Boys In The Cave

In this episode, Dr. Shadee Elmasry joins us for a powerful conversation about the challenges and responsibilities facing Muslims in the West today. We reflect on whether Muslims are in an “Abyssinia phase” or if the time has come to invest fully in building lasting institutions that can preserve faith and serve future generations. The discussion explores how to nurture resilient belief in young Muslims while navigating secular societies, and why institutions rooted in the deen are essential for long-term survival. Dr. Shadee reflects on the role of Sufism, noting that historically many of the fiercest resistors to colonial powers were Sufi leaders who combined spirituality with action. He cautions, however, that in more recent times some who call themselves Sufis have become tied to political power, leading to compromise and inaction. Dr. Shadee highlights what resistance means, both politically in the face of oppression and spiritually in holding firmly to faith under pressure.  Together, we examine what it

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Samir Mahmoud joins us for a deep dive into the intersections of Islamic spirituality and Jungian psychology. We explore how classical Islamic thinkers like Ibn Arabi, Al-Ghazali, and Ibn Sina understood the soul, and how their insights resonate - and diverge - from the work of Carl Jung.  We discuss the concepts of individuation, shadow work, and archetypes alongside Islamic notions of tazkiyat al-nafs, fana’, and qalb. Dr. Samir sheds light on the imaginal realm (ʿalam al-mithāl) as articulated by Ibn Arabi, and how it challenges modern materialist worldviews. Drawing on Jung’s Red Book, Ibn Arabi’s Wahdat al-Wujud, and Henry Corbin’s comparisons, this conversation uncovers the symbolic dimension of dreams, the structure of the soul, and the journey to wholeness from both Islamic and psychological perspectives.  Whether you’re a seeker, student, or simply curious about the inner life, this episode opens a rare portal into the metaphysical heart of being. Please email u

We’re joined by political analyst Ibrahim Moiz to dissect the unfolding chaos in the Middle East. From Israel’s escalating war rhetoric against Iran to Pakistan’s cynical geopolitical manoeuvres — we explore how narratives are weaponised, enemies are manufactured, and resistance is co-opted.  We unpack: Whether Israel's war with Iran is about survival or hegemony The truth behind “Sunni vs Shia” framing in modern geopolitics Leftist solidarity with Palestine: genuine resistance or ideological trap? What this all means for the future of Muslim unity and resistance Is this the beginning of World War III, or just another empire-fuelled illusion? 

What makes someone a Muslim? Is it personal faith, government ID cards, or the community’s judgment? In this profound discussion, Dr. Jonathan A.C. Brown explores the tensions between Islamic identity, state power, and social expectations—from Malaysia’s laws defining "who counts" as Muslim, to the Tablighi Jama’at’s role in enforcing prayer, to Gaza’s impact on global Muslim solidarity.  Key Topics: Faith vs. Formality: Can governments enforce Islamic practice without killing sincerity? Malaysia’s Paradox: Why some laws define Muslims by "what others think" of them. Prayer Police: Should communities pressure individuals to pray—or is that hypocrisy? The Gaza Effect: How tragedy is reviving the Ummah’s political conscience. Colonial Legacies: Why British-era laws still shape Muslim identity in Asia. Dr. Brown weaves fiqh, history, and dark humor (see: "storage room khutbahs" and "6 AM podcast sacrifices") into a critique of modern Muslim fragmentation—and a vision for collective revival Dr. Jonathan Brown is

In this deep and enlightening conversation, Mustafa Briggs joins us to discuss the rich and often overlooked history of Islam and its profound impact on the modern world. From the contributions of Muslim civilizations to the legacy of figures like Muhammad Iqbal and the Ottomans, we explore how reclaiming these narratives can empower Muslims today. Mustafa also shares insights from his upcoming book, Islam and the Making of the Modern World, and why understanding our past is crucial for shaping our future. ✅ How Muslim scholars gave Europe "Arabic numerals" (including zero) — and why it led to binary code (0s and 1s). ✅ The Ottomans’ secret claim to the Roman Empire — and why Constantinople’s fall was a spiritual victory. ✅ Why Muslims today don’t know their own history — and how colonialism erased Islamic intellectual traditions. ✅ Muhammad Iqbal’s surprising solution — why politics won’t revive the Ummah, but spirituality will. ✅ The truth about the "Moors" — were they Black? Why Europeans feared (and demon

Is Muslim political mobilisation in Australia empowering the community — or playing into a system that was never built for us? In this powerful and timely episode of Boys in the Cave, we host a critical dialogue with Ghaith Krayem (national spokesperson of Muslim Votes Matter) and Dr. Yassir Morsi (lecturer, political theorist, and author of Radical Skin, Moderate Masks). Together, we unpack the tension between grassroots activism, electoral politics, and the deeper philosophical questions around identity, power, and belonging in a settler colonial state. One of the most urgent questions facing Muslims in Australia today is:

In this episode of Boys in the Cave, Tanzim is joined by Faraz, Abdulah Hamimi, and Dr. Yassir Morsi for a candid and thought-provoking discussion about Fatima Payman, Muslim political visibility, and what it really means to "represent" the ummah in the Australian political system. We unpack the symbolism surrounding Senator Fatima Payman—Australia's first hijab-wearing MP—and whether her floor-crossing over Palestine was a transformative moment, or simply a reaction to public pressure. We also ask: Why did so many Muslims place hope in Fatima Payman?  Can Muslim political activism in Australia ever be truly independent? What are the limits of representation in a system built to subdue dissent? What does true leadership for the ummah look like in an era of crisis? This is not about personalities. It’s about power, systems, and our collective psychology as a community. 

We’re joined by Dr. Yassir Morsi and Faraz to unpack the controversial role of Aftab Malik, Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia. What does this position truly represent? Is it a genuine step toward justice, or is it entangled in state-driven narratives of governance and social cohesion? We explore the political architecture behind CVE (Countering Violent Extremism), the historical context of Islamophobia, and why certain forms of “anti-racism” can actually perpetuate systemic control. From internalized Islamophobia to the policing of dissent within our own communities, this episode is a deep dive into the uncomfortable truths that need to be heard.

We dive deep into the "Muslim Vote Matters" (MVM) movement in Australia. Joined by special guest Dr. Yassir Morsi, a renowned political scholar and critic, we unpack the complexities of Muslim political engagement, the challenges of representation, and the broader implications of voting in a settler-colonial state. From the aftermath of Gaza to the role of democracy in shaping Muslim identity, this conversation challenges the status quo and asks: Is voting enough to create real change?  We explore the pitfalls of over-reliance on electoral politics, the dangers of miseducation, and the need for self-determination within the Muslim community. Whether you're a supporter of MVM or a skeptic, this episode offers a balanced, critical, and engaging discussion that will leave you questioning the systems we live in and the power we hold as a community. Key Topics Covered: The rise of the Muslim Vote Matters movement The limitations of electoral politics in addressing systemic issues The role of community self-d

In this powerful episode, Kaleem Bullivant joins the show to share his firsthand experiences from the heart of Syria’s revolution.  From the emotional journey of boarding the "Party Plane" to Damascus - the first flight into a liberated Syria - to the miraculous stories of resilience and divine intervention on the frontlines, Kaleem paints a vivid picture of a nation rising from decades of oppression. We delve into the strategic brilliance behind the revolution’s military victories, including the astonishing tale of 350 fighters taking on 30,000 regime soldiers in Hama. Kaleem also reflects on the profound spiritual and communal transformations taking place, especially during the first Ramadan in a free Syria, where the echoes of adhan and the spirit of unity fill the air. This episode isn’t just about Syria - it’s a testament to the power of resistance, faith, and the unbreakable bonds of the Ummah. From the tunnels of Idlib to the streets of Gaza, the Syrian revolution serves as a beacon of hope and a remin

Fitrah, Unani Tibb, Chinese Medicine, Hydrotherapy, Homeopathy, Somatic Trauma Therapy, Naturopathy, Acupuncture, Spirituality, Vitality, Skepticism, Fear, Vital Force, Qi We discuss all these topics with Dr. Mazen Atassi Dr. Mazen Atassi is a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and the founder of Forward To Health, a holistic wellness clinic and educational initiative. Dr. Mazen practices vitalistic natural medicine, weaving together homeopathy, botanical medicine, hydrotherapy, and nutrition with a specialty in somatic trauma therapy (NARM) https://www.instagram.com/dr.mazen.atassi/ https://www.forwardtohealth.com/ Please email us your comments, feedback, and questions at: boysinthecave@gmail.com, and leave a review and 5-star rating on iTunes! Check out our book club! - https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave/membership Check out our website – boysinthecave.com Follow us on: Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/boysinthecave/ Instagram – @boysinthecave Twitter – @boysinthecave Become a Patreon today! https://www.p

Hinduism, Psychedelics, False Spirituality, Secular Counselling, Ibadah, Muslim Mental Health, Theology, Waswasa We discuss all the topics with Shaykh Abdullah Anik Misra Shaykh Abdullah Anik Misra completed a Bachelors in Business Administration. He then traveled overseas in 2005 to study the Arabic language and Islamic sciences in Tarim, Yemen for some time, as well as Darul Uloom in Trinidad, West Indies. He spent 12 years in Amman, Jordan where he focused on Islamic Law, Theology, Hadith Sciences, Prophetic Biography and Islamic Spirituality while also working at the Qasid Arabic Institute as Director of Programs. He holds a BA in Islamic Studies (Alimiyya) and authorization in the six authentic books of Hadith, and has completed one year of specialized training in issuing Islamic legal verdicts (Ifta’). He also holds a certificate in Counselling and focuses on religious OCD and family/marital issues from an Islamic pastoral perspective. He is the author of the Seerah Song. He is an instructor and researc

Islamophobia, Aborigines, Structural Racism, Liberals, Colonial History, Capitalism, Honest Tea Talk, SNEAKO, Jordan Peterson, Right-Wing, Woke Ideology, Feminism, Post Modernism, Revolution We discuss all the topics with Kaleem Bullivant https://www.cage.ngo/ Please email us your comments, feedback, and questions at: boysinthecave@gmail.com, and leave a review and 5-star rating on iTunes! Check out our book club! - https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave/membership Check out our website – boysinthecave.com Follow us on: Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/boysinthecave/ Instagram – @boysinthecave Twitter – @boysinthecave Become a Patreon today! https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave ——————————————————————————————————–

Black Communities, Islamisation, Malcolm X, Colonisation, Spirituality, Capitalism, Culture, Theology, Modern Islam, Tasawwuf, Shariah,  We discuss all the topics with Brother Ali Ali Douglas Newman, better known by his stage name Brother Ali, is an American rapper, community activist, and member of the Rhymesayers Entertainment hip hop collective. He has released seven albums, four EPs, and a number of singles and collaborations. https://www.brotherali.com/ https://x.com/BrotherAli https://www.instagram.com/brotheraliisblind/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9FueWZzCO2-XXzlKZXKbzw Please email us your comments, feedback, and questions at: boysinthecave@gmail.com, and leave a review and 5-star rating on iTunes! Check out our book club! - https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave/membership Check out our website – boysinthecave.com Follow us on: Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/boysinthecave/ Instagram – @boysinthecave Twitter – @boysinthecave Become a Patreon today! https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave ——————

The Hasina Regime are murdering, abducting, arresting, torturing innocent Bangladeshi students. We as a collective Ummah need to stand up for justice.  Tanzim comprehensively breaks down the current situation in Bangladesh, the socio-political affairs of Bangladesh and also explains the crimes that the Hasina government have committed throughout its history. Please email us your comments, feedback, and questions at: boysinthecave@gmail.com, and leave a review and 5-star rating on iTunes! Check out our book club! - https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave/membership Check out our website – boysinthecave.com Follow us on: Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/boysinthecave/ Instagram – @boysinthecave Twitter – @boysinthecave Become a Patreon today! https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave ——————————————————————————————————–

Westernisation, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, ADHD & OCD, Temperament Theory, Ancient Traditions, Capitalism, Counselling, Acceptance & Commitment, Islamisation, Psychoanalytical Tools, Spirituality We discuss all these topics with Seyed Jamaluddin Miri. Br. Seyed Jamaluddin Miri is a licensed Counsellor from Sweden (GPI - Gothenburg Psychotherapy Institute). He has a Post Graduate Diploma in Islamic Psychology from the CMC - Cambridge Muslim College (UK). He is also an IAIP certified Islamic Psychology practitioner, and has ijazah/certification in practicing Traditional Islamically Integrated Psychotherapy from the Ibn Haldun University/Khalil Center (Türkiye/US).  He is one of the co-founders of ISIP-International Students of Islamic Psychology and serves as the Executive Director of the movement.  He is also the Co-Founder of Al-Balkhi Institute of Islamic Psychological Studies and Research, Rafeeq Counselling, Futuwwah Academy of Sacred Manhood, Shifaa Institute Scandinavia & Amalul Jamal Acade

Beauty, Prophetic Way, Masculine & Feminine Energies, Islamic Tradition, Balance, Legacy, Nature, Passion, Meaning, Shariah We discuss all these topics with Ustadh Rizwan Ahmed Khan. https://www.scribblyscribe.com/ https://www.instagram.com/art_of_khan https://www.instagram.com/scribblyscribe Rizwan Ahmed Khan (b. 1991) is a classically trained calligraphic artist who has been practising the scribal crafts since 2015. In 2018 he decided to leave a promising career as a software professional to migrate to Istanbul and train in the Ottoman tradition of Islamic calligraphy. He has trained in Western and Islamic calligraphy under various masters, most notably Gaynor Goffe, Soraya Syed, Ivo Grantins and Efdaluddin Kılıç. In 2022 he was awarded the prestigious icazetname (calligrapher’s licence) by his Islamic calligraphy masters at the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA), Istanbul. Rizwan currently resides in London, practising and teaching as an artist. Both the Western and Islamic

How Islam Spread in Bengal, Agrarian Sufis, Social Liberation Theory, State Religion of the Mughals, Shah Jalal, Syncretism, Mughal Law, Economics, Hindu Cosmology, Raja Ganesh, Nur Qutb ul Alam We discuss all these topics with Professor Richard M. Eaton. Richard Maxwell Eaton is an American historian, currently working as a professor of history at the University of Arizona. He is known for having written the notable books on the history of India before 1800.  Hosts : Tanzim & Nadeem Please email us your comments, feedback, and questions at: info@boysinthecave.com, and leave a review and 5-star rating on iTunes! Check out our website – boysinthecave.com Follow us on: Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/boysinthecave/ Instagram – @boysinthecave Twitter – @boysinthecave Become a Patreon today! https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave ——————————————————————————————————–

Relationships, Love, Hope, Natural World, Desires, Reflections, Humility, Ego, Nafs, Temperaments, Augmented Reality, Nature We discuss all these topics with Mohammed Isaaq. Mohammed Isaaq is a student of knowledge, and has studied the science of the temperaments alongside his traditional studies. Along with self development programs, he teaches mathematics and foundational Theology. He is also heavily involved in community projects such as the OpenCircle youth initiative and Ghazali Children’s Project. Hosts : Tanzim & Oguz Please email us your comments, feedback, and questions at: info@boysinthecave.com, and leave a review and 5-star rating on iTunes! Check out our website – boysinthecave.com Follow us on: Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/boysinthecave/ Instagram – @boysinthecave Twitter – @boysinthecave Become a Patreon today! https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave   ——————————————————————————————————– Mohammed Isaaq’s Visibility https://www.mohammedisaaq.com/ https://www.facebook.com/isaaq.mohammed h

Hamas, Israel, Zionism, Activism, Media, Victimisation, Human Shields, Historical Analysis, Protests, Oslo Accords, Secularism, Ummatic Approach We touch on all these diverse topics with Dr. Uthman Badar. Dr. Uthman Badar is a student of the Islamic Sciences and Western Continental Philosophy. He received his Ph.D. in Philosophy from Western Sydney University in 2023. His research interests include secularism and religion, liberalism, political theory, and political theology. He is also Research Operations Manager and Lead Editor at the Ummatics Institute, and an active member of the Muslim community in Sydney, with some two decades of engagement in grassroots activism, da’wah, and apologetics.   Host: Tanzim   Please email us your comments, feedback, and questions at: boysinthecave@gmail.com, and leave a review and 5-star rating on iTunes!   Follow us on: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/boysinthecave/   Instagram – @boysinthecave   Twitter - @boysinthecave   Become a Patreon today! https://www.patreon.co