Shows
The Middle Ground PodcastTaylor Swift & The Society of the Spectacle﷽Welcome to Episode Thirteen of the Middle Ground Podcast. In this episode brother Dawud Aleman (GBLevate) and myself discuss the phenomenal of the psy-op better known as celebrity culture. We ask questions such as “why is Taylor Swift everywhere?” and “why do they want us to pay so much attention to her?”As usual, we discuss all topics in light of the Qur’ān and statements from the Prophet, ﷺ.Other references in this episode:* Sunan Abī Dāwūd no. 3331: “A time is certainly coming to mankind when only the receiver of usury will remain...2024-02-231h 15
The Middle Ground PodcastAmerican Democracy & Other Bedtime Stories﷽ Welcome to Episode Twelve of the Middle Ground Podcast. In this episode brother Dawud Aleman (GBLevate) and myself discuss politics again but drill down a little deeper and interrogate our understanding and estimation of the utility of politics and where might we go from here? As usual, we discuss all topics in light of the Qur’ān and statements from the Prophet, ﷺ.Other references in this episode:* Sunan Abī Dāwūd no. 3329: “What is lawful is clear and what is unlawful is clear, but between them are certain doubtful things”;* Sūrah Ibrāhīm v...2024-02-091h 10
The Middle Ground PodcastPrayer In Islām? Is It the Same as Meditation?﷽Welcome to Episode Eleven of the Middle Ground Podcast. In this episode brother Dawud Aleman (GBLevate) and myself discuss ṣalāh (prayer) in Islām as it is contrasted and compared to meditation, flow state, and focus and are those the same as the Qur’ānic term, khushū’/خشوع? As usual, we discuss all topics in light of the Qur’ān and statements from the Prophet, ﷺ.Other references in this episode:* Sūrah al-Baqarah v. 40: “O’ Children of Isrā’īl, stand in awe of Me!”;* Sūrah al-Baqarah v. 45: “Be perseverant and hold the prayer; this will be difficu...2024-01-251h 30
The Middle Ground PodcastWhat Do American Muslims Want From Politics?﷽ Welcome to Episode Ten of the Middle Ground Podcast. In this episode brother Dawud Aleman (GBLevate) and myself discuss politics and politicking, American Muslims, and just what is it we want from America/politics? As usual, we discuss all topics in light of the Qur’ān and statements from the Prophet, ﷺ.Other references in this episode:* Sūrah al-Baqarah v. 31: “And [Allāh] taught Ādam the names of all things”;Imam’s Corner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or...2024-01-171h 40
The Middle Ground PodcastMercy Descends From A Position of Power﷽Welcome to Episode Nine of the Middle Ground Podcast. In this episode brother Dawud Aleman (GBLevate) and myself discuss the power of mercy and how it relates to our plight in the world today. As usual, we discuss all topics in light of the Qur’ān and statements from the Prophet, ﷺ.Other references in this episode:* Sūrah ‘Āl ‘Imrān v. 111: “They can never harm you (except for perhaps a little)”;* Sūrah al-An’ām v. 133: “Your Lord is Free of All Needs, the Possessor of Mercy”;Imam’s Corner is a read...2023-12-031h 17
The Middle Ground PodcastCommunity Lens: Muslims, Marriage & The Future﷽ Welcome to Episode Eight of the Middle Ground Podcast. In this episode brother Dawud Aleman (GBLevate) and myself discuss community in general and marriage in specific. As usual, we discuss all topics in light of the Qur’ān and statements from the Prophet, ﷺ.Other references in this episode:* Sūrah ‘Āl ‘Imrān v. 110: “You are the best community for mankind”;* Sūrah al-Rūm, v. 21: “Amongst His signs is He made mates for you”;Imam’s Corner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, conside...2023-11-061h 12
The Middle Ground PodcastTowards A Foundation of Good Health﷽ Welcome to Episode Seven of the Middle Ground Podcast. In this episode brother Dawud Aleman (GBLevate) and myself discuss health and how to take steps towards actualizing better health in one’s life, God willing.We also discuss and share some strategies for better health such as:* a system of accountability (calendaring your workouts and food journaling);* having a plan as well as a program;* most “diets” (keto, paleo, carnivore) seem to have roughly the same short-term success rate when weight loss is the target but also seem to have the...2023-10-301h 53
The Middle Ground PodcastHeart-Set Mind-Set Part II﷽Welcome to Episode Four of the Middle Ground Podcast. This is Part II of our conversation on cultivating virtues. I’m joined again by brother Dawud Aleman from For this episode I’m joined again by brother Dawud Aleman. As usual, we discuss all topics in light of the Qur’ān and statements from the Prophet, ﷺ.Āyāt, aḥādīth, and other references in this episode:* Sūrah al-Insān, v. 13: “never seeing a scorching sun or bitter cold”;* Sūrah al-Baqarah, v. 45-46: “seek help through perseverance and prayer. Indeed, it is a a major diff...2023-10-2337 min