Boys In The Cave

What makes someone a Muslim? Is it personal faith, government ID cards, or the community’s judgment? In this profound discussion, Dr. Jonathan A.C. Brown explores the tensions between Islamic identity, state power, and social expectations—from Malaysia’s laws defining "who counts" as Muslim, to the Tablighi Jama’at’s role in enforcing prayer, to Gaza’s impact on global Muslim solidarity.  Key Topics: Faith vs. Formality: Can governments enforce Islamic practice without killing sincerity? Malaysia’s Paradox: Why some laws define Muslims by "what others think" of them. Prayer Police: Should communities pressure individuals to pray—or is that hypocrisy? The Gaza Effect: How tragedy is reviving the Ummah’s political conscience. Colonial Legacies: Why British-era laws still shape Muslim identity in Asia. Dr. Brown weaves fiqh, history, and dark humor (see: "storage room khutbahs" and "6 AM podcast sacrifices") into a critique of modern Muslim fragmentation—and a vision for collective revival Dr. Jonathan Brown is the Alwaleed bin Talal Chair of Islamic Civilization in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. He received his BA in History from Georgetown University in 2000 and his doctorate in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from the University of Chicago in 2006. His book publications include “The Canonization of al-Bukhari and Muslim: The Formation and Function of the Sunni Hadith Canon”, “Hadith: Muhammad’s Legacy in the Medieval and Modern World”. “Muhammad: A Very Short Introduction” and “Misquoting Muhammad: The Challenges and Choices of Interpreting the Prophet’s Legacy”, and “Slavery and Islam”.

In this deep and enlightening conversation, Mustafa Briggs joins us to discuss the rich and often overlooked history of Islam and its profound impact on the modern world. From the contributions of Muslim civilizations to the legacy of figures like Muhammad Iqbal and the Ottomans, we explore how reclaiming these narratives can empower Muslims today. Mustafa also shares insights from his upcoming book, Islam and the Making of the Modern World, and why understanding our past is crucial for shaping our future. ✅ How Muslim scholars gave Europe "Arabic numerals" (including zero) — and why it led to binary code (0s and 1s). ✅ The Ottomans’ secret claim to the Roman Empire — and why Constantinople’s fall was a spiritual victory. ✅ Why Muslims today don’t know their own history — and how colonialism erased Islamic intellectual traditions. ✅ Muhammad Iqbal’s surprising solution — why politics won’t revive the Ummah, but spirituality will. ✅ The truth about the "Moors" — were they Black? Why Europeans feared (and demonized) them. Purchase Mustafa Briggs New Book 'Islam & The Making of The Modern World': https://www.amazon.com/Islam-Making-Modern-Mustafa-Briggs/dp/B0DVQSS18M/ 🕳️ About the Podcast Boys In The Cave is an independent platform exploring faith, politics, culture, and the pressing issues confronting the modern Muslim mind. Subscribe to join the conversation! 🔔 Like, Share, Comment & Subscribe to stay connected. Subscribe to Boys in the Cave Podcast for more insightful discussions on politics, culture, and community. Don’t forget to like, share, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes! Please email us your comments, feedback, and questions at: boysinthecave@gmail.com, and leave a review and 5-star rating on iTunes! Check out our book club! - https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave/membership Check out our website – boysinthecave.com Follow us on: Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/boysinthecave/ Instagram – @boysinthecave Twitter – @boysinthecave Become a Patreon today! https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave Timestamp: 00:10 Mustafa's trip to Pakistan & Islamic history 01:29 Connections between Uzbekistan & Mughal Empire 04:34 Influence of Arabic/Persian on Indian languages 05:29 Mustafa's new book: Islam and the Making of the Modern World 08:06 Chapters on Roman Empire, Western science, colonization 09:31 The Moors & their legacy 10:52 Muhammad Iqbal's spiritual & political influence 16:49 Iqbal's mastery of Eastern & Western philosophy 23:19 Fibonacci & Arabic numerals' impact on modern tech 27:31 Liberal arts vs modern education systems 36:03 Concept of Ihsan (excellence) in Islamic tradition 42:24 Roman Empire's connection to Islamic history 47:57 Ottomans as successors of Rome 52:52 Hagia Sophia's qibla alignment & divine destiny 58:02 Ottomans & Europe's complex relationship 01:02:24 Legacy of Zayd ibn Harithah (RA) 01:13:47 Moors: Misconceptions & racialization 01:23:52 Colonial narratives vs African scholarship 01:29:01 Hidden Muslim history in Australia 01:34:20 Closing thoughts on reclaiming Islamic legacy

Is Muslim political mobilisation in Australia empowering the community — or playing into a system that was never built for us? In this powerful and timely episode of Boys in the Cave, we host a critical dialogue with Ghaith Krayem (national spokesperson of Muslim Votes Matter) and Dr. Yassir Morsi (lecturer, political theorist, and author of Radical Skin, Moderate Masks). Together, we unpack the tension between grassroots activism, electoral politics, and the deeper philosophical questions around identity, power, and belonging in a settler colonial state. One of the most urgent questions facing Muslims in Australia today is: 👉🏽 Are we truly building political power — or just legitimising a broken system? Following the devastating events in Gaza and the growing disillusionment with traditional Muslim institutions, Muslim Votes Matter emerged as a bold new grassroots campaign. Ghaith outlines its origins, strategies, and goals — including the mobilization of Muslim voters across 11 key electorates in a way Australia has never seen before. But with political slogans now echoing those of the mainstream — “cost of living,” “housing crisis,” etc. — many wonder: Has the focus on Gaza been diluted?  That’s where Dr. Yassir Morsi steps in. Known for his critical approach to liberal democracy and his deep engagement with Muslim political subjectivity, Yassir offers his critique. Through his framework of Green, Amber, Red, he challenges not just tactics, but the very assumptions beneath Muslim participation in electoral politics. 🟢 Green: Even if we get MPs elected, then what? 🟡 Amber: Let’s slow down and question the language we’re using — are we naturalising liberal democracy? 🔴 Red: Have we diluted righteous anger over Gaza into civic slogans and softened resistance into vote-counting? Key Themes Explored: The real motivations behind launching Muslim Votes Matter post-Gaza What it means to be a political lobby group — beyond peak bodies and backroom meetings Whether voting creates leverage or limits for Muslims - How the Muslim “bloc vote” operated, and whether it even exists Dr. Yassir’s critique of political imagination, civic language, and electoral pragmatism Whether the rage and moral clarity sparked by Gaza has been rechanneled into a system that neutralizes resistance The dangers of “pragmatism” without deeper community discourse Ghaith Krayem is the national spokesperson for Muslim Votes Matter, and is a former head of the Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV), and former CEO of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, and current operator of Hikmah Consulting. Dr. Yassir Morsi is a provisional Psychologist at Australian international Academy and lecturer in Aboriginal Studies at La Trobe University. With a PhD in Political Science and Islamic Studies, he is the author of "Radical Skin, Moderate Masks". 🎧 Whether you're an organiser, skeptic, or student of political theology, this conversation is a must-watch. It’s not just about votes — it’s about vision. 🔔 Like, Share, Comment & Subscribe to stay connected. Subscribe to Boys in the Cave Podcast for more insightful discussions on politics, culture, and community. Please email us your comments, feedback, and questions at: boysinthecave@gmail.com, and leave a review and 5-star rating on iTunes! Check out our book club! - patreon.com/boysinthecave Follow us on: Facebook – / boysinthecave Instagram – @boysinthecave Twitter – @boysinthecave 

In this episode of Boys in the Cave, Tanzim is joined by Faraz, Abdulah Hamimi, and Dr. Yassir Morsi for a candid and thought-provoking discussion about Fatima Payman, Muslim political visibility, and what it really means to "represent" the ummah in the Australian political system. We unpack the symbolism surrounding Senator Fatima Payman—Australia's first hijab-wearing MP—and whether her floor-crossing over Palestine was a transformative moment, or simply a reaction to public pressure. We also ask: Why did so many Muslims place hope in Fatima Payman?  Can Muslim political activism in Australia ever be truly independent? What are the limits of representation in a system built to subdue dissent? What does true leadership for the ummah look like in an era of crisis? This is not about personalities. It’s about power, systems, and our collective psychology as a community.  🔊 Listen in for a candid and critical discussion that goes beyond surface-level analysis to question the very foundations of Muslim activism in the West. 🕳️ This one’s for the thinkers, the seekers, and those struggling to reconcile rage, hope, and reality.  👤 About Dr. Yassir Morsi Dr. Yassir Morsi is a prominent political scholar, academic, and public intellectual known for his critical perspectives on race, Islam, and the politics of representation in Western societies. With a PhD in Politics, Dr. Morsi has dedicated his career to examining the intersections of colonialism, Islamophobia, and the lived experiences of Muslim communities in the West. He is a leading voice in challenging mainstream narratives around Muslim identity, democracy, and political engagement, often critiquing the limitations of liberal democratic systems in addressing systemic racism and inequality. Dr. Morsi’s work emphasizes the importance of self-determination, community power, and the need for Muslims to rethink their relationship with state structures. As a lecturer and researcher, Dr. Morsi has contributed extensively to academic and public discourse, blending rigorous scholarship with accessible commentary. He is also a sought-after speaker and has been featured in various media outlets, podcasts, and community forums, where he continues to advocate for a more nuanced understanding of Muslim political agency. 🕳️ About the Podcast Boys In The Cave is an independent platform exploring faith, politics, culture, and the pressing issues confronting the modern Muslim mind. Subscribe to join the conversation! 🔔 Like, Share, Comment & Subscribe to stay connected. Subscribe to Boys in the Cave Podcast for more insightful discussions on politics, culture, and community. Don’t forget to like, share, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes! Please email us your comments, feedback, and questions at: boysinthecave@gmail.com, and leave a review and 5-star rating on iTunes! Check out our book club! - https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave/membership Check out our website – boysinthecave.com Follow us on: Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/boysinthecave/ Instagram – @boysinthecave Twitter – @boysinthecave Become a Patreon today! https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave Timestamps 00:00 Intro 02:16 Fatima Payman as a Symbol of Hope 06:00 Islamophobia, Critique & Community Pressure 12:08 The Nine Months Before: Disillusionment & Delay 19:00 October 7 and Our Community’s Awakening 25:00 The Myth of Breaking the Duopoly 33:02 Visibility, Heroism & the Muslim Psyche  41:00 Subjugation vs Oppression: Rethinking Islamophobia 48:00 Where is Palestine in All This? 55:00 The Valorization of Fatima Payman 58:11 Palestine as Our Generation’s Defining Question 1:08:00 The Problem with Nationalist Muslims 1:18:00 Final Reflections: What Are We Really Fighting For? 1:28:00 Outro

We’re joined by Dr. Yassir Morsi and Faraz to unpack the controversial role of Aftab Malik, Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia. What does this position truly represent? Is it a genuine step toward justice, or is it entangled in state-driven narratives of governance and social cohesion? We explore the political architecture behind CVE (Countering Violent Extremism), the historical context of Islamophobia, and why certain forms of “anti-racism” can actually perpetuate systemic control. From internalized Islamophobia to the policing of dissent within our own communities, this episode is a deep dive into the uncomfortable truths that need to be heard. 📌 Topics Covered: The political function of the Special Envoy role Structural vs. interpersonal Islamophobia CVE, social cohesion, and soft state control Why truth and resistance are sidelined for strategy The economy of representation & Muslim complicity 👤 About Dr. Yassir Morsi Dr. Yassir Morsi is a prominent political scholar, academic, and public intellectual known for his critical perspectives on race, Islam, and the politics of representation in Western societies. With a PhD in Politics, Dr. Morsi has dedicated his career to examining the intersections of colonialism, Islamophobia, and the lived experiences of Muslim communities in the West. He is a leading voice in challenging mainstream narratives around Muslim identity, democracy, and political engagement, often critiquing the limitations of liberal democratic systems in addressing systemic racism and inequality. Dr. Morsi’s work emphasizes the importance of self-determination, community power, and the need for Muslims to rethink their relationship with state structures. As a lecturer and researcher, Dr. Morsi has contributed extensively to academic and public discourse, blending rigorous scholarship with accessible commentary. He is also a sought-after speaker and has been featured in various media outlets, podcasts, and community forums, where he continues to advocate for a more nuanced understanding of Muslim political agency. 🕳️ About the Podcast Boys In The Cave is an independent platform exploring faith, politics, culture, and the pressing issues confronting the modern Muslim mind. Subscribe to join the conversation! 🔔 Like, Share, Comment & Subscribe to stay connected. Subscribe to Boys in the Cave Podcast for more insightful discussions on politics, culture, and community. Don’t forget to like, share, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes! Please email us your comments, feedback, and questions at: boysinthecave@gmail.com, and leave a review and 5-star rating on iTunes! Check out our book club! - https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave/membership Check out our website – boysinthecave.com Follow us on: Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/boysinthecave/ Instagram – @boysinthecave Twitter – @boysinthecave Become a Patreon today! https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave Timestamps 00:00 Intro 03:45 Faraz’s meeting with Aftab & the ISRA event fallout 10:20 Why Aftab took the role: Good faith or political naivety? 15:30 Structural Islamophobia vs. individual ignorance 20:50 Postmodernism, Marxism & the dismissal of race critics 26:15 Islamophobia as governance, not just hate 31:40 Internalized Islamophobia and Muslim respectability politics 37:00 CVE, counter-terrorism & the state's soft power tools 42:30 Social cohesion or social control? 48:15 Economic incentives: grants, representation & compromise 54:40 Palestine, performance politics & selective solidarity 1:00:05 The illusion of power: managing Muslims through “inclusion” 1:05:25 Community complicity, careerism & soft censorship 1:11:40 Can we engage power without selling out? 1:17:10 Yassir on state-approved anti-racism & Islamic resistance 1:22:30 Faraz: The ecosystem of control & Muslim leadership 1:26:00 Conclusion

We dive deep into the "Muslim Vote Matters" (MVM) movement in Australia. Joined by special guest Dr. Yassir Morsi, a renowned political scholar and critic, we unpack the complexities of Muslim political engagement, the challenges of representation, and the broader implications of voting in a settler-colonial state. From the aftermath of Gaza to the role of democracy in shaping Muslim identity, this conversation challenges the status quo and asks: Is voting enough to create real change?  We explore the pitfalls of over-reliance on electoral politics, the dangers of miseducation, and the need for self-determination within the Muslim community. Whether you're a supporter of MVM or a skeptic, this episode offers a balanced, critical, and engaging discussion that will leave you questioning the systems we live in and the power we hold as a community. Key Topics Covered: The rise of the Muslim Vote Matters movement The limitations of electoral politics in addressing systemic issues The role of community self-determination vs. reliance on government The impact of Gaza and Palestine on Muslim political consciousness The dangers of miseducation and victim-blaming in political activism Dr. Yassir Morsi is a prominent political scholar, academic, and public intellectual known for his critical perspectives on race, Islam, and the politics of representation in Western societies. With a PhD in Politics, Dr. Morsi has dedicated his career to examining the intersections of colonialism, Islamophobia, and the lived experiences of Muslim communities in the West. He is a leading voice in challenging mainstream narratives around Muslim identity, democracy, and political engagement, often critiquing the limitations of liberal democratic systems in addressing systemic racism and inequality. Dr. Morsi’s work emphasizes the importance of self-determination, community power, and the need for Muslims to rethink their relationship with state structures. As a lecturer and researcher, Dr. Morsi has contributed extensively to academic and public discourse, blending rigorous scholarship with accessible commentary. He is also a sought-after speaker and has been featured in various media outlets, podcasts, and community forums, where he continues to advocate for a more nuanced understanding of Muslim political agency. Join the Conversation: What are your thoughts on the Muslim Vote Matters movement? Do you believe voting can create real change, or is it time to rethink our approach to political engagement? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Subscribe to Boys in the Cave Podcast for more insightful discussions on politics, culture, and community. Don’t forget to like, share, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes! Please email us your comments, feedback, and questions at: boysinthecave@gmail.com, and leave a review and 5-star rating on iTunes! Check out our book club! - https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave/membership Check out our website – boysinthecave.com Follow us on: Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/boysinthecave/ Instagram – @boysinthecave Twitter – @boysinthecave Become a Patreon today! https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:10 The Rise of Muslim Vote Matters 05:00 The Vacuum of Muslim Representation 10:00 Educating the Muslim Community 15:00 Yassir’s Critique of MVM 20:00 The Illusion of Electoral Power 25:00 Failure of Interfaith Dialogue & CVE 30:00 The Myth of the Muslim Voting Bloc 35:00 Over-Identifying with Democracy 40:00 Anger and Grief in Activism 45:00 Need for Self-Determination 50:00 Islamic Schools & Palestinian History 55:00 Fantasy of a Muslim Voting Bloc 60:00 Appropriating Gaza’s Rage 65:00 Punishing Labor in a Two-Party System 70:00 Community-Building Over Voting 75:00 Internal Community Accountability 80:00 Shaming Muslims into Voting 85:00 The Role of Critics in Movements 90:00 The Need for Community Consultation 95:00 The Psychological Impact of Oppression 100:00 The Failure of Islamic Institutions 105:00 The Importance of Political Education 110:00 Outro

In this powerful episode, Kaleem Bullivant joins the show to share his firsthand experiences from the heart of Syria’s revolution.  From the emotional journey of boarding the "Party Plane" to Damascus - the first flight into a liberated Syria - to the miraculous stories of resilience and divine intervention on the frontlines, Kaleem paints a vivid picture of a nation rising from decades of oppression. We delve into the strategic brilliance behind the revolution’s military victories, including the astonishing tale of 350 fighters taking on 30,000 regime soldiers in Hama. Kaleem also reflects on the profound spiritual and communal transformations taking place, especially during the first Ramadan in a free Syria, where the echoes of adhan and the spirit of unity fill the air. This episode isn’t just about Syria - it’s a testament to the power of resistance, faith, and the unbreakable bonds of the Ummah. From the tunnels of Idlib to the streets of Gaza, the Syrian revolution serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that freedom is worth fighting for. Join us as we explore the stories, struggles, and triumphs of a people who refused to be silenced. Kaleem Bullivant is human rights activist, and campaigner against the excesses of the war on terror. Winner of the liberty Human Rights Activist of the Year award, Kaleem has worked on many groundbreaking news stories with the BBC, CNN, Channel 4 News amongst others. Timestamps: 00:00:10 Introduction and lighthearted banter. 00:02:08 Kaleem’s experiences in Syria and the state of infrastructure post-revolution. 00:05:45 Development in Idlib compared to the rest of Syria. 00:13:01 Kaleem’s personal journey and why he felt compelled to go to Syria. 00:17:14 The historic "Party Plane" to Damascus. 00:21:23 Celebrations and emotions upon arriving in Syria. 00:29:15 Stories of oppression under the Assad regime. 00:37:10 Miraculous stories of hope and divine intervention during imprisonment. 00:56:52 The military strategy behind the revolution’s victories, including the battle for Hama. 01:15:38 Addressing accusations about external involvement in the revolution. 01:26:01 The significance of the 13-year revolution and its parallels to Islamic history. 01:29:15 Celebrating the first Ramadan in a free Syria. 01:32:11 The revolution’s connection to Palestine and the broader Ummah.

Fitrah, Unani Tibb, Chinese Medicine, Hydrotherapy, Homeopathy, Somatic Trauma Therapy, Naturopathy, Acupuncture, Spirituality, Vitality, Skepticism, Fear, Vital Force, Qi We discuss all these topics with Dr. Mazen Atassi Dr. Mazen Atassi is a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and the founder of Forward To Health, a holistic wellness clinic and educational initiative. Dr. Mazen practices vitalistic natural medicine, weaving together homeopathy, botanical medicine, hydrotherapy, and nutrition with a specialty in somatic trauma therapy (NARM) https://www.instagram.com/dr.mazen.atassi/ https://www.forwardtohealth.com/ Please email us your comments, feedback, and questions at: boysinthecave@gmail.com, and leave a review and 5-star rating on iTunes! Check out our book club! - https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave/membership Check out our website – boysinthecave.com Follow us on: Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/boysinthecave/ Instagram – @boysinthecave Twitter – @boysinthecave Become a Patreon today! https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave ——————————————————————————————————–

Hinduism, Psychedelics, False Spirituality, Secular Counselling, Ibadah, Muslim Mental Health, Theology, Waswasa We discuss all the topics with Shaykh Abdullah Anik Misra Shaykh Abdullah Anik Misra completed a Bachelors in Business Administration. He then traveled overseas in 2005 to study the Arabic language and Islamic sciences in Tarim, Yemen for some time, as well as Darul Uloom in Trinidad, West Indies. He spent 12 years in Amman, Jordan where he focused on Islamic Law, Theology, Hadith Sciences, Prophetic Biography and Islamic Spirituality while also working at the Qasid Arabic Institute as Director of Programs. He holds a BA in Islamic Studies (Alimiyya) and authorization in the six authentic books of Hadith, and has completed one year of specialized training in issuing Islamic legal verdicts (Ifta’). He also holds a certificate in Counselling and focuses on religious OCD and family/marital issues from an Islamic pastoral perspective. He is the author of the Seerah Song. He is an instructor and researcher in Sacred Law and Theology with the SeekersGuidance: The Global Islamic Seminary. https://www.instagram.com/abdullah.misra/ https://www.facebook.com/shaykhabdullahmisra/ https://www.tiktok.com/@abdullahmisra Please email us your comments, feedback, and questions at: boysinthecave@gmail.com, and leave a review and 5-star rating on iTunes! Check out our book club! - https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave/membership Check out our website – boysinthecave.com Follow us on: Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/boysinthecave/ Instagram – @boysinthecave Twitter – @boysinthecave Become a Patreon today! https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave ——————————————————————————————————–

Islamophobia, Aborigines, Structural Racism, Liberals, Colonial History, Capitalism, Honest Tea Talk, SNEAKO, Jordan Peterson, Right-Wing, Woke Ideology, Feminism, Post Modernism, Revolution We discuss all the topics with Kaleem Bullivant https://www.cage.ngo/ Please email us your comments, feedback, and questions at: boysinthecave@gmail.com, and leave a review and 5-star rating on iTunes! Check out our book club! - https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave/membership Check out our website – boysinthecave.com Follow us on: Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/boysinthecave/ Instagram – @boysinthecave Twitter – @boysinthecave Become a Patreon today! https://www.patreon.com/boysinthecave ——————————————————————————————————–