The Traveller's Lantern

ShaykhAnisAhmed

The Traveller’s Lantern with Anis Ahmed is a podcast that brings together diverse professionals to discuss real-world challenges, community matters, and practical wisdom. While grounded in scholarly insight, the podcast goes beyond one tradition, offering guidance and thought-provoking conversations for anyone seeking purpose, growth, and new perspectives. Join us as we explore life’s journey through meaningful dialogue and shared experiences.

Episodes

  1. 10/29/2025

    Ep. 10 | On Sacred Knowledge: Its Pursuit, Its Teachers, and the Journey Within | Shaykh Ahmed Saad al-Azhari

    In this illuminating episode, we sit with Shaykh Dr. Ahmed Saad al-Hasani al-Azhari, a distinguished scholar, poet, and teacher whose lineage traces back to Imam al-Hasan and whose scholarship bridges the traditional and modern worlds. Drawing on a life immersed in learning—from memorising the Qur’an at a young age to teaching across continents—Shaykh Dr. Ahmed shares profound insights into what it truly means to seek sacred knowledge. Through personal reflections, timeless adab (etiquette), and stories from his teachers, he explores the transformative relationship between student and teacher, the importance of sincerity (ikhlāṣ), and how knowledge can be both rooted in tradition and alive in contemporary life. This conversation is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone on the path of learning, faith, and self-betterment. 0:00 – Introduction 1:06 – The Shaykh’s Brief Biography 3:11 – Childhood and Early Influences 9:39 – The Most Impactful Teachers in the Shaykh’s Journey 23:34 – Is Learning Itself a Skill to Be Learned? 31:19 – Why Every Student Needs a Teacher 58:31 – Timeless Etiquettes of Seeking Sacred Knowledge 1:07:33 – Maintaining Ikhlāṣ (Sincerity) in the Pursuit of Knowledge 1:16:16 – Education in Secular and Traditional Islamic Contexts 1:30:30 – Reflections on the Mālikī Madhhab and the Schools of Thought 1:38:26 – The Vision Behind Ihsan Institute 1:52:42 – (Not-So) Quickfire Questions 2:01:09 – The Shaykh Recites His Own Poem Shaykh Ahmed’s Institution: www.ihsaninstitute.co.uk www.ihsaninstitute.sg 👇 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories on The Travellers Lantern Podcast — where faith meets ambition. Discover more about Supporting Sunni Scholars: 🌐 www.supportingsunnischolars.org Stay connected through their socials: 📲 bit.ly/SSS-WhatsApp-Community 📢 bit.ly/SSS-Telegram-Group 🐦 bit.ly/SSS-X 📸 bit.ly/SSS-Instagram 📘 bit.ly/Facebook-SSS

    2h 7m
  2. 10/18/2025

    Ep. 09 | Purpose, Patience & Profit: The Journey of Sweet Joe’s Founder

    In this powerful episode, we sit down with Ammar Saleem, founder of Sweet Joe’s — a Birmingham-born cookie dough brand. From launching innovative products to building a business rooted in faith, Ammar shares his journey of purpose, patience, and balance.Growing up in Birmingham, Ammar shares how his journey of self-discovery led him to study Islam and eventually dedicate himself to Dawah and entrepreneurship. We discuss how he balances his deen and dunya, the lessons he’s learned as a public speaker, and his advice for Muslims striving to build a halal livelihood.🔥 Key Topics:Growing up in Birmingham & early influencesThe journey from gang life to DawahHow a Christian teacher inspired his study of IslamThe rise of Sweet Joe’s — bringing halal alternatives to the UKBalancing deep study, work, and family lifeWhy earning halal, even if less, is always worth itBuilding a business that serves both the community and your purpose📍 Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction03:26 – Growing Up in Birmingham05:51 – “I Wanted to Be Part of That Gang Life”08:31 – How a Christian Teacher Led Me to Study Islam15:13 – Starting Dawah Work & The Need for English-Speaking Imams20:25 – Balancing Deep Study and the Dunya – Is It Possible?24:54 – What Drew You Into These Two Worlds?28:38 – The Multi-Millionaire Imam?!32:30 – Sit and Eat or Work and Serve?35:10 – Advice for Aspiring Public Speakers38:54 – Building Your Own Business from Scratch40:45 – “Start Where You Are!”45:15 – Dealing with Discouragement47:52 – Keeping It Halal – Even in Business56:15 – Programs That Help You Launch Your Business01:01:47 – Overnight Success vs. Sabr (Patience)01:06:26 – Why Earning Less Halal Is Better Than Earning More Haram01:08:38 – Think Long-Term – Don’t Chase Everything Now01:14:35 – (Not-So) Rapid Fire Round!👇 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories on The Travellers Lantern Podcast — where faith meets ambition.Discover more about Supporting Sunni Scholars:🌐 www.supportingsunnischolars.orgStay connected through their socials:📲 bit.ly/SSS-WhatsApp-Community📢 bit.ly/SSS-Telegram-Group🐦 bit.ly/SSS-X📸 bit.ly/SSS-Instagram📘 bit.ly/Facebook-SSS#ShaykhAnisAhmed #SweetJoes #TravellersLanternPodcast #HalalBusiness #Dawah #IslamicPodcast #HalalHustle #FaithAndBusiness

    1h 30m
  3. 08/11/2025

    Ep. 06. | Striking Balance: Muay Thai, Masculinity, and the Power of Purpose | Kash the Flash Khan

    Welcome back to **The Traveller’s Lantern**.In this episode, we're joined by none other than **Naqqash Khan**, better known in the fight world as **Kash the Flash Khan** — a decorated Muay Thai champion, elite-level coach, and founder of **Kash Box Martial Arts**.Kash brings over 15 years of fighting experience and nearly two decades of coaching wisdom to the table. A former **Midlands Area, English, British, and European Champion**, he’s ranked among the UK’s top fighters and has gone toe-to-toe with some of the best in the world.But this conversation goes far beyond titles.We dive deep into his **journey from fighter to mentor**, the **challenges he faced staying true to his faith (din)** in a demanding combat sport, and how **Muay Thai shaped his understanding of masculinity, discipline, and self-respect**. Kash opens up about the importance of **positive role models**, how martial arts empowers youth, and the legacy he's building through community and coaching.Whether you’re a fighter, coach, or someone searching for purpose, this episode is for you.📍 **Kash Box Martial Arts**🏠 173–179 Tyburn Rd, Birmingham, B24 8NQ🌐 [https://kash-box.co.uk/home/](https://kash-box.co.uk/home/)🎙️ **Listen to this episode on**:Spotify | Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts📌 **Chapters include**:– Kash’s early days and rise through the Muay Thai ranks– Being tested: faith vs. fighting culture– Redefining masculinity through martial discipline– How Muay Thai is transforming young lives today– The heart behind Kash Box and building a legacy🛎️ **Subscribe** for more meaningful conversations at the intersection of journey, identity, and purpose.\#MuayThai #KashTheFlash #MensMentalHealth #Discipline #MartialArts #Masculinity #Coaching #TheTravellersLantern #FaithAndFighting

    1h 7m
  4. 07/03/2025

    Ep. 04. | Creed, Chaos & the Coming Hour: Dajjal, Mahdi, and the Trials Ahead | Shaykh Asrar Rashid

    In this powerful and wide-ranging episode of The Traveller’s Lantern, Shaykh Asrar Rashid joins us to explore some of the most pressing and misunderstood topics in Islamic belief and eschatology. We discuss: 🔹 What does it mean to follow the Ashari, Maturidi, or Athari schools? 🔹 Did the two great Imams of creed ever meet? 🔹 How do we recognise false claimants and innovations (bid'ah) in matters of belief? 🔹 Who is the real Mahdi — and how do we know? 🔹 Is Dajjal a man, a monster, or something else entirely? 🔹 What did the Prophet ﷺ command us to do when Dajjal appears? 🔹 Is Imam Mahdi already born? 🔹 How should Muslims navigate the trials of the End Times with clarity and firm belief? We also ask Shaykh Asrar personal questions: 🕯️ Which historic gathering would he most want to attend? 🤲 What is a dua he recites regularly? This episode is essential listening for anyone seeking to strengthen their understanding of Sunni creed (aqidah) while preparing spiritually for the signs of the Last Day. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Traveller’s Lantern team. This content is for educational and discussion purposes only. 🔔 Subscribe for more thoughtful conversations on faith, history, and spiritual navigation. #IslamicEschatology #ShaykhAsrarRashid #ShaykhAAnisAhmed #TheTravellersLantern #Dajjal #Mahdi #Aqidah #EndTimes #SunniCreed

    1h 5m

About

The Traveller’s Lantern with Anis Ahmed is a podcast that brings together diverse professionals to discuss real-world challenges, community matters, and practical wisdom. While grounded in scholarly insight, the podcast goes beyond one tradition, offering guidance and thought-provoking conversations for anyone seeking purpose, growth, and new perspectives. Join us as we explore life’s journey through meaningful dialogue and shared experiences.