The Thinking Youth

In this thought-provoking episode, The Thinking Youth sits down with Dr. Khalid El-Awaisi for a deep and reflective conversation recorded in Ireland on Al Aqsa Mosque and the Ummah. The discussion covers some of the most pressing political and moral questions facing the Muslim world today, while also reflecting on broader global dynamics, responsibility, and the role of young people in shaping meaningful change.Dr. Khalid El-Awaisi engages in an honest exploration of current events, particularly focusing on Palestine and the situation around Al-Aqsa, while also examining wider questions of political strategy, global power structures, and the state of Muslim engagement with these issues. The conversation challenges viewers to think critically about reaction versus planning, emotion versus strategy, and individual responsibility versus collective action.Beyond geopolitics, the discussion also reflects on identity, perception, and personal growth - touching on experiences from Bangladesh, lessons from global solidarity movements, and personal advice for the next generation of thinkers and leaders.This is a conversation aimed at encouraging deeper reflection, responsibility, and awareness among young Muslims and anyone interested in justice, global affairs, and meaningful change.Join us in the conversation and comment your thoughts down below!Find Dr.Khalid here:Insta: https://www.instagram.com/khalid_elawaisi/Connect deeper with Al-Aqsa here:Insta: https://www.instagram.com/ilovealaqsa/Web : https://ilovealaqsa.com/Subscribe for more conversations on geopolitics, strategy, and the ideas shaping our world.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.

In this episode of Thinking Youth, we are joined by Sami Hamdi to dive into some of the most pressing emotional and spiritual challenges facing young Muslims today.We begin with a powerful introduction before addressing the reality of open hatred and Islamophobia, including how to respond when individuals like Valentina Gomez and others publicly express hostility toward Muslims. This segment focuses on speaking with wisdom, strength, and purpose when addressing wider audiences.As the conversation deepens, we explore the concept of a mindset shift granted by Allah (Swt). What does it mean to be spiritually aware? And how often are we blind to guidance that’s right in front of us? This section invites reflection on faith, growth, and self-awareness.Finally, we turn inward to examine the role of parents in shaping who we are today - from our beliefs and values to our political perspectives. How should we navigate disagreements? What does Islam teach us about maintaining respect while thinking independently?This episode is a call to reflect, grow, and engage thoughtfully with both the world around us and our inner selves. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!Follow Sami Hamdi here:X: https://x.com/SALHACHIMIInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/salhachimi/?hl=enSubscribe for more conversations on geopolitics, strategy, and the ideas shaping our world.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.

The Middle East and the Muslim world is shifting, and most of the conversation around it still misses what actually matters. In this episode, we sit down with Mahfuz Talukder, known as NewsBaba, a fast rising geopolitical analyst with nearly 500,000 followers on TikTok and hundreds of millions of views, to break down what is really going on behind the headlines.We look at the Strait of Hormuz, US–Iran tensions, Israel’s position, and the idea of a “Muslim NATO,” but more importantly, we step back and ask a deeper question. How should we even be thinking about politics in the first place?Too much of today’s political conversation is driven by emotion, reaction, and simple binaries. Who is right, who is wrong. Who we support, who we oppose. But geopolitics does not work like that. It is not about what we feel. It is about incentives, power, strategy, and decisions made by states acting in their own interests.That is where the gap is.Activism matters. Raising awareness matters. But it is not enough on its own. We have to go a step further into analysis. Into understanding why things happen, not just reacting to them after the fact.How many Muslim analysts can we actually name?How many Muslim strategic thinkers are shaping how we understand the world?This is something we are missing, and it has real consequences. Because if we want to see meaningful change in the Muslim world, in the Middle East, and globally, then we need to be able to think clearly about the world as it is. Not how we want it to be.This conversation is an attempt to move in that direction. To step away from noise, bias, and surface level takes, and to start thinking in a more grounded, structured way about geopolitics and power.In this episode:Strait of Hormuz and its global importanceUS–Iran tensions and regional strategyIsrael’s role and strategic pressureThe idea of a Muslim NATOWhy political analysis is missingWhy emotion is not enough in geopoliticsFollow NewsBaba on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@mahfuztalukderSubscribe for more conversations on geopolitics, strategy, and the ideas shaping our world.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.

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.