Talking With Teachers With Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali

Talking With Teachers – Season 6, Episode 5Dr. Joseph Lumbard In this episode of Talking With Teachers, host Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali welcomes distinguished scholar Dr. Joseph E. B. Lumbard for a wide-ranging and deeply reflective conversation on Islam, spirituality, and the challenges of the modern world.Dr. Lumbard—editor of The Study Quran and a leading voice in contemporary Islamic thought—shares his intellectual journey into Islamic studies and explores the enduring relevance of tasawwuf (Sufism), perennial philosophy, and classical Islamic scholarship in today’s rapidly changing global landscape.The discussion addresses major themes such as:The spiritual and intellectual roots of Islamic traditionThe effects of modernity and colonialism on Muslim societiesFaith, reason, and the challenges posed by technology and artificial intelligenceThe role of sacred knowledge in an age of political and cultural uncertaintyThis episode offers profound insights for students of Islam, seekers of spiritual depth, and anyone interested in thoughtful conversations on religion, philosophy, and modern life.🎙 Guest: Dr. Joseph E. B. Lumbard🎧 Host: Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali📌 Series: Talking With Teachers – Season 6Follow Talking With Teachers on Spotify for in-depth conversations with leading scholars and thinkers exploring faith, tradition, and contemporary life.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Talking With Teachers, we sit down with Imam Qasim Khan to explore his remarkable spiritual journey and lifelong commitment to faith, justice, and community leadership.Imam Qasim reflects on his early religious experiences, including his involvement in major Black social and religious movements such as the Nation of Islam and the Black Panther Party, and how these formative years shaped his worldview and moral compass. He also shares a lesser-known chapter of his life—his time as a gospel singer—and how music, spirituality, and devotion intersected long before his embrace of Islam.The conversation then turns to one of the most controversial periods of his public life, when Imam Qasim faced media attacks in Houston, Texas, accusing him of attempting to impose “shari‘ah law.” He responds directly to these claims, clarifying that his efforts were rooted not in coercion, but in encouraging Muslims to respect their own religious values, particularly through peaceful protest against Muslims selling alcohol within their communities.This episode offers rare insight into:The evolution of Black religious consciousness in AmericaIslam, social justice, and grassroots activismMedia misrepresentation of Muslim leadershipFaith-based moral reform versus political fear-mongeringA candid, thought-provoking discussion that challenges stereotypes and highlights the complexities of Muslim leadership in America today.

In this powerful episode of Talking With Teachers, Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali sits down with Dr. Zachary Wright, an esteemed scholar of Islam and African Muslim intellectual history, for a rich and illuminating conversation on spirituality, scholarship, and tradition.Dr. Wright reflects on his early influences in Islam, the scholars and teachers who shaped his spiritual and intellectual journey, and his path within the Tijani Tariqah. The discussion explores the importance of maintaining the wird, its role in spiritual discipline, and how structured remembrance of Allah cultivates consistency, humility, and presence of heart.This episode also highlights the often-overlooked legacy of African Islamic scholarship, emphasizing Africa’s central role in preserving, transmitting, and enriching Islamic knowledge across generations. Dr. Wright sheds light on the depth of West African scholarly traditions, Sufi lineages, and the enduring relevance of African Muslim contributions to global Islam.Listeners will gain valuable insights into:The spiritual foundations of the Tijani Sufi pathThe significance of regular dhikr and wirdThe continuity of African Muslim scholarshipThe relationship between spiritual practice and intellectual rigorLessons for contemporary Muslims seeking rooted, authentic traditionThis conversation is essential listening for anyone interested in Islamic spirituality, Sufism, African Islamic history, and living scholarly traditions.🎧 Subscribe to Talking With Teachers for more in-depth conversations with leading scholars and thinkers.📢 Share this episode with family and friends seeking meaningful Islamic discourse.Dr. Zachary Wright, Talking With Teachers Podcast, Tijani Tariqah, Wird in Islam, African Islamic Scholarship, Sufism, Islamic Spirituality, West African Islam, Dhikr, Sufi Orders, Lamppost Education Initiative

In this episode of the Talking With Teachers Podcast, Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali sits down with Mobeen Vaid—writer, public intellectual, and prominent commentator on modern challenges facing Muslims in the West. Raised in Northern Virginia, Mobeen reflects on his early life, community influences, and the experiences that shaped his intellectual journey.This conversation dives deeply into Muslims and politics in America, exploring how American Muslims navigate public life, partisan tensions, moral frameworks, and the evolving landscape of Muslim political engagement. Together, we unpack the opportunities and pitfalls of political participation, cultural pressures, and the importance of principled Islamic thought in contemporary debates.About the Guest:Mobeen Vaid is a researcher and essayist whose widely read works address Islamic ethics, modernity, gender, philosophy, and Muslim public discourse. His commentary has appeared across major Muslim platforms, and he is recognized for his thoughtful engagement with today’s most pressing social issues.👉 Topics Discussed:Mobeen’s upbringing and formative years in Northern VirginiaHow American culture shaped early Muslim identityThe shifting political landscape for Muslims in the United StatesEthical frameworks for political participationChallenges of polarization, representation, and public pressureWhat principled engagement looks like for Muslims todayYour support helps the Lamppost Education Initiative continue producing meaningful Islamic scholarship, thoughtful conversations, and resources for the Muslim community.👉 Support our work: https://lamppostedu.org/donate🔔 Subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

We open Season 6 of the Talking With Teachers Podcast with a profound and enlightening conversation with Dr. Hadia Mubarak, scholar and author of the acclaimed new book Rebellious Wives, Neglectful Husbands. In this episode, Dr. Mubarak explores the complexities of marriage, gender ethics, and the rich legacy of women’s voices in Islamic scholarship—offering insights rooted in tradition, compassion, and deep academic expertise.As we begin a new season dedicated to meaningful conversations and transformative ideas, we invite you to support the Lamppost Education Initiative during our Super Tuesday fundraising campaign. Your contribution allows us to continue producing high-quality Islamic content, publishing impactful scholarly works, and making authentic knowledge accessible to English-speaking Muslims around the world.👉 Support our Super Tuesday effort today: https://lamppostedu.org/donateEvery gift—large or small—helps sustain Islamic learning and community education.🔔 Subscribe, leave a comment, and share this episode with family and friends.📚 Explore our online courses: https://lamppostedu.org/coursesConnect with us:Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LEIscholarsTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/thelight99Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lamppost_edu