backfromfajr

by Alaa and Hala

A philosophical podcast that dismantles cultural misconceptions about Islam and approaches various topics from an academic lens while weaving in our life experiences. Join us as we discuss areas we all interact with or have encountered in passing!

Let us sit down and believe for a while.

Podcast episodes

  • Season 2

  • Episode 10: Jihad al-Nafs (The Struggle of the Self)

    Episode 10: Jihad al-Nafs (The Struggle of the Self)

    As we enter Ramadan, our thoughts are occupied with how we can improve ourselves to get closer to God. How can we learn about "the self" to understand our relationship with God? We explore these concepts in this episode. First, we break down the term Jihad al-Nafs and explore an Islamic philosopher's (Mulla Sadra) perspective on this matter. Then, we delve into our struggles when engaging in Jihad al-Nafs, what we have learned over time and the importance of centering the Muslim community in our actions.

  • Episode 9: Islam and AI

    Episode 9: Islam and AI

    AI is almost all we talk about in our major, Cognitive Science, so we decided to explore it in this episode. First, we give a debriefing on the basics of AI and it’s history such as what it means for AI to be intelligent. Then we entertain potential sci-fi possibilities such as transhumanism and The Singularity. And as always, we integrate the Islamic perspective on AI, exploring its ethicality and the potential impacts it can have on our Muslim community.

  • Episode 8: How the Education System Failed Us

    Episode 8: How the Education System Failed Us

    In season 2 we’re focusing inwards, taking more nuanced perspectives on the self and focusing on topics related to our majors (Cognitive Science), like AI, the self and identity. In the first episode of the season we talk about the education system, its flaws and the culture of education advocated by Islam. It is our obligation as Muslims to seek knowledge but we must also be conscious of where we get our information and how we are being taught.

  • Season 1

  • Episode 7: Why Is Self-Care Important?

    Episode 7: Why Is Self-Care Important?

    Why is self-care important? As university starts up again and we adjust to the new abnormal, we're continuously reminded to do acts of self-care. However, what does that look like? What does Islam have to say about it? We talk about our own approaches to self-care and how it differs depending on where we are in our lives. Also, we'll highlight how valuable taffakur [contemplation] and seeking knowledge is to your mental and spiritual health.

  • Episode 6: Do We Have Free Will? Part II

    Episode 6: Do We Have Free Will? Part II

    This episode is part 2 of our two part series where we explore free will and determination. In this episode we explore the different Islamic as well as Buddhist philosophies surrounding free will and our own beliefs.