Muslim Superdad and Wondermom Podcast

Digital Ramadan Camp for Kids 2023

With Ramadan less than one week away, I’m overjoyed to announce the launch of our “Digital Ramadan Camp,” an immersive and interactive daily program that brings the spirit of Ramadan into hearts and homes. The Noor Kids Digital Ramadan Camp begins on Wednesday, March 22nd 2023  and is an online platform filled with spiritually enriching lessons, interactive activities, and nonstop fun to make this Ramadan the best yet! We partnered with Islamic Relief, USHUB, Noor Vitamins + LaunchGood...

How to inspire kids to love our Holy Prophet (S) with Shaykh Abdullah Anik Misra

The life of the Prophet (S), in his Seerah, or life story and Hadith, or teachings, is the second source after the Holy Qur’an from which we derive our understanding of Allah’s message. However, teaching our children to follow the footsteps of the Prophet (S) isn’t easy if they don’t fully understand who he is and love him truly. So, how can we teach our children to deeply love Rasulullah, the Prophet Muhammad (S), and what is the reality of our relationship with him in the past, present, an...

How to become the best version of ourselves

Teach kids about prison (seriously)

The beauty of Islam and the guidance of Allah (SWT) are capable of illuminating even the darkest places of our society, the prison system. And subhanAllah, there are many people who become Muslim in prisons around the country. Unfortunately, they are often overlooked by their local Muslim communities, who fail to give them the support they need.  What can we do for Muslims in prisons, and why does it matter that we support them? Joining us in conversation in the latest episode of the Musli...

Does it matter if my kids only speak English?

A matter of concern for many first and second generation immigrants is that of language. While we can easily and fluently speak English, we often let our mother tongues slide not just as an effort to fit in, but because its just easier. Does it matter if my kids only speak English, or is there value in preserving the languages of our parents and grandparents? In this episode of the Muslim Superdad & Wondermom podcast, Dr. Aria Razfar, a professor of education at the University of Illinois,...

How can forgiveness save a marriage? (+ lessons from positive psychology)

What is positive psychology, and what does the study of positive psychology tell us about how we should live our lives? The study of positive psychology concerns both the psychology of happiness and subjective well-being, and the psychology of virtue or character strength. With the study of positive psychology comes the importance of forgiveness, optimism, and hope.  In this episode of the Muslim Superdad & Wondermom podcast, we are joined by Dr. Everett Worthington, a pioneer in the field...

The secret to raising Muslim innovators, with Dr. Rania Awaad

What is the secret behind the success of the great Muslim scholars before us? Abu Zayd Al-Balkhi to Abu Ali Ibn Sina are just two demonstrations of innovation in the Muslim world. Their upbringing and education in Islam made them encyclopedic scholars from whom we still learn today. What was the nature of the kind of education these scholars received? How can we provide the tarbiyah that our children need to become innovators and achieve great things? Dr. Rania Awaad, a nationally-recogniz...

How to nurture creativity in children with Justin Mashouf

In a society where life is all about careers and earning a living, creativity is often put on a back burner, if it receives any attention at all. However, nurturing creativity in your kids is crucial. What exact role should creativity play in our kids’ lives, and what practical ways can we direct these efforts for the better? Justin Mashouf, an award winning Muslim director and producer based in Los Angeles, shares his journey with creativity, his career in film, and practical ways par...

Raising Confident Muslims in America with Dr. Hanan Hashem

How do Muslim Americans see their identity? In the melting pot of the Western world, no one person can truly say they have just one identity. Each and every individual attributes more than one identity to their own, be it religious, ethnic, cultural, or even chosen attributions based on interests and aspirations. The link between understanding who we are and our mental health lies in two key factors- identity centrality and belonging.  So how do Muslim Americans experience their identity i...

Inclusion and creative expression in school settings with Kalyan Ali Balaven

It’s back-to-school, season, once again! It's natural for parents to have fears about their children “belonging” and fitting in. But can our children feel comfortable about being in school if we as parents don’t feel the same? We are joined by Kalyan Ali Balaven, Head of the Dunn School in Los Olivos, California, who shares his story as a convert and the reasons he chose to embrace the role of an educator. Through his experience raising Muslim kids and students, you will learn how you can ov...

Zeyad Ramadan on how pornography impacts marriage

Many people assume that pornography is not a serious concern among the Muslim community. In reality, youth and adults alike are faced with the struggle to overcome porn addiction. The Muslim community's inattention and refusal to talk about pornography addiction, alongside the lack of relevant Islamic resources to understand and tackle the problem, inspired Br Zeyad Ramadan to create Purify your Gaze. Purify Your Gaze is a global e-therapy platform that helped hundreds of thousands of Muslim...

How Pornography Impacts Marriage

Many people assume that pornography is not a serious concern among the Muslim community. In reality, youth and adults alike are faced with the struggle to overcome porn addiction. The Muslim community's inattention and refusal to talk about pornography addiction, alongside the lack of relevant Islamic resources to understand and tackle the problem, inspired Br Zeyad to create Purify your Gaze. Purify Your Gaze is a global e-therapy platform that helped hundreds of thousands of Muslims around...

How Muslim Families can Navigate Pride Month

Islam recognizes the individual rights of every Muslim and gives high regard to the preservation of one’s dignity. That’s a fact that cannot be disregarded. But for a long time now, the Muslim community has tiptoed around the topic of homosexuality. The materials available are either outdated or too generic which results in further confusion and misinterpretation. Is homosexuality a sin? Is it an act against one’s faith? How do Muslim parents teach their kids about these various identities i...

Mobeen Vaid on navigating pride month as Muslims

Islam recognizes the individual rights of every Muslim and gives high regard to the preservation of one’s dignity. That’s a fact that cannot be disregarded. But for a long time now, the Muslim community has tiptoed around the topic of homosexuality. The materials available are either outdated or too generic which results in further confusion and misinterpretation. Is homosexuality a sin? Is it an act against one’s faith? How do Muslim parents teach their kids about these various identities i...

Dr. Madiha Tehseen on why Muslim youth are watching porn

Do Muslims also watch pornography? The answer sadly is yes. The reality that Muslim youth do consume pornography has become one of the most concerning things Muslim parents have to deal with and most parents struggle with knowing what steps they can take to address this problem. Dr. Madiha Tehseen joins us in this episode to help Muslim parents understand why watching porn is a serious concern that needs immediate attention. Dr. Madiha is a Research Fellow and a Community Educator at The Fam...

Muslim Youth are Watching Porn

Do Muslims also watch pornography? The answer sadly is yes. The reality that Muslim youth do consume pornography has become one of the most concerning things Muslim parents have to deal with and most parents struggle with knowing what steps they can take to address this problem. Dr. Madiha Tehseen joins us in this episode to help Muslim parents understand why watching porn is a serious concern that needs immediate attention. Dr. Madiha is a Research Fellow and a Community Educator at The Fam...

Digital Ramadan Camp for Kids

With Ramadan less than one week away, I’m overjoyed to announce the launch of our “Digital Ramadan Camp,” an immersive and interactive daily program that brings the spirit of Ramadan into hearts and homes. The Noor Kids Digital Ramadan Camp begins on Monday, April 4th and is an online platform filled with spiritually enriching lessons, interactive activities, and nonstop fun to make this Ramadan the best yet! We partnered with Islamic Relief, USHUB, Noor Vitamins + LaunchGood to provid...

4 Steps to Raising "Good" Muslims

As parents, we all want our children to grow up to be good Muslims. We see inspiring people who turned out wonderfully as adults, and dream of raising our kids the same way they were raised. But, we also want our children to succeed in worldly things - good careers, nice homes, and material possessions. Where do we draw the line and balance both, so that our children can have the best of both worlds? We are joined by Hina Khan-Mukhtar, a mother of 3 boys and the founder of ILM Tree Homeschoo...

4 steps to raising "good" Muslims with Hina Khan-Mukhtar

As parents, we all want our children to grow up to be good Muslims. We see inspiring people who turned out wonderfully as adults, and dream of raising our kids the same way they were raised. But, we also want our children to succeed in worldly things - good careers, nice homes, and material possessions. Where do we draw the line and balance both, so that our children can have the best of both worlds? We are joined by Hina Khan-Mukhtar, a mother of 3 boys and the founder of ILM Tree Homeschoo...

Generational Cycles

In the middle of a busy day, do we as parents, take a pause to reflect how much of our parenting is influenced by how we were brought up by our parents? When we listen to the way our kids talk, watch their expressions and gestures, or simply do activities together, do we notice how they’re emulating us and how much we have become role models for our kids? That shouldn’t be a problem- if only they could filter the positive and the negative themselves. Joining us in this episode is a common ho...

Generational cycles with Dr. Suzy Ismail

In the middle of a busy day, do we as parents, take a pause to reflect how much of our parenting is influenced by how we were brought up by our parents? When we listen to the way our kids talk, watch their expressions and gestures, or simply do activities together, do we notice how they’re emulating us and how much we have become role models for our kids? That shouldn’t be a problem- if only they could filter the positive and the negative themselves. Joining us in this episode is a common ho...

Choosing a School Model

There’s a lot of decisions parents have to make for their children until such time that they are old enough to make decisions for themselves. One of the most important ones is choosing which school to send their children to. This is a HUGE decision that poses so much stress on most Muslim parents. Dr, Amaarah DeCuir joins Amin in today’s episode to talk about the challenges in choosing a school model for Muslim students. Dr. Amaarah has spent a lifelong career in education and is currently a ...

Choosing a school model with Dr. Amaarah Decuir

There’s a lot of decisions parents have to make for their children until such time that they are old enough to make decisions for themselves. One of the most important ones is choosing which school to send their children to. This is a HUGE decision that poses so much stress on most Muslim parents. Dr, Amaarah DeCuir joins Amin in today’s episode to talk about the challenges in choosing a school model for Muslim students. Dr. Amaarah has spent a lifelong career in education and is currently a ...

Single parenting with Asmaa Hussein

Parenthood is a challenge in itself, but single parenting presents a whole new set of challenges that require extraordinary strength, courage, and wisdom to overcome. What every parent has to face- from child-rearing, to rent and errands, to self care and even community pressure- a single parent faces tenfold. We are joined by Asmaa Hussein, the Founder and CEO of Ruqaya's Bookshelf, and a single mom to her daughter, Ruqaya, to share the pains and challenges she has to conquer as a single par...

Single Parenting

Parenthood is a challenge in itself, but single parenting presents a whole new set of challenges that require extraordinary strength, courage, and wisdom to overcome. What every parent has to face- from child-rearing, to rent and errands, to self care and even community pressure- a single parent faces tenfold. We are joined by Asmaa Hussein, the Founder and CEO of Ruqaya's Bookshelf, and a single mom to her daughter, Ruqaya, to share the pains and challenges she has to conquer as a single par...

Islamic teaching on positive parenting with Gulnaz Ahsan

Islam is a guidebook for our life - it gives us clear guidelines and wisdom on how to navigate life’s many, many components. Parenthood being one. At times parents can feel lost on how to navigate this journey - after all we all want the same thing: to be the best parents to our children. Throughout history, Islam has examples of parenting models and virtues that parents can look to to truly be the best mothers and fathers in Allah’s eyes. We are joined by Gulnaz Ahsan, who will discuss the ...

Islamic Teaching on Positive Parenting

Islam is a guidebook for our life - it gives us clear guidelines and wisdom on how to navigate life’s many, many components. Parenthood being one. At times parents can feel lost on how to navigate this journey - after all we all want the same thing: to be the best parents to our children. Throughout history, Islam has examples of parenting models and virtues that parents can look to to truly be the best mothers and fathers in Allah’s eyes. We are joined by Gulnaz Ahsan, who will discuss the ...

Navigating your relationship with in-laws with Rabab Alma

A study revealed that having extended family is a common set up in Muslim homes. Some say, the more, the merrier. Although that might be true at times, it only works when every member of the household is living harmoniously together. On the other hand, living with the in-laws and extended families can be chaotic and difficult to manage. We are joined by Rabab Alma who is a highly skilled marriage and relationship counselor and therapist. She’s been a great help to individuals struggling with...

Navigating Your Relationship With The In-Laws

A study revealed that having extended family is a common set up in Muslim homes. Some say, the more, the merrier. Although that might be true at times, it only works when every member of the household is living harmoniously together. On the other hand, living with the in-laws and extended families can be chaotic and difficult to manage. We are joined by Rabab Alma who is a highly skilled marriage and relationship counselor and therapist. She’s been a great help to individuals struggling with...

Managing Sibling Rivalry

Sibling rivalry is a common struggle families face, even throughout Islamic history. Children fight. And sometimes those fights can escalate so much, parents are at a loss of what to do. Sibling rivalry is a natural part of childhood development. But learning how to navigate those cumbersome squabbles can be an enormous challenge. What causes this rivalry and what are strategies to help mitigate the struggles to avoid any type of long-term issues? We are joined by Najwa Awad, a child psychot...

Managing sibling rivalry with Najwa Awad

Sibling rivalry is a common struggle families face, even throughout Islamic history. Children fight. And sometimes those fights can escalate so much, parents are at a loss of what to do. Sibling rivalry is a natural part of childhood development. But learning how to navigate those cumbersome squabbles can be an enormous challenge. What causes this rivalry and what are strategies to help mitigate the struggles to avoid any type of long-term issues? We are joined by Najwa Awad, a child psychot...

Raising Teens

The teenage years are a crucial time for kids. It’s a time for independence, curiosity, self-awareness, and conflict. Parents with teens often find themselves having to navigate this new developmental milestone -  with some rebellion. But teenagers are going through a world that can seem chaotic - daily peer struggles, college prep, and blossoming into an adult. Today, we are joined by Munira Ezzeldine to share valuable insights and strategies into raising teens.  She is a college and career...

Raising teens with Munira Ezzeldine

The teenage years are a crucial time for kids. It’s a time for independence, curiosity, self-awareness, and conflict. Parents with teens often find themselves having to navigate this new developmental milestone -  with some rebellion. But teenagers are going through a world that can seem chaotic - daily peer struggles, college prep, and blossoming into an adult. Today, we are joined by Munira Ezzeldine to share valuable insights and strategies into raising teens.  She is a college and career...

How to teach the Qur'an to children with Imam Wisam Sharieff

Learning the Quran is an incredible feat for children and adults, alike. It is an undeniable fact, however, that the earlier one begins to invest in reading and learning our Holy Book, the easier the journey through the Quran will become as an adult. But teaching our children to learn, appreciate and understand the Quran is a challenge that many face. How do I start? When do I start? How do we get children excited about the Quran? What about the language barrier? We are joined by Imam Wisam ...

How Do I Teach My Child The Quran

Learning the Quran is an incredible feat for children and adults, alike. It is an undeniable fact, however, that the earlier one begins to invest in reading and learning our Holy Book, the easier the journey through the Quran will become as an adult. But teaching our children to learn, appreciate and understand the Quran is a challenge that many face. How do I start? When do I start? How do we get children excited about the Quran? What about the language barrier? We are joined by Imam Wisam ...

Why fatherhood matters with Mohammad Elshinawy

Parenthood is a two-way game. If a child is blessed with two parents, there is a dual advantage of tapping into the blessings that each parent can bring to the upbringing of the child. Cultural barriers, language challenges, societal and environmental obstacles may pose a difficulty for fathers in creating a healthy relationship with their children. What is the role of the father? What can we pull from Islam, from prophetic lessons on building a strong fatherhood presence in the Muslim home?...

Why Fatherhood Matters

Parenthood is a two-way game. If a child is blessed with two parents, there is a dual advantage of tapping into the blessings that each parent can bring to the upbringing of the child. Cultural barriers, language challenges, societal and environmental obstacles may pose a difficulty for fathers in creating a healthy relationship with their children. What is the role of the father? What can we pull from Islam, from prophetic lessons on building a strong fatherhood presence in the Muslim home?...

How Do I Have The Sex Talk With My Children

Many parents struggle with deciding how and if to broach the subject with their children. Sexual education is a critical component of a child's development. Navigating this complex issue is often so challenging, that families opt to avoid it all together. It goes without saying, however, that children will be exposed to issues surrounding sex in some capacity during their childhood - whether through mainstream media, school or just society in general. We are joined by public health professio...

Managing Mental Health in a Pandemic

The pandemic has unleashed a world many find challenging and daunting. Isolation and the drastic change of life, routine, finances, etc have caused mental health rates to increase worldwide. Marriages are also seeing a deep impact due to the crushing pandemic. We are joined by psychologist Dr. Sarah Syed from the Khalil Center. She will share some useful strategies and best practices to better identify and manage our mental health challenges to ensure we are coping personally and within our ...

Managing mental health in a pandemic with Dr. Sarah Syed

The pandemic has unleashed a world many find challenging and daunting. Isolation and the drastic change of life, routine, finances, etc have caused mental health rates to increase worldwide. Marriages are also seeing a deep impact due to the crushing pandemic. We are joined by psychologist Dr. Sarah Syed from the Khalil Center. She will share some useful strategies and best practices to better identify and manage our mental health challenges to ensure we are coping personally and within our ...

How Self Care Maximizes Your Potential

In today’s modern world, our days are incredibly busy. Maybe even chaotic. Between attending to the children, schoolwork, working from home, schooling from home, maintaining the household, connecting with family - and everything in between - the burnout is inevitable. Oftentimes, taking care of yourself is a distant afterthought. But how do we find the power in parenthood if our power reserve is running on empty? Did you know that Islam emphasizes the importance of self care?  What can paren...

How self care maximizes your potential with Dr. Abdallah Rothman

In today’s modern world, our days are incredibly busy. Maybe even chaotic. Between attending to the children, schoolwork, working from home, schooling from home, maintaining the household, connecting with family - and everything in between - the burnout is inevitable. Oftentimes, taking care of yourself is a distant afterthought. But how do we find the power in parenthood if our power reserve is running on empty? Did you know that Islam emphasizes the importance of self care?  What can paren...

Finding the Power in Parenthood

Welcome to the Muslim Superdad &  Wondermom Podcast hosted by Amin Aaser, CEO of Noor Kids. This podcast is for Muslim parents who want to boost their superpowers and navigate Islamic parenting in the modern era. Listen and learn from subject-matter experts who share valuable insights and strategies to make parenthood a little less chaotic. For the parents who struggle to balance between saving the world by day, and being a mechanic, comedian, coach, and cook, by night - tune in to this jo...