The Muslim Non-profit Show with Tayyab Yunus

The Muslim Non-profit Show with Tayyab Yunus

by Dr. Tayyab Yunus
Islam
Season 1
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 πŸ”” subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. πŸ“ŒConnect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus πŸ“ŒConnect 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 πŸ“£ 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 Β· 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 πŸ”” subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. πŸ“ŒConnect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus πŸ“ŒConnect 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 πŸ“£ 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 Β· E34
Jan 21, 2026
27:52
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 πŸ”” subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. πŸ“ŒConnect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus πŸ“ŒConnect 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 Β· 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 πŸ”” subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. πŸ“ŒConnect 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 Β· E31
Dec 31, 2025
8:09
Why Most Nonprofits Get Stuck in the Startup Phase | Episode 30
Many nonprofits struggle not because they lack passion, but because they misunderstand where they are in their organizational journey. In this episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, we break down the nonprofit lifecycle stages, drawing from Susan K. Stevens' work, entrepreneurial value creation theory, and insights from my own doctoral research. We explore what defines the startup phase, why founder-led organizations often stall, and how nonprofits move from passion-driven work to program clarity, mission market fit, and scalable infrastructure. This episode introduces practical frameworks for understanding growth, including founding funders, core program development, mission market fit, and infrastructure building through people, tools, and processes. If you are building, leading, or serving on a nonprofit board and want to understand how real impact is achieved over time, this episode offers clarity and direction. 🎧Don't forget to πŸ”” subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. πŸ“ŒConnect 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 Why Nonprofit Lifecycle Stages Matter 00:28 – Susan K. Stevens and Lifecycle Thinking 01:15 – Startup Phase: Founders and Founding Funders 02:26 – Scarcity, Passion Projects, and Low Accountability 03:02 – Moving Beyond Founders Through Core Programs 03:57 – From Volunteer Association to Real Organization 04:55 – Mission Market Fit Explained 05:59 – How You Know Your Mission Is Validated 06:26 – Infrastructure as the Key to Scaling Impact 06:50 – The PTP Operating Model: People, Tools, Processes 07:59 – Systems Thinking and Organizational Readiness 08:18 – Impact, Sustainability, and Avoiding Decline 09:05 – Closing Reflections Nonprofits grow when leaders understand where they are, what the next stage requires, and what must change to move forward. May this conversation help founders, board members, and nonprofit leaders bring clarity to their work and build organizations that are structured, sustainable, and capable of serving their missions with excellence. May Allah place barakah in our efforts and guide our intentions toward lasting good. #NonprofitLeadership #NonprofitGrowth #MuslimNonprofit #MissionDriven #SocialImpact #NonprofitStrategy #OrganizationalDevelopment #FaithAndLeadership #PurposeDrivenWork
S1 Β· E30
Dec 24, 2025
9:14
From Board Member to Executive Director: The Journey of Dr. Shaza Khan | Episode 29
In this inspiring episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, Dr. Tayyab Yunus sits down with Dr. Shaza Khan, Executive Director of the Islamic Schools League of America (ISLA), to explore her remarkable journey from educator to national leader in Islamic education. Dr. Shaza shares the personal moments, spiritual reflections, and life experiences that shaped her calling into social good β€” from her family's migration story to her early formation in youth-centered mosques to her deep work in Islamic schooling. She discusses how she unexpectedly moved from ISLA board member to interim executive director after the passing of the organization's founder, and how that pivotal moment transformed her path forever. Together, they unpack the realities of leading a niche national organization, building capacity from almost nothing, navigating board dynamics, confronting injustices, and growing a mission with sincerity and trust in Allah. Dr. Shaza also gives a powerful look into the future of Islamic education and ISLA's sector-shaping data and research work. If you care about Islamic education, nonprofit leadership, or stories of purpose-driven service, this episode will deeply resonate. 🎧Don't forget to πŸ”” subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. πŸ“ŒConnect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus πŸ“ŒConnect and Follow Dr. Shaza Khan: Website: https://theisla.org/dr-shaza-khan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaza-khan-b3910a12a/ 00:00 – Opening and Introduction to Dr. Shaza Khan 00:36 – What Inspired Her Path into Islamic Education 01:22 – Family Migration Story and Early Roots of Service 02:40 – The Hadith That Shaped Her Life's Mission 03:28 – Witnessing Poverty and Understanding Privilege 04:40 – How Her Identity and Experiences Shaped Her Values 05:55 – Joining the Board of ISLA and Her Early Role 07:15 – The Passing of ISLA's Founder and a Sudden Leadership Gap 08:32 – Becoming Interim Executive Director in a Moment of Crisis 09:55 – Navigating the Transition From Board Member to ED 11:10 – Reestablishing ISLA's Mission With Limited Resources 12:25 – Addressing Racial Justice, Equity, and Community Challenges 13:45 – Building Capacity From Scratch With a One-Person Staff 15:08 – The Turning Point That Helped ISLA Grow Again 16:20 – Data, Research, and Shaping the Future of Islamic Schools 17:35 – Supporting Schools Nationally With Coaching and Resources 18:50 – Why Islamic Education Is Vital for the Next Generation 20:05 – Her Vision for ISLA's Future and Sector-Wide Impact 21:18 – Advice for Leaders Serving in Islamic Education 22:10 – Final Reflections and Heartfelt Closing 22:43 – End of Episode This episode is a powerful reminder that when Allah opens a door, stepping through it with sincerity and courage can transform entire communities. Dr. Shaza's journey shows how purpose, perseverance, and trust in Allah can elevate institutions and impact generations. May her story inspire all of us to serve with excellence, humility, and unwavering commitment to the good of our Ummah. #MuslimNonprofits #IslamicEducation #ISLA #CommunityLeadership #MuslimLeaders #NonprofitSuccess #UmmahDevelopment #FaithInAction #EducationForAll #PurposeDrivenLeadership
S1 Β· E29
Dec 17, 2025
22:43
Why Boards Make or Break a Nonprofit's Success | The Muslim Nonprofit Show - Episode 28
In this episode, we dig into one of the most critical elements of nonprofit success: the board. Drawing from years of leadership experience and insights from my doctoral research, we explore why boards can either accelerate an organization toward its mission or quietly hold it back from reaching its true potential. If you have ever wondered why some nonprofits thrive while others struggle, this conversation gives you the clarity you need. We walk through the three sources of power that make high performing boards effective: governance, executive leadership, and resources. With real stories from the field, practical framing, and a shift away from outdated expectations, this episode helps board members understand their true role and offers nonprofit leaders a roadmap for building strong, mission-aligned governance. Whether you serve on a board or lead an organization, this is essential listening. 🎧Don't forget to πŸ”” subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. πŸ“ŒConnect 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 – Opening Salaam and Introduction 00:20 – Why Leadership Shapes Nonprofit Success 00:52 – Boards Can Make or Break an Organization 01:25 – Understanding Power and the Role of Governance 02:00 – Governance as Guardrails and the North Star 02:40 – Why Executive Leadership Cannot Be Displaced 03:18 – When Boards or Donors Pull Organizations Off Track 03:55 – The Shift From Fundraising to Resourcing 04:35 – The Story of the Board Chair Who "Made It Happen" 05:30 – The Three Core Abilities of High Performing Boards 06:25 – Why Governance Prevents Abuse of Power 07:10 – What Boards Must Do to Empower Executive Leadership 08:10 – How Resourcing Strengthens Mission Impact 08:57 – Closing Reflections and Invitation to Connect Nonprofits rise when boards understand their purpose, protect good governance, and empower strong leadership. May we always build organizations that are ethical, mission-driven, and rooted in service to others. When boards know their role, our communities thrive and our impact grows. May Allah bless our efforts and guide us to serve with excellence. #NonprofitLeadership #HighPerformingBoards #GovernanceMatters #SocialImpact #MuslimNonprofit #MissionDriven #LeadershipDevelopment #NonprofitStrategy #BoardGovernance #PurposeDrivenLeadership
S1 Β· E28
Dec 10, 2025
8:01
Why Philanthropy Is More Than Just Donations | Episode 27
When most people hear the word philanthropy, they think of wealthy donors, historic foundations, or big names from the early 20th century. But in this episode, we explore a much deeper and more meaningful understanding of philanthropy through an Islamic lens. Drawing from the teachings of scholars like Peyton and Moody as well as Dr. Shariq Siddiqui, we uncover how Islam expands the concept of giving to include intention, mindset, and a constant state of wanting to do good. In this thoughtful episode, we break down how Muslim philanthropy is rooted in baraka, sincerity, and a worldview where even the intention to do good is rewarded. From the Quranic framing of philanthropy to the role of volunteerism, wealth, and service, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that giving is not just an action but a transformational way of life. Tune in to understand how philanthropy can elevate your purpose, deepen your faith, and strengthen your relationship with Allah. 🎧Don't forget to πŸ”” subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. πŸ“ŒConnect 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 – Opening Salaam and Why Philanthropy Matters 00:32 – The Moment He First Learned the Word "Philanthropy" 01:10 – Expanding Philanthropy Beyond the Wealthy 01:45 – Peyton and Moody: Voluntary Action for Public Good 02:20 – How Islam Extends Philanthropy to Intention and Inaction 03:00 – The Hadith That Redefines "Doing Good" 03:40 – Secular Motivations vs Faith-Based Motivations 04:25 – Baraka as the Core of Muslim Philanthropy 05:10 – The Quranic Call to Give Wealth and Time 06:05 – A Mindset of Constant Good and Lasting Reward May this episode inspire us to see giving not as a financial act but as a spiritual mindset. When we carry the intention to do good, we open the door to blessings, peace, and a deeper connection with Allah. May He make us people who think of good, act upon good, and are rewarded for good in this life and the next. #MuslimPhilanthropy #IslamicGiving #BarakaMindset #IntentionMatters #FaithAndPurpose #MuslimNonprofit #GiveForGood #SpiritualGrowth #IslamicReminder #ServeHumanity #TYSCShow
S1 Β· E27
Dec 3, 2025
8:57
The "Career Path" Muslims Never Talk About | Ahmad Alaswad | Episode 26
What happens when a young Muslim refuses to follow the traditional four "acceptable" career paths and instead chooses a life of service? In this episode, we sit down with Ahmad Alaswad, the first Muslim Chief of Staff for an elected official in Texas, whose story is rooted in purpose, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to serving humanity. From an unpaid intern getting coffee to becoming the Executive Director of Amana Refugee Services, Ahmed proves that public service is not only a viable path, it's an honorable one. We explore how his grandfather and the example of the Prophet Muhammad ο·Ί shaped his mission to serve, what challenges young Muslims can expect when entering government or nonprofit work, and how purpose-driven careers can be just as fulfilling as traditional ones. Whether you're a student, a parent, or someone looking for meaning in your work, this conversation shines a light on a career path often overlooked but deeply needed in our communities. 🎧Don't forget to πŸ”” subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. πŸ“ŒConnect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus πŸ“ŒConnect and Follow Ahmad Alaswad: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmadalaswad/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amaanahservices/ Website: https://amaanahservices.org/ 00:00 – Opening Salaam & The "Fifth Career Path" 00:42 – Introducing Ahmed alaswad's Public Service Journey 01:30 – Breaking the Doctor/Engineer/Lawyer Mold 02:18 – Role Models: His Grandfather & the Prophet Muhammad ο·Ί 03:25 – Serving Humanity as a Muslim: Beyond Labels 04:10 – Advice for Muslim Students Interested in Public Service 05:22 – How His First Internship Changed Everything 06:15 – Hearing "No" Often β€” And Why It Shouldn't Stop You 07:12 – Challenges of Government & Nonprofit Careers 08:10 – Fulfillment Over Salary: Purpose-Driven Work 09:05 – Why Muslims Are Needed in Local Government 10:00 – Transitioning from Government to Muslim Nonprofit Leadership 11:05 – The Full Circle Story of Amana Refugee Services 12:10 – Serving All People with Ihsan & Intention 13:10 – Closing Thoughts on Building a Life of Social Good May this episode remind us that a life of service is one of the most honored paths in Islam. Whether we support our communities through government, nonprofit work, or everyday acts of kindness, what matters most is our intention and sincerity. May Allah guide us toward careers that uplift humanity, strengthen our ummah, and allow us to leave behind a legacy of light. #MuslimPodcast #IslamicReminder #MuslimYouth #CareerAdvice #PublicService #MuslimLeaders #NonprofitWork #IslamicValues #CommunityService #ServeHumanity #MuslimAmerican #LeadershipInIslam#TheMuslimNonprofitShow
S1 Β· E26
Nov 26, 2025
14:04
The Power of Women Who Refused to Wait for Permission | Fatima Sadaf Saied | Episode 25
What happens when a group of Muslim women decide they're done waiting for change and start building it instead? In this inspiring episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, Tayyab Yunus sits down with Sadaf Saied, co-founder of the Muslim Women Organization (MWO), to unpack the 15-year journey of how a small halaka turned into a powerful nonprofit movement. Sadaf shares how MWO went from local service projects to launching the groundbreaking Hakima Program (Wise Women Initiative) β€” training women to become caregivers, advocates, and community leaders supporting others through crises. From volunteer beginnings to professionalizing their nonprofit, MWO's story is a masterclass in vision, persistence, and purpose. Watch now and learn how faith, structure, and courage built an organization that continues to redefine Muslim women's leadership. 🎧Don't forget to πŸ”” subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts. πŸ“ŒConnect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus πŸ“ŒConnect and Follow Fatima Sadaf Saied: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatima-saied/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themwo/?hl=en Website: https://www.mwo-orlando.org/ 00:00 – Meet Sadaf Saied, Co-Founder of Muslim Women Organization 01:20 – The Moment MWO Was Born: From Halaka to Movement 03:10 – Why Women Needed Their Own Leadership Space 05:00 – The Early Days: Service, Care, and Community Projects 07:10 – The Turning Point: From Volunteer Work to Professional Nonprofit 09:30 – How MWO Built Capacity and Secured Funding 11:15 – The Hakima Program: Training Wise Women to Lead and Support 13:10 – Building a Hub for Muslim Women in Orlando 15:00 – Sadaf's PhD Journey in Philanthropic Leadership 17:10 – The Future: Building Local Zakat Systems for Empowerment 18:10 – Closing Reflections & Lessons for Muslim Nonprofits Change doesn't start with permission, it starts with purpose. πŸ™Œ Sadaf's story reminds us that every movement begins with a few people who dare to believe they can do more. When women lead with faith and conviction, entire communities rise. ✨ #MuslimNonprofits #FaithInAction #WomenInLeadership #MuslimWomenOrganization #CommunityGrowth #SocialImpact #InspirationDaily #PurposeDriven #EmpowerHer #LeadershipLessons #BuildToLast #PositiveChange
S1 Β· E25
Nov 19, 2025
18:19
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