The Thinking Youth

What do Kashmir, Iran, and the growing relationship between India and Israel actually have in common?In this episode, we speak with Dr. Muzzamil Ayyub Thakur about the deeper connections behind today’s biggest geopolitical flashpoints. From Kashmir to Iran, this is not a set of isolated conflicts. It is one system playing out across different regions.We discuss the situation in Kashmir, rising tensions in Iran, and the strategic alignment between India and Israel.This comes at a time when tensions are escalating fast. Israel has carried out strikes inside Iran, including near sensitive diplomatic areas. At the same time, indirect talks between the United States and Iran have reportedly taken place through Islamabad, with figures like Steve Witkoff involved in negotiations.The Strait of Hormuz has once again become a major pressure point, with global energy markets and military strategy tied directly to what happens there.Within this wider context, we break down how Kashmir fits into the picture and why it cannot be understood in isolation.This episode coversKashmir and why even worship can become a form of resistanceIndia and Israel’s military and political cooperationIran, deterrence, and the importance of hard powerThe Strait of Hormuz and global leverageWhy the Ummah feels divided despite having real strengthThe difference between reacting and actually thinking aheadDr. Thakur makes a strong point throughout the episode. The issue is not just power. It is how we understand power and whether we are willing to connect the dots fast enough.Find Dr. Muzzamil Ayyub Thakur here:IG: / dr.mayyubthakurFollow us on: IG: / thinkingyouthpod TikTok: / thinkingyouthpod Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more: / @thethinkingyouth Subscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: / @thethinkingmuslim Subscribe to Mosaab's Substack: https://notmosaad.substack.comSubscribe to Arhaam's Substack: https://substack.com/@mohammadarhaamm...Disclaimer:The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised.

Iran on the BRINK of a US Ground Invasion (Date of Recording: March 7th)In this episode of Thinking Youth Podcast, we speak with Sharghzadeh about the escalating conflict surrounding Iran, the human cost of war, and the intense divisions within the Iranian diaspora.While global media focuses on geopolitics, sanctions, and military strategy, ordinary people inside Iran are living through drone strikes, missile attacks, and uncertainty about what comes next. Sharghzadeh shares what life looks like in Tehran today, the messages he receives from people on the ground, and why the conversation about Iran is far more complex than the narratives dominating Western (or Eastern) media.The discussion explores the moral dilemma facing many Iranians today: opposing their government while still rejecting foreign bombing and war against their country. It also examines why some diaspora voices appear to celebrate attacks on Iran, the political movement surrounding Reza Pahlavi, and the growing polarization shaping Iranian political discourse.Beyond the headlines, the episode asks deeper questions about human dignity, propaganda, and the danger of reducing entire nations to abstract geopolitical conflicts. As Sharghzadeh puts it, “innocent people are people, and haqq is haqq.”The conversation also touches on the possibility of a wider regional war, the rhetoric surrounding a potential US ground invasion, and what the world often misunderstands about Iranian society and its people. As Kharg Island get's attacked, who knows what happens next? In this episode we discuss:- What daily life looks like in Tehran during missile strikes- Why some diaspora activists celebrate attacks on Iran- The moral dilemma of opposing a government while opposing war- Reza Pahlavi and the politics of regime change- Islamophobia and polarization in diaspora political movements- The risk of a broader regional war or ground invasion- What the world often misunderstands about Iran and its peopleFollow us on: IG: / thinkingyouthpod TikTok: / thinkingyouthpod Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more: / @thethinkingyouth Subscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: / @thethinkingmuslim Subscribe to Mosaab's Substack: https://notmosaad.substack.comSubscribe to Arhaam's Substack: https://substack.com/@mohammadarhaamm...Disclaimer:The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised.

What is the connection between Sudan and Palestine?In this episode, Ahmad Ibsais joins us to unpack the deeper links between the war in Sudan and the crisis in Gaza. Ahmad is a first generation Palestinian American, a law student, and a poet who writes the newsletter State of Siege, where he analyzes politics, identity, and power in the modern Middle East.For years, many have treated Sudan and Palestine as separate conflicts. Different regions. Different wars. Different headlines. But the geopolitical realities suggest something more connected. From Israel’s national security doctrine to regional alliances, shifting public perception, and global power politics, the overlap is becoming harder to ignore.We discuss the Sudan civil war, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Middle East geopolitics, economic boycotts, student activism on university campuses, and the measurable impact of targeted campaigns against companies linked to the Israeli military. We also examine the decline of campus protest movements, the role of institutions like the Norwegian pension fund, and the broader question of Muslim political responsibility. From Uyghurs facing repression in China, to Syrians in exile, to Sudanese families displaced by war, to Kashmiris denied the right to return, many continue to make duaa for Palestine despite carrying their own suffering. That solidarity forces a difficult question.Are we doing enough for Sudan and Palestine?This episode explores Muslim identity beyond symbolism, the ethics of political engagement, global Muslim solidarity, international law, and whether awareness of injustice creates a moral obligation to act.If we can see the destruction in Gaza and Sudan, if we understand the regional strategy at play, and if we recognize the interconnected nature of these crises, then the next question is unavoidable.What will we do now?Subscribe to Ahmads Substack: https://substack.com/@ahmadibsaisFollow us on: IG: / thinkingyouthpod TikTok: / thinkingyouthpod Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more: / @thethinkingyouth Subscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: / @thethinkingmuslim Subscribe to Mosaab's Substack: https://notmosaad.substack.comSubscribe to Arhaam's Substack: https://substack.com/@mohammadarhaamm...Disclaimer:The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised.

In this episode of The Thinking Youth Podcast, we sit down with journalist Mohammed Saleh to examine one of the most debated geopolitical developments shaping the Muslim world today.How organic is the rise of Emirati influencers online?Is state sponsored influence new in the UAE?And how have connections formed between the UAE, Israel, and segments of the Western Far Right?This conversation explores strategy, influence, and power beyond headlines. From coordinated messaging to regional realignments, we analyse whether what we are witnessing is coincidence or coordination.We discuss the growth of Emirati influencer networks, state linked disinformation strategies, regional foreign policy shifts, and the broader implications for the Ummah.The episode also examines the contrast between Dubai’s global image and Abu Dhabi’s political positioning, the idea of the UAE as a strategic political actor, and the boundaries of expression within the state.Most importantly, we ask a forward looking question. What would it mean for the Muslim world if regional powers pursued legitimacy through reform rather than confrontation?This is a serious conversation about power, alliances, and long term consequences.Watch until the end as we explore whether a different political path could reshape regional dynamics.Follow us on: IG:  / thinkingyouthpod  TikTok:  / thinkingyouthpod  Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more:  / @thethinkingyouth  Subscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast:  / @thethinkingmuslim  Subscribe to Mosaab's Substack: https://notmosaad.substack.comSubscribe to Arhaam's Substack: https://substack.com/@mohammadarhaamm...Disclaimer:The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised.

Can ordinary people really weaken Zionism?In this episode of The Thinking Youth Podcast, we move beyond protest chants and emotional outburst to ask a harder, more strategic question: what does it actually take to dismantle Zionism as a political project?From the global isolation of Israel and shifting public opinion, to supply chains, corporate pressure, and strategic organizing, this conversation examines how youth-led movements have begun to change the terrain. We explore why some targets are vulnerable and how exposing complicity has already forced real consequences for Zionism.This is not a discussion about symbolism. It’s about strategy, power, leverage, and long-term impact—and what it means to organise with discipline in a moment of global reckoning.If you’re asking:How can I do more than just protest?What can we do to put pressure on ending the occupation?And what responsibility does this generation carry?Then this episode is for you.Watch until the end and Follow us on: IG: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingyouthpod/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thinkingyouthpodSubscribe to our Youtube channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@thethinkingyouthSubscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TheThinkingMuslimDisclaimer:The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised.

In this episode of Thinking Youth, we sit down with attorney and activist Musab Abdali, who works with the Oak Cliff Empowerment Center serving one of Texas’ most underprivileged communities. Together, we explore the challenges and opportunities facing Islam in America - from the role of dawah in inner-city neighborhoods to the impact of class, capitalism, and community-building on our faith and spirituality.We also reflect on the legacy of Malcolm X and consider what his insights could teach Muslims today about unity, division, and claiming greatness in the Muslim American community. Musab shares personal experiences, wisdom, and the books that have shaped his journey, offering a unique perspective on the future of Islam in the U.S.

In this follow-up conversation with Dr. Daanish Mahmood, the discussion moves beyond productivity and into something deeper: how we learn, how we live, and what we risk forgetting along the way.We begin by unpacking how modern education often confuses memorisation with understanding. Drawing on Bloom’s Taxonomy, Dr. Daanish explains the difference between teaching and learning, why asking how and why matters more than asking what, and how curiosity is slowly being discouraged rather than cultivated.The conversation then turns to identity. What does it mean to be unapologetically Muslim in academic and professional spaces? How do we give credit to Islam without turning faith into a branding exercise? And how do intention, goals, and purpose shape whether success feels meaningful or hollow?Social media, comparison, and false timelines are addressed head-on. Why negativity thrives online, why attention is constantly being pulled apart, and how chasing the wrong metrics quietly distorts our sense of progress.At the heart of the episode is a question that stops the room:Do any of us actually have a plan for our parents when they get older?From there, the discussion tackles the growing feeling of being “behind” in life, why balance is a myth, and how to think clearly about direction rather than speed. The episode closes with practical reflection, including a simple 30-day framework for improvement and a powerful answer to one last iconic question: What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?About Part 1:In the previous episode, Dr. Daanish Mahmood explored procrastination, addiction, discipline, and faith. We discussed doom-scrolling, dopamine hijacking, habit design, pornography addiction, anxiety, depression, and how Islam provides structure without closing the door on professional help or gradual change. Link to Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5vSeNybmc0Together, Part 1 and Part 2 form a complete conversation:from fixing habits, to fixing direction.

In this episode of The Thinking Youth Podcast, we speak with Dr. Daanish Mahmood about productivity, procrastination, addiction, discipline, and faith.We start by diagnosing why so many people feel lazy, unmotivated, and constantly behind despite knowing exactly what they need to do. Dr. Daanish explains how procrastination is rooted in fear, how modern apps are deliberately designed to hijack attention, and why endless scrolling quietly destroys discipline and focus.The conversation then moves into practical systems that actually work. Daily planning, breaking tasks into frictionless steps, designing an inviting workspace, managing decision fatigue, habit cues, caffeine timing, and making good habits easier than bad ones. This is not motivational talk. It is behavioural strategy grounded in real life.We also explore discipline through faith. The role of Fajr in building consistency, why Islam is a religion of structure, and how the Quran is meant for everyone through reflection and tadabbur, not only for scholars. The discussion highlights how routine, identity, and worship shape long-term change.Difficult topics are addressed directly. Pornography exposure at a young age, addiction cycles, shame, relapse, and why Islam never closes the door on transformation. Dr. Daanish speaks openly about recovery, salah, and how real change happens gradually, not overnight.We close with mental health. Anxiety, depression, therapy, and faith are not in opposition. Seeking professional help is encouraged, and waiting until things become unbearable is often the real problem.This episode is for anyone struggling with distraction, burnout, bad habits, or a loss of structure and purpose.

Does marriage stop Activism?In this episode, we explore one of the most debated questions in Muslim communities today. Does getting married slow down meaningful activism or can it actually strengthen it? Is this even the right way to frame the question?This conversation challenges the idea that Muslim women must choose between marriage and public work. We unpack the pressure to compromise values for platforms, the myth of having it all, and the reality of sacrifice that comes with doing serious meaningful things for the Ummah. We need to talk about Muslim women leadership in the Ummah.Topics discussed include- Whether marriage limits activism or reshapes it- How Muslim women maintain their values while engaging in public platforms- Why knowing who you are matters more than visibility - The difference between being used and choosing to walk away - How standing your ground creates new opportunities?