In this conversation, Suad explores the complexities of cultural identity, modern dating, and the dynamics of marriage and divorce. She emphasizes the importance of self-love and healing, particularly for those navigating relationships after divorce. Suad shares insights on how to find love within oneself before seeking it externally, and the significance of valuing personal relationships and growth. The discussion highlights the intersection of faith, culture, and emotional well-being in shaping our experiences of love and connection.

In this conversation, Sofiya and Suad explore the complexities of love, faith, and relationships within the Somali and Muslim diaspora. They discuss the challenges of navigating cultural expectations, the impact of divorce, and the importance of healing and self-love. The conversation also delves into the cultural clashes faced by individuals growing up in the West, the role of gender dynamics in relationships, and the necessity of distinguishing between cultural practices and religious beliefs.

• (00:00:00) - Invent a Mana: Love and Dating in the West
• (00:02:53) - Marriages and the challenges of them
• (00:09:26) - Favorite Infidelity
• (00:16:23) - Why is it so hard for women to be single?
• (00:18:20) - The challenges of being single after divorce
• (00:21:54) - What Does Love Mean to You? (Love Allah Subhanahu
• (00:28:20) - The Pain of Loving Others
• (00:28:57) - What cultural clashes do
• (00:35:33) - Khadiji On Why She's Going To Dump Her Cous
• (00:40:40) - How do cultural expectations about family involvement, gender roles, or
• (00:46:55) - Understanding the Need to Honor Culture

Summary

In this enlightening conversation, Sofiya Idris sits down with Iftin Mohamed, the executive of Voices of Tomorrow, to discuss the importance of language preservation, the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship within the Somali community, and the future vision for their organization. They delve into the significance of mental health awareness and the need for culturally relevant support systems, emphasizing the power of community and the importance of defining one's own narrative.

• (00:00:00) - Sexual Education Through an Islamic Perspective
• (00:01:05) - Muslim midwife on sexual education
• (00:06:34) - Midwife Talk: Sexual Education
• (00:08:44) - Muslim parents' views on sex education
• (00:16:34) - "Oriental uprooting isn't for everybody"
• (00:16:58) - Islam on Knowledge and Sexual Education
• (00:20:20) - Why Sexual Education is taboo in our communities
• (00:23:03) - On Female Gender Mutilation (FGM)
• (00:27:18) - FGCM: The Right to Have It Done
• (00:33:10) - Muslim nurse on sex education
• (00:38:27) - Meghan Markle on Her Period
• (00:42:43) - When Does Your Daughter Get Her Menses?
• (00:42:58) - The Health of A Woman's Body
• (00:44:42) - How Are Muslim Girls and Boys Teached About Their Body and Sexual
• (00:50:41) - How To Love Your Wife
• (00:55:39) - What is consent in marriage?
• (01:00:37) - Midwife on the importance of birth centers
• (01:06:51) - Midwifery in the Somali community
• (01:10:31) - Doula Talk: Professional Segregation
• (01:16:54) - Warren's message on birth center care
• (01:24:23) - Baby's first poops
• (01:27:28) - Ellen on Pregnant Women
• (01:30:28) - Holding On to the Ummah

• (00:00:00) - Criminal Sexual Abuse
• (00:04:07) - Sexual Abuse Is Never The Victim's Fault
• (00:12:48) - Sexual Abuse When You First Realized It Was Abuse
• (00:18:01) - How Did The Abuse Affect My Self-Esteem?
• (00:25:05) - How Did The Abuse Impact Your Relationship With Family, Community, or
• (00:33:47) - Abuse and emotional well-being
• (00:35:46) - How Does Shame or Guilt Affect Your Life?
• (00:37:13) - Coping mechanisms developed during depression
• (00:40:38) - How Has Trauma Affected My Relationships in My Adult Life
• (00:43:20) - How I Learned To Heal My Soul
• (00:46:23) - How has therapy, spirituality, or community played a role in my
• (00:48:20) - What has been the most surprising part of the Healing Journey?
• (00:52:00) - Why is it so hard to talk about childhood sexual abuse?
• (00:53:05) - What would you say to someone who is still living with this secret
• (00:55:40) - How Can Faith Communities Better Support Sexual Abuse Survivors?
• (01:01:43) - What does freedom or liberation from trauma look like?
• (01:03:18) - What is your purpose or passion in life?
• (01:04:42) - What advice would you give your younger self if you could go back
• (01:07:24) - What legacy do you hope to leave for survivors?
• (01:11:37) - Holding On to the Ummah

• Iqra experienced depression during her junior year of high school, marked by a lack of interest in activities she once loved.
• Cultural and religious beliefs can complicate the understanding and treatment of mental health issues.
• Therapy is essential for learning coping mechanisms and reframing negative thought patterns.
• Support systems, including family and friends, play a crucial role in managing depression.
• Stigma around mental illness often leads to misunderstanding and isolation for those affected.
• Social media can negatively impact mental health by fostering comparison and unrealistic expectations.
• Personal growth often comes from navigating and understanding one's mental health challenges.
• Career aspirations can shift significantly during the healing process, leading to new paths in psychology and community support.
• Community representation in mental health resources is vital for effective support and understanding.
• Parents should create safe spaces for open conversations with their teens about mental health.

Summary

In this episode, Ubah shares her powerful journey from a traumatic childhood in refugee camps to overcoming addiction and finding purpose in her life. She discusses the impact of her upbringing, the struggles with addiction, and the importance of community support and faith in her recovery. Ubah emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding in addressing addiction and mental health issues, particularly within immigrant communities. Her story is one of resilience, empowerment, and the transformative power of sharing one's experiences.

Takeaways

Ubah's childhood was marked by trauma and survival.
Addiction often stems from unresolved trauma and coping mechanisms.
Community support plays a crucial role in recovery.
Shame can exacerbate mental health issues and addiction.
Faith and spirituality can provide strength in difficult times.
Empowerment comes from sharing one's story and helping others.
Coping strategies vary among individuals, even within the same family.
Recovery is a journey that requires self-awareness and commitment.
Building a support system is essential for overcoming addiction.
Ubah's journey highlights the importance of resilience and hope.

• (00:00:27) - Meet Oba: The Somali American Woman
• (00:01:25) - How my environment shaped my life
• (00:07:34) - Why Do Siblings React to Trauma Differently?
• (00:09:14) - How does addiction affect the person's life?
• (00:13:26) - Pregnant Women's Experience with Addiction
• (00:19:08) - Shame on women who talk about their struggles
• (00:24:20) - "Don't Be Scared of Rumors"
• (00:27:24) - Alcoholics on How To Get Out Of Addiction
• (00:33:24) - Give Back to Your Community
• (00:35:06) - Misdiagnosis of mental illness
• (00:39:37) - What is your Why to Keep On Going?
• (00:42:36) - Somali families and the loneliness
• (00:48:41) - How to Get Your Child to Stop Using Drugs
• (00:51:27) - How to Read the Quran at 44 years old
• (00:54:51) - Somalia's battle against substance abuse
• (00:58:58) - Dear 17-Year-Old Me
• (01:03:08) - Oh, and your sons
• (01:03:15) - How Does Your Story Change Your Purpose?
• (01:08:29) - Holding on to the past