Accidentalmuslims.com

The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran; a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, a number of other days. Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you; and that you should complete the period, and that you should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that perhaps you may be thankful.[Quran 2:185]

We were invited to attend the launch of the South African Foundation of Islamic Art (SAFIA) in Cape Town. We had a brief chat to the CEO, Shaheen Soni. SAFIA believes that participation in the arts can improve the social well-being and economic future of those living, working and studying in South Africa. Because of this belief, SAFIA, in partnership with schools and colleges, community groups, regional and national agencies will over the next five years work to increase the number of exhibition opportunities for the widest range of people to experience the arts. Enjoy! AccidentalMuslims.com is self funded and a community one – so please share this episode – the more reach, the more impact. Bonus: Nasheed by Siedd - "I Need You" 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 - Inshallah!

Today we interview Siedd - YouTube sensation, Canadian based Islamic Songwriter and Singer. Siedd's popularity has taken the humble, enthusiastic artist by surprise, he told CBC, but he thinks people are responding to his work because of it's positive, faith-based, message. "It's just that some of the mainstream music ... it's very vulgar," he said. "Some of the themes of the music - it's just like sex, drugs and rock n' roll. It's kind of part of the culture in a sense. ... and there's some people who want other than that." The singer also believes people are responding to the North American influences in his music, which set him apart from the majority of Muslim artists, who are based overseas and whose music is inspired by trends in their homelands. Siedd's music features a cappella arrangements created using layered vocalizations and hand claps, often digitally-manipulated. His renditions of other artist's songs frequently involve rewritten lyrics with wholesome or spiritual themes. Enjoy!!! iTune

Khadija Patel (Editor-in-Chief: Mail & Guardian) tells us who her favourite interviewee is/was... Exactly 1 month ago, on the 28th March 2017, South Africa lost a great man - Ahmed Kathrada We reminded of the immortal words of Alfred Tennyson in a poem: “And oh for the touch of a vanished hand and the sound of a voice that is still.” Hamba Kahle, our father!  And may you rest in peace Inshallah! AccidentalMuslims.com is self funded and a community one – so please share this episode – the more reach, the more impact. 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 - Inshallah!

” I run because it’s tough. In this struggle I find beauty and honesty. Being on the trail is a spiritual experience. It’s not about setting a record time or for accolades. I am free! It’s just me, trees and the mountain.” – Fareed Behardien on how he feels when he is trail running In this episode we meet an ambitious, obsessive and adventurous man whose story will inspire us to go forth and conquer mountains. Yes mountains! His passion, funny and authentic nature will captivate you from the onset and makes us appreciate the little blessings in life. He tells about how and why he started LeaveTheCouch.com. Gives us tips on blogging and how being on those mountains running, can make you more spiritual, contented and humble you. Fareed’s blog won the “Best Blog of 2016” and “Best Sports and Lifestyle Blog of 2016” Ultra Trail! What’s that? Well listen to the episode and find out… Enjoy our last episode of Season 1 :( Feel free to give us feedback on Season 1 - did you enjoy it and how can we improve? Ac

Fareed Behardien (Project Manager, Founder of LeaveTheCouch.com, Adventurer) tells us why he trails mountains... Enjoy this snippet. The full episode will be published on Friday, 21st April 2017. AccidentalMuslims.com is self funded and a community one – so please share this episode – the more reach, the more impact.

" Sometimes we want things to come our way but you need to create what you want... success and achievement are not going to fall into your lap by accident. You must go grab it & want it." - Aslam Cassiem on the shift in mindset needed to excel and make a difference. In this podcast, we meet a dynamic adventurous public representative whose story will inspire us to go forth and write our own legacy. His depth of experience will captivate you from the onset and make us appreciate the little blessings in life. His pleasant demeanour and wealth of knowledge deconstructs the notion that politicians are self-serving as he reminds us of the potent words of our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW " The best of you are those who serve others." which no doubt will inspire us to not only see the importance of serving others but to live, with purpose. Enjoy!!! AccidentalMuslims.com is self funded and a community one - so please share this episode - the more reach, the more impact. BONUS: Nasheed by Zain Bhika - "First We N

Aslam Cassiem (Moulana, Public Representative, Councillor) tells us why he became a Public Representative? Enjoy this snippet. The full episode will be published on Friday, 14th April 2017. AccidentalMuslims.com is self funded and a community one – so please share this episode – the more reach, the more impact.

" With everything you are given you have to give it your best. No matter how minuscule it may be... even if you don't like it... you have to do it at your best. " - Iman Malaka describing the type of work ethic required for success. Descriptive. Caring. Headstrong. In this podcast we introduce you to a change maker whom proudly describes herself as a descendant of King Sulaiman and Bilqees. As the episode develops you draw inspiration from her strong affinity to her faith whilst her honest perspectives, gained from her travels and experiences, will captivate your thoughts and tug at the heart. Iman's story will push you to be yourself. To be unique. It will make you want to strive to be that person that stands out. She will inspire you to want to be that person who will with everything you are given, to give it your best in your pursuit to live, with purpose. Enjoy!!! AccidentalMuslims.com is self funded and a community one - so please share this episode - the more reach, the more impact. BONUS: Nashee

On Tuesday, 28th March 2017, we will be interviewing Khadija Patel (Editor-in-Chief of the Mail&Guardian) in Johannesburg, Inshallah! Here are Zaheer's questions to Khadija. Do you have any? Please email them to us at info@accidentalmuslims.com AccidentalMuslims.com is self funded and a community one - so please share this episode - the more reach, the more impact Update: FB live with Khadija Patel on the 28th March 2017

" Our social media profiles and our WhatsApp accounts etc. are a trust. They are an "amaana" (responsibility). We have a responsibility to ensure that whatever we share is verified. " - M J Khan's perspective on social media and the spread of fake news. In this podcast, we introduce you to M J Khan. This gaming enthusiast shares with us his love for all things digital and discusses why he attributes his success to the support and love of his parents. He describes to us his viewpoints on success, relationship building in the 21st-century, and how the evolution of social media has shifted the traditional notions of interaction and connection and how it impacts on our world. MJ Khan is a likable character whose ultimate dream of becoming a script writer for the WWE wrestling federation will not only make you smile but will increase your appetite to go out and actively make your mark in this world. MJ's experiences and colourful disposition will enliven your day and inspire you to go in search of your own sto

" If you cannot be woken up at 3 or 4 in the morning because somebody needs assistance, then you shouldn't get up at all. " - Faizal Sayed's reason why he gets up in the morning. Enthusiastic. Persevering. Patient. In this podcast, Faizal gives us a glimpse into what it takes to run a TV show. As the episode evolves we get to understand the rationale behind his insights and interests. His willingness to share enables us to understand the requisite challenges and skills needed to be in the public eye but more importantly how to handle both success and criticisms. With a fervent passion for serving the community, this self- styled "crazy maverick" takes us on his journey of success and tells us why he sees it as "the ultimate dedication to a cause." Faizal's honesty and meticulous ability to tell a story captivates and inspires, in equal measure, and will no doubt propel you to live, with purpose. Enjoy!!! AccidentalMuslims.com is self funded and a community one - so please share this episode - the more

MJ Khan (Group Online Media Manager, Sasol) tells us why "MJ" ? Enjoy this snippet. The full episode will be published on Friday, 17th March 2017. AccidentalMuslims.com is self funded and a community one – so please share this episode – the more reach, the more impact.

Faizal Sayed (CEO DeenTV) tells us about his most embarrassing moments on TV. 2 clues involving: - Sh. Riyaad Walls - Imam Hassan Walele Enjoy this snippet. The full episode will be published on Friday, 10th March 2017. AccidentalMuslims.com is self funded and a community one – so please share this episode – the more reach, the more impact.

" Volunteering forced me to get out of my own shell... it forced me to interact with people outside of my circles ... ... and along the way it allowed me to figure out who I wanted to be and what I wanted to do "  - Shanaaz Ebrahim Gire on the importance of volunteering Talkative. Fun. Loyal.  In this podcast, we introduce you to a media and communication all-rounder with a passion for effecting social change through creative and impact driven story telling. Shanaaz shares with us how and why she used her first on- air disaster to kick start her personal development and how it, in turn, lead her to discover new ways to make people happy. This natural born story teller exemplifies the concept of how a diligent work ethic coupled with a passionate will to be of benefit, will not only allow you to eclipse challenge, but ultimately to forge ahead and impact lives. As the founder of Project Media Communications, she hopes to help her community with capacity building and sees it as a vehicle the community can ca

" I will carry those duas' (prayers) with me as long as I live. " - Shanaaz Ebrahim Gire The full episode will be published on Friday, 24th February 2017. AccidentalMuslims.com is self funded and a community one – so please share this episode – the more reach, the more impact.

" I would say constant growth " - Marwaan Sasman on how he defines success. Energetic. Optimistic. Creative.  In this podcast we introduce to you the founder of the creative design company, Pigeon Pie. An eternal optimist, Marwaan shares with us his journey from a shy teenager with a dream into a fully fledged businessman who honed his entrepreneurial instincts by stepping outside his comfort zone which help set him on a path to starting his own business. He describes to us his viewpoints on how success should be defined and how his company assists change makers to leave a bigger impact on this world.  As we engage with him he reveals to us how networking with strangers increased his confidence and public speaking skills and in so doing enabled him to create a company based on his values in which both his team and clients can thrive and add value. The enabler of change- Marwaan's vision and taste was both , dynamic and wholesome,  which will no doubt inspire you to live, with purpose. Enjoy! AccidentalMu

" In small communities back in the day everyone shared with everyone. I wanted to build something similar within my company " - Marwaan Sasman The full episode will be published on Friday, 10th February 2017. AccidentalMuslims.com is self funded and a community one – so please share this episode – the more reach, the more impact.

"We not here in this world by accident. We here to be open-minded, live good lives and serve people." -Aslam Levy In this podcast Aslam tells us how he ended up in South African government managing their websites, social media platforms and mobile applications. Why he moved to Johannesburg and why he does not want to go looking for a gatsby this side of the world. You will learn his take on the future of South Africa and his definition of success. Aslam is brilliant, passionate and a humble guy serving humanity at his best. We appreciate you. Enjoy! AccidentalMuslims.com is self funded and a community one - so please share this episode - the more reach, the more impact. 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 - Inshallah!

" Depending on the phase in your career, Johannesburg is a good move for you." - Aslam Levy The full episode will be published on Friday, 23rd December 2016. AccidentalMuslims.com is self funded and a community one – so please share this episode – the more reach, the more impact.