What does it take to build a movement that challenges stereotypes and redefines leadership?

In this powerful episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, Nausheena Hussain shares her founder journey—from launching Reviving the Islamic Sisterhood for Empowerment (RISE) to gracefully exiting the organization she built.

She breaks down the Peacock Unicorn Method—a unique strategy that helped her gain credibility, amplify Muslim women’s voices, and lead with humility and collaboration. Whether you’re a nonprofit founder, aspiring changemaker, or leader-in-the-making, this episode offers a bold and deeply insightful roadmap to authentic, impact-driven leadership.

💡 “You don’t need permission to start. Just start—and bring your community with you.”

🎧 Tune in and don’t forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts.

📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus

🔗 Connect and follow Dr. Nausheena Hussain:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nausheena.hussain/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nausheenahussain/
Website: https://www.nausheena.com/

00:00 – Introduction: Meet Nausheena Hussain
01:42 – The Origin of Rise and the Problem It Was Built to Solve
05:00 – Muslim Women & Media Narratives: Breaking the Stereotype
07:11 – Starting With Conversations: The First Steps
09:25 – Discovering the Power of Storytelling (Muslim Sheroes Project)
12:19 – Gaining Credibility Outside the Community: The Peacock Unicorn Effect
15:40 – Why You Don’t Need to Have All the Answers to Start
17:25 – Community-Led Solutions Over Top-Down Leadership
19:31 – Civic Engagement: From Learning to Leading
22:10 – How Muslim Women Bring Their Entire Communities With Them
23:40 – The Founder Exit: Succession Planning Done Right
25:50 – Why Good Leaders Must Eventually Let Go
27:10 – Final Advice: Invest in Your Own Leadership Development

💬 What’s one takeaway that really stuck with you from this episode? Drop it in the comments 👇


#MuslimWomen #LeadershipJourney #NonprofitLeadership #WomenInIslam #SocialImpact #PeacockUnicornMethod #MuslimPodcast #SheroStories #SuccessionPlanning #FoundersJourney

In this powerful episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show with Tayyab Yunus, we sit down with Salam Al-Marayati, the first full-time Muslim activist in the U.S. and co-founder of the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC). From humble beginnings in Arizona to becoming a national leader in Muslim advocacy, Salaam shares his personal journey, the founding story of MPAC, and what it takes to stay grounded in Islamic values while working for justice in American society.

We explore the meaning of the “Ayat of life,” how Muslims can lead with faith, the power of institutional Zakat, and what it really means to be ready for leadership.

Whether you're an aspiring changemaker, nonprofit leader, or just looking to deepen your understanding of the Muslim-American story—this is a must-listen.

🎧 Tune in and don’t forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts.

📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus

🔗 Connect and follow Salam Al-Marayati:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/salamalmarayati/

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/salam-al-marayati-6b0a28167

00:00 – Assalamu Alaikum & Guest Introduction

01:20 – Salaam Al-Marayati: The First Full-Time Muslim Activist in the U.S.

03:05 – From Arizona to UCLA: How a Mosque Changed His Life

05:18 – Founding MPAC: A Vision Born in the Islamic Center

07:40 – Meeting with Politicians & Media: Putting Muslims on the Map

09:25 – The Jesse Jackson Moment: First Presidential Visit to a Masjid

11:45 – Lessons from the Prophets: Understanding the “Ayat of Life”

15:10 – Are Muslims Ready for Power? Building Internal Readiness

17:48 – Zakat Beyond Charity: Advocacy, Liberation, and Influence

20:30 – Advice for Young Muslim Activists & Founders

22:05 – Why Most Muslim Organizations Fail to Scale

23:45 – The Role of the Quran in Organizational Leadership

25:10 – Aligning Islamic Values with American Ideals

26:30 – Closing Reflections & Weekly Qur’an Halaqa Invitation

#MuslimActivism #SalamAlMarayati #MPAC #IslamInAmerica #QuranAndJustice #FaithInAction #ZakatForChange #AmericanMuslims #IslamicLeadership #MuslimVoices

In this powerful episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show with Dr. Tayyab Yunus, we hear the inspiring story of Jaime “Mujahid” Fletcher — a former gang leader from Houston who found Islam, embraced it fully, and went on to found Islam in Spanish.

What began as an effort to help his father understand Islam blossomed into an international movement that produced over 350 audiobooks, hundreds of TV episodes, and the first Latino-led Islamic center in America.

His story is raw, honest, and packed with lessons for anyone thinking about launching a nonprofit, solving a social problem, or simply trying to walk a better path.

Brother Mujahid shares how his past led to his purpose, how media became his tool for dawah, and how staying true to the signs from Allah kept him moving forward — from handing out CDs in parks to running a state-of-the-art production studio and masjid in his old neighborhood.

🎧 Tune in and don’t forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts.

📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus

🔗 Connect and follow Jaime ‘Mujahid’ Fletcher:
LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/mujahid.fletcher

00:00 – Intro: A former gang leader’s journey to Islam
01:12 – From Columbia to Houston: The early years
02:45 – Converting to Islam weeks before 9/11
04:30 – The need for Spanish-language Islamic material
06:10 – Giving da’wah to his father and community
08:25 – Recording the first Islam in Spanish audio CD
11:00 – His wife's aunt converts on her deathbed
13:15 – Building momentum: Da’wah from mosques to parks
15:50 – Facing resistance from the Muslim community
17:30 – Media outreach and the power of storytelling
19:10 – Creating the Islam in Spanish Center
21:00 – Designing a mosque for converts and community
22:45 – Impacting youth, police, and the wider society
24:15 – Final reflections: Just take the next step
25:00 – Closing & invitation to visit the center

Jaime Mujahid Fletcher’s journey is a reminder that the most powerful solutions often begin with personal pain. Islam in Spanish wasn’t a plan — it was a response to need, guided by signs from Allah and fueled by action. May Allah continue to bless this effort and inspire many more through it.
#IslamInSpanish #ConvertStory #LatinoMuslims #MuslimPodcast #RevertToIslam #Daawah #MuslimStories #IslamInAmerica #HoustonMuslims #FaithJourney #TheMuslimNonprofitShow #TayyabYunus #Podcast #MuslimPodcast

In this inspiring episode of The Muslim Nonprofit HSow with Tayyab Yunus, we sit down with Dr. Iltafat Hamzawi—a respected physician, mentor, and changemaker—who shares his deeply personal journey from post-9/11 adversity to becoming a leader in nonprofit advocacy and governance.

Dr. Hamzawi reflects on what it means to find your current in life, how misinformation and fear shaped his drive to tell the truth, and how American Muslims can build lasting institutions rooted in both purpose and professionalism. From founding the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) to advocating for inclusive leadership, this conversation offers practical tools for anyone feeling lost or floating—especially those in early-stage nonprofits.

A must-listen for community builders, aspiring leaders, and anyone passionate about faith, justice, and positive disruption.

🎧 Tune in and don’t forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts.

📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus

🔗 Connect and follow Dr. Iltafat Hamzawi:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iltefat-hamzavi-03832a57/

00:00 - Intro: Floating in the Ocean & Finding Your Current

00:56 - Meeting Dr. Iltafat Hamzawi: Doctor, Mentor, Changemaker

02:24 - How 9/11 Sparked a Mission for Truth and Representation

04:40 - Founding ISPU: From Idea to Institution

06:12 - Challenges of Building Muslim-Led Nonprofits

07:55 - Importance of Governance, Alignment, and Long-Term Planning

09:18 - Staying Mission-Focused & Leaving a Legacy

11:10 - Redefining Sadaqah: Disrupting Traditional Philanthropy

13:12 - Advice for Early-Stage Nonprofits & Board Members

15:18 - Embracing Identity: Proudly Muslim, American, and South Asian

17:05 - Wisdom for the Next Generation of Leaders

18:20 - Closing Reflections & Du'a

Dr. Iltafat Hamzawi’s journey is a powerful reminder that finding your path isn’t about waiting for clarity—it’s about moving with intention through the currents Allah ﷻ places in your life. Whether you’re just starting or already leading a mission-driven organization, this episode offers practical wisdom, spiritual grounding, and heartfelt encouragement. May we all strive to leave behind more than just transactions, but legacies that uplift our communities and reflect our faith.


#MuslimVoices #SocialImpact #LeadershipMatters #FaithInAction #NonprofitLeadership #DrIltafatHamzawi #TruthTelling #AmericanMuslims #Dr.TayyabYunus #Themuslimnonprofitshow

What happens when a masjid is built—but no one comes?

In this inspiring and thought-provoking episode, Dr. Jihad Turk shares his personal journey: from a disconnected Muslim teen in Arizona, to a dedicated student of knowledge in Medina, to becoming a community builder in California.

He didn’t just ask why Muslims weren’t coming to the masjid—he built a movement to bring them back.

This is a must-listen for masjid founders, board members, and community leaders wondering how to bridge the gap between tradition and connection in today’s world.

🎧 Tune in and don’t forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts.

📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus

🔗 Connect and follow Dr. Jihad Turk:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jihadmturk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jihad-turk-ed-d-7920ba6/

00:00 - Welcome and Intro: Why Muslims Aren’t Coming to the Masjid

01:45 - Dr. Jihad Turk's Early Life & Spiritual Search

06:30 - The Power of Mentorship & Finding Authentic Islamic Knowledge

10:20 - Leaving Engineering to Pursue Islamic Studies

14:10 - Studying in Medina During the Gulf War

18:00 - The Aha Moment in Medina: Finding Purpose & Inner Peace

21:40 - Returning to the U.S. and Facing a Harsh Masjid Culture

24:05 - Discovering the Gap: 300 Muslims at a Party, Not the Masjid

25:40 - Creating a Third Space: Amila is Born

29:10 - How Quran Reflections Opened Hearts

32:00 - Legacy of Amila: 20 Years of Learning and Activism

35:15 - Elevator Advice That Changed His Leadership Forever

37:00 - Closing Reflections & What’s Coming in Part 2

#MuslimCommunity #MasjidCulture #IslamInAmerica #SpiritualJourney #ThirdSpaces #MuslimLeadership #MedinaToCalifornia #FaithAndActivism #FoundersJourney

In this powerful episode of The Muslim Non-profit Show with Tayyab Yunus, we hear from Anwar Khan, an engineer from the U.S. who returned to Bangladesh in 2004 with a simple mission: adopt a family and help however he could. What he didn’t expect was that a single bathroom would turn into an entire movement.

Through deeply personal stories, we explore how Anwar went from helping one refugee camp to founding Obat Helpers, now employing over 350 people across 12 schools, IT centers, clinics, and more—staffed by the very people the world forgot.

This episode is for anyone asking: How can I make a real difference with what I have right now?

It’s a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership, grassroots development, and trusting Allah to guide your steps.

🎧 Tune in and don’t forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts.

📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus

🔗 Connect and follow Engr. Anwar Khan:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnwarKhanAkmal

00:00 – Intro: Who are the forgotten people and why this matters to Muslims
02:00 – Historical context of stateless refugees post-1971
04:45 – Personal motivation: why Brother Anwar returned to serve
07:15 – The “shower moment” that changed his mission
09:00 – Tip #1: Visit and understand the ground reality first
11:25 – Tip #2: If no one is working on it, start anyway – even small
13:50 – Tip #3: Empower locals – they know the pain and solutions
16:45 – How training began with no formal platform – night calls from the U.S.
19:10 – Tip #4: Build your team from those with lived experience
21:30 – Transforming teens into future leaders and educators
24:45 – Tip #5: Use your time and skills if you don't have funds
26:30 – Tip #6: Trust in Allah’s help and make sincere dua
28:10 – Tip #7: Find team members who share your passion and vision
29:30 – Reflection on impact: from 9th grade to master’s degrees
30:40 – Final reminder: It all starts with sincere desire and consistent effort


#RefugeeVoices #FromDespairToHope #ObatHelpers #HumanitarianLeadership #BangladeshCamps #InspiringMuslimStories #ImpactThroughService #StatelessPeople #GrassrootsChange #MuslimChangemakers

In this powerful episode of The Muslim Non-profit Show with Tayyab Yunus, we sit down with Imam Tariq Rasheed from the Islamic Center of Orlando, located just outside Disney World, to uncover his remarkable journey of transforming a small masjid into a 23,000 sq ft community hub—completely debt-free.

He shares heartfelt stories of early struggles, opposition, the value of outreach to non-Muslim neighbors, and the critical mindset needed to grow a masjid successfully. If you're a community leader, aspiring imam, or simply passionate about building strong, sustainable Muslim spaces—this is a must-listen.

You’ll walk away with practical insights on fundraising, handling criticism, managing boards, and the immense barakah of sincere leadership.

🎧 Tune in and don’t forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts.

📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus

🔗 Know more about Imam Tariq Rasheed visit his website: https://www.icorlando.org/imam-profile.php

00:00 – Intro & Guest Introduction
01:15 – Why the Mosque Expansion Began
03:00 – Deciding to Demolish the Old Mosque
04:10 – Fundraising Challenges & Rising Costs
06:00 – Outreach Before Permits: A Critical Step
08:30 – Interfaith Events & Winning Community Support
11:40 – Public Hearing Victory & Community Unity
13:30 – Serving Muslims Without Neglecting Non-Muslim Neighbors
15:10 – Program Planning & Community Services
17:30 – Trusting Allah in Fundraising Miracles
20:00 – Board Dynamics & Imam Leadership
22:15 – Advice for Aspiring Imams & Future Leaders
24:30 – Wearing Multiple Hats as an Imam
26:00 – Building and Managing a Strong Team
28:10 – Community Trust and True Service
30:00 – Final Reflections & Leadership Advice

#MasjidLeadership #MuslimPodcast #IslamicLeadership #CommunityBuilding #Tawakkul #MasjidDevelopment #OutreachSuccess #MuslimInAmerica #FaithAndLeadership #TheMuslimNonprofitShow #TayyabYunnus