The Muslim Non-profit Show with Tayyab Yunus

The Muslim Non-profit Show with Tayyab Yunus

by Dr. Tayyab Yunus
Islam
Season 1

How to Build a Nonprofit That Actually Lasts | Janan Najeeb’s Leadership Lessons

What does it really take to build a nonprofit that lasts beyond its founder? In this episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, host Dr. Tayyab Yunus sits down with Janan Najeeb, community organizer, nonprofit founder, and leader behind organizations including the Muslim Women’s Coalition, Milwaukee Muslim Film Festival, Wisconsin Muslim Civic Alliance, and Our Peaceful Home. Janan shares her journey from microbiologist to community organizer and explains how mission-driven leaders can turn ideas into sustainable movements. She discusses the importance of listening to communities, building coalitions, bringing in the right expertise, and creating organizations that are bigger than any one individual. From founding organizations to knowing when to step away, Janan shares powerful lessons on nonprofit leadership, succession planning, board development, and building institutions that can serve future generations. Whether you are leading a nonprofit, serving on a board, organizing your community, or trying to create meaningful change, this conversation offers practical wisdom on building with purpose and lasting impact. 🔔 Subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. 📌 Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 📌Featured Guest: Janan Najeeb LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkemwc 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Janan Najeeb 01:18 – From Microbiologist to Community Leader 03:38 – The Story Behind Muslim Women’s Coalition 05:55 – What Is a Community Organizer? 08:20 – Building Movements Through Collaboration 10:35 – Why Nonprofits Need the Right Expertise 12:15 – Building the Wisconsin Muslim Civic Alliance 14:25 – The Importance of Founder Succession 16:55 – Creating Organizations That Last 18:35 – Advice for Future Community Leaders 19:45 – Closing Thoughts #MuslimNonprofit #NonprofitLeadership #CommunityOrganizing #SocialImpact #MissionDriven #LeadershipDevelopment #NonprofitGrowth #CommunityBuilding #MuslimLeadership #CivicEngagement
S1 · E40
Oct 1, 2026
20:02

Why America's Most Successful Masjids Don't Struggle Like the Rest

What separates a thriving masjid from one that struggles to keep its doors open? With nearly 4,000 masjids across America and almost half operating without a full-time Imam, many communities face the same challenges: limited staff, financial pressure, volunteer burnout, and declining engagement. In this episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, host Dr. Tayyab Yunus sits down with Imam Naeem Baig of Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, Virginia, to unpack what one of America's most successful Islamic centers is doing differently. Rather than relying solely on volunteers, Dar Al-Hijrah has built a professional nonprofit model with dedicated leadership, a clear long-term vision, paid staff, and volunteer teams that multiply impact. From serving thousands every Friday to operating dozens of weekly programs, Imam Naeem shares practical lessons that any masjid board, imam, nonprofit leader, or community organization can apply. Whether you're serving on a masjid board, leading a nonprofit, or passionate about building stronger communities, this conversation offers a blueprint for creating institutions that thrive for generations. 🔔 Subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. 📌 Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 00:00 Why So Many Masjids Are Struggling Today 01:12 Meet Imam Naeem Baig & Dar Al-Hijrah 02:45 What Makes a Successful Masjid Different? 04:18 Why Every Masjid Needs Professional Leadership 06:10 The Imam vs. the Executive Director 08:20 A Masjid Should Serve the Entire Community 10:18 The Board's Real Responsibility 11:55 How Staff-Led Volunteers Multiply Impact 13:35 Inside Dar Al-Hijrah: 56 Languages, 4 Jumu'ahs & Thousands Served 15:15 The Blueprint for Building a Thriving Masjid| 16:24 Final Thoughts #MuslimNonprofitShow #MasjidLeadership #NonprofitLeadership #IslamicCenter #CommunityLeadership #MosqueManagement #Leadership #VolunteerManagement #FaithBasedLeadership #CommunityBuilding
S1 · E39
Sep 17, 2026
16:24

From a Small Yellow House to a University | How Great Nonprofits Scale

organizations successfully move from startup to long-term legacy. In this episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, host Tayyab Yunus sits down with Dr. Tamara Gray, founder of Rabata, to explore the journey of building one of the most influential Muslim women's organizations in North America. What began in a small yellow house in Minnesota has grown into a global movement and now, Rabata is pursuing one of its boldest visions yet: establishing the first Islamic university in the United States designed by women, for women. Dr. Tamara shares the pivotal moments that shaped Rabata, the importance of surrounding yourself with experts, why founders must evolve as organizations grow, and the courage required to move through each stage of the nonprofit lifecycle from startup to sustainability and lasting legacy. Whether you're building a nonprofit, leading a business, launching a startup, or growing a mission-driven organization, this conversation offers timeless lessons on leadership, vision, resilience, and organizational growth. 📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tamara Gray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ansetamara/ 00:00 — Introduction: Meet Dr. Tamara Gray 01:18 — Leaving Syria and the moment Rabata was born 04:15 — When life closes one door, find the next opportunity 07:08 — The challenge facing Muslim women in America 10:12 — Building Rabata from a small yellow house 13:42 — Why every founder needs business experts 17:08 — Lessons from growing a successful nonprofit 20:24 — The three stages of nonprofit growth 23:58 — Startup, building, and creating a lasting legacy 26:34 — The vision for America's first all-women Islamic university 29:12 — Final advice for nonprofit founders 📣 If you're building a nonprofit, launching a mission-driven organization, or leading a cause you care deeply about, this conversation is full of practical lessons you won't want to miss. Like this video, subscribe to The Muslim Nonprofit Show, and share it with a nonprofit founder, executive director, board member, educator, or changemaker. Together, we can build organizations that don't just survive but create lasting impact for generations. #MuslimNonprofitShow #NonprofitLeadership #SocialImpact #LeadershipDevelopment #NonprofitGrowth #Changemakers #PurposeDriven #WomenInLeadership #OrganizationalLeadership #LegacyBuilding
S1 · E38
Sep 16, 2026
30:10

The Future of Leadership Isn't What You Think

What if success wasn't a zero-sum game? What if one person's breakthrough created opportunities for everyone else? In this episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, host Tayyab Yunus sits down with entrepreneur, strategist, and Public House founder Rummi Khan to explore a new vision for leadership, entrepreneurship, and community building. After successful careers in the music and political industries, Rummi shares the moments that led him toward building something bigger than himself, a platform designed to help future entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers create meaningful impact while growing together. Rather than chasing success alone, Rummi believes communities thrive when they intentionally build systems where collaboration, mentorship, and shared wins become the norm. Together, Tayyab and Rummi discuss purpose, entrepreneurship, leadership, excellence, and why social impact should never come at the expense of business excellence. Whether you're launching a nonprofit, building a startup, leading a business, or simply searching for your purpose, this conversation offers practical wisdom and a refreshing perspective on building something that truly lasts. 📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 📌Connect and Follow Rummi Khan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rummikhan/ 📣 If this conversation challenged the way you think about leadership, entrepreneurship, and community, be sure to like this video, subscribe to The Muslim Nonprofit Show, and share it with an entrepreneur, founder, nonprofit leader, or anyone building something bigger than themselves. Together, we can create a world where success isn't measured by what one person achieves, but by how many people rise together. #MuslimNonprofitShow #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #SocialImpact #CommunityBuilding #PurposeDriven #Changemakers #Innovation #LeadershipDevelopment #BuildTogether
S1 · E37
Aug 20, 2026
25:55

The Secret Behind Thriving Masjids (Every Community Needs This)

For decades, Muslim communities have invested millions into building beautiful masjids, but why do so many still struggle to engage their communities beyond salah? In this episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, host Tayyab Yunus sits down with Zubair Zafar, founder of One My Project, to explore one of the biggest challenges facing masjids across America, and a practical solution that's already transforming communities. After growing up in post-9/11 America and studying Islamic leadership, Zubair became convinced that the future of the Muslim community depends on vibrant, welcoming, and purpose-driven masjids. Instead of accepting empty programs, disengaged youth, and underutilized spaces as normal, he and his team created a system that helps masjids build thriving communities through intentional leadership, volunteer development, youth engagement, and sustainable programming. In this conversation, you'll discover why community doesn't happen by accident, how successful masjids think differently, and why Jummah may be the greatest untapped opportunity for community transformation. Zubair also shares the remarkable story of how one masjid in Huntsville, Alabama revitalized its youth, strengthened its culture, and became a model for what modern Muslim communities can achieve. Whether you're an Imam, masjid board member, nonprofit leader, volunteer, youth director, or someone who simply wants to see stronger Muslim communities, this episode is packed with practical ideas that can help transform your local masjid. 📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus Y ouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 📌Connect and Follow Zubair Zafar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zubair-zafar-b9051164/ 00:00 – Why Are Masjids Empty? The Mission to Transform Muslim Communities 01:02 – Zubair’s Journey: From 9/11 to Finding Purpose 03:15 – Leaving Corporate America to Serve the Community 05:12 – Can You Build a Career in Social Impact? 07:08 – The Real Problem: Program-Less Masjids 09:00 – Reimagining the Masjid as a Center for Transformation 10:42 – Building the Ideal Masjid: Programs, Culture & Community 12:38 – The Masjid Accelerator Model 14:25 – Why Masjid Programs Fail: The 5 Missing Pieces 16:10 – The Biggest Missed Opportunity: Jumu’ah 17:45 – Creating Better Khutbahs & Better Community Experiences 18:50 – Huntsville Islamic Center: A Masjid Transformation Story 20:35 – The Future of Masjids in America 21:40 – Final Thoughts on Building Lasting Impact 📣 If this conversation inspires you, like this video, subscribe to The Muslim Nonprofit Show, and share it with your imam, masjid board, volunteers, and community leaders. Together, we can help build stronger masjids that don't just gather people, but transform lives. #MuslimNonprofitShow #MasjidLeadership #CommunityBuilding #IslamicLeadership #YouthDevelopment #MasjidGrowth #NonprofitLeadership #AmericanMuslims #IslamicCenters #MuslimCommunity
S1 · E36
Aug 6, 2026
22:02

Beyond the Masjid: How Muslims Can Shape America's Future

What does it truly mean to be Muslim in America today? In this powerful conversation, Imam Abdulmalik shares a bold and hopeful vision of Muslims stepping beyond the four walls of the masjid to serve humanity, shape civic life, and contribute meaningfully to the fabric of America. From organizing historic community events to challenging fear, limiting beliefs, and self-doubt, this episode explores faith-driven leadership, courage, and the responsibility Muslims have to dream bigger, serve wider, and lead with purpose. The discussion touches on civic engagement, identity, social impact, and how Islamic values call us to uplift society at large, not retreat from it. This episode is a reminder that service is worship, courage is faith in action, and real change begins when we show up. 🎧Don't forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. 📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 📌Connect and Follow Imam Abdulmalik LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imam-abdulmalik-a114b1120/ 00:00 – Welcome & introducing Imam Abdul Malik 01:10 – Dreaming beyond the masjid walls 02:45 – Why Muslims must serve humanity, not isolate 04:20 – Faith, courage, and using fear as fuel 06:10 – Muslims as part of America's fabric 07:55 – Social media, truth, and public consciousness 09:45 – Civic engagement as an act of faith 11:30 – Discovering your gifts and talents 13:05 – Moving beyond reactive leadership 14:40 – Serving society without losing identity 16:10 – Dream big and claim your role 17:40 – Final reflections and closing du'a 📣 This episode is a reminder that Muslims were never meant to live on the sidelines. We were created to serve, to lead with integrity, and to bring goodness into every space we enter. When faith moves beyond words and into action, it has the power to transform communities and inspire generations. The future is built by those who are willing to dream big and show up. #MuslimLeadership #IslamInAmerica #FaithInAction #CivicEngagement #ServingHumanity#AmericanMuslims #CommunityLeadership #MuslimVoices #PurposeDriven #IslamicValues #SocialImpact
S1 · E35
Jan 28, 2026
18:20

From Community Service to Congress | Junaid Ahmed's Journey | The Muslim Nonprofit Show - Episode 34

What does it really mean to be civically engaged as an American Muslim? In this powerful conversation, Tayyab Yunus sits down with Junaid Ahmed, entrepreneur, community organizer, and congressional candidate from Illinois, to unpack how everyday people can move from community service to systemic change. Junaid shares the personal experiences that pushed him to run for U.S. Congress, from student debt and healthcare costs to grassroots organizing and voter turnout. This episode breaks down why voting, especially in primaries, matters, how civic participation goes far beyond running for office, and why American Muslims already have the skills needed to lead. If you have ever wondered how to make a real difference without burning out, this conversation is for you. 🎧Don't forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. 📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 📌Connect and Follow Junaid Ahmed Website: https://junaidforus.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junaidforus/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JunaidForUs/ 00:00 Introduction and welcome 01:45 Junaid Ahmed's background and community roots 04:10 What sparked the decision to run for Congress 07:20 Student debt and healthcare as wake up calls 10:30 From relief work to civic engagement 13:40 Why volunteering alone is not enough 16:10 The importance of grassroots involvement 18:45 Why voting, especially primaries, matters 21:30 Barriers to Muslim voter participation 24:10 Advice for getting civically engaged without burnout 26:20 Final reflections and call to action 📣 If this conversation resonated with you, share it with your community, register to vote, and commit at least one hour a week to civic engagement. Change does not happen overnight, but it starts when we show up. #CivicEngagement #AmericanMuslims #MuslimsInPolitics #VoteLocal #PrimaryElections #CommunityLeadership #FaithAndService #PoliticalAwareness #JunaidAhmed
S1 · E34
Jan 21, 2026
27:52

From Islamophobia to Organization: Building Muslim Power the Right Way | Episode 33

What happens when a political candidate wins on a platform of Islamophobia and the community refuses to accept it as normal? In this episode, Samir Kakli, co-founder of the South Florida Muslim Federation, shares how a moment of shock after the 2016 election turned into a long-term movement focused on unity, dignity, and real community power. This conversation explores what it actually takes to bring dozens of Muslim organizations together, why relationships matter more than control, and how trust becomes the foundation of sustainable impact. From grassroots volunteering to building an umbrella federation, Samir breaks down the practical realities of organizing, governance, inclusivity, and leadership. If you care about Muslim civic engagement, nonprofit collaboration, or building power without losing values, this episode offers a rare inside look at what works and what does not. 🎧Don’t forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. 📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 📌Connect and Follow Samir Kakli Website: https://soflomuslims.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samirkakli/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samirkakli/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samir.kakli/ 00:00 Why Islamophobia Winning Changed Everything 02:30 From Volunteering to Community Leadership 05:15 The Moment the Federation Was Born 08:10 Why Muslim Communities Got Complacent 10:45 Relationships Over Control in Organizing 13:20 Building Trust Across Diverse Organizations 16:05 From Meetings to Movement 18:40 Retreats, Unity, and Spiritual Grounding 21:00 Expanding From South Florida to Statewide 23:10 Advice for Communities Trying to Organize #MuslimLeadership #CommunityOrganizing #AmericanMuslims #NonprofitLeadership #MuslimUnity #CivicEngagement #Islamophobia #FaithAndImpact #MuslimPower #CommunityBuilding
S1 · E33
Jul 27, 2026
24:28

Finding Purpose While Building a Career and Serving Others | Episode 32

What happens when you feel called to do more, but you are already juggling a career, education, and life responsibilities? In this episode, we sit down with Mariam , a mental health professional who is balancing a full-time career, volunteering for humanitarian relief, and pursuing Islamic education. She shares her personal journey, the courage it takes to ask for support, and what it really looks like to turn a vision for good into meaningful action. This conversation is for anyone who feels the pull to serve, but wonders how to start, how to ask, or how to stay grounded while building a purposeful life. 🎧Don't forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. 📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 📌Connect and Follow Mariam Abukwaik LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariam-abukwaik-lmsw-3568a61a4/ 00:00 Introduction and why this conversation matters 01:35 Feeling called to do more while juggling life 03:05 Mariam's journey into humanitarian fundraising 05:10 Making service personal and hands-on 07:20 Balancing a professional career with doing good 09:10 The fear and courage behind asking for support 11:20 A better way to make an ask 13:40 Education, identity, and long-term vision 15:50 Honoring heritage while building the future 17:20 Advice for anyone still finding their way #PurposeDriven #DoingGood #LeadershipJourney #PersonalGrowth #ServiceAndImpact #NonprofitLife #FindingYourPath #CommunityBuilding #MeaningfulWork
S1 · E32
Jan 7, 2026
18:52

The Truth About Donor Fatigue in Nonprofits | Episode 31

"Donor fatigue" is one of the most commonly used phrases in fundraising. It is also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, we challenge the idea that donors stop giving because they are tired or out of money. Drawing from academic research, nonprofit practice, and Islamic principles, we reframe the conversation from donor fatigue to donor abuse. When donors disengage, it is often a result of how nonprofits ask, engage, steward, and build trust, not because generosity has run dry. This episode breaks down why well-stewarded donors give for years, how retention truly works, and why trust, transparency, and ihsan are essential to sustainable fundraising. We also explore donor retention benchmarks, key fundraising KPIs, and how boards and leadership should evaluate development performance. If your organization is serious about sustainability, ethical fundraising, and long-term impact, this episode is essential listening. 🎧Don't forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. 📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus 00:00 – Introduction and the Question of Donor Fatigue 00:35 – Why "Donor Fatigue" Is a Misleading Term 01:15 – Reframing the Issue as Donor Abuse 02:20 – How Poor Engagement Pushes Donors Away 03:15 – What Research Says About Donor Retention 04:10 – Why Good Stewardship Leads to Long-Term Giving 05:05 – Islamic Perspective on Giving, Amanah, and Tawakkul 06:05 – Retention Rates and What High-Performing Nonprofits Achieve 07:00 – The Three KPIs: Subscribers, Acquisition, Retention 07:45 – Final Reflections and Call to Action 08:09 – Closing Salaam Sustainable nonprofits are not built on pressure, guilt, or transactional giving. They are built on trust, transparency, and sincere relationships. When we honor donors with ihsan and treat their gifts as an amanah, we do more than raise funds. We build institutions worthy of long-term impact. May Allah place barakah in our work and guide us to serve with integrity and excellence. #DonorRetention #NonprofitFundraising #MuslimNonprofit #EthicalFundraising #DonorStewardship #Philanthropy #IslamicGiving #NonprofitLeadership #SustainableImpact
S1 · E31
Dec 31, 2025
8:09
1 of 4