The Muslims Down Under Podcast
Muslims Down Under
#ChangingTheNarrative one conversation at a time • Education • Social Cohesion • Dialogue A platform run by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Australia.
Empowering Youth, Transforming Communities - With Tanja Hagedorn
In this insightful episode, we explore the power of education to combat societal norms and encourage critical thinking. Tanja Hagedorn, a leading voice in intercultural understanding, reveals her insights into building inclusive school communities and empowering young minds.Listen to the full podcast episode below or read through an abridged transcript. Muslims Down Under is a platform that aims to #ChangeTheNarrative one conversation at a time. Join us, and help spread the word. Together we can
A Critical Need for Justice - Raising Voices For Peace
As the drums of war beat louder, a clarion call echoes: raise your voice for peace and absolute justice!In this episode, we dissect the urgent need to challenge media bias, deepen our understanding of human rights struggles, and stand firmly for absolute justice. We navigate the deafening silence of world leaders and amplify the lone voice of a spiritual leader urging unity. Let's ignite the #VoicesForPeace movement - join us as we unpack the harsh realities of ongoing human rights violatio
Faith, Hope, and Healing: An Interview with Ali Faraj, Australian Mental Health Prize Winner
During Mental Health Month, celebrated across Australia, Muslims Down Under had the privilege to speak with Ali Faraj, winner of the 2023 Australian Mental Health Prize Winner as a Community Hero.Ali Faraj is a prominent Muslim mental health advocate who works at the grassroots level, to keep our communities safe and increase awareness around mental health and suicide. A winner of many accolades and significant distinctions, in this episode Ali discusses the importance of nurturing our mental he
Navigating the Nuances: Finding Balance in a Polarised World
In a world of black and white opinions, where nuance is often lost in the cacophony of opposing voices, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and disconnected. But what if there was a way to navigate this polarised landscape, to find balance and understanding amidst the chaos? In this episode we explore the complexities of our world, seeking out diverse perspectives, and bridging divides. Join us as we delve into the gray areas, the in-betweens, the spaces where understanding and empathy can flouri
The Silent Epidemic Taking Over the Internet Generation
With the advancement of technology, the internet, and social media, is society experiencing a different type of social injustice?In this episode of our podcast, we discuss the impact of a silent epidemic that is slowly wreaking havoc across global society.We explore how the constant exposure to the internet and social media promotes a culture of comparison, where wealth and perfection are becoming standardised goals, and minority ideologies are being funnelled into innocent minds. The impact of
The Breakdown of the Nuclear Family and Rise of Identity Crises in Youth
Are female mothers and male fathers really necessary to have a nuclear family? What is the impact of non-traditional family structures?Find out in this episode of our podcast as we discuss the nuclear family to discover its role, value, and impact on the proper upbringing and development of a child. As society drifts away from fundamental morals and values, approaches to parenting are also changing. We discuss why parenting based on essential principles is a standard requirement for identity for
Rising Voices: Empowering Muslim Women in Australia for Authentic Leadership and Advocacy - A conversation with Maha Abdo OAM.
In this episode of our podcast, join us for a thought-provoking discussion and inspiring story of leadership and advocacy from Muslim women in Australia as we speak to Maha Abdo OAM, a passionate advocate for empowering women. We delve into the challenges and triumphs of Muslim women in pursuing authentic leadership roles and making their voices heard in society. From breaking down cultural barriers to promoting diversity and inclusion, this episode features an engaging conversation and insight
The Australian Dream: Conversations on Refugee Rights, Equality and a Fair Go
How can Australia provide support and protection for refugees, and what steps can be taken to create a more just and compassionate society? In the latest episode of our podcast, we chat with Kamljit Athwal, a renowned community advisor, and consultant. On World Refugee Day, we take a deep dive into the experiences, stories, and struggles of refugees living in Australia. Join us as we talk about the challenges they face, their hopes for their future, and their fight for equality and a fair go. L
Are we De-Humanising Muslims? A Conversation with Rita Markwell
Are we de-humanising Muslims in Australia by not recognising their worth and value within Australian society? Do our stereotypical assumptions about Islam and Muslims halter our pathway to progress as a united society?In the latest episode of our podcast, we spoke with Rita Markwell, the Australian Muslim Advocacy Networks' legal, policy, and strategic advisor. Rita shares some interesting insights into the concepts of racism, prejudice, and continued discrimination of Muslims in Australia.
#IWD - Empowering or Erasing Women?
Every year, International Women's Day brings an outpour of feminist activism aiming to promote the role, impact, and value of women across the globe. In the latest episode of the Muslims Down Under podcast, we discuss these concepts and unpack the essential question - has feminism really empowered women? Or have the opportunistic waves that aim to restore women's fundamental human rights all but erased the very understanding of what a woman is?Find out the answers in this episode of ou
Social Justice - Whose Responsibility Is It?
In this episode of our podcast, we discuss social justice responsibility. Who is responsible for maintaining social justice to create a more harmonious and peaceful society?We had the privilege to speak with Imam Hadi, who provides an insightful understanding of the answer to these questions and much more in light of the teachings of Islam. Muslims Down Under is a platform that aims to #ChangeTheNarrative one conversation at a time. Join us, and help spread the word. Together we can do so much m
Race Discrimination in Australia - A Special Chat with the Australian Human Rights Race Commissioner
In this episode we had the privilege to speak to Mr. Chin Tan, the Australian Human Rights Race Discrimination Commissioner. We discuss the progress of tolerance and unity in Australia since the tragic Christchurch Mosque attack in New Zealand that resulted in a consistent rise of violence, hate speech, and discrimination in Australia. Exploring what more can be done to tackle racial discrimination in an effort to establish cohesion and harmony, we discuss the importance of youth and for Muslim
Time to Talk Racism with Tasneem Chopra
In this episode, we had the privilege of interviewing Tasneem Chopra OAM, ambassador of ‘Racism. It Stops With Me’- a campaign launched by the Australian Human Rights Commission, Australia. Tasneem is a first-generation Muslim who has done advocacy work on navigating diversity, inclusion, and equity and is passionate about female representation. In 2018, Tasneem was named an Anti-Racism Champion by the Australian Human Rights Commission and was also appointed as the ambassador of Women of Colour
More Than Just My Hijab - In Conversation with Senator Fatima Payman
In this episode, we had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Senator Fatima Payman.Senator Fatima Payman is the first hijab-wearing Muslim woman in the federal Australian Parliament. Elected to the Senate for Western Australia, in 2022, Senator Payman originally migrated from Afghanistan to Australia in 1999, and since then has been serving the Australian community in various capacities and leadership positions. As a Muslim woman, she exemplifies her faith in many aspects, inspiring hope, and
Understanding Discrimination and the Indigenous Australian Struggle for Social Justice
In this special interview with Senator Pat Dodson, we understand discrimination and how it can affect those struggling for social justice. Coinciding with NAIDOC week in Australia, this episode explores the issue of discrimination and prejudice, and how it continues to impact our society. Understanding the nuances of discrimination to improve the society we live in, can make a difference. Because biases often penetrate into the deep structural and systematic nature of societies, at times we may
The Power of Prayer
These days, with a rise in stress, anxiety, and general unrest, many turn to practices such as yoga or meditation, to regain their sense of peace and calm. But, do these practices really provide them with the contentment they crave?In our latest episode, we explore the power of prayer and why this practice can help you achieve so much more in life, according to the teachings of Islam.Muslims Down Under is a platform that aims to #ChangeTheNarrative one conversation at a time. Join us, and help s
The Practice of Fasting in Islam
In recent times, the practice of fasting has become popular for its physical health benefits. Although these benefits of fasting are numerous, when observed as a spiritual discipline, the practice of fasting nurtures both the physical and the spiritual, by bridging the gap between the body and the soul. Find out more about the practice of fasting, according to the teachings of Islam in this episode of the Muslims Down Under podcast.Visit our website to find out more: www.MuslimsDownUnder.comMusl
Season 3: The Muslims Down Under Podcast
Welcome to the Muslims Down Under Podcast, a podcast presented as part of the Muslims Down Under platform. Whether it’s learning how to fast or pray, or recognising the importance of tolerance, social inclusion and human rights – join us this season as we explore these topics and so many more. Featuring special guest experts, our podcast provides a balanced approach to understanding how Islam can provide a pathway that practically demonstrates how its teachings are relevant today and every day.
Positivity Despite War - A Special Interview With A Palestinian War Survivor
Staying positive is always easier said than done. In this special episode, we interview Karamah, a survivor of the recent Palestinian war crisis. She shares her unique and incredibly exceptional life perspective on how her faith keeps her optimistic.Through her lived experience, we discuss how patience, prayer, and positive attitudes can help us achieve a positive lifestyle that is based on gratitude and trust in God.Muslims Down Under is a platform that aims to #ChangeTheNarrative one conversat
Living A Minimalist Life
Everyone has a natural drive to achieve and acquire more, but living a minimalistic lifestyle is much more than owning fewer possessions. In this episode, we discuss ways to live a simple, meaningful life that is based on our own self-worth, values and relative to our individual situations. An approach that is worthwhile for developing our consciousness, and channelling our natural drives towards things that really matter, this episode discusses the importance and value of minimalism. Muslims Do
Living A Healthy Life - Part Two
Besides our physical and mental health, developing social and behavioral health is also relevant to our overall health and wellbeing. In part two of this episode, we discuss why maintaining social and behavioral health is crucial to our health. In addition, we discuss how our spiritual health can also be nourished and why it is essential that our soul is nourished in order for all other aspects of our health to thrive. We discuss a way of life where we are able to live in a balanced way that is
Living A Healthy Life - Part One
Living a healthy life requires that all aspects of our health are nourished. Each aspect of our health supports and affects other aspects, and they all act as a resource for our function. A healthy lifestyle also provides the means to lead a full life with meaning and purpose. In part one of this episode, we discuss the importance of physical and mental health and discuss practical ways to help us sustain our health.Muslims Down Under is a platform that aims to #ChangeTheNarrative one conversati
Managing Your Money
Managing money is more than just making ends meet. Ensuring that your financial future is based on crucial financial skills and knowledge is fundamental. In this episode of the podcast, we discuss practical strategies on how to manage your income. If you’re struggling with money management issues such as living paycheck to paycheck despite making more than enough money, these strategies will help improve your financial habits.Muslims Down Under is a platform that aims to #ChangeTheNarrative one
Strategies for Effective Parenting
Parenting is probably one of the most challenging, yet rewarding endeavors one can do in their lifetime. The importance and value of proper parenting are unquestionable, as it lays the foundations for societies. How do we establish foundations that enable a good upbringing for our children? What are strategies that can help us to develop healthy, positive habits that contribute to their development and nourishment? We discuss these questions in this episode of the Muslims Down Under podcast. Mus
Establishing Work-Life Balance
It is no easy task to achieve work-life balance in today’s unpredictable and fast-paced world.As we grow increasingly more connected through technology and social media, it is becoming more and more difficult to separate work from our personal lives. What is the importance of achieving this balance? What are some strategies to achieve a good work-life balance? Find out the answers to these questions and much more in this episode of the podcast.Muslims Down Under is a platform that aims to #Chang
Achieving Real Productivity
The present-day modern dilemma of doing more, achieving more, and trying to be better is one that causes undue stress for many. But, what are the essential steps one needs to take to be more productive in a meaningful way? In this episode, we discuss how you can understand what productivity requires and how you can achieve it in a practical method.Muslims Down Under is a platform that aims to #ChangeTheNarrative one conversation at a time. Join us, and help spread the word. Together we can do so
Faith, Identity and the Muslim Narrative - A Special Interview with Dr. Susan Carland
We had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Susan Carland to discuss how faith plays a role in her life, how she has experienced being a Muslim woman in a western world, and how she continues to excel and achieve in her life. Stereotypical notions of sexism, prejudice, and discrimination, as well as her Muslim identity - these are just some of the topics we talk about in our brand new episode to kickstart the second series of the Muslims Down Under podcast. Muslims Down Under is a platform that aim
Season Two: Living Your Faith - Practical Ways to Live a Balanced Life
Have you always wanted to live a life that is balanced yet meaningful in every way? Living a balanced life means having a positive, productive lifestyle that enables a focus on developing good habits in all spheres of life.Welcome to the Muslims Down Under Podcast, a podcast presented as part of the Muslims Down Under platform. In this podcast series, we discuss practical ways to live a balanced life as informed by the principles of Islam. Episodes include conversations on a range of current and
Experiencing True Spirituality in the 21st Century
Experiencing true spirituality is something that most people recognise as beyond their grasp or only for those who are disconnected from the world around them. But, in the modern world, being spiritual has become a buzzword of modern culture; more and more, people consider themselves as spiritual as opposed to being religious. But can you experience true spirituality without being religious? In this episode, we discuss the true meaning of spirituality, the role it plays in the 21st century, and
Rationalising Religion
Just like anything else, one must be able to justify belief with reasoning and logic. Religion also experiences the debate between faith and reason, with a common misunderstanding that there is no need for rationality when discussing religion. Contrary to this, Islam describes that rationality must be important for any true religion. It promotes critical thinking and explains that this is a God-given faculty, given specifically to humans so that they are able to understand and judge between righ
Does Islam Oppress and Subjugate Women?
The concept of feminism is probably one of the biggest ongoing phenomena of the 21st century. Furthermore, we live in a society where the discussion around Muslim women, their rights, and the teachings of Islam in regards to women is often a hot topic of conversation. But, are the concerns regarding the rights and equality of Muslim women legitimate? And, what role does feminism in the teachings of Islam? In reality, the advocacy and establishment of women’s rights were granted well before moder
Islam and Australia - A Clash of Values?
Unfortunately, a large portion of Australian society harbors a misunderstanding that people from different faiths or cultures don’t contribute or integrate within Australian society. More specifically, there is also a common misconception that Australian values clash with the values of Australian Muslims. As a result of this confusion, Muslims experience ongoing prejudice and discrimination. To eradicate these false impressions, the concept of integration and assimilation needs to be understood
Religion and Culture - What's the Difference?
There has always been an undefined intersection between religion and culture. Often there is confusion and misunderstandings when we see culture being represented as religion or vice versa. It is important to understand the differences between the two, and where exactly the intersections lie, and more so, how can someone determine whether what they see or hear about is as a result of a particular culture or a teaching of a certain faith. When we start to blur the lines between cultural practices
What Is The Meaning Of Love In The 21st Century?
In the modern world, our life goals are more often than not driven by materialistic standards. The same constructs exist for the relationships we establish in our lives. Since ego-based relationships are based on superficial and temporary qualities, they exert tremendous amounts of pressure to be ‘perfect’ - when in reality no one is really perfect. This is also what causes relationships to fail and for people to experience depression and heartache. In reality, true love is much more than what s
The Pursuit of Happiness: How to be happy?
Most people spend their lives chasing happiness and success, yet never seem to arrive at a happily ever after. It seems as though the only way to become happy is to attain something bigger or better, faster or fancier. We rely on materialistic pursuits to make us happy, wanting more and more. What does it take to acquire true contentment in life? Will achieving standards set by a materialistic society really lead to happiness? In this episode, we explore this present-day phenomena in detail and
Season One: Contemporary Topics
Have you ever been confused as to why there is so much bad press regarding Muslims or why Islam is often scapegoated by politicians and the media?Or do you find it difficult to understand the teachings of Islam in the context of the modern world?Well, you've come to the right place!Welcome to the Muslims Down Under Podcast, a podcast presented as part of the Muslims Down Under platform. In this podcast, we seek to enable contemplation by engaging in intellectual conversation about Muslims a