The Muslim Non-profit Show with Tayyab Yunus

Dr. Tayyab Yunus

Discover the world of Muslim Nonprofits in the United States with Dr. Tayyab Yunus Join Dr. Tayyab Yunus as he interviews leading experts in the field of Muslim nonprofit leadership. Whether you're just starting or already running a nonprofit, each episode offers practical insights, real-world experiences, and valuable guidance to help you grow your organization and maximize your impact. Tune in for warm, important dialogue that sheds light on the opportunities and challenges within the Muslim nonprofit space in the United States. 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform: 🔸Apple Podcasts: 🔸Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0N3Iy4641bzCvN2kCvmm8W 🔸iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/279134715 🔸Audible: 🔔 Subscribe to Dr. Tayyab Yunus on YouTube: 🔸Stay updated with new episodes, bonus content, and more by subscribing here: https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 🔗 Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus on social media: 🔸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ 🔸Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus

  1. JAN 28

    Beyond the Masjid: How Muslims Can Shape America's Future

    What does it truly mean to be Muslim in America today? In this powerful conversation, Imam Abdulmalik shares a bold and hopeful vision of Muslims stepping beyond the four walls of the masjid to serve humanity, shape civic life, and contribute meaningfully to the fabric of America. From organizing historic community events to challenging fear, limiting beliefs, and self-doubt, this episode explores faith-driven leadership, courage, and the responsibility Muslims have to dream bigger, serve wider, and lead with purpose. The discussion touches on civic engagement, identity, social impact, and how Islamic values call us to uplift society at large, not retreat from it. This episode is a reminder that service is worship, courage is faith in action, and real change begins when we show up. 🎧Don't forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. 📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 📌Connect and Follow Imam Abdulmalik LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imam-abdulmalik-a114b1120/ 00:00 – Welcome & introducing Imam Abdul Malik 01:10 – Dreaming beyond the masjid walls 02:45 – Why Muslims must serve humanity, not isolate 04:20 – Faith, courage, and using fear as fuel 06:10 – Muslims as part of America's fabric 07:55 – Social media, truth, and public consciousness 09:45 – Civic engagement as an act of faith 11:30 – Discovering your gifts and talents 13:05 – Moving beyond reactive leadership 14:40 – Serving society without losing identity 16:10 – Dream big and claim your role 17:40 – Final reflections and closing du'a 📣 This episode is a reminder that Muslims were never meant to live on the sidelines. We were created to serve, to lead with integrity, and to bring goodness into every space we enter. When faith moves beyond words and into action, it has the power to transform communities and inspire generations. The future is built by those who are willing to dream big and show up. #MuslimLeadership #IslamInAmerica #FaithInAction #CivicEngagement #ServingHumanity#AmericanMuslims #CommunityLeadership #MuslimVoices #PurposeDriven #IslamicValues #SocialImpact

    18 min
  2. JAN 21

    From Community Service to Congress | Junaid Ahmed's Journey | The Muslim Nonprofit Show - Episode 34

    What does it really mean to be civically engaged as an American Muslim? In this powerful conversation, Tayyab Yunus sits down with Junaid Ahmed, entrepreneur, community organizer, and congressional candidate from Illinois, to unpack how everyday people can move from community service to systemic change. Junaid shares the personal experiences that pushed him to run for U.S. Congress, from student debt and healthcare costs to grassroots organizing and voter turnout. This episode breaks down why voting, especially in primaries, matters, how civic participation goes far beyond running for office, and why American Muslims already have the skills needed to lead. If you have ever wondered how to make a real difference without burning out, this conversation is for you. 🎧Don't forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. 📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 📌Connect and Follow Junaid Ahmed Website: https://junaidforus.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junaidforus/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JunaidForUs/ 00:00 Introduction and welcome 01:45 Junaid Ahmed's background and community roots 04:10 What sparked the decision to run for Congress 07:20 Student debt and healthcare as wake up calls 10:30 From relief work to civic engagement 13:40 Why volunteering alone is not enough 16:10 The importance of grassroots involvement 18:45 Why voting, especially primaries, matters 21:30 Barriers to Muslim voter participation 24:10 Advice for getting civically engaged without burnout 26:20 Final reflections and call to action 📣 If this conversation resonated with you, share it with your community, register to vote, and commit at least one hour a week to civic engagement. Change does not happen overnight, but it starts when we show up. #CivicEngagement #AmericanMuslims #MuslimsInPolitics #VoteLocal #PrimaryElections #CommunityLeadership #FaithAndService #PoliticalAwareness #JunaidAhmed

    28 min
  3. JAN 7

    Finding Purpose While Building a Career and Serving Others | Episode 32

    What happens when you feel called to do more, but you are already juggling a career, education, and life responsibilities? In this episode, we sit down with Mariam , a mental health professional who is balancing a full-time career, volunteering for humanitarian relief, and pursuing Islamic education. She shares her personal journey, the courage it takes to ask for support, and what it really looks like to turn a vision for good into meaningful action. This conversation is for anyone who feels the pull to serve, but wonders how to start, how to ask, or how to stay grounded while building a purposeful life. 🎧Don't forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. 📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 📌Connect and Follow Mariam Abukwaik LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariam-abukwaik-lmsw-3568a61a4/ 00:00 Introduction and why this conversation matters 01:35 Feeling called to do more while juggling life 03:05 Mariam's journey into humanitarian fundraising 05:10 Making service personal and hands-on 07:20 Balancing a professional career with doing good 09:10 The fear and courage behind asking for support 11:20 A better way to make an ask 13:40 Education, identity, and long-term vision 15:50 Honoring heritage while building the future 17:20 Advice for anyone still finding their way #PurposeDriven #DoingGood #LeadershipJourney #PersonalGrowth #ServiceAndImpact #NonprofitLife #FindingYourPath #CommunityBuilding #MeaningfulWork

    19 min
  4. 12/31/2025

    The Truth About Donor Fatigue in Nonprofits | Episode 31

    "Donor fatigue" is one of the most commonly used phrases in fundraising. It is also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, we challenge the idea that donors stop giving because they are tired or out of money. Drawing from academic research, nonprofit practice, and Islamic principles, we reframe the conversation from donor fatigue to donor abuse. When donors disengage, it is often a result of how nonprofits ask, engage, steward, and build trust, not because generosity has run dry. This episode breaks down why well-stewarded donors give for years, how retention truly works, and why trust, transparency, and ihsan are essential to sustainable fundraising. We also explore donor retention benchmarks, key fundraising KPIs, and how boards and leadership should evaluate development performance. If your organization is serious about sustainability, ethical fundraising, and long-term impact, this episode is essential listening. 🎧Don't forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. 📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 00:00 – Introduction and the Question of Donor Fatigue 00:35 – Why "Donor Fatigue" Is a Misleading Term 01:15 – Reframing the Issue as Donor Abuse 02:20 – How Poor Engagement Pushes Donors Away 03:15 – What Research Says About Donor Retention 04:10 – Why Good Stewardship Leads to Long-Term Giving 05:05 – Islamic Perspective on Giving, Amanah, and Tawakkul 06:05 – Retention Rates and What High-Performing Nonprofits Achieve 07:00 – The Three KPIs: Subscribers, Acquisition, Retention 07:45 – Final Reflections and Call to Action 08:09 – Closing Salaam Sustainable nonprofits are not built on pressure, guilt, or transactional giving. They are built on trust, transparency, and sincere relationships. When we honor donors with ihsan and treat their gifts as an amanah, we do more than raise funds. We build institutions worthy of long-term impact. May Allah place barakah in our work and guide us to serve with integrity and excellence. #DonorRetention #NonprofitFundraising #MuslimNonprofit #EthicalFundraising #DonorStewardship #Philanthropy #IslamicGiving #NonprofitLeadership #SustainableImpact

    8 min
  5. 12/24/2025

    Why Most Nonprofits Get Stuck in the Startup Phase | Episode 30

    Many nonprofits struggle not because they lack passion, but because they misunderstand where they are in their organizational journey. In this episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, we break down the nonprofit lifecycle stages, drawing from Susan K. Stevens' work, entrepreneurial value creation theory, and insights from my own doctoral research. We explore what defines the startup phase, why founder-led organizations often stall, and how nonprofits move from passion-driven work to program clarity, mission market fit, and scalable infrastructure. This episode introduces practical frameworks for understanding growth, including founding funders, core program development, mission market fit, and infrastructure building through people, tools, and processes. If you are building, leading, or serving on a nonprofit board and want to understand how real impact is achieved over time, this episode offers clarity and direction. 🎧Don't forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. 📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 00:00 – Introduction and Why Nonprofit Lifecycle Stages Matter 00:28 – Susan K. Stevens and Lifecycle Thinking 01:15 – Startup Phase: Founders and Founding Funders 02:26 – Scarcity, Passion Projects, and Low Accountability 03:02 – Moving Beyond Founders Through Core Programs 03:57 – From Volunteer Association to Real Organization 04:55 – Mission Market Fit Explained 05:59 – How You Know Your Mission Is Validated 06:26 – Infrastructure as the Key to Scaling Impact 06:50 – The PTP Operating Model: People, Tools, Processes 07:59 – Systems Thinking and Organizational Readiness 08:18 – Impact, Sustainability, and Avoiding Decline 09:05 – Closing Reflections Nonprofits grow when leaders understand where they are, what the next stage requires, and what must change to move forward. May this conversation help founders, board members, and nonprofit leaders bring clarity to their work and build organizations that are structured, sustainable, and capable of serving their missions with excellence. May Allah place barakah in our efforts and guide our intentions toward lasting good. #NonprofitLeadership #NonprofitGrowth #MuslimNonprofit #MissionDriven #SocialImpact #NonprofitStrategy #OrganizationalDevelopment #FaithAndLeadership #PurposeDrivenWork

    9 min
  6. 12/17/2025

    From Board Member to Executive Director: The Journey of Dr. Shaza Khan | Episode 29

    In this inspiring episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, Dr. Tayyab Yunus sits down with Dr. Shaza Khan, Executive Director of the Islamic Schools League of America (ISLA), to explore her remarkable journey from educator to national leader in Islamic education. Dr. Shaza shares the personal moments, spiritual reflections, and life experiences that shaped her calling into social good — from her family's migration story to her early formation in youth-centered mosques to her deep work in Islamic schooling. She discusses how she unexpectedly moved from ISLA board member to interim executive director after the passing of the organization's founder, and how that pivotal moment transformed her path forever. Together, they unpack the realities of leading a niche national organization, building capacity from almost nothing, navigating board dynamics, confronting injustices, and growing a mission with sincerity and trust in Allah. Dr. Shaza also gives a powerful look into the future of Islamic education and ISLA's sector-shaping data and research work. If you care about Islamic education, nonprofit leadership, or stories of purpose-driven service, this episode will deeply resonate. 🎧Don't forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. 📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 📌Connect and Follow Dr. Shaza Khan: Website: https://theisla.org/dr-shaza-khan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaza-khan-b3910a12a/ 00:00 – Opening and Introduction to Dr. Shaza Khan 00:36 – What Inspired Her Path into Islamic Education 01:22 – Family Migration Story and Early Roots of Service 02:40 – The Hadith That Shaped Her Life's Mission 03:28 – Witnessing Poverty and Understanding Privilege 04:40 – How Her Identity and Experiences Shaped Her Values 05:55 – Joining the Board of ISLA and Her Early Role 07:15 – The Passing of ISLA's Founder and a Sudden Leadership Gap 08:32 – Becoming Interim Executive Director in a Moment of Crisis 09:55 – Navigating the Transition From Board Member to ED 11:10 – Reestablishing ISLA's Mission With Limited Resources 12:25 – Addressing Racial Justice, Equity, and Community Challenges 13:45 – Building Capacity From Scratch With a One-Person Staff 15:08 – The Turning Point That Helped ISLA Grow Again 16:20 – Data, Research, and Shaping the Future of Islamic Schools 17:35 – Supporting Schools Nationally With Coaching and Resources 18:50 – Why Islamic Education Is Vital for the Next Generation 20:05 – Her Vision for ISLA's Future and Sector-Wide Impact 21:18 – Advice for Leaders Serving in Islamic Education 22:10 – Final Reflections and Heartfelt Closing 22:43 – End of Episode This episode is a powerful reminder that when Allah opens a door, stepping through it with sincerity and courage can transform entire communities. Dr. Shaza's journey shows how purpose, perseverance, and trust in Allah can elevate institutions and impact generations. May her story inspire all of us to serve with excellence, humility, and unwavering commitment to the good of our Ummah. #MuslimNonprofits #IslamicEducation #ISLA #CommunityLeadership #MuslimLeaders #NonprofitSuccess #UmmahDevelopment #FaithInAction #EducationForAll #PurposeDrivenLeadership

    23 min
  7. 12/10/2025

    Why Boards Make or Break a Nonprofit's Success | The Muslim Nonprofit Show - Episode 28

    In this episode, we dig into one of the most critical elements of nonprofit success: the board. Drawing from years of leadership experience and insights from my doctoral research, we explore why boards can either accelerate an organization toward its mission or quietly hold it back from reaching its true potential. If you have ever wondered why some nonprofits thrive while others struggle, this conversation gives you the clarity you need. We walk through the three sources of power that make high performing boards effective: governance, executive leadership, and resources. With real stories from the field, practical framing, and a shift away from outdated expectations, this episode helps board members understand their true role and offers nonprofit leaders a roadmap for building strong, mission-aligned governance. Whether you serve on a board or lead an organization, this is essential listening. 🎧Don't forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. 📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 00:00 – Opening Salaam and Introduction 00:20 – Why Leadership Shapes Nonprofit Success 00:52 – Boards Can Make or Break an Organization 01:25 – Understanding Power and the Role of Governance 02:00 – Governance as Guardrails and the North Star 02:40 – Why Executive Leadership Cannot Be Displaced 03:18 – When Boards or Donors Pull Organizations Off Track 03:55 – The Shift From Fundraising to Resourcing 04:35 – The Story of the Board Chair Who "Made It Happen" 05:30 – The Three Core Abilities of High Performing Boards 06:25 – Why Governance Prevents Abuse of Power 07:10 – What Boards Must Do to Empower Executive Leadership 08:10 – How Resourcing Strengthens Mission Impact 08:57 – Closing Reflections and Invitation to Connect Nonprofits rise when boards understand their purpose, protect good governance, and empower strong leadership. May we always build organizations that are ethical, mission-driven, and rooted in service to others. When boards know their role, our communities thrive and our impact grows. May Allah bless our efforts and guide us to serve with excellence. #NonprofitLeadership #HighPerformingBoards #GovernanceMatters #SocialImpact #MuslimNonprofit #MissionDriven #LeadershipDevelopment #NonprofitStrategy #BoardGovernance #PurposeDrivenLeadership

    8 min
  8. 12/03/2025

    Why Philanthropy Is More Than Just Donations | Episode 27

    When most people hear the word philanthropy, they think of wealthy donors, historic foundations, or big names from the early 20th century. But in this episode, we explore a much deeper and more meaningful understanding of philanthropy through an Islamic lens. Drawing from the teachings of scholars like Peyton and Moody as well as Dr. Shariq Siddiqui, we uncover how Islam expands the concept of giving to include intention, mindset, and a constant state of wanting to do good. In this thoughtful episode, we break down how Muslim philanthropy is rooted in baraka, sincerity, and a worldview where even the intention to do good is rewarded. From the Quranic framing of philanthropy to the role of volunteerism, wealth, and service, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that giving is not just an action but a transformational way of life. Tune in to understand how philanthropy can elevate your purpose, deepen your faith, and strengthen your relationship with Allah. 🎧Don't forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. 📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 00:00 – Opening Salaam and Why Philanthropy Matters 00:32 – The Moment He First Learned the Word "Philanthropy" 01:10 – Expanding Philanthropy Beyond the Wealthy 01:45 – Peyton and Moody: Voluntary Action for Public Good 02:20 – How Islam Extends Philanthropy to Intention and Inaction 03:00 – The Hadith That Redefines "Doing Good" 03:40 – Secular Motivations vs Faith-Based Motivations 04:25 – Baraka as the Core of Muslim Philanthropy 05:10 – The Quranic Call to Give Wealth and Time 06:05 – A Mindset of Constant Good and Lasting Reward May this episode inspire us to see giving not as a financial act but as a spiritual mindset. When we carry the intention to do good, we open the door to blessings, peace, and a deeper connection with Allah. May He make us people who think of good, act upon good, and are rewarded for good in this life and the next. #MuslimPhilanthropy #IslamicGiving #BarakaMindset #IntentionMatters #FaithAndPurpose #MuslimNonprofit #GiveForGood #SpiritualGrowth #IslamicReminder #ServeHumanity #TYSCShow

    9 min

About

Discover the world of Muslim Nonprofits in the United States with Dr. Tayyab Yunus Join Dr. Tayyab Yunus as he interviews leading experts in the field of Muslim nonprofit leadership. Whether you're just starting or already running a nonprofit, each episode offers practical insights, real-world experiences, and valuable guidance to help you grow your organization and maximize your impact. Tune in for warm, important dialogue that sheds light on the opportunities and challenges within the Muslim nonprofit space in the United States. 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform: 🔸Apple Podcasts: 🔸Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0N3Iy4641bzCvN2kCvmm8W 🔸iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/279134715 🔸Audible: 🔔 Subscribe to Dr. Tayyab Yunus on YouTube: 🔸Stay updated with new episodes, bonus content, and more by subscribing here: https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 🔗 Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus on social media: 🔸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ 🔸Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus