The Muslim Non-profit Show with Tayyab Yunus

Every professional reaches a point where they ask a difficult question: Is my career making a difference?

In this episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, Dr. Khaled Abughazaleh shares how he transformed his career as a surgeon into a lifetime of humanitarian service, without leaving medicine or sacrificing professional success.

From leading dozens of medical missions with the Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF) to helping expand the Downtown Islamic Center of Chicago and supporting the Palestinian Student Scholarship Fund (PSSF), Dr. Khaled explains why meaningful impact isn't reserved for nonprofit executives or full-time activists. Every...

What does it take to create lasting change for Muslim communities? Is charity enough, or do we also need research that influences the decisions shaping our lives?

In this episode, we sit down with Tuqa Nusairat, Executive Director of the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU), to explore why research institutions and think tanks matter and how reliable data can help Muslim communities challenge misinformation, influence public policy, and advocate for meaningful change.

From the role of think tanks in policymaking to AI bias, Muslim identity, and bullying in schools, this conversation explores how...

Can advocacy really end poverty?

In this inspiring episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, Dr. Tayyab Yunus sits down with Aseel Elborno, Global Advocacy Manager at Human Appeal USA, to explore how policy, civic engagement, and advocacy create lasting change for vulnerable communities around the world.

From arriving in America as a Palestinian refugee to leading advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill, Aseel shares her remarkable journey and explains why advocacy is one of the most overlooked tools available to Muslim nonprofits, humanitarian organizations, and community leaders. She breaks down how public policy impacts hunger, refugee...

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 th...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

"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...

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...

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 — 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 or...

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...

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...

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...

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) — training women to become caregivers, advocates, and community leaders supporting others through crises.

From volunteer beginnings to pr...

In this episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, Tayyab Yunus sits down with Faizan Syed, co-founder of A Continuous Charity (ACC) an organization that turned a simple idea into a $10 million movement helping thousands of students pursue education without interest.

From a handwritten notebook and $60,000 in seed money to a national impact across hundreds of students, Faizan shares how ACC built scalable systems, overcame early challenges, and created a sustainable, faith-driven model for long-term community change.

If you've ever wondered how to build a nonprofit that lasts, this is the blueprint.

🎧 Tune in and...

What if the way we talk to our kids is holding them back from becoming who they're meant to be?

In this inspiring episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, Tayyab Yunus speaks with Ivana Zajkovska, founder of Youth360 Thrive, about how we can change the way we engage, teach, and raise our youth.

Ivana introduces the powerful concept of Positive Youth Development (PYD) — a faith-aligned, strengths-based approach that focuses on what we want our children to achieve, not just what we want them to avoid.

🎯 In this episode, you'll learn:
✅ Why "Don't do this...

What's really holding Muslim nonprofits back?
It's not funding. It's culture, mindset, and talent.

In this episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, Tayyab Yunus sits down with Sarah Ali, founder of the Muslim Philanthropy Network, to discuss the structural and cultural shifts our sector must embrace to thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Sarah shares her 14-year journey, from law school to leading global organizations like Doctors Without Borders and Amnesty International and what inspired her to bring that expertise into the Muslim philanthropic space.

You'll learn:
✅ Why collaboration, not co...

Every Ramadan, Muslims in the U.S. donate over $4 billion, most of it within just 30 days. Yet many nonprofits scramble last-minute, missing out on impact, reach, and opportunity.

In this powerful episode, Dr. Tayyab Yunus sits down with Monica Niro and Jumana El-Amori to reveal the proven strategies that drive successful Ramadan campaigns.

They break down:
✅ How to plan your Ramadan campaigns 45–60 days in advance
✅ The donor engagement systems that outperform emotional appeals
✅ Why storytelling and transparency build trust (even in the age of AI)
✅ The truth about Masjid fundraising — and when it actu...

What if 95% of nonprofits fail and you could be part of the 5% that actually succeed?

In this episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, host Dr. Tayyab Yunus breaks down what separates thriving organizations from struggling ones. From his experience in Muslim philanthropy and doctoral research, he uncovers the four key strategies that transform passion into real, lasting impact.

You'll discover:
✅ Why most Muslim nonprofits fail to fulfill their mission

✅ The 4 proven systems that the top 5% use to succeed

✅ The difference between "engineers" and "entrepreneurs" in leadership

✅ How to identify...

What makes someone leave behind a career in medicine to dedicate their life to dawah?

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Sabeel Ahmed, a leading da'ee and visionary behind GainPeace, to explore his journey from medical school to full-time Islamic outreach.

Dr. Sabeel shares the pivotal moment that transformed his life: watching a lecture by Sheikh Ahmad Deedat as a teenager, which ignited his passion for Islam and showed him that dawah was not just a choice — it was a mission.

We discuss:

What does it really take to build a sustainable Muslim nonprofit?
In this powerful episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, we sit down with Imam Khalid Griggs, a lifelong activist, faith leader, and advocate for justice.

Imam Khalid shares his journey from growing up in the American South during the Civil Rights movement — where he met Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — to embracing Islam in college and dedicating his life to organized activism.

We discuss:
✅ The lessons he learned from his father, a union organizer in the Deep South
✅ Why Muslims must embrace...

What does it really take to build a sustainable Muslim nonprofit?
In this inspiring episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, we sit down with Arshia Wajid, founder of American Muslim Health Professionals (AMHP), to uncover the powerful lessons she learned over a 20-year journey in nonprofit leadership.

Arshia reveals:
✅ The 10-year mistake every nonprofit founder should avoid
✅ How faith and Islamic values guided her mission
✅ Why so many Muslim organizations stay "stuck in startup mode"
✅ The hard truths about fundraising, donors, and sustainability
✅ How the Muslim community's philanthropy is shifting and what it me...

In this episode, we sit down with Margari "Aziza" Hill, founder of MuslimARC, to explore the inspiring journey of building an organization rooted in education, community, and purpose. From conducting one of the first quantified studies on intra-Muslim ethnic relations to creating impactful anti-racism initiatives, MuslimARC's story is filled with lessons for anyone seeking to start or strengthen a nonprofit.

Margari shares why a needs assessment was the turning point in shaping MuslimARC's vision, how leadership capacity must be developed before scaling impact, and what emotional resilience really looks like for founders navigating challenges.

In this powerful episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, we sit down with Adrian "Ashir" Kirk, founder of Measured Tones Institute of Quran, who shares his incredible journey of turning an idea into a global nonprofit dedicated to making tajweed of the Qur'an accessible to every Muslim.

From moments of fear and doubt to trusting in Allah and taking the leap, Ashir reveals how Measured Tones grew from a summer intensive to offering free tajweed programs across dozens of cities and online worldwide.

Whether you're a student of Qur'an, an aspiring nonprofit founder, or someone...

In this powerful episode of The Muslim Non-Profit Show, we welcome Ayman Nassar, founder of the Islamic Leadership Institute of America (ILIA). His journey reveals a surprising inspiration that sparked an organization dedicated to building leadership capacity in Muslim youth.

From uncovering forgotten Muslim history in America, to creating the first Muslim-run youth crisis line, Ayman shares lessons on faith, resilience, and leadership that every parent, educator, and community leader needs to hear.

This conversation is not just about leadership, it's about empowering the next generation to rise with integrity, service, and purpose.

🎧 Tun...

In this episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, we sit down with Maeen Ali, founder of Mercy Bakery, whose journey began with a personal tragedy and transformed into a global movement. After losing his brother in Yemen, Maeen was inspired to take action not just for his family, but for thousands of others suffering from famine.

From opening one small bakery to now serving bread and hot meals in Yemen, the Philippines, Colombia, New York, and beyond. This is a story of resilience, faith, and service.

Discover how Mercy Bakery grew from an idea to...

In this episode of The Muslim Non-Profit Show, Brother Nihad Awad, co-founder of CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations), shares the incredible journey from a small campus initiative in 1994 to the nation's largest Muslim civil rights organization.

He reveals the challenges of confronting media bias, the importance of recruiting and training the right talent, and how CAIR grew to over 30 chapters across the U.S. — all while staying true to its mission and values.

From lessons in leadership and organizational structure to powerful personal stories rooted in faith, this conversation is a masterclass in building a la...

In this episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, we sit down with community leader and convert to Islam, Malik Shaw, whose story is a masterclass in faith, grit, and service.

Brother Malik shares how he went from working a 9-to-5 while hosting weekly meetups in his living room to running a vibrant food pantry that now feeds 40+ families in a historically Black neighborhood in Memphis.

You'll hear how his upbringing, spiritual awakening, and commitment to service led to the founding of MANA, the Table Spread Pantry, and more. He offers heartfelt advice to aspiring changemakers...

In this powerful episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show with Tayyab Yunus, Brother Muhammad Abdul-Aleem—founder of IslamiCity and HADI—joins us to reflect on 30 years of trailblazing work in Islamic tech. From setting up early relief efforts in Iraq and the Balkans, to pioneering Islamic digital platforms, Brother Alim shares how his team made history by putting the entire Quran on the internet and later on the blockchain—making it impossible to erase.

Hear insights into nonprofit resilience, building impactful Islamic organizations, and how AI and blockchain can serve the Ummah. A must-watch for tech-minded Muslims, nonpro...

What does it take to build a movement that challenges stereotypes and redefines leadership?

In this powerful episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, Nausheena Hussain shares her founder journey—from launching Reviving the Islamic Sisterhood for Empowerment (RISE) to gracefully exiting the organization she built.

She breaks down the Peacock Unicorn Method—a unique strategy that helped her gain credibility, amplify Muslim women's voices, and lead with humility and collaboration. Whether you're a nonprofit founder, aspiring changemaker, or leader-in-the-making, this episode offers a bold and deeply insightful roadmap to authentic, impact-driven leadership.

💡 "You don't ne...

In this powerful episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show with Tayyab Yunus, we sit down with Salam Al-Marayati, the first full-time Muslim activist in the U.S. and co-founder of the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC). From humble beginnings in Arizona to becoming a national leader in Muslim advocacy, Salaam shares his personal journey, the founding story of MPAC, and what it takes to stay grounded in Islamic values while working for justice in American society.

We explore the meaning of the "Ayat of life," how Muslims can lead with faith, the power of institutional Zakat, and...

In this powerful episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show with Dr. Tayyab Yunus, we hear the inspiring story of Jaime "Mujahid" Fletcher — a former gang leader from Houston who found Islam, embraced it fully, and went on to found Islam in Spanish.

What began as an effort to help his father understand Islam blossomed into an international movement that produced over 350 audiobooks, hundreds of TV episodes, and the first Latino-led Islamic center in America.

His story is raw, honest, and packed with lessons for anyone thinking about launching a nonprofit, solving a social problem, or si...

In this inspiring episode of The Muslim Nonprofit HSow with Tayyab Yunus, we sit down with Dr. Iltafat Hamzawi—a respected physician, mentor, and changemaker—who shares his deeply personal journey from post-9/11 adversity to becoming a leader in nonprofit advocacy and governance.

Dr. Hamzawi reflects on what it means to find your current in life, how misinformation and fear shaped his drive to tell the truth, and how American Muslims can build lasting institutions rooted in both purpose and professionalism. From founding the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) to advocating for inclusive leadership, this conv...

What happens when a masjid is built—but no one comes?

In this inspiring and thought-provoking episode, Dr. Jihad Turk shares his personal journey: from a disconnected Muslim teen in Arizona, to a dedicated student of knowledge in Medina, to becoming a community builder in California.

He didn't just ask why Muslims weren't coming to the masjid—he built a movement to bring them back.

This is a must-listen for masjid founders, board members, and community leaders wondering how to bridge the gap between tradition and connection in today's world.

🎧 Tune in and...

In this powerful episode of The Muslim Non-profit Show with Tayyab Yunus, we hear from Anwar Khan, an engineer from the U.S. who returned to Bangladesh in 2004 with a simple mission: adopt a family and help however he could. What he didn't expect was that a single bathroom would turn into an entire movement.

Through deeply personal stories, we explore how Anwar went from helping one refugee camp to founding Obat Helpers, now employing over 350 people across 12 schools, IT centers, clinics, and more—staffed by the very people the world forgot.

This episode is fo...