Straight Talk Podcast with Dr. Maher Hathout

Muslim Youth: Their Fears & Dreams

Hasnain Syed — Thu, 30 May 2013 07:15:53 +0000

What’s on the minds of young American Muslims? Sami Ghanem and Marwa Abdel Ghani, two vocal and active members of the Muslim Youth Group of the Islamic Center of Southern California, join Dr. Maher Hathout for a frank conversation about their aspirations and concerns about growing up in today’s world. They discuss the role of [...]

Leadership Between Movements & Cults

Hasnain Syed — Thu, 02 May 2013 21:37:56 +0000

What do Islamic ideologist Jamal ad-Din al-Afghani and former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir have in common? In this packed episode, MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati returns to discuss leadership with Dr. Maher Hathout. The two explore the signature qualities of leaders past and present, charisma vs. character, the difference between leaders who produce leaders & [...]

Leadership in Times of Crisis

Hasnain Syed — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 23:55:25 +0000

In the wake of this week’s horrific Boston Marathon attack, MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati talks with his mentor and co-founder Dr. Maher Hathout about leadership, for progress in tumultuous times. Drawing from Quranic wisdom and their own experiences together for the past 35 years, they share what they’ve learned and how 9/11 brought the future [...]

Answering the Call to Serve Humanity

Hasnain Syed — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 21:56:59 +0000

Did you know 47 million Americans live off of $4 a day for food? In this episode, Marya Bangee, a community organizing fellow at OneLA and a Muslim activist, joins Dr. Hathout for a moving conversation about tackling social issues at home. How do we help people within our communities and beyond who are struggling [...]

Filling the Gap Between Youth & Mosques

Hasnain Syed — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:31:52 +0000

This week, Dr. Maher Hathout is joined by Yusuf Abdul-Qadir, a young leader from Syracuse, NY, who is president of Ecologique, Inc., a social impact, public engagement organization. Like Dr. Hathout, Yusuf has devoted himself to working with youth to help them become confident and civically engaged. They explore the communication gap between many mosques [...]

When Homosexuality Hits Home

Hasnain Syed — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 06:08:11 +0000

Dr. Maher Hathout is joined by Munira Lekovic Ezzeldine, a marriage and family counselor, for an honest discussion on homosexuality and Islam. Beyond the theological issues, they talk frankly about how these principles translate in the real world: How should people who are gay (including Muslims) be treated within our society and within our families? [...]

Islam, the Earth & Stewardship

Hasnain Syed — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 01:57:56 +0000

In a world of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, where does Islam and the Quran stand on the preservation of our planet? Dr. Maher Hathout talks to lawyer & activist Tarek Shawky about the balance and awareness of our surroundings, and makes a bold claim: “As Muslims, we have no choice but to be environmentalists.” You can [...]

LOVE: The Heart of the Matter

Hasnain Syed — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 06:49:53 +0000

Marriage and family counselor Munira Ezzeldine joins Dr. Maher Hathout to talk about a topic that, far too often, is brushed under the rug or considered almost taboo in the Muslim community — Love. What is the meaning of love and what does it take to have a successful relationship? While it’s natural to get [...]

Islam & Politics: Can the Two Co-Exist?

Hasnain Syed — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 01:24:20 +0000

In this timely and fast-paced conversation with Haris Tarin, Director of MPAC’s Washington, DC, office, Dr. Maher Hathout examines the role of Islamic political parties in the aftermath of the Arab Spring. As they move from being opposition parties to government leadership, how will Islamic political parties from Tunisia to Egypt and beyond impact [...]

Evolution of Fatherhood

Hasnain Syed — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 01:08:19 +0000

What does it take to be a good father anyway? How can we help our children discover and live their potential? Where’s the line between authority and friendship? Hasnain Syed, MPAC’s Creative Director and father of two young boys, joins Dr. Hathout for a insightful conversation about the challenge of being a Muslim father [...]

Islam & Authority: Where do we draw the line?

Hasnain Syed — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 21:07:30 +0000

With the unfolding events in the middle east, it often feels like Islam is the problem not the solution. Dr. Maher Hathout and StraightTalk producer Maha Awad discuss the abuses of power and authority in the name of Islam, past and present. They also talk about how these actions across the globe affect us as [...]

What Makes A ‘Man’?

Hasnain Syed — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 03:17:54 +0000

Hip-hop artist Omar Offendum joins Dr. Maher Hathout for an intensely personal conversation about the meaning of manhood, and what it takes to be a strong, pious, and courageous man in this day and age. More about our guest Omar Offendum is a Syrian-American Hip-Hop artist – born in Saudi Arabia, raised in Washington DC [...]

Connecting Creativity, Creation & the Creator

Hasnain Syed — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 21:46:07 +0000

Ever thought to yourself that the act of creating something brings you closer to God? You’re not alone. In this episode, artist Susu Attar joins Dr. Maher Hathout, once again, to explore the relationship between art, creativity, inspiration and the ultimate Creator. As Dr. Hathout says, “Art can help me see the truth about myself, [...]

Hajar: The Mother of Hajj

Hasnain Syed — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 23:03:47 +0000

Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime experience rooted in the story of Prophet Ibrahim, his wife Hajar and their son Ismail. On the eve of Eid ul-Adha, Dr. Maher Hathout and guest Haris Tarin, head of MPAC’s Washington, DC, office, have a riveting conversation about the central and often overlooked role of Hajar in the foundation of [...]

Engagement, Elections and Pot Roast

Hasnain Syed — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 07:15:57 +0000

Youth organizer Soha Yassine and Dr. Maher Hathout tackle several pressing concerns facing young American Muslims, ranging from participating in the political process, the difference between courage & criticism, critical thinking in Islam, the only effective model for change, and the battle against despair. And yes, Dr. Hathout speaks of the relationship between cooking pot [...]

Adding Injury to Insult: How Should We Handle Insults to Islam?

Hasnain Syed — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 22:56:18 +0000

Hip-hop artist Omar Offendum joins Dr. Maher Hathout for a timely discussion on the current state of affairs of the Muslim global community. In the wake of protests in 23 countries that have taken at least 50 lives to date, they tackle the following questions: How did one video manage to wreak so much havoc [...]

Separating Fact from Fiction (Hadith part 2 of 2)

Hasnain Syed — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 23:42:05 +0000

In the second part of their conversation, Dr. Maher Hathout and TV host Maha Awad dive deeper into the complex topic of hadith, the body of sayings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad. After breaking down the difference between the various grades of hadith, Dr. Hathout shares a basic recipe so the common person can assess [...]

The Origins & History of Hadith (1 of 2)

Hasnain Syed — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 07:01:10 +0000

Based on a listener request, this is the first of two episodes of StraightTalk which focus on hadith and sunna, the body of literature that documents the sayings and actions by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Dr. Maher Hathout and StraightTalk producer Maha Awad dive into the meaning and origins of hadith, knowing how to spot weak [...]

Ramadan Episodes

Hasnain — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 07:01:00 +0000

Without thinking, there is no Islam Click here to play the episode. You can also right click on the link above and choose “Save As” to download the mp3 file. In this episode, Dr. Hathout is joined by attorney and activist Tarek Shawky to discuss a concept often repeated (over 100 times) in the Quran: [...]

Spiritual? Religious? Is There A Difference?

Hasnain Syed — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 18:46:57 +0000

Ever heard someone say, “I’m not religious, I’m spiritual”? In this episode, MPAC’s Communications Coordinator Marium Mohiuddin joins Dr. Maher Hathout for a lively conversation about the relationship between spirituality and religion. As we head into the month of Ramadan, they also consider the role of rituals and restraint in seeking a personal connection to [...]

Taking a Leap of Faith Into Interfaith Dialogue

Hasnain Syed — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 23:39:31 +0000

This week, Dr. Maher Hathout is joined by interfaith pioneer and old friend the Rev. Dr. Gwynne Guibord to talk about the moral imperative of interfaith dialogue. If the core idea for all faiths is to reach out to each other, then why are people across all faith communities not talking about their faiths with [...]

Dr. Hathout & Dr. Mohammad Jawad: ‘Saving Face’ Doctor Rebuilds Faces & Lives in Pakistan

Hasnain Syed — Thu, 31 May 2012 23:30:16 +0000

British Pakistani plastic surgeon Dr. Mohammad Jawad’s journey to Pakistan in 2008 opened his eyes to the devastation of women who had been brutally burned by acid attacks. Having just handled a high-profile acid attack against British model Katie Piper the previous year, Dr. Jawad was drawn to these women and their stories. He offered his [...]

Defining Moments: Dr. Hathout Reflects on a Life of Activism & Service

Hasnain Syed — Thu, 17 May 2012 07:01:51 +0000

In this special episode inspired by listener requests, MPAC’s Director of Policy & Programming Edina Lekovic has a candid conversation with Dr. Maher Hathout which focuses on one question that makes Dr. Hathout squirm most: “What makes you who you are?” From growing up in Egypt as a student activist to coming to the U.S. [...]

Past is Prologue: Race & Muslims in the 21st Century

Hasnain Syed — Thu, 03 May 2012 07:01:40 +0000

In this episode, Dr. Maher Hathout is joined by professor and writer Dr. Sohail Daulatzai as they continue their conversation, inspired by the 20th anniversary of the LA uprising, by discussing the enduring power of race in our lives today. Using Malcolm X as a starting point, the two talk about the importance for Muslims [...]

Looking Back: The ‘92 L.A. Uprisings, 20 Years Later

Hasnain Syed — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:45:23 +0000

In this episode, Dr. Maher Hathout is joined by professor and writer Sohail Daulatzai as they discuss the L.A. Uprisings of 1992. The two explore the contexts of the uprising, which occurred 20 years ago this April 29, and the forces that led to the biggest urban rebellion in U.S. history. With Rodney King being [...]

Without Thinking, There is No Islam

Hasnain Syed — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 07:01:53 +0000

In this episode, Dr. Hathout is joined by attorney and activist Tarek Shawky to discuss a concept often repeated (over 100 times) in the Quran: “…in this are signs for those who think.” They ask the question, if the Quran mandates critical thinking, why are so many Muslims today afraid to think for themselves? They [...]

What is Reform & Who are the Reformers?

Hasnain Syed — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 09:54:19 +0000

In this follow-up conversation to their earlier discussion about the future of Islam, prolific author and professor Dr. John Esposito joins Dr. Maher Hathout to discuss the sources of knowledge within Islam. They also discuss the desperate need for power sharing between classically trained scholars and community organizers who are advocating for change and advancement. [...]

Reform, Relevance & the Future of Islam

Hasnain Syed — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 08:01:33 +0000

Click the “Play” button below to listen to this episode. Download the mp3. Dr. John Esposito – a pioneer in the field of Islamic studies – joins Dr. Maher Hathout to answer the question “What is the future of Islam?” In this fast-paced 20-minute conversation, the two pioneering American thinkers talk about the meaning of [...]

Muslims in America: Illuminating Not Dominating

Hasnain Syed — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 18:41:39 +0000

Click the “Play” button below to listen to this episode. Download the mp3. An alum of the Islamic Center of Southern California’s Youth Group and now an LAPD reserve officer, Omar Ricci continues his conversation with Dr. Maher Hathout about the Muslim American Identity and the debate between integration and assimilation. What is the mark [...]

What is the Muslim American Identity?

Hasnain — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:25:52 +0000

Click the “Play” button below to listen to this episode. Download the mp3. Once a student of Dr. Hathout’s in the pioneering days of the Islamic Center of Southern California’s Youth Group — one of the first co-ed Muslim youth groups in the nation — Omar Ricci was instilled with pride in his Muslim American [...]

Jolted Into Maturity

Hasnain Syed — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:01:45 +0000

Click the “Play” button below to listen to this episode. Download the mp3. On this first anniversary of the Egyptian revolution, AlMaghrib Institute instructor Shaykh Yasir Qadhi joins StraightTalk host Dr. Maher Hathout for a frank and timely discussion about Salafis, identity conflicts, and mixing religion and politics in America and the new Arab world.

Exposing Hate, Resisting Victimization: Islamophobia & the Path Forward

Hasnain Syed — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 01:25:27 +0000

Click the “Play” button below to listen to this episode. Download the mp3. What are we doing as a nation to our own? In this conversation taped at the MPAC convention with speaker, author and playwright Wajahat Ali (co-author of “Fear Inc.: The Roots of the Islamophobia Network” study), Dr. Maher Hathout examines the small [...]

From Darkness to Light: What is Islam Today?

Hasnain Syed — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 18:23:40 +0000

Click the “Play” button below to listen to this episode. Download the mp3. For many Muslims who’ve been raised with a hybrid understanding of Islam and their culture, the search for an authentic understanding of Islam is a life-long struggle. In this conversation with special guest Ahmed Younis, Dr. Maher Hathout tackles three big questions: [...]

Using Angst as a Catalyst for Action

Hasnain Syed — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 22:56:52 +0000

Click the “Play” button below to listen to this episode. Download the mp3. How do you deal with the emotional and psychological ramifications of all the negativity we are witnessing every day? In the first of two episodes featuring Dr. Maher Hathout in conversation with special guest Ahmed Younis, “Straight Talk” examines the proposition that [...]

Living or Dying for the Cause

Hasnain Syed — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 23:29:19 +0000

Click the “Play” button below to listen to this episode. Download the mp3. What is the will of God — that we should live for Him, or that we die for Him? For two centuries, Muslims worldwide have faced colonization, occupation and dictatorships which have fueled anger and despair. In this episode, Dr. Maher Hathout [...]

Occupy Wall Street

Hasnain Syed — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:35:12 +0000

Click the “Play” button below to listen to this episode. Download the mp3.

Sharia

Hasnain Syed — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:00:58 +0000

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Classical Schools of Islamic Thought (Madh’habs)

Hasnain — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:44:58 +0000

Click the “Play” button below to listen to this episode. Download the mp3. Synopsis “Verily ,as for those who have broken the unity of their faith and have become sects, tough hast nothing to do with them. Behold, their case rests with God: and in time He will make them understand what they were doing.”(Quran [...]

Inclusive Islam vs. Exclusive Islam

Hasnain Syed — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 22:45:09 +0000

Click the “Play” button below to listen to this episode. Download the mp3. Synopsis In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, Dr. Maher Hathout talks about the religion of exclusion vs the religion of inclusion. ‎”God does not belong to one religion. All religions belong to God.”

Beauty & Art

Hasnain — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:03:11 +0000

Click the “Play” button below to listen to this episode. Download the mp3. Synopsis Dr. Maher Hathout speaks with Edina Lekovic, MPAC’s Director of Policy & Programming, about the message to our souls that is enveloped in beauty and arts. Those who are blessed by being artists are the best communicators to the hearts of [...]

Ramadan

Hasnain Syed — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:02:38 +0000

Click the “Play” button below to listen to this episode. Download the mp3. Synopsis The essence of Ramadan is the emphasis on the quality of self restraint and the ability to postpone gratification. This is liberating in the sense of putting the person in command over their desires, but more so over their needs. The [...]