Zirrar talks to  British-Jordanian photographer Bashar Tabbah, about the sacred sites of Jordan, including those associated with various Prophets and Companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. They also talk about the 'Blessed Tree' and the question regarding its authenticity.

Zirrar talks to  British-Jordanian photographer Bashar Tabbah, about the sacred sites of Jordan, including those associated with various Prophets and Companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. They also talk about the 'Blessed Tree' and the question regarding its authenticity.

039 The Sacred Sites of Jordan

On the hills in and around Cape Town, you will find 300 year old Muslim graves belonging to notable individuals who arrived on the southern tip of the African continent in chains, as slaves or political prisoners of colonisers. They brought nothing with them, except faith in their hearts and the remembrance of God on their tongues. This is the story of the beautiful melodic tones of Cape Town dhikr and why it has such a unique sound. Spanning centuries and continents, it is a story of imprisonment and enslavement, colonialism and resistance; of sufi tariqahs, scholars and princes. It is a story of hardship, courage and perseverance, but above all, of faith in God.  Written and hosted by Zara Choudhary Show notes

On the hills in and around Cape Town, you will find 300 year old Muslim graves belonging to notable individuals who arrived on the southern tip of the African continent in chains, as slaves or political prisoners of colonisers. They brought nothing with them, except faith in their hearts and the remembrance of God on their tongues. This is the story of the beautiful melodic tones of Cape Town dhikr and why it has such a unique sound. Spanning centuries and continents, it is a story of imprisonment and enslavement, colonialism and resistance; of sufi tariqahs, scholars and princes. It is a story of hardship, courage and perseverance, but above all, of faith in God.  Written and hosted by <a href="https://sacredfootsteps.com/author/zarafarachoudhary/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zara Choudhary</a> <a href="https://sacredfootsteps.com/2023/01/11/podcast-cape-towns-circle-of-saints/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Show notes</a>

KHAYAL DIARIES: Cape Town's Circle of Saints

John Esposito

Zirrar talks to Professor of Islamic Studies at Georgetown, John Esposito. They talk about the study of Islam in Western academia and the identity crisis faced by some Muslims in the West post 9/11. They also discuss the approach academics and students of Islam should take moving on from Orientalism. 

Zirrar talks to Professor of Islamic Studies at Georgetown, John Esposito. They talk about the study of Islam in Western academia and the identity crisis faced by some Muslims in the West post 9/11. They also discuss the approach academics and students of Islam should take moving on from Orientalism.

037 Islam in Western Academia | John Esposito

Haleh Liza Gafori

Zirrar talks to translator, vocalist, poet, and educator Haleh Liza Gafori about her book GOLD, a new translation of Jalal al-Din Rumi's poetry. They discuss the Persian ghazal, a poetic form consisting of couplets, and explore why Rumi's appeal, eight centuries after his death, has been so enduring. Haleh also describes her translating process, and the inspiration behind her work.

Zirrar talks to translator, vocalist, poet, and educator <a href="https://www.halehliza.com/about" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Haleh Liza Gafori</a> about her book <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/665303/gold-by-rumi-translated-from-the-persian-and-edited-by-haleh-liza-gafori/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">GOLD</a>, a new translation of Jalal al-Din Rumi's poetry. They discuss the Persian ghazal, a poetic form consisting of couplets, and explore why Rumi's appeal, eight centuries after his death, has been so enduring. Haleh also describes her translating process, and the inspiration behind her work.

036 Translating Rumi: A Conversation with Haleh Liza Gafori

Zara talks to Dr Abu Bakr Sirajuddin Cook and Dr Rami Dawood about the history of Islam in Australia- beginning with the arrival of the Makassan traders, that pre-dates European settlement, to the Afghan Cameleers, who set up the first mosques in the country. They discuss the legacy of the early Muslims in the country, their interaction with Aboriginal tribes, and the discovery of a Sufi Qadiri manuscript in Broken Hill Mosque. 

Zara talks to Dr Abu Bakr Sirajuddin Cook and Dr Rami Dawood about the history of Islam in Australia- beginning with the arrival of the Makassan traders, that pre-dates European settlement, to the Afghan Cameleers, who set up the first mosques in the country. They discuss the legacy of the early Muslims in the country, their interaction with Aboriginal tribes, and the discovery of a Sufi Qadiri manuscript in Broken Hill Mosque.

035 Islam in Australia: Makassan Traders, Afghan Cameleers & a Sufi Qadiri Connection

Zara and Zirrar talk to author and Arabist Diana Darke about her most recent book Stealing From The Saracens: How Islamic Architecture Shaped Europe. Diana explains how cultural exchanges between Europe and Islamic Syria shaped Gothic architecture, and why this has become a point of controversy in Europe today.

Zara and Zirrar talk to author and Arabist <a href="https://dianadarke.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Diana Darke</a> about her most recent book Stealing From The Saracens: How Islamic Architecture Shaped Europe. Diana explains how cultural exchanges between Europe and Islamic Syria shaped Gothic architecture, and why this has become a point of controversy in Europe today.

034 How Islamic Architecture Shaped Europe

Sana Gillani visits the tombs of her ancestors: the parents of the influential scholar and saint, Shaykh Abdul Qadir al-Gilani, in Iran. 

Sana Gillani visits the tombs of her ancestors: the parents of the influential scholar and saint, Shaykh Abdul Qadir al-Gilani, in Iran.

KHAYAL DIARIES | My Ancestral Past: Visiting the Gilanis in Iran

Abdullah Sattar explores the roots of Sufism in Punjab, which spread, in large part, through the words of poets that are still recited and resonate today.

Abdullah Sattar explores the roots of Sufism in Punjab, which spread, in large part, through the words of poets that are still recited and resonate today.

KHAYAL DIARIES | Divine Love & Sufi Poetry of Punjab

Alex Reynolds from lostwithpurpose shares her experiences/conclusions/insights from more than four years of full time travel. 

Alex Reynolds from <a href="http://www.lostwithpurpose.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">lostwithpurpose</a> shares her experiences/conclusions/insights from more than four years of full time travel.

KHAYAL DIARIES | Lessons From Life on the Road 

The Sacred Footsteps core team share their reflections on the journeys, challenges and successes of a year that was...unusual.

The Sacred Footsteps core team share their reflections on the journeys, challenges and successes of a year that was...unusual.

KHAYAL DIARIES | Reflections 

Sacred Footsteps is dedicated to travel, history and culture from a Muslim perspective. We talk to writers, historians, artists and others, about travel as a spiritual practice, and discuss aspects of Muslim culture and history that are often overlooked.

This podcast is very special to me! There is truly no other podcast like it. Very informative and I love the guests and topics they choose. My one frustration is that Muazzam often dominates most conversations...in the newest episode about traveling to know yourself, he even interrupts Zara, who overall gets fewer opportunities to speak. I would appreciate more mindfulness of the space being taken up, especially considering the interview-centered episodes are about learning from the guest. He does come up with some important questions, but it certainly can be draining as a listener. I LOVE Zara’s inputs and questions and would love for her to have more space in speaking.

I LOVE this podcast, but...

I am enjoying the podcast especially in regards to the often overlooked regions.

Enjoying

Sacred Footsteps - The Podcast

Zara and Zirrar talk to poet Baraka Blue about the life, work and legacy of Jalal al-Din Rumi. Baraka tells us about the era in which he lived and how he came to be the great poet we know him as. They discuss his most famous work, the Masnavi, which is often referred to as the 'Persian Quran.’ Zirrar and Baraka share their somewhat differing views on the controversy surrounding English translations of his work, and the claim that Islam has deliberately been ‘erased’ from his poetry. We consider how Rumi was received in the West and the East, and how his poetry, or perceptions of his poetry differ accordingly.

Zara and Zirrar talk to poet Baraka Blue about the life, work and legacy of Jalal al-Din Rumi. Baraka tells us about the era in which he lived and how he came to be the great poet we know him as. They discuss his most famous work, the Masnavi, which is often referred to as the 'Persian Quran.’ Zirrar and Baraka share their somewhat differing views on the controversy surrounding English translations of his work, and the claim that Islam has deliberately been ‘erased’ from his poetry. We consider how Rumi was received in the West and the East, and how his poetry, or perceptions of his poetry differ accordingly.

025 Which Rumi are you Reading?

In episode three, Zara talks to Mustafa Briggs about the history of Islam in West Africa. They discuss the roots of Islam in the region, the intellectual achievements of Timbuktu and other centres of learning, sufism and the empowerment of women through scholarship that can be seen throughout West African history. Mustafa also tells us about his upcoming lecture series 'Beyond Bilal'. Find out more:  show notes 

In episode three, Zara talks to Mustafa Briggs about the history of Islam in West Africa. They discuss the roots of Islam in the region, the intellectual achievements of Timbuktu and other centres of learning, sufism and the empowerment of women through scholarship that can be seen throughout West African history. Mustafa also tells us about his upcoming lecture series 'Beyond Bilal'. Find out more: <a href="https://www.sacredfootsteps.org/2018/09/30/podcast-ep-003-islam-in-west-africa-empires-scholarship-sufism-the-empowerment-of-women/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> show notes</a>

003 Islam in West Africa: Empires, Scholarship, Sufism & the Empowerment of Women

Omar Rais speaks to Alyssa Ratkewitch, a third generation Tatar Muslim living in Brooklyn and the vice president of the board at the historic Brooklyn Mosque. Also joining the conversation is travel writer, journalist and broadcaster, Tharik Hussain who specialises in the Muslim heritage of the West. Together they explore the migratory roots of Brooklyn’s Tatar community, the longest serving mosque in the United States, and discuss the identity-shaping of Muslims in the West.

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/omarkrais/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Omar Rais</a> speaks to Alyssa Ratkewitch, a third generation Tatar Muslim living in Brooklyn and the vice president of the board at the historic Brooklyn Mosque. Also joining the conversation is travel writer, journalist and broadcaster, <a href="https://www.tharikhussain.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tharik Hussain</a> who specialises in the Muslim heritage of the West. Together they explore the migratory roots of Brooklyn’s Tatar community, the longest serving mosque in the United States, and discuss the identity-shaping of Muslims in the West.

019 DIASPORA VOICES | Brooklyn’s Tatar Muslims

Zara speaks to Shahroze Khan, a politics and history student and photographer, about the walled city of Lahore. Shahroze explains its history, from its somewhat contentious roots, steeped in Hindu mythology, to the heights of its splendour under the Mughals, followed by its brief period as capital of the Sikh Empire in the 19th century. He discusses the politicisation of history after Partition and the creation of Pakistan, and talks about his favourite buildings and monuments in the Old City. Lastly, we talk about whether enough is being done to preserve the Old City and its historic sites, as well as the controversy surrounding the Tourism Summit recently held by the government of Pakistan.

Zara speaks to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shahrozekk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shahroze Khan</a>, a politics and history student and photographer, about the walled city of Lahore. Shahroze explains its history, from its somewhat contentious roots, steeped in Hindu mythology, to the heights of its splendour under the Mughals, followed by its brief period as capital of the Sikh Empire in the 19th century. He discusses the politicisation of history after Partition and the creation of Pakistan, and talks about his favourite buildings and monuments in the Old City. Lastly, we talk about whether enough is being done to preserve the Old City and its historic sites, as well as the controversy surrounding the Tourism Summit recently held by the government of Pakistan.

010 Lahore: Secrets of the Old City

In episode six, Zara speaks to Muazzam Mir about the history of Islam in East Africa, particularly along the Swahili Coast. They talk about the role of travellers, traders and sufi tariqahs in the spread of Islam in the region, as well as noteworthy scholars. Muazzam refutes the colonialist idea that Africa was a land of darkness before the arrival of European powers, and tells us about the lost city of Gedi, a once sophisticated civilisation, built by Muslims, that was abandoned in mysterious circumstances.

In episode six, Zara speaks to Muazzam Mir about the history of Islam in East Africa, particularly along the Swahili Coast. They talk about the role of travellers, traders and sufi tariqahs in the spread of Islam in the region, as well as noteworthy scholars. Muazzam refutes the colonialist idea that Africa was a land of darkness before the arrival of European powers, and tells us about the lost city of Gedi, a once sophisticated civilisation, built by Muslims, that was abandoned in mysterious circumstances.

 006 Islam in East Africa: Traders & Tariqahs on the Swahili Coast and the Tale of a Lost City 

In episode five, Zara speaks to Wafa Aouchiche, founder of Burgundy Roots, about their retreats in Jamaica. We talk about the Jamaican Muslim community and the ‘Ras-Mus’ (Rasta-Muslims), and the connections between the Caribbean &amp; Algerian revolutionaries.   We discuss the negative impact of foreign-owned island resorts and some of the problems Jamaica faces; the importance of meaningful travel, and whether Muslim travellers are compromising on experience of the sake of halal food.    All links can be found the  show notes. 

In episode five, Zara speaks to Wafa Aouchiche, founder of <a href="http://burgundyroots.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Burgundy Roots</a>, about their retreats in Jamaica. We talk about the Jamaican Muslim community and the ‘Ras-Mus’ (Rasta-Muslims), and the connections between the Caribbean &amp; Algerian revolutionaries.   We discuss the negative impact of foreign-owned island resorts and some of the problems Jamaica faces; the importance of meaningful travel, and whether Muslim travellers are compromising on experience of the sake of halal food.  All links can be found the <a href="https://www.sacredfootsteps.org/2018/11/09/podcast-ep-005-jamaica-rasta-muslims-the-importance-of-meaningful-travel/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> show notes</a>.

005 Jamaica, Rasta-Muslims & the Importance of Meaningful Travel

Imam Shamil

Muazzam is joined by Salahuddin Mazhary. Salahuddin tells us about the history of Islam in the Caucasus, with a focus on Chechnya and Dagestan. He talks about the Sufi tariqas in the region and the role dhikr played in resisting the Russians. He also tells us about notable figures such as Imam Shamil and Kunta-haji and their legacies.

Muazzam is joined by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/adventuresinfashionistan/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Salahuddin Mazhary</a>. Salahuddin tells us about the history of Islam in the Caucasus, with a focus on Chechnya and Dagestan. He talks about the Sufi tariqas in the region and the role dhikr played in resisting the Russians. He also tells us about notable figures such as Imam Shamil and Kunta-haji and their legacies.

023 Islam in the Caucasus: Sufi Tariqahs, Imam Shamil and Resistance Through Dhikr

Omar Rais and Muazzam Mir  speak to Sana Saeed, Sanna Wani and Hassan Yassin about their experiences as part of the Kashmiri diaspora. They consider what being ‘Kashmiri’ means, and the multiple cultures and identities that it entails. At the time of recording, Kashmir had been under a media and communications blackout, imposed by India, for several weeks, following the revocation of Article 370.

<a href="https://www.sacredfootsteps.org/author/omarrais/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Omar Rais</a> and <a href="https://www.sacredfootsteps.org/author/muazzammir/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Muazzam Mir</a>  speak to <a href="https://twitter.com/SanaSaeed" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sana Saeed</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/sannareya" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sanna Wani</a> and Hassan Yassin about their experiences as part of the Kashmiri diaspora. They consider what being ‘Kashmiri’ means, and the multiple cultures and identities that it entails. At the time of recording, Kashmir had been under a media and communications blackout, imposed by India, for several weeks, following the revocation of Article 370.

016 DIASPORA VOICES | Kashmir

During the so-called ‘Dark Ages’, the Islamic world was undergoing was period of cultural enlightenment; at the same time, another empire, further east, was also flourishing. Historian Hassam Munir tells Zara about the cultural exchange between the Muslim and Chinese worlds. He talks about the history of Islam in China, explaining how and when it first reached the region and whether or not a Companion of the Prophet (pbuh) ever visited China. He also tells us about the Uyghur people and their history, as well as the influence of prominent Chinese Muslim scholars and the scholarship they produced.   Shownotes

During the so-called ‘Dark Ages’, the Islamic world was undergoing was period of cultural enlightenment; at the same time, another empire, further east, was also flourishing. Historian Hassam Munir tells Zara about the cultural exchange between the Muslim and Chinese worlds. He talks about the history of Islam in China, explaining how and when it first reached the region and whether or not a Companion of the Prophet (pbuh) ever visited China. He also tells us about the Uyghur people and their history, as well as the influence of prominent Chinese Muslim scholars and the scholarship they produced.  <a href="https://www.sacredfootsteps.org/2019/02/25/podcast-ep-008-islam-in-china-the-question-of-sahaba-visiting-china-the-uyghur-people-chinese-muslim-scholarship/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shownotes</a>

008 Islam in China: The Question of Sahaba Visiting China, The Uyghur People & Chinese Muslim Scholarship

In episode four, Yasmine and Zara speak to SF writer and photographer &amp; founder of Zirrar Tours, Afaq Ali about his experience travelling expensively in Iran, particularly as a Sunni in a Shia country. He talks about his visit to the tomb of Imam Ghazali, the Armenian Christian quarter of Isfahan, and the Jewish communities of Iran. Links are in the  show notes. 

In episode four, Yasmine and Zara speak to SF writer and photographer &amp; founder of Zirrar Tours, Afaq Ali about his experience travelling expensively in Iran, particularly as a Sunni in a Shia country. He talks about his visit to the tomb of Imam Ghazali, the Armenian Christian quarter of Isfahan, and the Jewish communities of Iran. Links are in the <a href="https://www.sacredfootsteps.org/2018/10/30/podcast-ep-004-iran-travelling-as-a-sunni-in-a-shia-country-visiting-the-tomb-of-imam-ghazali/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> show notes</a>.

004 Iran: Travelling as a Sunni in a Shia Country & Visting the Tomb of Imam Ghazali

Omar Rais &amp; Muazzam Mir speak to Thuraya Tarig, Mandour El Mahadi &amp; Ehab Eltayeb, about their experiences growing up as part of the Sudanese diaspora. They discuss their individual experiences &amp; memories of Sudan, their attempts to 'belong' &amp; stay connected to 'home' while navigating two identities. They tell us about the role of the diaspora in supporting Sudan &amp; how the ongoing revolution is changing the perception of the diaspora within Sudan itself. 

<a href="https://www.sacredfootsteps.org/author/omarrais/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Omar Rais</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.sacredfootsteps.org/author/muazzammir/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Muazzam Mir</a> speak to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ray.t95/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thuraya Tarig</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mandourjr/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mandour El Mahadi</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ehabthebeast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ehab Eltayeb</a>, about their experiences growing up as part of the Sudanese diaspora. They discuss their individual experiences &amp; memories of Sudan, their attempts to 'belong' &amp; stay connected to 'home' while navigating two identities. They tell us about the role of the diaspora in supporting Sudan &amp; how the ongoing revolution is changing the perception of the diaspora within Sudan itself.

013 DIASPORA VOICES | Sudan

Zara is joined by Sacred Footsteps' writers and photographers Afaq Ali and Omar Rais, and Chirag Wakaskar, a photographer based in Mumbai, India and creator of the @everydaymumbai project on Instagram. We discuss the response to our previous episode on Orientalism in travel photography, and Ali tells us about the 'Rooftop campaign' that demands National Geographic apologise for endorsing a 'racist and dehumanising' photo. Chirag talks about the problematic nature of 'Steve McCurry's India' and the ways in which photography is a tool of privilege within an Indian context, that often results in the 'othering' of the lower classes. Omar discusses the negative impact of 'voluntourism', a growing sector that is often linked to the 'white saviour' complex. Lastly, we talk about ways in which we can be proactive by supporting 'local' photographers.

Zara is joined by Sacred Footsteps' writers and photographers Afaq Ali and Omar Rais, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chiragwakaskar/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chirag Wakaskar</a>, a photographer based in Mumbai, India and creator of the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/everydaymumbai/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@everydaymumbai</a> project on Instagram. We discuss the response to our previous episode on Orientalism in travel photography, and Ali tells us about the 'Rooftop campaign' that demands National Geographic apologise for endorsing a 'racist and dehumanising' photo. Chirag talks about the problematic nature of 'Steve McCurry's India' and the ways in which photography is a tool of privilege within an Indian context, that often results in the 'othering' of the lower classes. Omar discusses the negative impact of 'voluntourism', a growing sector that is often linked to the 'white saviour' complex. Lastly, we talk about ways in which we can be proactive by supporting 'local' photographers.

009 RECLAIM |Challenging Institutional Orientalism in Photography

Yaseen Kippie talks to Zara about the history of Islam in South Africa. He tells us about the early community, made up of influential people exiled to the Cape by the Dutch. A story of survival and resistance, Yaseen tells us about 'the revivers', individuals who ensured the preservation of Islam in South Africa. 

Yaseen Kippie talks to Zara about the history of Islam in South Africa. He tells us about the early community, made up of influential people exiled to the Cape by the Dutch. A story of survival and resistance, Yaseen tells us about 'the revivers', individuals who ensured the preservation of Islam in South Africa.

014 Islam in South Africa: Survival, Preservation & Revival

For our first ever crossover episode, Zara speaks to Imran Ali Malik, host of the American Submitter podcast. They discuss the concept of travel as a 'mutual unveiling' and share 'transformative' travel experiences. Imran talks about his time in Guinea Bissau, where tribes were converting to Islam after an elder dreamt of the Prophet Muhammad (saw), and tells us about the Wali Songo, the 'Nine Saints' of Indonesia.

For our first ever crossover episode, Zara speaks to Imran Ali Malik, host of the American Submitter podcast. They discuss the concept of travel as a 'mutual unveiling' and share 'transformative' travel experiences. Imran talks about his time in Guinea Bissau, where tribes were converting to Islam after an elder dreamt of the Prophet Muhammad (saw), and tells us about the Wali Songo, the 'Nine Saints' of Indonesia.

024 Travel as 'Mutual Unveiling' | Visiting the 'Wali Songo' Nine Saints of Indonesia

A few years ago, Zirrar, poet, photographer and key member of the Sacred Footsteps team, went on an incredible journey. Having already spent considerable time in Iran, he decided to set out alone, in search of the tomb of Imam Ghazali. In this episode, Zirrar reads his beautiful article recounting that journey. You can also read his words on  sacredfootsteps.org. 

A few years ago, Zirrar, poet, photographer and key member of the Sacred Footsteps team, went on an incredible journey. Having already spent considerable time in Iran, he decided to set out alone, in search of the tomb of Imam Ghazali. In this episode, Zirrar reads his beautiful article recounting that journey. You can also read his words on <a href="https://www.sacredfootsteps.org/2018/10/03/searching-for-the-tomb-of-imam-ghazali-the-personal-journey-of-a-lost-pilgrim/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> sacredfootsteps.org</a>.

022 Searching for the Tomb of Imam Ghazali: The Personal Journey of a Lost Pilgrim

The best podcast episodes on parenting. Interviewing experts and talking through common issues surrounding parenting. This topic is filled with important lessons and insights for anyone listening. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

OwlTail

Best Parenting Podcasts

The best podcast episodes of anyone with an interesting story. With famous guests like Obama, LeBron James, Drake, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, to anyone who has a unique and interesting story to tell. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!