Rahma with Rose Dr. Rose Aslan

In this episode, I speak with a woman whose podcast has deeply inspired me and whose writings have made significant waves in anti-racism movements. I had the opportunity to fangirl a little with Layla F. Saad as we discussed her journey to becoming an anti-racist changemaker and activist.Layla is known for addressing issues of racism and social justice, but this is her first time speaking publicly about her beliefs and identity as a Muslim woman. The ongoing genocides in Gaza, Sudan, and Cong...

In this episode, Rose reflects on her creative work and the inspiration behind her podcast. In her life, she often explores ways to help others feel like they are not alone and are not the only ones who don’t feel like they fit into the status quo. Rose is motivated by her own experiences of being isolated and lonely and how she was able to thrive in communities with other women. The podcast shares stories of resilience from women from diverse backgrounds, and Rose discusses how it intersects...

Rose welcomes listeners back to Rahma with Rose for the podcast's second season. She offers an update about her life and struggles and describes her Ramadan 2024 experience. She emphasizes the need to stay empathetic and aware while witnessing the genocide of the people of Gaza.Rose talks about the difficult but empowering process of unshaming and models why unshaming can be so powerful. She invites listeners to join her on her path towards healing and rahma, or compassion, offering practical...

In this podcast episode, Zaahida Mahomedy shares her spiritual awakening and personal growth journey. Beginning her spiritual exploration at 13, influenced by her grandmother's devotion to the Qur’an, Zaahida navigated the challenges of growing up in a conservative Indian Muslim community in apartheid South Africa. Her journey took a significant turn in her mid-20s when she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. This health crisis deepened her spiritual path and highlighted the connection ...

In this episode, Rose candidly converses with Shehla Faiza on her podcast, I'm a Muslim (And That's OK!), sharing her experiences as a "professional Muslim" in the U.S. and why she eventually left that role. Rose discussed the challenges and pressures she faced while representing Islam in academia and interfaith activism, particularly during the Trump era. She also discusses her decision to relocate to Istanbul and shift away from academia. This time, Rose is the guest being interviewed inste...

Listen to my chat with Dr. Rebecca Masterton as we explore her journey of finding spiritual meaning in secular British society. Rebecca talks honestly about feeling out of place in a society where deep spirituality isn't often a priority. She shares her story of how finding Islam brought her peace and a sense of fitting in.In our conversation, Rebecca also gets real about balancing intuition with rationality and the dangers of blindly following spiritual teachers. From being a normal British ...