Imam Rushdan Mujahid-Deen: Turning Grief Into Guidance

In this episode of the American Muslim Podcast, host Imam Tariq El-Amin welcomes Imam Rushdan Mujahid-Deen, the associate Imam at Masjid Bilal Islamic Center in Los Angeles and the first commissioned Muslim chaplain for the LAPD. Imam Mujahid-Deen shares his transformative journey of faith, inspired by the legacy of his mother and the teachings of Imam W. Deen Mohammed. He discusses his multifaceted roles as an Imam, hospital chaplain, and LAPD chaplain, articulating the emotional challenges, spiritual insights, and the importance of servant leadership. Imam Mujahid-Deen emphasizes the necessity of self-care for those in service positions and reflects on how his faith and personal experiences shape his approach to spiritual care and community leadership. He also touches on the upcoming community center at Masjid Bilal Islamic Center, designed to serve both Muslim and non-Muslim communities. The episode concludes with a call to support Bayan Islamic Graduate School and its initiatives.

00:00 Introduction to Bayan on Demand

00:56 Welcome to the American Muslim Podcast

01:22 Introducing Imam Rushdan Mujahid-Deen

02:38 Imam Rushdan's Early Life and Family

05:18 Journey into Chaplaincy

09:38 Roles and Responsibilities of a Chaplain

16:46 Servant Leadership and Community Service

23:01 Personal Reflections and Lessons Learned

25:02 Reflecting on Family and Upbringing

26:40 Daughter's Journey in Africa

27:42 Experiences with Family in Africa

29:41 Challenges in Chaplaincy

34:55 Interfaith Chaplaincy and End-of-Life Care

38:10 Self-Care for Leaders

42:55 The Bayan Experience

46:46 Conclusion and Call to Action

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Cover Art & Intro Music - Tariq I. El-Amin @ImamTariqElamin

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