Hearts Connect

Sekina Yakub
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  • Islam
  • Weekly

Based on the book Hearts Connect, which shares the real-life stories of people (mostly from African and Afro-Caribbean backgrounds in the UK) who converted to Islam in the 1990s/2000s. The Hearts Connect show is a self-development and spiritually grounded podcast that explores themes of personal growth, emotional healing, and marriage through the lens of Islamic values. It’s rooted in authentic storytelling, spiritual journeys, and the pursuit of healthy relationships with oneself, Allah (God), and others.

  1. Oct 26

    Wellbeing through an Islamic lens Week 4 - Finding meaning in the journey

    In the fourth and final session of Wellbeing Through an Islamic Lens, Sekina looks at the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and asks how we can find meaning in the journey. The focus is on purpose, goals and tawakkul (trust in Allah).This isn't a seerah class. It picks out moments from the Prophet's journeys and uses them to reflect on our own seasons of life. The session follows the same cycle as the series: what does the Quran say, what does it make me notice, where does it meet me in my life, and how does it bring me back to Allah? In this session:Why stillness comes before the next step, drawing on the Cave of Hira and the first revelation (Surah Al-Alaq)Hardship and relief: the Year of Sorrow, Ta'if, and the Isra and Mi'rajThe Hijra: when to stay, when to leave, and the role of the AnsarRumi's poem "The Guest House" and how to treat your emotionsBadr, Uhud and the Trench: not letting the size of a challenge limit what you think is possible, and learning from setbacksSeeking help instead of carrying everything aloneThe Treaty of Hudaybiyyah and Aisha's story: not judging a chapter before you know the whole storyFaith and fear can coexistHumility and forgiveness at the conquest of Mecca, and what we want our lives to contributeReflection and journaling prompts, plus a Q&A

  2. Oct 19

    Wellbeing through an Islamic lens with Cave Academy Part 2 Prophet Musa (as)

    Most inner conflict isn’t about faith itself. It’s about the gap between what you value, what you need, and the story you’re telling yourself. We reflect on the life of Prophet Musa (AS) to explore how that gap can leave us feeling stuck, resentful or disconnected — and how we can begin to realign before it quietly shapes our lives. Through asking Allah for support in our tasks - eg his brother Haroon (as) Building on last week’s conversation about identity, this session asks: **What is really driving your choices?** We explore why we might value honesty yet remain silent to feel accepted, how even good things can become traps when our identity depends on them, and how gratitude, detachment and balance can keep us grounded through both hardship and success. **In this episode, you’ll discover:** - Why values and needs are different, and how confusing them can create inner tension. - How the story of Prophet Musa (AS) illustrates vulnerability, responsibility, repentance and tawakkul. - What the experiences of Musa’s mother and sister, and his journey to Madyan, teach us about trusting Allah when the outcome is unknown. - How unspoken values, such as integrity and family, can lead to resentment when they go unacknowledged. - How serving something greater than ourselves can transform our experience of suffering. You are invited to pause the rat race and reconnect with who you are, what matters to you, and how the Qur’an can meet you where you are. **How do we remain detached from success without losing the joy of it?** If you’ve been trying to do everything “right” but still feel unsettled or weighed down, this conversation offers a spiritual and practical lens for understanding yourself more honestly — and moving forward with greater clarity, purpose and gratitude. For anyone exploring Islamic wellbeing, emotional self-awareness, and Qur’anic reflection as a path towards growth and a deeper understanding of self.

  3. Oct 19

    Wellbeing through an Islamic lens with cave Academy part 3 Prophet Yusuf (as)

    Betrayal does not have to become your identity. This episode uses the story of Prophet Yusuf (as) to show how hurt, jealousy, false accusation, and loss can shape the way you see yourself - and how to stop letting the past write your future. A powerful reflection on emotional resilience through an Islamic lens, showing why patience is not pretending something never hurt, why forgiveness is not the same as removing boundaries, and why trust in Allah does not mean abandoning practical action. If you’ve ever been wounded by family, friends, colleagues, or someone you expected to protect you, this conversation will feel uncomfortably relatable in the best way. You’ll discover: Why the story of Prophet Yusuf is uniquely powerful for anyone processing betrayal or injustice The difference between an event, the meaning you attach to it, and the response that follows How jealousy, false assumptions, and old wounds can quietly shape your choices Why “I was hurt” can turn into “I am unworthy” if you don’t interrupt the story A simple framework for pausing before reacting: event, interpretation, response We also unpack how Prophet Yusuf’s journey challenges common assumptions: that doing the right thing guarantees a fair outcome, that forgiveness means instant trust, and that clarity sometimes matters before you move forward. Part 3 matters because so many of us are living like one painful chapter is the whole book. That mindset can make us suspicious of kindness, defensive in new relationships, and trapped in old disappointments long after the original hurt has passed. Here, you’re invited to notice what is actually happening, what you are assuming, and what Allah may be asking you to release. Perfect for anyone seeking healing, perspective, and a faith-centered way to process hurt without denying it. If you’ve ever needed both tenderness and truth in the same conversation, this one is for you.

  4. Oct 19

    Wellbeing through an Islamic lens with Cave Academy - Part 1 Prophet Ayub (as)

    WELLBEING THROUGH AN ISLAMIC LENS | WEEK 1 Prophet Ayyub (AS) — Identity **Where We Meet the Qur’an** Who am I when life changes? In this first session of *Wellbeing Through an Islamic Lens*, we meet the story of Prophet Ayyub (AS) and explore **identity** — the labels, roles, experiences and stories we can sometimes attach to who we believe we are. Through the Qur’anic account of Ayyub (AS), we reflect on the difference between **what we experience and who we are**. When Ayyub (AS) says: *“Indeed, adversity has touched me, and You are the Most Merciful of the merciful.”* **Qur’an 21:83** There is something powerful in the language of *being touched by* adversity, rather than allowing adversity to become our identity. We explore: • Who am I beneath my circumstances? • What have I attached to “I am”? • When does an experience become part of the story I tell about myself? • How can we hold difficulty without allowing it to define us? • What does it mean to return to Allah again and again? This is not about finding perfect answers. It is an invitation to slow down, reflect and allow the Qur’an to meet us where we are. ### Where we meet the Qur’an. Bring your own experiences, questions and inner world — and allow the words of Allah to become a mirror through which we reflect. **May Allah allow the Qur’an to transform not only what we know, but how we see ourselves, our lives and our relationship with Him. Ameen.** #WellbeingThroughAnIslamicLens #ProphetAyyub #AyyubAS #QuranReflection #IslamicReflection #Identity #SelfDiscovery #FaithAndIdentity #WhereWeMeetTheQuran #HeartsConnect

  5. Sep 21

    You’re Not Falling Behind. You’re Becoming Who Allah Made You. I ft. Rumaanah Rameez I S3 Ep8

    I'm your host, Sekina Yakub, and in this episode of The Hearts Connect Podcast, I sit down with Rumaanah Rameez for a heartfelt conversation about faith, identity, representation, purpose, love, and navigating life as a young Muslim woman in the West. Rumaanah shares her journey from studying law and politics into policing, while pursuing her passion for writing and storytelling. We explore connection through faith, the Qur’an, prayer, reflection, and the importance of creating representation for Muslim women and ethnic minorities. We also talk about the ups and downs of faith, comparison, hijab, cultural identity, giving yourself grace, and finding your way back to Allah when life feels overwhelming. Rumaanah shares the inspiration behind her book Not Your Expected Hijabi and reflects on love, identity, culture, and the experiences that shape us. At the heart of this conversation is a reminder that faith is a journey — and whenever we lose our way, we can always return to Allah. Takeaways Finding connection through faith, relationships, and self-reflectionUsing storytelling to create representation and challenge stereotypesFinding purpose through your career, creativity, and passionsStaying grounded through salah, the Qur’an, journaling, and reflectionNavigating the ups and downs of faith with grace and patienceLetting go of comparison and the pressure to be “perfect”Balancing faith, culture, identity, and personal goalsNavigating life as a Muslim woman in the WestUnderstanding love beyond romance — including love for Allah, ourselves, family, and othersRemembering that faith is a journey and we can always return to Allah Chapters 00:11 Introduction to Unique Journeys 01:22 Romana's Background and Passion for Writing 03:40 The Meaning of Connection 08:02 Defining Moments and Personal Growth 11:06 Misunderstandings and Societal Expectations 15:27 Daily Rituals and Productivity 20:42 Challenges in Faith and Purpose 23:51 The Journey of Self-Reflection and Growth 30:21 Navigating Identity and Spirituality 37:57 Understanding Love in Its Many Forms About the Podcast The Hearts Connect Podcast is rooted in authentic storytelling and spiritually grounded self-development. Inspired by the book Hearts Connect, which documents the lived experiences of African and Afro-Caribbean converts to Islam in the UK, this podcast continues meaningful conversations around faith, healing, identity, and building healthy relationships — with ourselves, with Allah, and with others. If this episode resonated with you, share your reflections below. Subscribe for more conversations on faith, identity, healing, spiritual growth, intentional living, relationships, and the many journeys that bring our hearts closer to Allah. #HeartsConnect #HeartsConnectPodcast #MuslimPodcast #FaithJourney #MuslimWomen #Hijabi #Islam #MuslimCommunity #RepresentationMatters #MuslimAuthors #WritingCommunity #SelfReflection #Salah #Prayer #Tawakkul #SpiritualGrowth #Identity #MuslimIdentity #YoungMuslims #Love #SelfDiscovery #PersonalGrowth #Quran #FaithAndCulture #NotYourExpectedHijabi

  6. Sep 14

    The Hidden Power of Subconscious Beliefs. I ft. Diana I S3 Ep7

    I'm your host, Sekina Yakub, and in this episode of The Hearts Connect Podcast, I sit down with Diana Alghoul for a powerful conversation about self-knowledge, faith, identity, healing, emotions, the subconscious mind, tawakkul, and love. Diana shares her journey from journalism into hypnotherapy, reflecting on how her experiences shaped her understanding of herself, her faith, and the deeper beliefs that influence how we show up in the world. She explores what it means to truly know yourself, let go of identities that no longer serve you, and trust what is already within you. We also talk about emotional healing, learning to listen to the body, creating safe spaces to process difficult emotions, and moving beyond “good vibes only.” Diana reflects on her journey back to Islam, the importance of seeking knowledge, daily spiritual practices, solitude, self-love, people-pleasing, and learning to trust yourself. Throughout the conversation, we return to the importance of keeping Allah at the centre — and remembering that whatever we face, Allahu Akbar. Takeaways Understanding what it means to truly know yourselfLetting go of identities and beliefs that no longer serve youThe relationship between the subconscious mind, beliefs, and behaviourFaith, questioning, seeking knowledge, and returning to AllahThe importance of emotional awareness and healthy emotional processingListening to your body and learning to trust yourselfCreating safe spaces for healing and self-reflectionSolitude, introversion, and reconnecting with yourselfSelf-love, people-pleasing, rejection, and healthy boundariesBalancing personal goals with spiritual valuesUnderstanding hypnotherapy and the subconscious mindKeeping Allah at the centre through tawakkul and surrender Chapters 00:12 Introduction to Diana's Journey01:21 The Deep Connection Between Subconscious and Faith03:01 Memory and Its Impact on Behavior04:18 Defining Self: Spirituality, Rationality, and Lightheartedness04:41 Knowing Yourself to Know Allah07:12 The Facets of Self and Contextual Behavior07:49 A Defining Moment During COVID09:15 Letting Go and Trusting Allah11:09 The Expanding Universe and Self-Development12:04 Light Within: Bringing Out Inner Potential14:51 Misunderstandings About Diana’s Practice18:29 Daily Practices for Spiritual and Mental Well-being25:22 Rediscovering Faith and the Power of Allah33:52 The Role of Solitude and Reflection39:13 Love, Self-Love, and Conditioning43:25 Final Words and Advice from Diana About the Podcast The Hearts Connect Podcast is rooted in authentic storytelling and spiritually grounded self-development. Inspired by the book Hearts Connect, which documents the lived experiences of African and Afro-Caribbean converts to Islam in the UK, this podcast continues meaningful conversations around faith, healing, identity, and building healthy relationships — with ourselves, with Allah, and with others. If this episode resonated with you, share your reflections below. Subscribe for more conversations on faith, identity, healing, spiritual growth, and intentional living. #HeartsConnect #HeartsConnectPodcast #MuslimPodcast #FaithJourney #SelfKnowledge #HealingJourney #Hypnotherapy #Tawakkul #Islam #MuslimCommunity #SpiritualGrowth #SelfDiscovery #SelfAwareness #SelfLove #InnerWork #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalHealing #Love

  7. Sep 10

    When We Stop Seeing Humanity, the Ummah Suffers. I ft. Rukayat Yakub I S3 Ep6

    I'm your host, Sekina Yakub, and in this episode of The Hearts Connect Podcast, I sit down with Rukayat Yakub for a powerful conversation about belonging, faith, identity, community, anti-blackness, heart work, and love. Rukayat shares her journey between the UK, Nigeria, and the US, reflecting on how different communities, mentors, unexpected encounters, and periods of solitude shaped her relationship with Islam. She discusses the difference between fitting in and truly belonging, and the importance of creating spaces where people feel safe to be their authentic selves. Rukayat also explores her work around anti-blackness and the Islamic concept of tazkiyah — purifying the heart and examining the beliefs and biases we carry. She reflects on history, systems of oppression, asking who benefits, and approaching difficult conversations with curiosity rather than blame. We also talk about loneliness, spiritual growth, aligning personal goals with faith, and the transformative power of love. Takeaways The difference between belonging and simply fitting inCreating safe spaces where people can be authenticThe role of community and connection in strengthening faithMigration, identity, loneliness, and finding belongingUnderstanding anti-blackness and the systems that uphold itTazkiyah and the importance of heart work and self-reflectionChallenging inherited beliefs with curiosityAligning personal goals with spiritual valuesThe transformative power of love and its role in building community Chapters 00:12 Introduction to Hearts Connect 01:56 The Meaning of Connection04:51 Defining Moments and Belonging07:50 Creating Safe Spaces09:15 Understanding Anti-Blackness and Belonging11:15 Misunderstandings and Stereotypes12:48 Daily Habits and Spiritual Practices14:27 Rediscovering Faith and Purpose21:29 Navigating Disconnection and Solitude23:53 Heart Work and Spiritual Growth24:45 Aligning Personal Goals with Spiritual Values25:20 Understanding Heart Work and Anti-Blackness30:54 The Impact of Anti-Blackness on Society37:26 Recognizing the Powers That Be42:24 The Essence of Love in Life About the Podcast The Hearts Connect Podcast is rooted in authentic storytelling and spiritually grounded self-development. Inspired by the book Hearts Connect, which documents the lived experiences of African and Afro-Caribbean converts to Islam in the UK, this podcast continues meaningful conversations around faith, healing, identity, and building healthy relationships — with ourselves, with Allah, and with others. If this episode resonated with you, share your reflections below. Subscribe for more conversations on faith, identity, healing, spiritual growth, and intentional living. #HeartsConnect #HeartsConnectPodcast #MuslimPodcast #FaithJourney #Belonging #Community #Tazkiyah #HeartWork #AntiBlackness #Islam #MuslimCommunity #SpiritualGrowth #HealingJourney #SelfDiscovery #Identity #SelfAwareness #Love #PersonalGrowth #InnerWork

  8. Sep 2

    We Fight for Truth. We Fight for Strength In and Out of the Ring. I ft. Aiysha I S3 Ep5

    I'm your host, Sekinat Yakub, and in this episode of The Hearts Connect Podcast, I sit down with Aiysha, a Muslim boxer and journalist, shares her journey into boxing and the impact of wearing hijab on her life. She discusses the importance of self-defense for women and the misconceptions about hijabis. A defining moment for her was the decision to wear hijab, leading to a deeper connection with her faith and a shift in her family's perception. Aiysha shares her experiences with balancing her day job, boxing, and spiritual growth. She emphasizes the importance of reflection, lists, and grounding oneself in faith. Aiysha also discusses the lessons she has learned about love and the significance of not being too attached to the material world. Takeaways Boxing as a form of self-defense and empowermentThe impact of wearing hijab on personal identity and perceptionsThe importance of intention and the misconceptions about hijabis Balancing work, boxing, and spiritual growthImportance of reflection and grounding in faithLessons about love and detachment from the material world Chapters 00:00 Defining Moment: Wearing Hijab and Deepening Faith25:14 Balancing Work, Boxing, and Faith27:23 Reflection and Grounding in Faith28:21 Lessons About Love and Detachment About the Podcast The Hearts Connect Podcast is rooted in authentic storytelling and spiritually grounded self-development. Inspired by the book Hearts Connect, which documents the lived experiences of African and Afro-Caribbean converts to Islam in the UK, this podcast continues meaningful conversations around faith, healing, identity, and building healthy relationships — with ourselves, with Allah, and with others. If this episode resonated with you, share your reflections below. Subscribe for more conversations on faith, identity, healing, spiritual growth, and intentional living. #HeartsConnect #Boxing #MuslimPodcast #FaithJourney #SpiritualGrowth #HealingJourney #SelfDiscovery #Mindfulness #IntentionalLiving #Gratitude #TrustAllah #InnerWork #Islam #Identity #SelfAwareness #Mercy #PersonalGrowth #Hijab #Hijabjourney

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About

Based on the book Hearts Connect, which shares the real-life stories of people (mostly from African and Afro-Caribbean backgrounds in the UK) who converted to Islam in the 1990s/2000s. The Hearts Connect show is a self-development and spiritually grounded podcast that explores themes of personal growth, emotional healing, and marriage through the lens of Islamic values. It’s rooted in authentic storytelling, spiritual journeys, and the pursuit of healthy relationships with oneself, Allah (God), and others.

Information

  • Creator
    Sekina Yakub
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sekina Yakub
  • Show Website
    Hearts Connect