What does it really mean to speak about the power of a Muslim woman in a world already saturated with assumptions about gender, autonomy, success, and value?

In this thought-provoking OnGuard conversation, Hamza Tzortzis is joined by Imam Tom Facchine (Yaqeen Institute) for a wide-ranging discussion sparked by Islam21c’s Power of a Muslim Woman campaign. But this is not the conversation many might expect.

Together, they explore:

• Why modern society subtly reshaped how we think about women and “empowerment”
• The quiet pressure many women feel to justify or even apologise for following their fitrah and divine guidance
• How homemaking, motherhood, and femininity became culturally devalued
• The liberal assumptions that influence how all of us — men and women — see the world
• Why debates around feminism often miss the deeper questions entirely
• The "crisis of Islamic scholarship" that leads to many sisters not getting the support they deserve
• And more

This episode isn’t about slogans or culture-war soundbites. It’s about stepping back and asking:

❓ Who defines value?
❓ What counts as power?
❓ And why do so many feel conflicted about answers Islam has long provided?

Whether you’re navigating these questions personally, as a parent, or simply trying to understand the world we inhabit, this discussion offers clarity, nuance, and reflection.

For more information about the Power of a Muslim Woman campaign and to sign up for updates, visit https://pomw.org

Chapters:
00:00 — Intro
03:57 — Why this conversation can’t be avoided
07:04 — How “empowerment” gets defined
10:45 — You’re swimming in liberal waters
14:21 — Why feminism feels persuasive
18:08 — Feminism vs Islam: different starting points
22:17 — Who actually defines value?
26:31 — Homemaking and cultural status
30:43 — “Pretend I’m a sister…”
34:55 — The pressure to justify choices
39:14 — When Islam is reframed in liberal terms
43:36 — Masculinity, femininity, and discomfort
48:00 — Strength vs stereotype
51:51 — The quiet belittling of homemaking
56:09 — The apology trap
1:00:13 — The crisis of Islamic scholarship
1:04:38 — Authority, trust, and confusion
1:09:01 — Internal tensions within Muslim spaces
1:13:43 — Disagreement without defensiveness
1:18:35 — Confidence without apology
1:23:47 — Noticing the water we’re swimming in
1:29:13 — Imagine I’m a sister…

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In this powerful episode of OnGuard by Islam21c, Hamza Andreas Tzortzis sits down with Dr Zeyn Green-Thompson, a medical doctor and psychiatrist, for an honest and profoundly moving conversation on mental health, hope, and the Muslim experience.

Together, they explore some of the most difficult and often unspoken topics in our communities, including depression, hopelessness, and s**cidal ideation. Dr Zeyn brings rare clarity by combining clinical psychiatry with an Islamic worldview, showing how īmān, meaning, and responsibility can reshape the way we understand suffering and recovery.

This discussion goes beyond labels and quick fixes. We talk about:

• What hopelessness really means from a clinical perspective
• Why despair is central to s**cidal intent
• The biological, psychological, social and spiritual dimensions of mental health
• How Islamic concepts such as duty, patience, humility, and hope offer practical protection
• How Muslims should approach others who are struggling, with empathy rather than harshness
• Why listening matters more than giving blanket advice

Dr Zeyn also shares real clinical insights from his work in psychiatry, reflecting on how timeless Islamic principles can be communicated in ways that help both Muslims and non-Muslims.

This is not just an intellectual discussion. It is personal, reflective, and deeply human. Whether you are struggling yourself, supporting someone else, or simply want a more grounded way to think about mental wellbeing, this conversation is essential viewing.

Chapters:
00:00 – Why This Episode Is Different
02:59 – S**cide & Mental Health in the Muslim Community
06:29 – What Is Hopelessness, Clinically Speaking?
10:04 – The Critical Shift: From Ideation to Intent
13:09 – “Hopelessness Is Always a Lie”
16:34 – When Depression Overwhelms Rational Thought
19:39 – Biology, Psychology & Social Triggers Explained
22:54 – Why Muslims Must Add the Spiritual Dimension
25:54 – Duty, Not Outcomes: A Powerful Mental Framework
29:04 – Why This Approach Works for Non-Muslims Too
31:54 – A Personal Childhood Story of Shame & Isolation
35:14 – How to Speak to Someone Who Is Struggling

Support the show

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To extend the reach of our impactful content, kindly consider making a contribution (www.islam21c.com/guardians). Your support helps us make a difference.

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“They stole land from the Palestinians and they stole identity from Jews.”

In this remarkable conversation, Rabbi Elhanan Beck — a Palestinian-born rabbi from Stamford Hill — shares his powerful story and deep insights into the clear distinction between Judaism and Zionism.

He explains why true Judaism is rooted in faith, humility, and obedience to God, while Zionism, as he argues, transformed a spiritual religion into a political and national project divorced from its sacred origins.

Together, we explore:
🔹 What it truly means to be Jewish according to the Torah
🔹 The 13 principles of faith outlined by Maimonides
🔹 How Zionism emerged as a secular movement
🔹 The Jewish understanding of exile and the promised land
🔹 The peaceful vision of the Messiah in Jewish scripture
🔹 Centuries of coexistence between Muslims and Jews

This is a heartfelt and eye-opening discussion that challenges common narratives and offers a glimpse into an authentic Jewish perspective on faith, identity, and justice.

Also watch:

Jewish Rabbi gives an Islamic History lesson
https://youtu.be/xbI2S9wG--o

Support the show

🌟 Support Our Mission 🌟

To extend the reach of our impactful content, kindly consider making a contribution (www.islam21c.com/guardians). Your support helps us make a difference.

👇 Stay Connected & Never Miss an Update 👇

1️⃣ Subscribe: Hit the 'Subscribe' button and don't forget to ring the 🔔 bell, ensuring you'll be the first to know when we upload fresh content.

2️⃣ Social Media: Stay up-to-date and join the conversation on our social media platforms:

📸 Instagram www.instagram.com/islam21c
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