Accidentalmuslims.com

"Music in my heart beat... Islam in my soul... " - Malika Omar It was fascinating meeting Malika Omar. Khalil calls her the "Sufi Pianist." After spending many years in Dubai she returned to her home, Cape Town. We chat about many things including our youth, following your dreams, Palestine, Mentorship and about her success. - Nominee for Cosmopolitan Middle East Fabulous Female Awards 2015. - 5 x Nominee for Ahlan! Best In Dubai Award for Best Music Act. - Celebrity audiences include Gulf, European and Asian royalty; key political and public figures; Hollywood, Bollywood, sports and Arab celebrities. Enjoy this episode! P.S - interview was recorded as a restaurant - apologies for the disruptive sound Love what we doing? Help us make future podcasts, videos, school/madrassa workshops, conferences, projects, and other events a reality - contribute here. AccidentalMuslims.com  is registered as a NPO: Ref #195-995 Disclaimer: The views/opinions expressed on this podcast are those of our guests and may be

"When you don't hear the sounds of children at the back of the masjid then fear the next generation. " - Zaakira Ansarmeeah We interviewed Mu'allimah in Ramadan and has such an inspirational time chatting to her.  She teaches at Riyaadul-Uloom in Mustgrave, Durban with a Diploma in Childhood Impediments of Learning and a Certification in Basic Counseling. Zaakira is also the females Programme Co-ordinator at Radio Islam International and a volunteer at SANZAF... Enjoy this episode! Love what we doing? Help us make future podcasts, videos, school/madrassa workshops, conferences, projects, and other events a reality - contribute here. AccidentalMuslims.com  is registered as a NPO: Ref #195-995 Disclaimer: The views/opinions expressed on this podcast are those of our guests and may be different from yours, however AccidentalMuslims.com encourages respect for diversity of views. We are all different and in our differences there are opportunities to learn - Insha-Allah!

“ The one thing I missed when I was out of Cape Town during Ramadan was the exchanging of "barakatjies" before iftaar. ” - Muneer Abduroaf We chat to Shaykh Muneer who wears many hats. He is a Shaykh, Imam, Lecturer, Sworn Translator of the High Court of South Africa, Lawyer and now the CEO of IBCA South Africa (Islamic Business Compliance Authority). Enjoy this episode! Love what we doing? Help us make future podcasts, videos, school/madrassa workshops, conferences, projects, and other events a reality - contribute here. AccidentalMuslims.com  is registered as a NPO: Ref #195-995 Disclaimer: The views/opinions expressed on this podcast are those of our guests and may be different from yours, however AccidentalMuslims.com encourages respect for diversity of views. We are all different and in our differences there are opportunities to learn - Insha-Allah!

“Half of the questions on the "Ask Nanima" Platform would not be asked if women had the option of going to the Masjid” - Ask Nanima Founder To protect the blog/community platform of Ask Nanima we were asked not to disclose the founder's identity. Ask Nanima is an online community support system and self empowerment website. It is a home industry portal to promote breadwinner home industries that are struggling to make ends meat. Ask Nanima is a place where everyone comes for support for everyday issues that they may be facing especially parenting, home industries advertising and daily issues. It is also a place where we share recipes especially the South African, Indian cuisine. Ask Nanima is an online platform where people get encouragement, hope and happiness and God willing feel better about their life situation post interaction. Enjoy this episode! Love what we doing? Help us make future podcasts, videos, school/madrassa workshops, conferences, projects, and other events a reality - contribute here.

“Ramadan is about love and developing your moral fibre” - Shaykh Rafeeq Islaam N.B - Apologies for the poor sound as we met the Shaykh at a restaurant prior to Ramadan in Durban. Rafeeq Islaam is an Alim who is also a Hafiz. Originally hails from Zimbabwe and Founder of " The Talented Tenth" . A passionate and ambitious Motivational Speaker, Teacher and Coach who freelances in areas around KZN under the mentorship of Toastmasters Club. Currently working on three literary works in Educational Sciences, Scientific Discoveries in the Traditions of the Prophet SAW and General Life Principles. He has a Diploma in Islamic Banking, Finance and Medical Jurisprudence. We ask Rafeeq a couple things about Ramadan and he also shares a couple of beautiful stories. Enjoy this episode! Love what we doing? Help us make future podcasts, videos, school/madrassa workshops, conferences, projects, and other events a reality - contribute here. AccidentalMuslims.com  is registered as a NPO: Ref #195-995 Disclaimer: The vie

"I am "Team Boeber" in Ramadan, although the soup with the daltjie is winning me over" - Shaykh Muhammad West Shaykh Muhammad West, born in Cape Town, South Africa, spent most of his youth growing up in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He went on to study a degree in Islamic theology and dawah at the Islamic University of Madinah while studying a degree in accounting science through the University of South Africa via correspondence. Shaykh returned to Cape Town in 2011 graduating 2nd in the faculty of Dawah. Muhammad West further qualified as a chartered accountant of South Africa after completing his articles. A devoted husband and father of three, Shaykh Muhammad is currently the Group Financial Accountant at one of the world's largest retailers. He holds the position of resident Imam of the Boorhaanol Islam Masjid, one of the oldest mosques in South Africa. Muhammad West is also the Western Cape director of the Imam Development Project (IDP) whereby local Imams from underprivileged communities are given the necess

"My dream was to publish one book; but the bug bit me and I wrote "Beautiful Chaos" in five weeks. My long-term goal is to encourage people to read and breathe life into their stories." - Zaheera Walker She was born in Durban and studied journalism at DUT. Words fascinated her – she read billboards, newspapers, letters that came in the post – everything she could get my hands on. We ask Zaheera about her personal life and the inspiration behind her 3 books. Why self-publishing? She even opens up about how she found love and losing her husband. We go a bit deep as usual. Go and buy her books! Enjoy the interview with Presenter Fahmeedah Khan (Proudly Muslims of South Africa) Love what we doing? Help us make future podcasts, videos, school/madrassa workshops, conferences, projects, and other events a reality - contribute here. AccidentalMuslims.com  is registered as a NPO: Ref #195-995 Disclaimer: The views/opinions expressed on this podcast are those of our guests and may be different from yours, how

"Apartheid did not die, it got privatized... " - Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh Definitely one of our favourite interviews! We asked some intense, deep and different questions. A leader without any doubt. Humble and most down-to-earth personality. A South African author, musician and activist. Mpofu-Walsh was president of the University of Cape Town Students' Representative Council in 2010. He holds an MPhil in International Relations from the University of Oxford. Late last year he published his debut book, Democracy and Delusion: 10 Myths in South African Politics. Along with the book, he released his debut rap album, also titled "Democracy and Delusion." Go and buy his book! Enjoy the interview with Co-Presenter Zakiyya Cassimjee Love what we doing? Help us make future podcasts, videos, school/madrassa workshops, conferences, projects, and other events a reality - contribute here. AccidentalMuslims.com  is registered as a NPO: Ref #195-995 Disclaimer: The views/opinions expressed on this podcast are those of o

"If you believe it's a good idea, then persevere and see it through... " - Al-Firnas Patel We visited the Crescent Lifestyle Head Offices in Johannesburg and had the pleasure of sitting with Al-Firnas. A wealth of experience, knowledge and passion for the brand. We chatted brief about his story and how he built the business. He gives us some tips of giving back to the community and advice to the youth. Enjoy! Join us at the Johannesburg Unity Conference in 2018 (21 April) - purchase your ticket here. In collaboration with Penny Appeal South Africa - Penny Appeal is a relief charity working in 30 crisis-hit countries worldwide, as well as right here in South Africa. The Penny Appeal way of doing charity is simple - they take small change and make a BIG difference with it! Their unique approach makes charitable giving affordable and rewardable, and allows them to transform lives in ways that cost you just a few pennies each day. Love what we doing? Help us make future podcasts, videos, school/madrassa w

"Never give up and don't be afraid to fail..." - Fairoza Parker One of the reasons why we started AccidentalMuslims.com podcast was to find those hidden gems in the SA community. Those people doing amazing work yet behind the scenes. Fairoza is one of the them. Fairoza is the first Chief Financial Officer of the CTICC. She is responsible for overseeing the Finance division of the CTICC. She is passionate about people and helping them to achieve their full potential. Enjoy! Join us at the Johannesburg Unity Conference in 2018 (21 April) - purchase your ticket here. In collaboration with Penny Appeal South Africa - Penny Appeal is a relief charity working in 30 crisis-hit countries worldwide, as well as right here in South Africa. The Penny Appeal way of doing charity is simple - they take small change and make a BIG difference with it! Their unique approach makes charitable giving affordable and rewardable, and allows them to transform lives in ways that cost you just a few pennies each day. Love what

“We have to redefine how we look at Nikah..." - Ismail Kamdar Shaykh Ismail Kamdar began his study of Islam at the age of thirteen. He has been actively involved in Islamic work since the age of 16. He has completed a seven year Alim course in 2007 and a BA in Islamic Studies from Islamic Online University in 2014. He is currently a senior lecturer, as well as the Faculty Manager of the Islamic Online University, and is the Content Manager at Zileej. Over the past decade, Shaykh Ismail has served as a school teacher and administrator in multiple schools in South Africa and India. He has also delivered lectures and workshops in many locations locally and abroad, and appeared on many Radio Stations across the country. He has also served as a Radio Presenter at Radio Al-Ansaar for several years, until November 2016. In 2011, Shaykh Ismail discovered the importance of personal development and noticed a lack of Islamic literature dedicated to this field. After consuming dozens of books and courses on the topi

"Instead of looking at the 99 things that unites us, we look at the 1 thing that splits us" - Mufti Ismail Menk Dr Mufti Ismail Menk is a leading global Islamic scholar born and raised in Zimbabwe. He studied Shariah in Madinah and holds a Doctorate of Social Guidance from Aldersgate University. Mufti Menk’s work has gained worldwide recognition and he has been named one of “The Top 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World” since 2010. He has millions of followers across his social media platforms. Mufti Menk’s personable style and down to earth approach has made him one of the most sought after scholars in our time. He has endeared himself to people with his much loved lecture series, a Mufti Menk trademark. He travels the world spreading a simple but profound message: “Do good, help others while preparing for the Hereafter”. He is active in the international arena and is a strong proponent of peace and justice, speaking up against all forms of terrorism. Enjoy! Join us at the Johannesburg Unity Confe

“Don't measure yourself against your Facebook or Youtube likes - instead ask yourself , "Will Allah be pleased with what I have done today?" ” - Zain Bhika We speak about everything with Zain Bhika from his Radio 702 competition to his ACE (Art of Creative Expression) workshops....Definitely one of the most inspiring interviews... Alhamdullillah. The opportunity to travel around the world and meet incredible artists like Yusuf Islam and Dawud Wharnsby, unlatched his understanding of what it truly means to be Muslim. It taught him to make the most of life before returning to our Creator, by being the best we can be and striving for social justice. He says that as Muslims, it’s our responsibility to give to those who don’t have anything, to take care of the poor, to smile at each other and “to make things better while you are here.” Zain has found that music and lyrics are a powerful unifier, it brings us closer together as Muslims around the world. He feels blessed that so many people resonate with his mus

“Where you come from often limits how big you dream...” - Zunaid Parker Zunaid is a Principal Consultant at Pegasys, an advisory group focusing on development impact in emerging economies. Before that Zunaid worked at Eskom and Mckinsey. He tell us about his journey through his career and how important mentorship is for all of us. We chat about grabbing opportunities no matter what the circumstances are, as well as his fundraising event happening on Saturday, 3rd March 2018, for the Kalusta Karjiker Educational Society (KKES). Enjoy it! Interested in the Johannesburg Unity Conference in 2018 (21 April) - purchase your ticket here. AccidentalMuslims.com is self funded and a community one – so please share this episode – the more reach, the more impact. In collaboration with Proudly Muslims of South Africa - an organisation that aims to address the negative stigma associated with Muslims by highlighting the amazing humanitarian work that’s being carried out by Muslims in South Africa. Love what we doi

“I became an Aalim at the age of 17 years old - I still didn't understand life.” - Sandile Twala The Shaykh starts with a beautiful story about his mother and explains what Islam is really about. His experience at a Darool Uloom and the challenges faced staying in the rural areas of South Africa. From peer pressure to swift memory methodologies. From Homeopathy to Umrah... We chat about everything. Enjoy it! Interested in the Johannesburg Unity Conference in 2018 (21 April) - purchase your ticket here. AccidentalMuslims.com is self funded and a community one – so please share this episode – the more reach, the more impact. In collaboration with Proudly Muslims of South Africa - an organisation that aims to address the negative stigma associated with Muslims by highlighting the amazing humanitarian work that’s being carried out by Muslims in South Africa. Love what we doing? Help us make future podcasts, videos, school/madrassa workshops, conferences, projects, and other events a reality - contribute

“How can we make Durban a more entrepreneur-friendly city?” - Mohamed Chohan We have this syndrome in South Africa where people think they must have a nice office, nice office furniture and a laptop to start a business. We hear it all the time that start-ups fail because they don’t have access to finance. Skill yourself first and the finance will follow. He calls it “bootstrapping”. "Keep it simple, know what you want to do, do the research and then work hard." Mohamed Chohan is the Managing Director at Startup Grind Durban. Previously he has worked as a Business Development Manager at RSAWEB and has completed a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from UKZN. He has also worked at Smartrac which is a Management Consultancy, Black Ticket Creative Bureau which is a Brand Consultancy and KPMG. We chat about lots of things - even his most embarrassing moment in his life! Enjoy it! If you interested in the Johannesburg Conference in 2018 (21 April) please pre-register here. AccidentalMuslims.com is self funded an

“I believe anybody can do anything. Charity is small bits that we do every single day – it doesn’t have to be anything huge.” Zaheerah Bham-Ismail You are so going to enjoy this episode. Zaheerah was genuine, inspiring and she went deep!!! Her advice to the youth: “Stay grounded.” Living in the age of the digital fishbowl, it’s easy to get lost in the hype and try to fit in. However, Zaheerah encourages them that it’s actually better to be different and stand out. She advises the parents within her generation to spend quality time with their families, even if it’s spent doing the simplest of things. Her life motto: “Live for now.” Acknowledging that life is temporary and that there are no guarantees, Zaheerah makes the most of every moment and teaches her girls to harness the ‘power of now’. Zaheerah would like to be remembered as someone who tried her best. The women she’s inspired and the charity groups she supports will emphatically bear testimony to this fact. Even if you’ve met her for the briefest

"I was a young boy from Lenasia (South Africa) wanting to play cricket at Lords" - Abdul Manack Definitely one of the most inspiring interviews with an inspiring individual. Abdul Manack spoke about his dream of becoming a cricketer and playing at Lords. The day he received his Proteas Green Jacket. Find out why they called him "Jack" - funny story. He is so good with acronyms that he instantly broke down "EGO" for us. Listen to his passion of service and dedication through his work of mindset coaching and mentoring. He goes deep. We love going deep... Remember - BEST - TEST and REST! Enjoy the listen! If you interested in the Johannesburg Conference in 2018 (21 April) please pre-register here. AccidentalMuslims.com is self funded and a community one – so please share this episode – the more reach, the more impact. In collaboration with Proudly Muslims of South Africa - an organisation that aims to address the negative stigma associated with Muslims by highlighting the amazing humanitarian work that’

"Search in the Seerah of our Messenger (PBUH) for an ideal & principled lifestyle and adapt it to your current norms" - Shaykh Junaid Kharsany Shaykh Junaid Kharsany was born in Durban, South Africa. He was blessed to complete the memorization of the Holy Qur’an at the tender age of fifteen. He began his higher Islamic studies at the renowned seminary, Madrasah ‘Arabiyya Islamiyya in Azaadville, South Africa. During his studies, he immersed himself in the study of Arabic, Jurisprudence, Hadith, Tafsir among other Islamic sciences. He graduated with a degree in the Islamic sciences, including authorizations in the major books of hadith. Soon after graduating, he began teaching sacred knowledge at the Islahul Muslimeen seminary in Durban, South Africa. Shaykh Junaid has long been involved in the work of da’wah (religious propagation) and has served as a social worker and leader for a number of communities. He has also served as a supervisor for the educational board of the Jamiat Ulama Kwazulu Natal and as

"I feel that Mr South Africa is more than just a title or a competition. I think that it is a perfect platform to inspire, teach and motivate the millions of South African citizens to evoke a positive change in their lives and in society." - Dr Habib Noorbhai We had so much fun interviewing Habib. Despite his mom, sister and friends telling him not to pursue this challenge of entering Mr South Africa - Well he did! Talk about changing perspectives and breaking stereotypes - Habib went against the grain and is definitely trying to make the world a better place. We asked him some interesting questions like how he managed the much anticipated "speedo or underwear" scene? How he learned to model? Where did he get his confidence from? What guess what his post PHD research is about? Clue: "Chokers" Enjoy this one with Guest Presenter, Rogeema Kenny Outro Song: A Halaal "Despacito" by Rhamzan Rhamzan's interest in religion (Islam) made him focus on Nasheeds. He created a Youtube channel to express himself us