ISRA Academy Podcast

In this thought-provoking Q&A session, Dr Omer Atilla Ergi addresses some of the most challenging questions surrounding suffering, justice, evil, and the wisdom of Allah. Drawing on Islamic theology and spirituality, he explores how believers can make sense of suffering while maintaining faith, trust, and hope. Timestamps: 00:00 Why do evil people get away with evil? 06:48 Why is suffering dis...

In this episode, Dr Suleyman Sertkaya explores the historical significance of the Madinah Charter, one of the earliest documented agreements governing a diverse society. He discusses the circumstances that led to its formation, when and how it was documented and who the parties were.

Dr Omer Atilla Ergi explores one of the most challenging questions in philosophy and theology: the Problem of Evil. Drawing on reason and Islamic theological insights, he examines whether suffering truly contradicts belief in a merciful God and how concepts such as free will, human perspective, and divine wisdom contribute to understanding this issue. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:26 The term t...

In this conversation, Dr Zuleyha Keskin and Dr Omer Atilla Ergi explore one of the most important questions a person can ask: how do we know which religion is true?  00:00 Introduction 00:52 Who asks this question? 05:07 How the names of God may be understood in other religions 07:12 Renowned historic figures may have been prophets 13:15 Why would there be no prophet after Prophet Muhammad? 17:12...

Many modern atheists argue that the natural world is fundamentally cruel, a place where survival depends on predation, competition, and death. In this thought-provoking discussion, Prof Mehmet Ozalp and Dr Zuleyha Keskin explore a different perspective. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:38 Famous atheists portray life as all about suffering 04:05 There’s less suffering in the animal kingdom than it...

What drives our thoughts, emotions, habits, and behaviours? In this new series, Prof Mehmet Ozalp and Dr Zuleyha Keskin explore the classical Islamic concept of the seven levels of the nafs (self), beginning with the first and lowest level: Nafs al-Ammarah (the Commanding Self). Drawing on Islamic scholarship, spirituality, and practical examples from everyday life, this discussion examines how th...

What was Madinah like before the arrival of Islam? In this insightful lecture, Dr Suleyman Sertkaya explores the history of Yathrib (later known as Madinah) before the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ migrated there. Discover the tribal dynamics, longstanding conflicts, and social conditions that shaped the city and prepared it for one of the most significant transformations in human history. Timestamps: 00:00...

In this first episode of Response to Atheists, Dr Zuleyha Keskin speaks with Dr Omer Atilla Ergi about humanity's place in creation, the possibility of other intelligent beings, and what the Qur'an says about the vast universe around us. 📌 In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 00:31 Introduction to the series 02:10 Does the Qur'an say the entire universe was created just for us? 05:47 We are not al...

Most parents love their children deeply. However, children need more than love. Drawing on examples from the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and stories from the Qur'an, this talk offers practical insights for parents who want to raise children who feel secure, guided, resilient, and spiritually grounded.

Dr Suleyman Sertkaya explores the foundational steps taken by the Prophet ﷺ after the Hijrah, showing how Madinah was shaped through faith, community, education, economic independence, social responsibility and ethical leadership. This talk offers powerful lessons for Muslims today on how prophetic guidance can shape not only individual character, but also families, communities and society. Timest...

Can we stop time and ageing? In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr Zuleyha Keskin and Dr Omer Atilla Ergi explore one of humanity's deepest questions, weaving together modern science and Islamic wisdom to uncover what time truly means, and what our faith teaches us about its inevitable passage. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Time cannot be defined 07:49 Theoretically you can go forward...

Astrophysics accepts the existence of unseen realities through their observable effects. Dark matter, gravity, black holes and many cosmic phenomena are not directly seen, yet their impact is measurable and scientifically accepted. If this method of reasoning is considered valid in physics, then on what grounds is the existence of God rejected? In this thought-provoking discussion, Dr Zuleyha Kesk...

In this deeply moving conversation, Dr Zuleyha Keskin sits down with Angelica-Hazel, a women’s health and fertility nutritionist, mother, and breast cancer survivor, to explore her journey through illness, faith, and healing. From the moment of her diagnosis to navigating life as a convert, Angelica shares a powerful and honest reflection on what it means to face one of life’s greatest tests. We s...

In this podcast, Prof Mehmet Ozalp and Dr Zuleyha Keskin explore five Qur’anic proofs for the existence of the afterlife. While many assume belief in the Hereafter is purely based on faith, the Qur’an repeatedly invites us to reflect, question, and recognise the signs that point to life after death. What are these proofs? And how do they strengthen conviction in the unseen?  ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 –...

In this episode, Dr Suleyman Sertkaya explores the powerful moment in Madinah when the Prophet ﷺ established mu’ākhāt, pairing the Muhājirūn and Anṣār in a bond of true brotherhood. Discover how strangers became family overnight—and what this profound model of unity, sacrifice, and care means for us today.

In this podcast, Dr Zuleyha Keskin speaks to Dr Omer Atilla Ergi about thoughts, especially unwanted thoughts. Are we responsible for them? Are we bad people because we have negative thoughts. This podcast explores these questions plus many more.

In this podcast, Dr Zuleyha Keskin sits down with Prof Mehmet Ozalp to explore one of the most profound concepts in Islamic spirituality: the journey of the nafs. Using the powerful analogy of a spiritual athlete, they unpack the 7 levels of the nafs—showing how each stage reflects a different level of inner struggle, awareness, and transformation. This conversation moves beyond theory, offering a...

In this talk, Dr Suleyman Sertkaya explores the lives of the People of Suffa among the earliest devoted companions who dedicated themselves to learning in the time of the Prophet (pbuh). Through their story, we gain insight into sacrifice, knowledge, community, and the pursuit of a life centred around faith. This session reflects on their struggles and the lasting impact they had on the transmissi...

In this podcast, Dr Omer Atilla Ergi explores the concept of divine revelation, examining its different forms, the transmission of earlier scriptures, and the unique preservation, structure, and timeless message of the Qur’an. 📌 Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:36 The oldest copy of the Qur’an 01:37 Types of revelations 03:50 Verses of creation 08:00 Animal instincts 11:50 Divine guidance 13:32 P...

In this podcast, Dr Omer Atilla Ergi and Dr Zuleyha Keskin explore the assumptions people bring to the question of belief, the limits of empirical testing, and the philosophical challenges involved in denying the existence of a Creator. They also discuss common arguments, the nature of disbelief, and how analogies from art and design help us reflect on the deeper questions behind existence.

Does quantum physics really show that the universe came from nothing? In this conversation, Dr Zuleyha Keskin speaks with Prof Mehmet Ozalp and Dr Omer Atilla Ergi about one of the most debated questions in science and theology.

In this podcast, Dr Zuleyha Keskin speaks with Nadia El-Mouelhy, Director of the Halal Certification Authority, about her groundbreaking survey of over 1,000 Muslims across Australia. Together they unpack the findings of the newly released Halal Report, exploring how our community understands halal and what influences consumer choices.

Why do we suffer? Is there a deeper purpose behind it? In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr Zuleyha Keskin and Prof Mehmet Ozalp explore the hidden dimensions of pain, from the role of the nafs and intention to the impact of modern life. This episode invites you to rethink suffering, not as something purely negative, but as something that may carry meaning, protection, and even transformatio...

In this podcast, Dr Suleyman Sertkaya explores the building of the first mosque in Madinah and the central role it played in the formation of the early Muslim community. From the moment the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ arrived in Madinah, the masjid became the spiritual, social, and administrative heart of the new society. This session reflects on the construction of Masjid al-Nabawi, the individuals who se...

In this episode, we explore one of the most important figures in the Qur’an: Iblis. Who is he really? How did his story begin, and what does it reveal about pride, free will, and the human condition?