Wendy Diaz on Islam, Identity, and Inclusion

In this episode of the American Muslim Podcast, host Imam Tariq El-Amin speaks with Sister Wendy Diaz, a multifaceted writer, educator, and award-winning poet. Highlighting her journey from Puerto Rico to the United States, Sister Wendy shares impactful moments from her childhood that set her on a path of education and empowerment. They delve into the cultural intersections of language and religion, the growing influence of Latino Muslims in the U.S., and the challenges of xenophobia within the Muslim community. Sister Wendy also emphasizes the importance of children's literature and educational resources in Spanish, providing insights into her ongoing work to support and uplift Latino Muslim voices. This episode underscores the significance of inclusivity, representation, and continuous learning in fostering stronger communities.

00:00 Introduction to Bayan on Demand

01:01 Meet Our Guest: Sister Wendy Diaz

01:59 Wendy's Formative Years and Early Influences

06:34 The Impact of Language and Education

12:47 Cultural Identity and Racism Experiences

21:46 Challenges and Misconceptions in the Muslim Community

26:34 The Role of Writing and Poetry

31:11 Spanish Language Outreach and DAWA Work

34:01 Challenges in Nonprofit Work

36:30 Latino Muslims' Contributions and Growth

47:51 Parenting Insights and Reflections

54:05 The Importance of Islamic Literature

56:45 Leadership and Legacy

01:02:27 Final Thoughts and Ongoing Projects

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

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Guest: Maryum “May May” Ali

Host: Imam Tariq I. El-Amin

Presented by: BAYAN On Demand

Episode Highlights:

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• [02:00] Maryum’s 15+ years in youth development and gang prevention in South Los Angeles
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• [04:00] The tragedy that redirected her college major and professional path
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• [07:00] Real-time stories of life-saving mentorship and trust-building in communities
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• [11:00] The roots of her creative spirit—and how stand-up comedy offered both a challenge and a stage
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• [15:00] Performing with legends like Eddie Murphy, Robin Harris, and Chris Rock
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• [17:00] Why she left the entertainment industry despite early success
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• [20:00] The turning point: writing and performing Float, her one-woman stage show
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• [34:00] Behind the scenes: How Float was developed, funded, and produced
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• [42:00] The discipline and planning required to do meaningful solo work
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• [49:00] Her advice to aspiring artists and creatives in Muslim spaces
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• [54:00] Reflections on faith, identity, process, and public responsibility
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• [56:00] What Maryum learned about humanity from watching her father, Muhammad Ali
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Key Themes:

Faith and creativity • Community leadership • Black Muslim womanhood • Entertainment and ethics • Artistic process • Dawa through presence • Legacy of Muhammad Ali

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

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

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Follow host @ImamTariqElAmin for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and more.

Kalia Abiade, VP of Pillars Fund, on Faith, Family, and the Future We Fight For

In this episode of the American Muslim Podcast, hosted by Imam Tariq El-Amin and presented by Bayan on Demand, we engage in a deep conversation with Kalia Abiade, the Executive Vice President at Pillars Fund. Kalia shares her insights on growing up in California, her family's migration experiences, and the impact these have had on her life and work in advocacy, media policy, and philanthropy. We discuss the importance of storytelling, the notion of objectivity in journalism, and the essential role of preserving community narratives. Kalia underscores the power of connection, sharing stories within the community, and the faith-driven commitment to social change. Join us as we delve into her inspiring journey and the work being done by the Pillars Fund to support and amplify Muslim voices in creative and civic spaces.

00:00 Introduction to Bayan on Demand

01:00 Welcome to the American Muslim Podcast

01:09 Meet Kalia Abiade: A Voice for Justice

02:25 Formative Experiences in California

03:15 Migration Stories and Family History

06:41 Life in Chicago and Connection to the Land

09:59 Cultural Shock and Becoming Muslim in Florida

12:51 Journalistic Integrity and Objectivity

20:14 Pillars Fund and Muslim Narrative Change

33:54 Exploring the Creative Approach to Muslim Storytelling

34:23 The Impact of Horror Genre on Diverse Audiences

35:56 Challenges and Gaps in Muslim Representation in Media

37:20 The American Muslim Documentary: Filling Historical Gaps

39:43 The Power of Personal Stories in History

42:13 The Role of Journalism in Shaping Narratives

45:03 Legacy Media vs. New Media: Preserving Stories

50:33 Leadership and Inspiration in Community Work

58:33 Final Reflections and Closing Remarks

bayanonline.org

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

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

Learn more about Pillars Fund @ https://pillarsfund.org/

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

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

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Episode Title: “Preacher Moss on Comedy, Identity & Jazz (Part 2)”

Guest: Preacher Moss

Host: Imam Tariq I. El-Amin

Presented by: BAYAN On Demand

In Part 2 of this illuminating conversation, Imam Tariq sits down once again with legendary comedian and cultural truth-teller Preacher Moss to unpack the layered role of humor, history, and responsibility in the lives of African American Muslims. From the quiet strength of the community elders to the lessons learned through teaching “severely emotionally disturbed” students, Preacher Moss reveals how comedy isn’t just performance—it’s pedagogy.

Together, they reflect on:

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• The wisdom of Imam Warith Deen Mohammed and being called to be a "master teacher" rather than just a comedian
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• The spiritual depth behind the Allah Made Me Funny tour and how it rewired communities
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• Jazz as metaphor, structure, and survival
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• How Muslim identity and Black struggle remain intertwined—and why this legacy matters
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• The challenges and joy of crafting creative resistance in a soundbite culture
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• The birth and mission of The Shout Out Show
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• What it means to live as a Muslim in public with purpose and integrity
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This episode is a symphony of memory, laughter, and deep insight—a blueprint for how to be Black, Muslim, creative, and alive in America.

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• Presented by BAYAN On Demand — Courses in Islamic theology, nonprofit leadership, Islamic history, and more: www.BayanOnline.org
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Preacher Moss on Comedy, Identity & Jazz (Pt. 1)

In this episode of the American Muslim Podcast, hosted by Imam Tariq El-Amin and presented by Bayan on Demand, the featured guest is Preacher Moss, a trailblazing Muslim comedian and activist. The discussion delves into Moss's journey in comedy, his experiences with segregation within the comedy world, and the influential figures like Dick Gregory and jazz music icons who shaped his career. The conversation also explores the challenges and nuances of bringing humor into Muslim communities, the critical importance of etiquette, and the implications of thought leadership in comedy and activism. Moss discusses how a combination of humor, activism, and deep-rooted cultural experiences form a powerful platform for social commentary and change.

00:00 Introduction to Bayan on Demand

01:01 Welcome to the American Muslim Podcast

01:11 Introducing Preacher Moss

03:39 Preacher Moss's Journey in Comedy

04:59 Influence of Dick Gregory

06:52 Challenges in Muslim Comedy

16:17 Jazz and Comedy: A Unique Connection

23:09 The Philosophy of Unexpected Notes

37:05 Navigating the Entertainment Industry as a Muslim

37:48 The Script That Challenged Norms

38:56 Reflections on the Movie Bamboozled

41:16 Thought Leadership in Comedy

44:49 The Mission of 'All Made Me Funny'

56:27 The Importance of Etiquette in the Muslim Community

01:10:10 Conclusion of Part 1 and Call to Action

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

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

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

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

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Follow host @ImamTariqElAmin for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and more.

Habeeb Quadri: Your Success is Our Success

In this episode of the American Muslim Podcast, hosted by Imam Tariq El-Amin and presented by Bayan on Demand, the guest is Habib Kadri, an award-winning educator, author, youth advocate, superintendent of MCC Academy, and part-time faculty at Harvard University. Kadri discusses his journey into education, inspired by his parents and significant figures like Mr. Earl and Dr. Gazda. He reflects on his leadership experiences, challenges in Islamic education, the importance of instilling confidence and good character in students, and his vision for education. He emphasizes transformational learning, priority management, and the significance of community collaboration. Kadri also talks about his consulting work aimed at enhancing educational practices globally and shares insights on maintaining balance and sincerity in personal and professional life.

00:00 Introduction to Bayan on Demand

00:57 Meet the Host and Guest

01:45 Early Inspirations in Education

04:58 High School and Basketball Journey

08:59 Leadership and Community Involvement

13:30 Path to Educational Leadership

16:11 Vision for Education

20:22 Challenges in Islamic Schools

26:36 Transformative Power of Education

29:17 Learning from Elite Institutions

32:43 The Potential of Islamic Schools

33:33 The Role of Humility in Leadership

37:14 Balancing Faith and Leadership

38:04 Time Management vs. Priority Management

42:46 Founding High Quality Educational Consulting

44:51 Addressing Youth Challenges and Islamic Studies

48:15 The Importance of Asking Questions

54:01 Receiving the ISNA Lifetime Educational Achievement Award

01:00:16 Final Reflections and Gratitude

bayanonline.org

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

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

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

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

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Follow @TheAmericanMuslimPodcast for episode updates, highlights, and community reflections.

Follow host @ImamTariqElAmin for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and more.

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

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

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

00:00 Introduction to Bayan on Demand

01:02 Meet the Host and Guest

01:10 Chaplain Syed Ali Nasaruddin's Early Life

02:50 Family Legacy and Scholarly Background

05:52 Cultural and Community Engagement

16:20 Leadership and Mentorship

23:49 Challenges and Reflections

24:58 Navigating Constant Change

25:42 Identity and Perception

27:15 Community and Service

29:23 Comparing Chicago and Southern California

34:12 Educational Journey and Chaplaincy

41:02 Practical Applications of Faith

47:43 Final Reflections and Lessons

50:19 Podcast Conclusion and Call to Action

bayanonline.org

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

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

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

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

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

00:00 Introduction to Bayan on Demand

00:56 Welcome to the American Muslim Podcast

01:05 Meet Brother Malik Shaw

01:38 Formative Experiences and Lessons

04:20 Journey into Education

06:37 Impact of Growing Up in Detroit

09:16 Connecting Education, Faith, and Economics

11:31 Starting Midtown Mosque

14:40 Community Initiatives and Challenges

26:14 Creating Community Spaces

26:48 Addressing Loneliness and Its Impact

29:14 Sacrifices and Gains in Community Work

33:22 Family Dynamics and Leadership

38:22 The Importance of Smiling and Gratitude

42:39 Lessons in Faithfulness and Service

48:45 Supporting Midtown Mosque and Final Thoughts

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

bayanonline.org

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

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

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

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