The Illuminated Heart Podcast

Do you identify as an empath and have found yourself repeatedly being wounded by people? Navigating relationships is one of the biggest challenges for the empath. Not because there's something wrong with you, but because there are truths you haven't understood about yourself and your interaction with people. The world isn't designed for someone with a sensitive heart like yours.   In this episode...

In this authentic and raw conversation, I am joined by my dear friend Ruwaida Dohry as we explore the journey of rebuilding yourself after trauma. We discuss the importance of a strong spiritual foundation in the healing journey, turning to Allah (SWT), practical steps for holistic healing and the role of community support. Ruwaida shares her personal experiences and insights on how to navigate th...

"The morning and evening adhkār play the role of a shield; the thicker it is, the more its owner is protected. Rather, its strength can reach to such an extent that the arrow shot at it will bounce back to affect the one who shot it." (Ibn al-Qayyim) I hope this recording helps you learn the adhkaar and make it part of your daily routine.    The benefits of reciting the morning and evening adhkaar...

"The morning and evening adhkār play the role of a shield; the thicker it is, the more its owner is protected. Rather, its strength can reach to such an extent that the arrow shot at it will bounce back to affect the one who shot it." (Ibn al-Qayyim) I hope this recording helps you learn the adhkaar and make it part of your daily routine.    The benefits of reciting the morning and evening adhkaar...

If you’re feeling lonely, you’re not alone. #Loneliness is a common problem many people are dealing with and this is due to multiple factors that have changed our human interactions. We are more disconnected than ever and this is having a negative effect on our mental health. In this episode, I talk about the different types of loneliness, the difference between loneliness vs solitude and tips on...

Join me in this episode as I read out a poem by Cassie Phillips called "Let them". "Let them" is all about allowing people to be as they are and freeing yourself from the need of controlling how they behave or think. This poem is a powerful and empowering reminder for empaths and codependents who care too much and too often get wounded and stuck at the actions of others.  Letting go isn't easy, bu...

In this episode, I delve into the journey of healing after experiencing trauma. I share six practical tips, covering the importance of seeking professional help, the role of a support system in the healing process and doing the inner work. Whether you're personally affected or supporting someone who is, this episode provides valuable tools and compassionate guidance to navigate the path toward pos...

What is #selfcare and why is it so important? In this episode I talk about the different categories of self-care, how they contribute to our well-being and I emphasise on how spiritual self-care is fundamental in helping us cope with life stresses. Self-care isn't selfish. It is a necessity. And I hope to encourage you to make it a priority. I also share vulnerability about my own journey and why...

This is what you need to hear if you are seeking inspiration, motivation and empowerment for the new year! As the new year approaches, many people start thinking about what goals they'd like to achieve in the next year. In this episode I guide you to deeply reflect on the life you want to create for yourself and how to create those goals. I talk about the journey towards self-actualisation - livin...

After a long break I finally gained the inspiration to create again. In this episode I share vulnerability about my own journey, releasing my need to be perfectly crafted, and I invite you to be vulnerable in safe spaces to embrace your own journey.  After a conversation with a friend, I was inspired to speak about faith and its power in being an effective coping mechanism in dealing with hardship...

In this short yet impactful episode, I talk about how being a victim keeps us stuck as we focus on the pain and actions of others. This is specifically for victims of abuse, yet it is relatable to everyone as we are all victims of something. Being a victim keeps us in a powerless state. We forget that we can shift our focus and energy on ourselves and CHOOSE to not stay a victim. I also talk about...

What is a Muslim narcissist? How can someone appear to be religious yet be abusive to others and commit such serious sins? What is it about them that makes them this way? These are the questions we will be exploring in this episode. I am joined by the author of the book "The Muslim Narcissist, Dr Mona Alyedreessy. She gives us detailed insight into the anatomy of the Muslim narcissist from an Isla...

In this episode I'm joined by my very first guest, my dear friend Azra Jamal! She is a personal development coach and the author of the book "To My Darling Self". We discuss the topic of self-love, what that means for us and how it is actually a responsibility for the Muslim woman to cultivate self-love for herself. Join us in the discussion and share with us, what is self-love to you?  If you've...

How we speak to ourselves impacts our experiences, mental well-being and the quality of our lives. Many of us grew up in environments that lead us to develop a harsh critical inner voice, but we don't have to live the rest of our lives that way. We can choose to rewire it and develop self-compassion instead, which promotes peace, happiness and health.    In this episode I share with you 3 key step...

Within this episode we learn about the Decree of Allah and I talk about the important lesson of how accepting Divine Decree helps us deal with grief and releases pain.

In this episode I uncover the tafseer (translation) of the first 15 aayahs of Surah Al-Hadid. We explore the names and attributes of Allah, how we can apply them in our lives and get a better understanding about the light that is within us and how it will guide us on The Day of Judgement. 

This Quran recitation will follow a 2 part series based on the translation of this surah. I have selected this chapter as it beautifully educates us about Allah and His Beautiful Attributes. Knowing Allah for me is the source of healing, enlightenment and true richness. Once you know who Allah is, your heart and mind finds peace in only Him. He becomes your Source of everything. My intention of th...

What comes to your mind when you hear the word "primer"? And what is the relationship between a primer and preparing for Ramadhan? In this episode I share a funny analogy that links these two together. I also discuss the importance of priming our hearts for Ramadhan in order to experience a spiritually impactful  month. 

In this episode, I address the growing issue of #MuslimMen suffering in silence. Muslim men struggling with their #mentalhealth as well as the hidden reality of #MaleAbuseVictims. This is an issue that needs to be addressed.    Muslim Counsellor and Psychotherapist Network (MCAPN): www.mcapn.co.uk Inspirited Minds: www.inspiritedminds.org.uk Muslim Youth Helpline:   www.myh.org.uk Sakoon Counselli...

Studies have shown that practicing gratitude has many amazing benefits on our psychological well-being, physical well-being, our relationships, and our careers. In this episode I share with you those benefits, I draw parallels between the grateful and ungrateful, I discuss what Allah (SWT) teaches us about gratitude and even how it links with the law of attraction! This is an episode you don't wan...

#Depression is the most common mental health illness and almost all of us have suffered from it. But what does it mean to be Muslim and to suffer from depression? I dismiss the myths that exist in our community about depression and I also share a snippet on the amazing Islamic physicians and scholars who were advanced in understanding and treating mental health illnesses. This is an episode you ca...

We live in a world today where religious deception is extremely prevalent and is destroying the souls of many. Raising awareness and educating ourselves and our children about this topic is gravely important. I talk about individuals who appear to be "religious" but lack true God-consciousness in their hearts. I also touch on #narcissism and the impact of #spiritualabuse.  Use the hashtag #Religio...

In this episode I share the top 10 lessons I learnt in 2021. I'd love to know what you learnt from your experiences in 2021 too.   To book a talk therapy session with me: www.theilluminatedheart.com My amazing coach: @Mindfully_muslimah_coaching Find a Muslim counsellor: Muslim Counsellor and Psychotherapist Network  

"Just have sabr." That's what we always hear. But what does abuse have to do with sabr? I discuss that in this episode.    If you need a confidential safe space to talk, I am here. Do reach out to me on Instagram or my website to book a talk therapy session.   Other helpful resources: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/ Muslim Women's Network Helpline: 0800 999 5786 https://www.mwnuk.co.uk/ Muslim Couns...

In this very first episode, I talk about the purpose behind hardships and how we can extract goodness from the difficulties we go through.