BeQuran Podcast

When people hear "Sunni Islam," they often picture a single, unified group one half of the Sunni–Shia divide. But what if that label hides centuries of internal debate, theological disagreements, and even sectarian rejection from within?

In this episode, Ali and Fatima unpack the deep and often overlooked complexities within Sunni Islam. From the Hanbalis to the Maturidis, the Ash'aris to the Salafis, this discussion explores how diverse and sometimes conflicting these internal schools really are.

This episode is based on insights from a powerful lecture by Dr. Sayed Ammar Nakshawani, whose analysis sheds li...

In this episode of the BeQuran Podcast, Ali and Fatima explore one of the most defining beliefs of the Imamiya Twelver Shia school the concept of divinely appointed succession through the Twelve Imams. Drawing from a lecture Naming the Twelve Imams by Name by Sayyid Moustafa Al-Qazwini, he breaks down the three foundational pillars of this belief: explicit prophetic naming, divine infallibility (ʿIsmah), and unparalleled superiority of the Imams in knowledge and piety.

The episode also investigates two widely accepted hadith Hadith al-Thaqalayn (The Two Weighty Things) and Hadith al-Safina (The Ark) and discusses Sunni scholarly struggles w...

In this powerful episode of the BeQuran Podcast, Ali and Fatima take a deep dive into one of the most defining and debated events in Islamic history Ghadir Khumm.

Was leadership after the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ divinely appointed or left to community consensus? Drawing from Qur’anic verses, Hadith literature, and insights from Sayyid Ammar Nakshawani’s lecture, this episode explores the rational, theological, and historical arguments for the succession of Imam Ali (AS).

We reflect on terms like Mawla, Wali, and the Prophet’s final message, and how this event continues to shape Muslim identity and beli...

In this episode of the BeQuran Podcast, Ali and Fatima take a deep dive into the historical and theological significance of Eid al-Ghadir, the day Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) publicly declared Imam Ali as his Mawla and successor at Ghadir Khumm. They explore whether this was a divinely appointed leadership or a matter left to the community’s decision. Drawing from powerful Qur’anic precedents like the appointments of Adam, Musa, Harun, and Talut they reveal a consistent pattern of divine or prophetic appointment over popular election. The discussion also highlights how the Prophet consistently appointed leaders duri...

In this episode of BeQuran, Ali and Fatima dive deep into one of the most visually distinctive practices in Islamic prayer: the use of a turbah a small piece of earth or clay commonly used by Shia Muslims during sujood (prostration).

Drawing on Sunni hadith collections like Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, and guided by insights from Dr. Sayed Ammar Nakshawani, this episode explores the roots of this practice, its link to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the historical precedent set by his companions.

In Episode 17 of the BeQuran Podcast, Ali and Fatima explore the unique structure, profound themes, and spiritual depth of the Holy Qur’an. Drawing on insights from Dr. Sayed Ammar Nakshawani, unpacking how the Qur’an differs from other scriptures, why it isn’t organised chronologically, and what its true central message is.

Whether you’re a lifelong reader of the Qur’an or just starting your journey, this episode will deepen your understanding of why this sacred text continues to guide and inspire.

In this deep and thought-provoking episode of the BeQuran Podcast, Ali and Fatima explore one of the most sensitive yet foundational topics in Islamic history—the compilation and preservation of the Holy Quran.

For generations, the Shia community has faced accusations of believing in a different or altered Quran. But rather than defending against these claims, this episode flips the lens and examines Sunni hadith sources themselves—Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, and others—to uncover what they actually say about missing verses, variant readings, and Quranic transmission.

This discussion is inspired by a lecture from Sayed...

In Episode 15, Ali and Fatima unpack a complex but powerful perspective on Tawheed—the absolute oneness of God. Drawing from classical sources and a statement by Imam Ali (a) in Nahjul Balagha, the episode explores the idea that God’s attributes—His knowledge, power, and life—aren’t just things He possesses, but are identical to His essence.

What does it mean to say “God is knowledge” rather than “God has knowledge”? What are the dangers of thinking about God’s essence in human terms? And how does this view explain that true knowledge of God leads not to clarity—but t...

In this deep dive, Ali and Fatima explore two major frameworks that Islamic scholars use to understand the attributes of Allah: the distinctions between Sifat al-Jamal (beauty) and Sifat al-Jalal (majesty), and between Sifat al-Dhat (essential attributes) and Sifat al-Fi’l (attributes of action).

These frameworks aren't just theological classifications they help believers deepen their understanding of who Allah is, and how He interacts with creation.

Join us as we break down these concepts and reflect on what they reveal about Allah’s perfection, transcendence, and will. What does it mean for God to be both...

In this episode of the BeQuran Podcast, Ali and Fatima explore a lecture by Sayed Mohammed Baqer al-Qazwini that dives deep into the core of Tawheed the oneness of God.

What’s the real difference between Al-Wahid and Al-Ahad? Is it just semantics, or does it impact how we understand God's essence, His relationship to creation, and divine self-sufficiency?

We break down complex theological concepts using practical analogies—like the table parts example and discuss the Quranic story of Prophet Isa (as) creating a bird from clay, plus a rare hadith during the minor occultation of I...

In Episode 12 of the BeQuran Podcast, hosts Ali and Fatima confront one of the most difficult theological questions: If God is all-powerful and all-good, why is there evil in the world?

This episode dives deep into:

In Episode 11 of the BeQuran Podcast, hosts Ali and Fatima explore the profound concept of Tawhid — the Oneness of God — through five powerful intellectual and philosophical arguments.

Based on insights from the lecture by Sayed Mohammed Baqer al-Qazwini, this episode explains:

Join us as...

In Episode 10, hosts Ali and Fatima explore one of the most compelling arguments for the existence of God — the Argument of Design, also known as the Teleological Argument.

Drawing from Islamic scholarship, Qur’anic verses, and philosophical reasoning, this episode discusses:

Featuring insights from lectures by Sayed Mohammed Baqer a...

In this episode of the BeQuran Podcast, Ali and Fatima explore a fundamental question: Why do most humans believe in God?

Drawing from Islamic theology and scientific perspectives, we delve into the concept of Fitra — the natural inclination toward belief in a Creator. The discussion highlights how belief in Allah ﷻ is not merely learned, but deeply embedded in our nature.

We also unpack reasons why some people struggle with faith, from arrogance and emotional resistance to the irony of God’s existence being so constant that it becomes easy to overlook.

🧠 Topics covered:

– Fi...

In this episode, Ali and Fatima explore the major historical shifts that shaped the trajectory of Islamic beliefs after the Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) passing.

🕋 What went wrong? Why did core teachings become unclear to the masses despite the Prophet leaving behind the Qur’an and his Ahlul Bayt as guidance?

🔍 Topics include:

– The banning of Hadith and its long-term impact

– The infiltration of foreign philosophies into Islamic thought

– Rise of literalism and its theological consequences

– The role of narrators from the People of the Book

– How the Ahlul Bayt (as...

In this thought-provoking episode, hosts Ali and Fatima explore a timeless question: Do we really need religion to be good? Drawing on Qur’anic insights, Islamic teachings, and real-life reflections, they dive into the foundation of morality, the role of divine guidance, and the consequences of a world detached from spiritual values.

Topics covered:

– What defines “goodness” in Islam

– Can ethics exist without revelation?

– The difference between social norms and divine morality

– Stories from the Qur’an that show the importance of accountability

Whether you're a believer, seeker, or just...

In this episode, Ali and Fatima dive into one of life’s biggest questions: How can someone sincerely and intelligently find the true religion? Drawing from Islamic teachings and rational inquiry, they explore the three foundational principles of faith — belief in God’s oneness, belief in prophethood, and belief in the Day of Judgment.

This episode sheds light on how Islam not only encourages deep thinking but also offers a clear and logical framework for evaluating belief systems. Whether you're searching for spiritual truth or looking to strengthen your understanding of Islamic beliefs, this episode offers thoughtful guidan...

In this episode, Ali and Fatima unpack the importance of studying Islamic beliefs, known as ‘Aqaid’. They explore how belief in Islam goes beyond intellectual knowledge — it is a sincere submission to God’s will that forms the foundation of every action in a Muslim’s life. The discussion covers the difference between merely knowing facts and truly believing, the significance of Aqidah as the first subject of divine questioning, and how belief connects the heart to divine guidance. Drawing from the Qur’an and historical examples like the story of Pharaoh, this episode offers a powerful reflection on how a strong...

Was the order of the Qur’an divinely revealed, or arranged later by the companions? In this episode, Ali and Fatima explore the Shia perspective on the Qur’an’s compilation, backed by historical context and key narrations. A must-listen for anyone seeking clarity on how the Qur’an came to us today.

In this episode, we reflect on the spiritual legacy and Qur'anic significance of Imam Ali (AS). We explore the emphasis on qualities and attributes, the nature of divine trials, and the importance of preserving the Qur’an from distortion.

We also discuss verses interpreted by scholars to refer to Imam Ali, such as the “tongue of truth” in Surah Maryam. The episode encourages listeners to embody the traits of a true follower — reflecting Imam Ali’s justice, humility, and dedication to serving humanity.

A must-listen for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the Qur’an through t...

In this episode, we explore the foundations of Twelver Shia Islam, the largest branch of Shi‘ism. The hosts Ali & Fatima guide you through its historical development, the importance of Imamah (divinely appointed leadership), and how this school of thought differs from others in Islam—especially in its approach to authority after the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

We’ll cover key concepts such as: – The Great Occultation of the 12th Imam – The role of philosophy and mysticism in Shia thought – The political emergence of Shi‘ism during the Safavid era – The concept of Wilayat al-Faqih (Guardianship of the Jurist)

Whether you'r...

In this opening episode of the BeQuran Podcast, Fatima and Ali introduce the foundations of Shia Islam — its core beliefs, historical background, and how it connects to the teachings of the Qur’an. Whether you're curious, learning, or looking to deepen your faith, this conversation offers a respectful and thoughtful exploration of what it means to follow the path of Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them).