Waystations

People often lament they don’t have enough time. However, one could argue that time is really the only currency we have and its what we do with it.  Though of course, there are times in our life, when we are truly pressed for time — such as when you have young kids, or when you are looking after old parents.  So, what is causing this feeling of not having enough time? Perhaps it might be to do wit...

If you said to traditional people that nothing matters, they would likely hold you up on that statement. They would say  everything matters. Your belief, the way you talk, the way you dress, your general sense of being and purpose.  However for many modern people this isn’t the case. There is a sense that nothing really matters. This is captured in the word “nihilism” which comes from the Latin wo...

In this episode we focus on the traditional crafts and the importance of making things by hand. We talk to Mats about he starts a hand made project, the life lessons that come from making things by hand, as well as the spiritual connection that comes from performing a traditional craft. Book recommendations: Arts & Crafts of the Islamic Lands: Principles, Materials, Practice by Khaled Azzam Sm...

Futuwwa has been translated as chivalry, or when you put the needs of others before yourself. In traditional civilizations this notion was also referred to as gallantry, valour, magnanimity and nobility. In fact, these were regarded as virtues to strive for. A persons place in society was often seen through the lens of these noble traits of character, as opposed to their material possessions and i...

Reading is in decline, though we are seeing a bit of a revival amongst some youth, who are rejecting the lure of social media and returning to books and board games. But they are a minority. With the decline of reading, one could argue our ability to hold in-depth thoughtful quality laden conversations is also diminishing, as our vocabulary becomes smaller, and so our imagination withers.   Perhap...

In this fascinating episode we are joined by Dr Muhammed Mekki, to talk about calligraphy and entrepreneurship. Two topics that you would not normally associate with one another. This is essential listening for all entrepreneurs, founders and business leaders, as to how by having a craft mindset they can better at what they do. Book recommendations: The Cosmic Script by by Ahmed Moustafa and Stefa...

We have all experienced how the mood of one person can rub off on others — particularly if they’re leaders, managers, supervisors, head of a family, or generally someone who has influence on others. For example the bosses mood percolates across all the employees.  One person effects several, who in-turn may affect several more, and so before you know it the bad mood of one person may ripple out to...

Sacred scriptures, and the literary works spawned by them, are full of images of paths and passages, of wandering and wayfaring. Many other traditions speak of a path, often straight and narrow, and warn of roadblocks, such as of one’s own pride.  In this episode we speak about walking with intention and also reflect on a recent 200km walk we undertook across desert and mountain.  Book recommendat...

In this episode we speak with Peter Gould about his design journey and discovering a spiritual path. We discuss why design needs to have spiritual aspirations and how these can be applied.  Book recommendations: Design for the Real World by Victor Papanek Ruined by Design by Mike Monteiro Al-Maqsad al-Asna fi Sharh Ma'ani Asma' Allah al-Husna (The Best Means in Explaining the Beautiful Names of Go...

The idea of a sacred space is found in every culture and tradition across the world. But what makes a space sacred? Is it the place or the people who occupy it? Or can all places be regarded as sacred?  Book recommendations: Cultural Atlas of Islam by Ismail Faruqi Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown About the hosts: Walead Mosaad is an internationally recognized scholar in Islamic studies...

Mention Artificial Intelligence (AI) and for many this creates anxiety and uncertainty. In this episode we explore what it means to be human in the age of AI? What are the bold promises the technology offers and the potential pitfalls? We discuss how humans are being reduced to data points; the concept of the singularity and the philosophical roots of such an idea.  Book recommendations: Science o...

The stories we tell explain our position in the world, and where we are going. They provide a narrative arc to  our lives. Great stories explore the human condition throughout time, they help us navigate through life, and understand purpose. Yet much of modern day storytelling is devoid of virtue. What are we losing by not engaging with stories that have virtue? Book recommendations: The Epistle o...

Economists in the early part of the twentieth century predicted that with automation accelerating, we will be entering the age of leisure. When most of your daily rituals will be taken care of, and this leisure time will be used to think, reflect, and develop ourselves. Quite the opposite seems to have happened. We seem to be distracting ourselves with frivolous entertainment. How have we ended up...

We are not able to choose our family members. Sometimes people are blessed with beautiful family relationships, other times, not so. But we can to some extent choose who we are friends with. When it comes to being more discerning about the company we keep, how should we tackle this. Join our hosts: Walead Mosaad and Rehan Khan to learn more. About the hosts: Walead Mosaad is an internationally rec...

Throughout time human beings have sought meaning in what they do. To try and make sense of the world and everything in it. How should we approach meaning and purpose from a faith-based perspective? In addition, how can meaning and purpose be addressed in our working lives?  Join our hosts: Walead Mosaad and Rehan Khan to learn more. About the hosts: Walead Mosaad is an internationally recognized s...

Moral dilemmas in our work and personal lives often relate to the question: “What shall I do?” These dilemmas are often grey-areas, where both courses of action could be ‘right’. However, moral questions can only be answered by looking at a deeper question which is “What kind of person do I want to be?’ and this is often linked to belief.  Join our hosts: Walead Mosaad and Rehan Khan to learn more...

In many countries there is a loneliness epidemic which is creating adverse social and health problems. Why is this happening? How is loneliness different from solitude? What, if any, are the benefits of solitude? At a practical level how can a person practise solitude in their work and personal life?    Join our hosts: Walead Mosaad and Rehan Khan to learn more. About the hosts: Walead Mosaad is a...

When knowledge that is sacred, is lost, what are its impact on human beings.  Join our hosts: Walead Mosaad and Rehan Khan to learn more.   About the hosts: Walead Mosaad is an internationally recognized scholar in Islamic studies and human development. His academic and traditional training has accorded him the opportunity to work with communities worldwide as a teacher and project driver. He has...