For today's episode I'll be elaborating on the real life impacts of Bill 21 and the reactions that it has caused throughout much of Canada. The impact of this bill has the possibility of being enormous especially in relation to the application of religious freedoms within Canada. I will discuss that as well as reactions from within Quebec towards Bill 21 as not everyone within the province supports the bill.I also wanted to add that I will be going on a hiatus for about a month as i wanted to take a break to better plan for future episode as well as take a break from producing episodes on a bi-weekly basis. I want to ensure that I can deliver the best quality of episodes to this podcast and I feel that a break will allow me to refocus and recharge. I'll of course go back to making episodes on a bi-weekly episodes so see you all in a month!

For today's episode I'll be elaborating on the real life impacts of Bill 21 and the reactions that it has caused throughout much of Canada. The impact of this bill has the possibility of being enormous especially in relation to the application of religious freedoms within Canada. I will discuss that as well as reactions from within Quebec towards Bill 21 as not everyone within the province supports the bill.I also wanted to add that I will be going on a hiatus for about a month as i wanted to take a break to better plan for future episode as well as take a break from producing episodes on a bi-weekly basis. I want to ensure that I can deliver the best quality of episodes to this podcast and I feel that a break will allow me to refocus and recharge. I'll of course go back to making episodes on a bi-weekly episodes so see you all in a month!

The Real Life Impacts of Bill 21

In today's episode I discuss the "secular" law passed by the Quebec government which bans the public display of religious symbols and headgear within the Quebec government. I dive into the impacts, ramifications and issues with this law.  Next week's episode will also focus on Bill 21 and will look into the real life implications of this law.  

In today's episode I discuss the "secular" law passed by the Quebec government which bans the public display of religious symbols and headgear within the Quebec government. I dive into the impacts, ramifications and issues with this law. Next week's episode will also focus on Bill 21 and will look into the real life implications of this law.

Bill 21: The "Secular" Law

Asalam Walaikum! Today's episode will focus on the issue of Masjid Safety and Security within Canada as well as the importance of increased awareness of public safety within Mosques. We've discussed Islamophobia, racism, hate crimes and discrimination within this podcast which is why I felt that it was very important to finally get a chance to interview an expert in the topic. Younus Imam of the Salaam Project is an expert in the field of Masjid Security and currently volunteers with the Salaam Project to improve Masjid Security across Canada. I'm also extremely excited to have done my first Podcast interview and hope that I'm able to continue to produce more interviews in the future! Don't forget to follow me @MIYBPodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Also you can find Younus and the Salaam Project on Instagram @younus.imam. 

Asalam Walaikum! Today's episode will focus on the issue of Masjid Safety and Security within Canada as well as the importance of increased awareness of public safety within Mosques. We've discussed Islamophobia, racism, hate crimes and discrimination within this podcast which is why I felt that it was very important to finally get a chance to interview an expert in the topic. Younus Imam of the Salaam Project is an expert in the field of Masjid Security and currently volunteers with the Salaam Project to improve Masjid Security across Canada. I'm also extremely excited to have done my first Podcast interview and hope that I'm able to continue to produce more interviews in the future! Don't forget to follow me @MIYBPodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Also you can find Younus and the Salaam Project on Instagram @younus.imam.

Masjid Safety and Security ft. Younus Imam

In today's episode I wanted to focus on some reflections and thoughts towards the end of Ramadan. Primarily the benefits and strengths that we learn from Ramadan and fasting during the holy month. Many of these reflections are my own, so I highly suggest you to do your own reflections and your benefits from the month of Ramadan!  

In today's episode I wanted to focus on some reflections and thoughts towards the end of Ramadan. Primarily the benefits and strengths that we learn from Ramadan and fasting during the holy month. Many of these reflections are my own, so I highly suggest you to do your own reflections and your benefits from the month of Ramadan!

Reviewing Ramadan

Today's episode will focus on specific goals that I created for the last 15 days of Ramadan so that we can maximize the most out of this blessed month. These are goals that I feel are attainable but also worthwhile because they are impactful things to do in Ramadan. I will go over them and provide some details but for the most part the goals that I discuss in this episode are flexible and definitely something that you can change as you wish! 

Today's episode will focus on specific goals that I created for the last 15 days of Ramadan so that we can maximize the most out of this blessed month. These are goals that I feel are attainable but also worthwhile because they are impactful things to do in Ramadan. I will go over them and provide some details but for the most part the goals that I discuss in this episode are flexible and definitely something that you can change as you wish!

Last 15 Days of Ramadan

Imam Al-Bukhari is one of the most influential and well known scholars in Muslim history. His accomplishments include numerous books and hadith collections, the most famous being Sahih Al-Bukhari. Although many Muslims are familiar with his name and know who he is, very few really know the story of his background or where he came from. In today's Past and Present Heroes episode, I will go into depth about the life and times of Imam-Al-Bukhari and some pivotal moments in his life. Understanding his significance to the ummah will only give us a greater amount of respect for his accomplishments.My main source for this episode was a lecture by Omar Suleiman which is linked here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2vmBXCsr80

Imam Al-Bukhari is one of the most influential and well known scholars in Muslim history. His accomplishments include numerous books and hadith collections, the most famous being Sahih Al-Bukhari. Although many Muslims are familiar with his name and know who he is, very few really know the story of his background or where he came from. In today's Past and Present Heroes episode, I will go into depth about the life and times of Imam-Al-Bukhari and some pivotal moments in his life. Understanding his significance to the ummah will only give us a greater amount of respect for his accomplishments.My main source for this episode was a lecture by Omar Suleiman which is linked here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2vmBXCsr80" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2vmBXCsr80</a>

Past and Present Heroes: Imam Al-Bukhari

For today's episode I will be looking into some parts of the rich history of Islam in China and how it represents both Chinese Muslims and Muslims that are in China (I'll explain the difference in the episode). In doing so I hope to bring a greater understanding of how Islam has been influential in China as well as its interactions with previous Chinese governments.

For today's episode I will be looking into some parts of the rich history of Islam in China and how it represents both Chinese Muslims and Muslims that are in China (I'll explain the difference in the episode). In doing so I hope to bring a greater understanding of how Islam has been influential in China as well as its interactions with previous Chinese governments.

Forgotten History: Islam in China

It has been two years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and a lot has changed in the world. There have been many negative and positive things that have happened throughout the world. In today's episode I will take a second to reflect on my own experiences and events that happened during these two years. In many ways COVID-19 has exposed many ugly truths about our current world and in many ways continues to do so. At the same time there are many things as Muslims that I feel we should reflect on that I will also cover.   

It has been two years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and a lot has changed in the world. There have been many negative and positive things that have happened throughout the world. In today's episode I will take a second to reflect on my own experiences and events that happened during these two years. In many ways COVID-19 has exposed many ugly truths about our current world and in many ways continues to do so. At the same time there are many things as Muslims that I feel we should reflect on that I will also cover.

Reflections on COVID-19

Today's episode will discuss and breakdown the proposed Online Harms Bill by the Federal Liberal government that seeks to regulate the use of social media and the internet to prevent the spread online hate and dangerous content. This is a controversial piece of legislation that has many ramifications for Canadians in their day to day lives. There are some benefits and drawbacks to the law which are important for us to know and understand. Ultimately, this conversation rests on the balance of our individual freedoms while using the internet and the prevention of harm to others through the use of the internet.  

Today's episode will discuss and breakdown the proposed Online Harms Bill by the Federal Liberal government that seeks to regulate the use of social media and the internet to prevent the spread online hate and dangerous content. This is a controversial piece of legislation that has many ramifications for Canadians in their day to day lives. There are some benefits and drawbacks to the law which are important for us to know and understand. Ultimately, this conversation rests on the balance of our individual freedoms while using the internet and the prevention of harm to others through the use of the internet.

The Online Harms Bill

Welcome back to the Muslims in Your Backyard podcast! For today's episode I examined what the Hate Crime laws within Canada actually say and where our perception of what the Criminal Code of Canada covers may actually be incorrect. Reforms or changes to hate crime laws have been a hot topic in Canada (and for food reason!) and deserve our attention. To truly change these laws, however, we really do need to understand them first. 

Welcome back to the Muslims in Your Backyard podcast! For today's episode I examined what the Hate Crime laws within Canada actually say and where our perception of what the Criminal Code of Canada covers may actually be incorrect. Reforms or changes to hate crime laws have been a hot topic in Canada (and for food reason!) and deserve our attention. To truly change these laws, however, we really do need to understand them first.

Canadian Hate Crime Law

Muslims In Your Backyard is a podcast focused on understanding and analyzing 21st Century issues, problems and history from a Muslim perspective. Join me as I examine an Islamic perspective on many 21st Century issues but also seek to reconnect with Islamic history and its impact on our lives in the 21st Century.

Ep#2 of the Past and Present Heroes will focus on the Greatest of All Time, Muhammad Ali and his life as a Muslim and his activism throughout his life. Today's episode will go into detail on some aspects that truly demonstrate why Muhammad Ali is not only a respected but honoured man in so many parts of the world. In understanding who he was we can really begin to understand his beliefs and more importantly, how Islam shaped his activism. Muhammad Ali truly was one of the Greatest for many reasons and this episode will outline a few. **Also as mentioned in today's episode, I will be taking a break from making episodes till the first week of February, so there will be no episode in two weeks**

Ep#2 of the Past and Present Heroes will focus on the Greatest of All Time, Muhammad Ali and his life as a Muslim and his activism throughout his life. Today's episode will go into detail on some aspects that truly demonstrate why Muhammad Ali is not only a respected but honoured man in so many parts of the world. In understanding who he was we can really begin to understand his beliefs and more importantly, how Islam shaped his activism. Muhammad Ali truly was one of the Greatest for many reasons and this episode will outline a few. **Also as mentioned in today's episode, I will be taking a break from making episodes till the first week of February, so there will be no episode in two weeks**

Past and Present Heroes: The Greatest

What do we perceive as success and what do we see as a "failure"? For todays episode I dive into discussing how the 21st Century (more specifically the Capitalist Society) has impacted what we perceive as "success" or "failure". In trying to understand these two notions, I think its important for us to take a step back and really reflect on how we perceive the world and our place in it. On top of this, how do we understand this role within our beliefs as Muslims and the impact that these 21st Century values have had on our faith.  

What do we perceive as success and what do we see as a "failure"? For todays episode I dive into discussing how the 21st Century (more specifically the Capitalist Society) has impacted what we perceive as "success" or "failure". In trying to understand these two notions, I think its important for us to take a step back and really reflect on how we perceive the world and our place in it. On top of this, how do we understand this role within our beliefs as Muslims and the impact that these 21st Century values have had on our faith.

Perceptions of Success and Failure

Canadian students study at some of the finest, well established and distinguished universities in the world and yet the greatest danger to many students may have very little to do with the opportunities that they are given but rather the systematic problems within the Canadian post-secondary system. For today's episode I will focus on the issues of Mental Health within Canadian universities. This episode will focus on examining the concerning statistics involving student mental health, anxiety, stress and depression. These issues will be covered by also looking at the issues within the institutions behind our educational system and my own experiences as a student in Canada. I hope to provide some insight and analysis that can shed some more light and bring awareness to the problems that have severely impacted many Canadian students.    If you seek Mental Health support or need support here are a few sources, but I urge you to seek the support that you need: Center for Addiction and Mental Health: https://www.camh.ca/ Canadian Mental Health Association: https://cmha.ca/ Naseeha Health (toll free Mental Health line focused on Muslims):       1-866-627-3342 OR https://naseeha.org/ Khalil Center: https://khalilcenter.com/ (based on Islamic Practices) Useful article by The Walrus: https://thewalrus.ca/inside-the-mental-health-crisis-facing-college-and-university-students/ 

Canadian students study at some of the finest, well established and distinguished universities in the world and yet the greatest danger to many students may have very little to do with the opportunities that they are given but rather the systematic problems within the Canadian post-secondary system. For today's episode I will focus on the issues of Mental Health within Canadian universities. This episode will focus on examining the concerning statistics involving student mental health, anxiety, stress and depression. These issues will be covered by also looking at the issues within the institutions behind our educational system and my own experiences as a student in Canada. I hope to provide some insight and analysis that can shed some more light and bring awareness to the problems that have severely impacted many Canadian students. If you seek Mental Health support or need support here are a few sources, but I urge you to seek the support that you need: Center for Addiction and Mental Health: <a href="https://www.camh.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.camh.ca/</a> Canadian Mental Health Association: <a href="https://cmha.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://cmha.ca/</a> Naseeha Health (toll free Mental Health line focused on Muslims): 1-866-627-3342 OR <a href="https://naseeha.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://naseeha.org/</a> Khalil Center: <a href="https://khalilcenter.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://khalilcenter.com/</a> (based on Islamic Practices) Useful article by The Walrus: <a href="https://thewalrus.ca/inside-the-mental-health-crisis-facing-college-and-university-students/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://thewalrus.ca/inside-the-mental-health-crisis-facing-college-and-university-students/</a>

The Student Mental Health Crisis in Canada

For today's episode I'll continue the discussion from the last episode and will shift the focus to the historical conceptions and formulations of the ummah. This includes looking at the empires/rulers/sultanates that were influential in both the political and religious spheres as well as the differences between what the "ummah" was historically and what it is now. This will include looking at some of the political formations within the ummah in the past and how they differ to what exists today.

For today's episode I'll continue the discussion from the last episode and will shift the focus to the historical conceptions and formulations of the ummah. This includes looking at the empires/rulers/sultanates that were influential in both the political and religious spheres as well as the differences between what the "ummah" was historically and what it is now. This will include looking at some of the political formations within the ummah in the past and how they differ to what exists today.

What is the Ummah? (pt. 2)

What is the Ummah? What is the concept or ideas that go behind what we call the Ummah? Muslims often mention the "ummah" and will often mention the need for unity within it but have we really ever considered what this means or what it would look like? Muslims in the 21st Century, especially younger Muslims, have a tendency to yearn for this idea of the united Muslim ummah especially due to the failures of many Muslims states to provide safety and security for its peoples. This is why I wanted to focus today's episode on going through some of my own ideas and thoughts about the Ummah and the questions that I think are important about the idea of the Ummah.Hadith: https://sunnah.com/bukhari:6011

What is the Ummah? What is the concept or ideas that go behind what we call the Ummah? Muslims often mention the "ummah" and will often mention the need for unity within it but have we really ever considered what this means or what it would look like? Muslims in the 21st Century, especially younger Muslims, have a tendency to yearn for this idea of the united Muslim ummah especially due to the failures of many Muslims states to provide safety and security for its peoples. This is why I wanted to focus today's episode on going through some of my own ideas and thoughts about the Ummah and the questions that I think are important about the idea of the Ummah.Hadith: <a href="https://sunnah.com/bukhari:6011" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://sunnah.com/bukhari:6011</a>

What is the Ummah? (pt.1)

Canada's history in the creation and implementation of Residential Schools aimed at the destruction and elimination of Indigenous cultures within Canada through the forcible indoctrination of Indigenous kids will be discussed in today's episode. Although this episode does not directly relate to Muslims or Muslims issues, it is important as Canadian citizens and as Canadian Muslims (or Muslims in other countries) to be aware of these injustices and their lasting impacts on indigenous communities. As Muslims we are meant to be people who push for justice and peace amongst people. The push for recognizing injustices should not just stop at a person's religious affiliations. I hope to give an introduction and provide some facts about the impacts of these schools. 

Canada's history in the creation and implementation of Residential Schools aimed at the destruction and elimination of Indigenous cultures within Canada through the forcible indoctrination of Indigenous kids will be discussed in today's episode. Although this episode does not directly relate to Muslims or Muslims issues, it is important as Canadian citizens and as Canadian Muslims (or Muslims in other countries) to be aware of these injustices and their lasting impacts on indigenous communities. As Muslims we are meant to be people who push for justice and peace amongst people. The push for recognizing injustices should not just stop at a person's religious affiliations. I hope to give an introduction and provide some facts about the impacts of these schools.

Residential Schools

In today's episode I'll focus exclusively on politics and recap what we saw and experienced through the 2021 Canadian Election. I'll first go through some of the general results and some interesting results that occurred and then dive into what these results may say about the future in tackling issues like Islamophobia. After that, I'll explain the differences between the First Past the Post and Proportional Representation as voting systems as well as the positives and negatives of Canada's First Past the Post system.

In today's episode I'll focus exclusively on politics and recap what we saw and experienced through the 2021 Canadian Election. I'll first go through some of the general results and some interesting results that occurred and then dive into what these results may say about the future in tackling issues like Islamophobia. After that, I'll explain the differences between the First Past the Post and Proportional Representation as voting systems as well as the positives and negatives of Canada's First Past the Post system.

Recapping the 2021 Canadian Election

His name was Yusuf but the world knew him as Salahuddin. In today's episode I'll begin a new series on Past and Present Muslim heroes by examining the life of Sultan Salahuddin Ayubi. The episode will not cover his entire life or contain a full historical background but will instead focus on aspects, moments and lessons that we can learn from Salahuddin. Many people look up to Salahuddin but very few take the time to truly understand who he really was and what his legacy for the Muslim ummah is.

His name was Yusuf but the world knew him as Salahuddin. In today's episode I'll begin a new series on Past and Present Muslim heroes by examining the life of Sultan Salahuddin Ayubi. The episode will not cover his entire life or contain a full historical background but will instead focus on aspects, moments and lessons that we can learn from Salahuddin. Many people look up to Salahuddin but very few take the time to truly understand who he really was and what his legacy for the Muslim ummah is.

Past and Present Heroes: His Name was Yusuf

The Quran was sent down as a guidance for humanity and to provide knowledge about the world. Although many of us may read and recite the Quran, we must also take time to reflect on the message that we are being sent. This is called "tadabbur" and is a process of reflecting on the Quran which I will discuss based on an article from Yaqeen Institute. In addition, I will talk about how we can improve our habits in reading the Quran as well as connecting it to our daily lives as younger Muslims.Yaqeen Instiute Article: https://yaqeeninstitute.ca/read/paper/keys-to-tadabbur-how-to-reflect-deeply-on-the-quran#ftnt7

The Quran was sent down as a guidance for humanity and to provide knowledge about the world. Although many of us may read and recite the Quran, we must also take time to reflect on the message that we are being sent. This is called "tadabbur" and is a process of reflecting on the Quran which I will discuss based on an article from Yaqeen Institute. In addition, I will talk about how we can improve our habits in reading the Quran as well as connecting it to our daily lives as younger Muslims.Yaqeen Instiute Article: <a href="https://yaqeeninstitute.ca/read/paper/keys-to-tadabbur-how-to-reflect-deeply-on-the-quran#ftnt7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://yaqeeninstitute.ca/read/paper/keys-to-tadabbur-how-to-reflect-deeply-on-the-quran#ftnt7</a>

Reconnecting with the Quran

Since the London attack, there has been an outpour of support for the Muslim community within Canada and a greater amount of support for the Muslim community. Within this however, Islamophobia is a reality for many Muslims across Canada and even with the outpour of support, attacks against Muslims have continued. Reporting on hate crimes and creating awareness are crucial components that the Muslims community must continue to do, but there must also be greater accountability towards those who dismiss islamophobia within the government. Action must be taken to ensure that Federal, Provincial and Municipal actors do not ignore the issues related to Islamophobia.

Since the London attack, there has been an outpour of support for the Muslim community within Canada and a greater amount of support for the Muslim community. Within this however, Islamophobia is a reality for many Muslims across Canada and even with the outpour of support, attacks against Muslims have continued. Reporting on hate crimes and creating awareness are crucial components that the Muslims community must continue to do, but there must also be greater accountability towards those who dismiss islamophobia within the government. Action must be taken to ensure that Federal, Provincial and Municipal actors do not ignore the issues related to Islamophobia.

"Rising" Islamophobia

Muslims In Your Backyard is a podcast focused on understanding and analyzing 21st Century issues, problems and history from a Muslim perspective. Join me as I examine an Islamic perspective on many 21st Century issues but also seek to reconnect with Islamic history and its impact on our lives in the 21st Century.

Muslims In Your Backyard

The best podcast episodes on physical health. Episodes talk about your diet, sleep, exercise and all the things that people do to improve their physical health and live a healthier life. This topic is for everyone, with applications in all of our everyday lives. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Physical Health & Your Body

The best podcast episodes of anyone with an interesting story. With famous guests like Obama, LeBron James, Drake, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, to anyone who has a unique and interesting story to tell. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!