kicking and screaming into a room and being chained or roped up or tied up, and then forced to sign somewhere. Force is not a gun to your head or a knife to your throat.

Force is coercion. Force is pressure. Force is that invisible, intangible cycle that is created around you, that if you say no, you're damned, and if you say yes, you're damned.” 

How many of us know someone or have heard about someone who has suffered from domestic abuse? How many of us know someone or have heard of someone who has been pressured or coerced into a marriage? This episode delves right into a harrowing story of how Samra Zafar was pressured into a marriage at a young age only to be stifled into an existence of abuse from her parents to husband and mother-in-law. From emotional abuse to spiritual, from verbal to physical, from sexual to financial abuse - there was no stone unturned. Samra rose from the ashes by finding the courage to learn what was happening to her. Armed with knowledge, she began to plan her escape. Samra Zafar is now an award-winning international speaker, author, scholar, and entrepreneur who advocates for equity, inclusion, and human rights.

This podcast is campaigning against domestic abuse with: gov.uk/domestic-abuse, supporting the ‘Ask for ANI’ scheme, which allows those at risk or suffering from abuse to discreetly signal that they need help and access support. 

Anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse and needs immediate help can Ask for ‘ANI’ in a participating pharmacy. If a pharmacy has the ‘Ask for ANI’ logo on display, it means they’re ready to help. They will offer you a private space, provide a phone and ask if you need support from the police or other domestic abuse support services.

Action Needed Immediately!

Do you feel controlled, belittled or isolated by a partner or family member? This is domestic abuse and it is never your fault. Help is always available and You Are Not Alone. You do not deserve abuse. You deserve support. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, Ask for ANI in phramacies displaying the 'Ask for Ani' logo to get immediate help to call the police or support services.

For free helplines support and advice visit gov.uk/domestic-abuse.

#DomesticAbuse #AskForANI #YouAreNotAlone 

http://www.smart.bio/notanothermumpod

WARNING: this is an explicit episode with adult themes and language. Please put your earphones on and listen to this in private. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as a medical or mental health advice to treat yourself or others, please consult your own physician for any diagnosis.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on these podcasts are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Not Another Mum Pod’s management or of any sponsors. Any content provided by our contributors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, identity (gender or sexual) club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.

The outro ends our episodes with a reminder of how to stay in touch and all our contact/social media details. It then moves onto a clip of our children still hanging on to us, threatening to 'stay awake forever' (oh dear Lord!) as well as trying to get us to fit into their bed to cuddle them. We end with our night prayer to the backdrop of another child crying.

This is every mum's life.

We hope our podcast gives you a breather from all things 'mumsy'.

Instagram sea shanty on the ‘Story of Palestine’ was viewed 10 MILLION times in 48 HOURS! In honour of Palestine, especially for our audience, from the singer/songwriter herself, Tiktoker Eman Askar, an Egyptian mother of two, who became an overnight sensation when she sang an adaptation of “The Wellerman” sea shanty, shares her own story for you. 

Her song went viral after she replaced the lyrics to explain the history of Palestine and how the illegitimate Israeli occupation came about, resulting in 10 million views!. She has a special message for our listeners and talks about her story of how this song came about from a picture from her childhood.

This episode is the final part of two episodes that explores an asexual marriage. The intention behind this candid conversation is to bring to light the serious issues that can happen in a marriage, that nobody openly talks about. We hear a brutally honest account of Aleena’s short-lived marriage.

This is not a discussion about the rights and wrongs of same sex attraction in Islam - rather it is focussed on the manipulative behaviour of someone we believe who has not come out of the closet, who wilfully misled his wife into marrying him only to then bodyshame her and make her feel inadequate, rather than owning his sexuality and being honest.

Any comments made referring to Aleena’s husband, is not in reference to his sexuality; rather they are directed to his behaviour as a husband.

Listen to episode 5 for part 1.

WARNING: this is an explicit episode with adult themes and language. Please put your earphones on and listen to this in private.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on these podcasts are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Not Another Mum Pod’s management or of any sponsors. Any content provided by our contributors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, identity (gender or sexual) club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.

Visit www.notanothermumpod.com

This three-minute pod gem is the last of a trilogy of podcasts discussing themes around pictures of collections from the Museum of London (Memories of London Programme) as well as their intergenerational London Lives Podcast. They were originally created in order to inspire a musical story which is accessible for people living with dementia and their families. 

Theme 3: Winter & Snow

In this final trilogy, Saami and I have a photo of two children playing with snow. We discuss some fond memories of winter as well as share some fun facts about snow, ending with some reflections of emotions that are connected with our memories.

This episode is the SECOND part of two episodes that uncovers Uzma’s story of how she was abused by a renowned spiritual leader. With the help of a trained counsellor Ramzia Akbari, specialising in sexual abuse and cults, we discover how the trauma of what happened to Uzma in childhood, reared its ugly head in adulthood at a time when she should have been the happiest. Ramzia offers valuable advice about grooming and influence as well as techniques on how to recognise and combat these forms of abuse. Ramzia is a senior counsellor qualified in Therapeutic counselling and works with a faith and culturally sensitive, Islamic counselling model. This topic is triggering.

WARNING: this is an explicit episode with adult themes and language. Please put your earphones on and listen to this in private. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as a medical or mental health advice to treat yourself or others, please consult your own physician for any diagnosis.

Visit www.notanothermumpod.com for more episodes.

This three-minute pod gem is the second of a trilogy of podcasts discussing themes around pictures of collections from the Museum of London (Memories of London Programme) as well as their intergenerational London Lives Podcast. They were originally created in order to inspire a musical story which is accessible for people living with dementia and their families. 

Theme 2: Fun & Games 

In this snapshot, we are presented with an old photo of children playing 'hopscotch', prompting us to talk about the advancement of games today compared to yesteryears and whether the latter fostered more creativity. 

Finding The One is hard enough - but throw a pandemic into the mix and it's almost impossible... or is it? Join us in this candid conversation about halal dating in the COVID-19 era with Merium Bhuiyan, CEO and Founder of CakeFace Makeup. Find out what it's truly like to 'halal date' in the midst of a global pandemic; how prospective husbands slide into her DMs, and what happens when a right swipe doesn't quite go according to plan.

WARNING: this is an explicit episode with adult themes and language. Please put your earphones on and listen to this in private. 

Villain or heroine, friend or foe? We’ll let you decide as we speak to second-wife Layla who shares her story of how she became caught up in a love triangle.

From dealing with sharing her husband to revealing what goes on behind closed doors, we ask Layla all the difficult questions about her life with the ‘man who has it all’ … or does he? Tune in and let us know your thoughts! 

This is the first part of two episodes covering stories of polygamy in Islam, hearing directly from the wives in question.

Listener discretion is advised.

Follow us on: https://www.smart.bio/notanothermumpod/

#PodGems Week 1 diary: Lockdown loss

Entering Ramadan 2020, I share my first diary entry where I reflect on the loss of a loved one in Corona times, and say a prayer for all as we live through unprecedented times. This diary entry was part of the Museum of London’s Ramadan Stories Project, documenting the lives of Muslims experiencing Ramadan in lockdown. 

Here we reflect on three main lessons we learnt living through this pandemic and how this has shaped our lives today. So many of you will definitely relate! Share your lessons with us too.

Visit www.notanothermumpod.com

Here, I interview my 8 year-old son, Saami, giving a snapshot of how Ramadan in lockdown looked like for our family - what was different from last year and what was particularly challenging for us in these unprecedented times. This final pod gem brings the Ramadan Stories series to a close.

In this powerful episode, Gamila and Nadia Ali from BBC Asian Network join us to share their experiences of surviving honor-based abuse, as part of the UK Government’s honour-based abuse campaign.

Gamila opens about the deep trauma she endured—from being forced into marriage with her first cousin - who she had never met, to the humiliation of virginity testing, to enduring years of abuse before finally finding freedom. Nadia, who also faced a form of Honour-Based Abuse, in the form of coercive control in her first marriage, shares her journey and discusses her commitment to advocating for those affected by these abusive behaviours. Join us for an unfiltered conversation about resilience, courage, and the strength it takes to reclaim your life.

Trigger Warning. This is an explicit episode with adult themes and language. Please put your earphones on and listen to this in private. 

Call the Karma Nirvana helpline on 0800 5999 247 for free and confidential support, or visit karmanirvana.org.uk for more information. 

https://karmanirvana.org.uk/ 

Our intro shows a snapshot of us getting ready for our podcast - trying to put the kids to bed. They come up with every excuse under the sun including wanting '5 more minutes' to 'I want to stay with you' and 'let's play lego!' We put them to bed, grab some snacks and a hot drink before we settle down for a cosy conversation after hours.

Just two Muslim mums kicking back, having fun and talking about life, relationship, family, motherhood and more.

We are Nafisa & Tasneem.

Welcome to the madness that is our lives.

This three-minute pod gem is the first of a trilogy of podcasts discussing themes around pictures of collections from the Museum of London (Memories of London Programme) as well as their intergenerational London Lives Podcast. They were originally created in order to inspire a musical story which is accessible for people living with dementia and their families. 

Theme 1: Foods we eat 

Here, my eight-year-old son Saami and I (Nafisa) look at a picture of an old McDonald's take-away bag and reminisce about our favourite foods and the emotions around it.

In my second diary entry of lockdown Ramadan 2020, I explore tangible and non-tangible items that brought us comfort, and helped us connect more – to our Creator as well as the wider world. This diary entry was part of the Museum of London’s Ramadan Stories Project, documenting the lives of Muslims experiencing Ramadan in lockdown. 

Join Nafisa & Tasneem for a chat after hours ... where we discuss the Netflix show 'Indian Matchmaking,’ issues within our own culture when it comes to arranged marriages, as well as reveal how we met our other halves!

Visit www.notanothermumpod.com

Today's episode is hard-hitting and at times emotional, but really, really important. As the world dissects what’s happening in Palestine, we’re putting aside the politics for now, and focussing on the humans of Palestine: the souls behind the statistics, the reality on the ground, what it’s really like to live and grow up in the Gaza Strip, and what life is like under occupation and under siege. 

In this episode we talk to Nisreen Al-Khatib, a married, 27 year old mother to a one year-old baby boy, living in the Gaza Strip since she was 5 years-old. She is the Co-Founder of Quds News Network and tells her story from the heart.

Trigger warning: This episode has themes of war, violence and terror.

Some useful links:

https://muslimmamas.com/savesheikhjarrah-an-open-letter-to-anyone-who-has-a-conscience-by-ajmal-masroor/

Watch Mesut Kurtis interview of Nisreen: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CPBqFWvl4ao/?utm_medium=copy_link 

Watch Raef’s interview of Nisreen with Salam Charity: https://instagram.com/mesutkurtisofficial/live/17858684489530006?igshid=i1vrsu9lytt 

This episode is the first of two episodes that uncovers Uzma’s story of how she was abused by a renowned spiritual leader. With the help of a trained counsellor Ramzia Akbari, specialising in sexual abuse and cults, we'll explore how we can protect our loved ones from this happening to them, and experience a live ‘counselling’ session where we unpack the trauma that happened to Uzma. Ramzia is a senior counsellor qualified in Therapeutic counselling and works with a faith and culturally sensitive, Islamic counselling model. This topic is triggering.

WARNING: this is an explicit episode with adult themes and language. Please put your earphones on and listen to this in private. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as a medical or mental health advice to treat yourself or others, please consult your own physician for any diagnosis.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on these podcasts are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Not Another Mum Pod’s management or of any sponsors. Any content provided by our contributors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, identity (gender or sexual) club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.

Visit www.notanothermumpod.com

www.smart.bio/notanothermumpod

In the third week of Ramadan, the last ten days hold extra value in worship. Here I reflect on the guilt, the shame and struggles that most mums experience this time, without fail, every year. I share my epiphany moment of what worship was for me. This diary entry was part of the Museum of London’s Ramadan Stories Project, documenting the lives of Muslims experiencing Ramadan in lockdown. 

TRIGGER WARNING: Accounts of torture, violence and black magic (not solely polygamy)

When revert sister Sarah realises her husband is interested in taking a second wife, she tries to be a supportive partner. But not all that glitters is always gold, and as the secrets and deceit begin to pile up, it’s Sarah and her children who end up paying the price.

Join us on a harrowing journey through Europe and North Africa as Sarah fights for survival and tries to break free from a situation that has spiralled out of control.

This is the second part of two episodes covering stories of polygamy in Islam, hearing directly from the wives in question. Note, the first half of the story is related to Sarah's polygamous experience. The latter half is other themes described in the trigger warning. Listener discretion is advised.

Mental Health is a topic that is still massively misunderstood in our community. This episode is the first of a series that will be looking at the challenges women face that impact their mental health, and how we can acknowledge, heal and protect it.

In today's show, sister Harmeet Bharya speaks candidly about her mental health and the impact it has had on her life and health from losing her baby to feeling suicidal. Join our conversation to find out how Harmeet faced some incredibly dark moments in her life and how she came through it stronger, empowered with a positive attitude and outlook.

Trigger warning: viewer discretion advised - themes of baby loss, postnatal depression and suicidal thoughts

Note: Better Health - Every Mind Matters is a digital resource to empower people to look after their mental health and support others. At its heart is a ‘Mind Plan’, a free, NHS digital tool that enables people to create their own action plan to help them take simple, practical steps to look after their mental health.

https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/

Article: https://muslimmamas.com/mental-health-an-epidemic-since-the-pandemic-by-muslim-mamas/

Just two Muslim Mums kicking back, having fun and talking about life, relationships, family, motherhood and more.

 Launched in 2020, Not Another Mum Pod is a fun and relatable podcast that explores issues relevant to Muslim women today.

Created by two Muslim mums, it goes beyond motherhood and delves into relationships, Islam, hot topics, health, families and more.

No subjects are taboo in this series of honest and open conversations between friends, experts and commentators.

This episode gives you a small insight into who Nafisa and Tasneem are and what motivated us to start this journey.

Watch out for our website launch in a few week's time (www.notanothermumpod.com) with more exciting episodes in the pipeline.

In the meantime, follow us on Insta @notanothermumpod and www.facebook.com/notanothermumpod.com/ as well as Twitter: @mum_pod to keep updated when new episodes are released.

Don't forget to subscribe to Not Another Mum Pod on your favourite podcast listening platforms. Any enquiries, please email: info@notanothermumpod.com

About Us

Nafisa Rahimi

Salaams! I’m Nafisa, mother of four children, teacher by qualification and an aspiring entrepreneur by heart. Being a co-founder of an educational programme called Super Smart Learners as well as an online community called Muslim Mamas, which I admin with five other special mamas, life is busier than ever.

Not Another Mum Pod was our release in Covid-19 Lockdown Ramadan 2020 – a place to chat about all things relevant and all things not; a time to relax and engage in adult conversation away from the mayhem – no joy, I definitely meant to say joy – that children (and husband) bring!

It is an honour to do this with someone as fun and as honest as Tas, as you will hear! I am a self-confessed workaholic and dream of an organised, minimalist home. Oh and a full time cook, perhaps a live-in housekeeper, where my time becomes my own. In between all the chaos, I enjoy writing, eating out with friends, travelling and hanging out with the sitcom Friends.

In my other life – the one I aspire to – I’m a size 8, super-knowledgeable and achieve world peace. Insha-Allah, you never know!

Tasneem Abdur-Rashid

Salaams everyone! My name’s Tasneem and I’m a Muslim mum, wife and writer born and raised in London. Back in the days, before motherhood consumed me, I lived in Dubai and worked across various lifestyle magazines, before dabbling in PR and Corporate Communications.

I also wrote and published a best-selling novel during my time in the desert, and I’m currently working on my second book. Watch this space!

When I’m not writing, or working (I work in the Media/PR team of a National Charity), or looking after my home and kids, you can usually find me out at restaurants, chilling with friends, catching up with my mum or vegging out in front of the telly with the husband. I also love to read, cook, watch cooking shows, create new recipes, feed people… erm, do you see a pattern here?

I’m really excited about launching Not Another Mum Pod with Nafisa and having the opportunity to share my thoughts on issues relevant to us as Muslim women, and I hope you enjoy it too!

Visit www.notanothermumpod.com