The New Nomos

Musa Gerner started his career in audio as a teenager doing freestyle rap with his friends after school. Through many twists and turns he arrived at becoming one of the world's leading Foley artists. This narrative is a journey of perseverance that teaches the importance of always being in a state of learning and striving to be the best in order to reach the top. The Art of Learning - Josh Waitzki...

Perfume has been linked to civilisation as far back as we can go. It is known that before the Battle of Thermopylae the Spartan warriors, knowing they were going to die fighting off the Persians, bathed and perfumed themselves to meet their death smelling good.  In this episode, Ikramuddin Zwane, a self-taught perfumer from Johannesburg, South Africa, opens a door onto the world of scent, olfactio...

Abdel-Majid Faouri is Jordan's Number 1 BJJ competitor. In this episode he shares his journey with BJJ, life lessons learnt and his philosophy in BJJ. Islam literally means 'submission'. And one of the aims of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is to force your opponent into submission. So when you are being choked out and have to admit defeat, it is a little reminder of who is really in control.  Books Mentione...

Idris Assad is a property developer born and based in Atlanta, USA. In this episode he shares his knowledge on the history of African Americans to show not only the break in history experienced by the majority of black Americans today, but also highlighting the thriving communities and economic hubs of African Americans such as Greenwood, Oklahoma dubbed as 'Black Wall Street' that emerged after e...

In February this year, Pak Zaim Saidi was arrested and held in custody by the Indonesian authorities under the pretence of using illegal currency. The truth is he has been on the forefront of re-establishing the Gold Dinar and Silver Dirham, the coinage of the Muslim world since the time of the Prophet Muhammad (sallahu alayhi wassalam) and the only accepted means that Zakat can be taken on moneta...

Dr Humaira Shahid is a journalist, human rights activist and former Member of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab, Pakistan. She is passionate about the economic empowerment of women and hosts an online course called 'Woman and Power' that strives to reclaim natural born freedom and autonomy for modern women. Part of that course is the link between sexuality and spirituality.  In this conversati...

A fun, spontaneous and insightful conversation with Mohammad Chowdhury around his book Border Crossings  and beyond.  From growing up as a Western born Bangladeshi Muslim in 1970s London to over 100 flights a year working for some of the worlds largest firms, Mohammad has a vast archive of anecdotes around his adventures and experiences alongside fascinating insights as one of the world's leading...

Two thirds of Imam Malik's Muwatta covers matters of muamalat, it is therefore critical to the Deen of Islam. Why then has it lost its importance in our time? This question is put to Shaykh Umar Vadillo, the expert on applying the commercial parameters defined in the Muwatta to modern financial practice. The conversation leads from the reality of the term 'Islamisation' to where we should be setti...

To understand our present, we have to know our past. As Muslims living in the 21st Century it is imperative that we know about the life of Sultan Abdulhamid II. So this episode is for you; So you know that Sultan Abdulhamid II lived. And knowing that he lived, you know what he did. And you know what we got from him as an Ummah. And you know what we lost as an Ummah by the actions of those that plo...

What can we learn from the events that have transpired over the last month in Afghanistan? In this episode, Abdallah discusses this theme with Jawwad Mughal who cuts through his geopolitical and historical insights with experiences and conversations from an adventurous life.  Links to the 2007 articles by Shaykh Abdalqadir as-Sufi: Afghanistan - The Next Phase The Pakistani High Command - The Last...

The reality of Islam is in its being put into action and no example is closer to the source than the practise of the first generations in Madinah as highlighted by Prof Yasin Dutton in his book The Origins of Islamic Law . This conversation covers the importance of Madinan Amal in the context of Imam Malik and his Muwatta and how we can draw learnings from this example for our present time. The Or...

An exploration into the historical, political and spiritual context of the Zulu Nation and the Zulu Monarchy in the wake of the rioting and looting that took place in Kwa-Zulu Natal in July 2021 and the importance of the alliance between the Zulu and the Muslims for the future of the province.   With Ihsan Mathe, a Lecturer in History at Dallas College in Cape Town. 

A conversation with Dr Abdalbasir Ojembarrena exploring the bullfight, literature, art, sport, courage and so much more... Dedicated to El Fandi and Roca Rey who showed me how to face up to the beast with style, finesse and absolute beauty.   Music by Ian Cattanach 

Malik Matias Basso is a seasoned screenwriter, cinematographer and director.  In this episode Abdallah delves into Malik's knowledge of the concept of The Hero's Journey in storytelling and screenwriting as laid out by Joseph Campbell and beyond. Films and Series Mentioned in the Episode: My Octopus Teacher (2020, Ehrlich and Reed) Black Mirror (2011, TV Serial) Groundhog Day (1993, Ramis) Malik's...

What is education? Join Abdallah as he discusses the theme of 'education vs conditioning' with Yusuf Perez and Jalid Vadillo drawing on Aldous Huxley's book Brave New World and its recent TV Series adaptation. Brave New World - by Aldous Huxley The Art of Loving - by Erich Fromm     Timecode Guide: 1.57 What is the definition of education? 2.47 The Greek concept of Arete 4.09 “Know thyself” - Plat...

An introduction to the life and works of Goethe, the greatest German literary figure of the modern era. With Hajj Abubakr Rieger

Warrior Shaykhs, martial tariqas and various Sultans all play a role in the resistance against the French colonial invaders in the Maghreb. Join this conversation with Abdelkadir Harkassi, a Masters Student in Historical Research at SOAS, around the Sufi resistance of the French invasion in the Maghreb and learn how sometimes the most heroic act is to accept defeat.  This is a crucial narrative an...

How do we get to know ourselves and unleash the hero within? Abdallah discusses this concept with Rishad Ahmed a Life Coach and strong presence who has dedicated his professional life to helping others become more self-aware. It comes down to one word..."unlearning" Zen Coach Homepage Rishad Ahmed's Linkedin   Music by Ian Cattanach    

Abdallah discusses 'The Waldgang' essay by Ernst Junger with Dr Ali Azzali,, a teacher and historian and the Vice Chairman of Dallas College in Cape Town, South Africa.  The Waldgang translates into English as the Forest Passage, but is a metaphor for the journey to the self, facing the fear of death and emerging from the 'forest' heroic, spontaneous and free to call things by their proper names. ...

In the first episode of The New Nomos, Abdallah engages in a profound conversation with Mujeeb Gallagher, a distinguished Lawyer and Classicist from London, on the timeless significance of Homer's epic masterpiece, The Iliad. As they delve into the depths of this ancient song, a powerful revelation unfolds: the dire need to rediscover our authentic selves. They explore the concept of staying true...