Sacred Footsteps - The Podcast
49 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 months ago - ★★★★★ - 16 ratingsSacred Footsteps is dedicated to travel, history and culture from a Muslim perspective. We talk to writers, historians, artists and others, about travel as a spiritual practice, and discuss aspects of Muslim culture and history that are often overlooked.
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Episodes
039 The Sacred Sites of Jordan
May 09, 2023 14:43 - 57 minutes - 46.5 MBZirrar talks to British-Jordanian photographer Bashar Tabbah, about the sacred sites of Jordan, including those associated with various Prophets and Companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. They also talk about the 'Blessed Tree' and the question regarding its authenticity.
KHAYAL DIARIES: Cape Town's Circle of Saints
January 11, 2023 22:59 - 38 minutes - 31.1 MBOn the hills in and around Cape Town, you will find 300 year old Muslim graves belonging to notable individuals who arrived on the southern tip of the African continent in chains, as slaves or political prisoners of colonisers. They brought nothing with them, except faith in their hearts and the remembrance of God on their tongues. This is the story of the beautiful melodic tones of Cape Town dhikr and why it has such a unique sound. Spanning centuries and continents, it is a story of impr...
037 Islam in Western Academia | John Esposito
September 22, 2022 16:37 - 1 hour - 62.1 MBZirrar talks to Professor of Islamic Studies at Georgetown, John Esposito. They talk about the study of Islam in Western academia and the identity crisis faced by some Muslims in the West post 9/11. They also discuss the approach academics and students of Islam should take moving on from Orientalism.
036 Translating Rumi: A Conversation with Haleh Liza Gafori
March 08, 2022 00:29 - 46 minutes - 37.2 MBZirrar talks to translator, vocalist, poet, and educator Haleh Liza Gafori about her book GOLD, a new translation of Jalal al-Din Rumi's poetry. They discuss the Persian ghazal, a poetic form consisting of couplets, and explore why Rumi's appeal, eight centuries after his death, has been so enduring. Haleh also describes her translating process, and the inspiration behind her work.
Islam in Australia: Makassan Traders, Afghan Cameleers & a Sufi Qadiri Connection
November 29, 2021 17:45 - 35 minutes - 28.4 MBZara talks to Dr Abu Bakr Sirajuddin Cook and Dr Rami Dawood about the history of Islam in Australia- beginning with the arrival of the Makassan traders, that pre-dates European settlement, to the Afghan Cameleers, who set up the first mosques in the country. They discuss the legacy of the early Muslims in the country, their interaction with Aboriginal tribes, and the discovery of a Sufi Qadiri manuscript in Broken Hill Mosque.
035 Islam in Australia: Makassan Traders, Afghan Cameleers & a Sufi Qadiri Connection
November 29, 2021 17:45 - 35 minutes - 28.4 MBZara talks to Dr Abu Bakr Sirajuddin Cook and Dr Rami Dawood about the history of Islam in Australia- beginning with the arrival of the Makassan traders, that pre-dates European settlement, to the Afghan Cameleers, who set up the first mosques in the country. They discuss the legacy of the early Muslims in the country, their interaction with Aboriginal tribes, and the discovery of a Sufi Qadiri manuscript in Broken Hill Mosque.
034 How Islamic Architecture Shaped Europe
April 24, 2021 11:15 - 47 minutes - 38.2 MBZara and Zirrar talk to author and Arabist Diana Darke about her most recent book Stealing From The Saracens: How Islamic Architecture Shaped Europe. Diana explains how cultural exchanges between Europe and Islamic Syria shaped Gothic architecture, and why this has become a point of controversy in Europe today.
KHAYAL DIARIES | My Ancestral Past: Visiting the Gilanis in Iran
March 31, 2021 14:14 - 17 minutes - 30.8 MBSana Gillani visits the tombs of her ancestors: the parents of the influential scholar and saint, Shaykh Abdul Qadir al-Gilani, in Iran.
KHAYAL DIARIES | Divine Love & Sufi Poetry of Punjab
February 26, 2021 14:14 - 16 minutes - 13.4 MBAbdullah Sattar explores the roots of Sufism in Punjab, which spread, in large part, through the words of poets that are still recited and resonate today.
KHAYAL DIARIES | Lessons From Life on the Road
January 30, 2021 22:08 - 15 minutes - 13.1 MBAlex Reynolds from lostwithpurpose shares her experiences/conclusions/insights from more than four years of full time travel.
KHAYAL DIARIES | Reflections
December 30, 2020 23:57 - 32 minutes - 26.4 MBThe Sacred Footsteps core team share their reflections on the journeys, challenges and successes of a year that was...unusual.
KHAYAL DIARIES: Adam's Peak: In Search of a Prophet
November 28, 2020 12:58 - 9 minutes - 8.83 MBSacred Footsteps presents, Khayal Diaries, a series of personal accounts, narratives and critical reflections on topics like Islamic history, culture and travel. Zara Choudhary revisits her journey to Adam’s Peak, a mountain in Sri Lanka visited by Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and Christians for its association with several religious figures, including the Prophet Adam.
KHAYAL DIARIES | Adam's Peak: In Search of a Prophet
November 28, 2020 12:58 - 9 minutes - 8.83 MBSacred Footsteps presents, Khayal Diaries, a series of personal accounts, narratives and critical reflections on topics like Islamic history, culture and travel. Zara Choudhary revisits her journey to Adam’s Peak, a mountain in Sri Lanka visited by Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and Christians for its association with several religious figures, including the Prophet Adam.
028 Travelling For Knowledge
July 23, 2020 22:07 - 1 hour - 57 MBMuazzam speaks to Saaleh Baseer and Momodou Taal about their respective journeys as students of knowledge- with Saaleh travelling from California to South Africa, and Momodou from Birmingham, England to Egypt. Both tell us about their respective experiences, motivations and daily lives as students of sacred knowledge, far from home.
028 Travelling For Knowledge
July 23, 2020 22:07 - 1 hour - 57 MBMuazzam speaks to Saaleh Baseer and Momodou Taal about their respective journeys as students of knowledge- with Saaleh travelling from California to South Africa, and Momodou from Birmingham, England to Egypt. Both tell us about their respective experiences, motivations and daily lives as students of sacred knowledge, far from home.
027 Qawwali
July 03, 2020 21:40 - 1 hour - 52.5 MBOmar, Yasmine and Shahroze discuss the history, evolution and spiritual significance of qawwali. Qawwali incorporates music, poetry and story-telling in to a celebration of Love. The singing of qawwali in Sufi shrines and mausoleums is a practice of samaa, a devotional practice that involves singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, praying, reciting poetry and participating in rituals in order to achieve a higher spiritual state.
026 Models of Liberation in West Africa
June 26, 2020 09:28 - 1 hour - 74.5 MBMustafa Briggs speaks to Professor Rudolph Ware, author of the 'Walking Quran', about models of liberation in West Africa. They talk about the West African approach towards power and religion, and consider the diverse response of the ulama to the challenges presented by the transatlantic slave trade and European colonialism. They also discuss how racist colonial policies had the unintended effect of preserving sufism and traditional Islam in the region.
025 Which Rumi are you Reading?
May 29, 2020 13:46 - 1 hour - 56.2 MBZara and Zirrar talk to poet Baraka Blue about the life, work and legacy of Jalal al-Din Rumi. Baraka tells us about the era in which he lived and how he came to be the great poet we know him as. They discuss his most famous work, the Masnavi, which is often referred to as the 'Persian Quran.’ Zirrar and Baraka share their somewhat differing views on the controversy surrounding English translations of his work, and the claim that Islam has deliberately been ‘erased’ from his poetry. We con...
024 Travel as 'Mutual Unveiling' | Visiting the 'Wali Songo' Nine Saints of Indonesia
April 16, 2020 19:00 - 1 hour - 50.8 MBFor our first ever crossover episode, Zara speaks to Imran Ali Malik, host of the American Submitter podcast. They discuss the concept of travel as a 'mutual unveiling' and share 'transformative' travel experiences. Imran talks about his time in Guinea Bissau, where tribes were converting to Islam after an elder dreamt of the Prophet Muhammad (saw), and tells us about the Wali Songo, the 'Nine Saints' of Indonesia.
023 Islam in the Caucasus: Sufi Tariqahs, Imam Shamil and Resistance Through Dhikr
April 07, 2020 14:31 - 42 minutes - 59 MBMuazzam is joined by Salahuddin Mazhary. Salahuddin tells us about the history of Islam in the Caucasus, with a focus on Chechnya and Dagestan. He talks about the Sufi tariqas in the region and the role dhikr played in resisting the Russians. He also tells us about notable figures such as Imam Shamil and Kunta-haji and their legacies.
022 Searching for the Tomb of Imam Ghazali: The Personal Journey of a Lost Pilgrim
March 29, 2020 13:30 - 39 minutes - 32 MBA few years ago, Zirrar, poet, photographer and key member of the Sacred Footsteps team, went on an incredible journey. Having already spent considerable time in Iran, he decided to set out alone, in search of the tomb of Imam Ghazali. In this episode, Zirrar reads his beautiful article recounting that journey. You can also read his words on sacredfootsteps.org.
021 Travel is Political
March 22, 2020 19:24 - 56 minutes - 45.6 MBOmar Rais and Zirrar speak to Alex Reynolds (Lost With Purpose) on how is travel political. They discuss the pressures of travel blogging while travelling in politically charged countries and the intentional and deliberate steps needed to challenge passive neutrality. Alex also sheds light on how politics factors in to the female solo traveller experience.
020 'Knowing Yourself' Through Travel: Intention, Introspection & Courage
February 12, 2020 22:06 - 51 minutes - 71.1 MBZara and Muazzam speak to Mohammed Isaaq about 'finding' or 'knowing' yourself and ultimately, God, through travel. Isaaq explains how this desire has always been a reality for humans, and the ways in which it has evolved in the modern day. He talks about the importance of intention and introspection when travelling, and the essential quality that traveller's must possess: courage.
019 DIASPORA VOICES | Brooklyn’s Tatar Muslims
December 13, 2019 20:54 - 57 minutes - 46.7 MBOmar Rais speaks to Alyssa Ratkewitch, a third generation Tatar Muslim living in Brooklyn and the vice president of the board at the historic Brooklyn Mosque. Also joining the conversation is travel writer, journalist and broadcaster, Tharik Hussain who specialises in the Muslim heritage of the West. Together they explore the migratory roots of Brooklyn’s Tatar community, the longest serving mosque in the United States, and discuss the identity-shaping of Muslims in the West.
Podcast Ep 019 DIASPORA VOICES | Brooklyn’s Tatar Muslims
December 13, 2019 20:54 - 57 minutes - 46.7 MBOmar Rais speaks to Alyssa Ratkewitch, a third generation Tatar Muslim living in Brooklyn and the vice president of the board at the historic Brooklyn Mosque. Also joining the conversation is travel writer, journalist and broadcaster, Tharik Hussain who specialises in the Muslim heritage of the West. Together they explore the migratory roots of Brooklyn’s Tatar community, the longest serving mosque in the United States, and discuss the identity-shaping of Muslims in the West.
018 Saudi Arabia: New Tourist Visa, Courting Influencers & A Shift in Preserving Heritage?
October 27, 2019 17:12 - 1 hour - 55.7 MBZara and Ali speak to travel writer Tharik Hussain about Lonely Planet's new Saudi Arabia guide book (which he authored) and the new Saudi tourist visa and its possible implications for travellers. They talk about historical sites in the country, including surviving Ottoman heritage, and indications that there is a shift in attitudes concerning historical preservation. They also ask why there are lack of Muslim travel writers.
017 Conservation & Protection of Wildlife from a Muslim Perspective
October 07, 2019 19:59 - 54 minutes - 43.7 MBMuazzam Mir speaks to fellow Kenyans, activist and founder of Halal Safaris, Samia Bwana and conservationist and Mandela Washington Fellow, Raabia Hawa, about the conservation of wildlife and the environment, specifically from a Muslim perspective. They talk about whether hunting animals for sport is permissible in Islam, and discuss the responsibility of travellers to ensure their travel practices are ethical and not harmful.
016 DIASPORA VOICES | Kashmir
September 05, 2019 19:56 - 1 hour - 53.8 MBOmar Rais and Muazzam Mir speak to Sana Saeed, Sanna Wani and Hassan Yassin about their experiences as part of the Kashmiri diaspora. They consider what being ‘Kashmiri’ means, and the multiple cultures and identities that it entails. At the time of recording, Kashmir had been under a media and communications blackout, imposed by India, for several weeks, following the revocation of Article 370.
015 Hajj: Experiences Past & Present | Photography in Mecca
August 10, 2019 11:42 - 51 minutes - 41.7 MBZara and Ali are joined by Salim Bharwani and Maaria Lohiya to discuss their experiences of Hajj. They talk about whether or not pilgrims should be taking photos during Hajj, as well as the history of photography in the Haram al-Sharif. They discuss how modes of travel for pilgrims have changed over the centuries, and the benefits of reading pilgrim travel accounts from the past.
015 Hajj: Experiences Past & Present | Photography in Mecca
August 10, 2019 11:42 - 51 minutes - 41.7 MBZara and Ali are joined by Salim Bharwani and Maaria Lohiya to discuss their experiences of Hajj. They talk about whether or not pilgrims should be taking photos during Hajj, as well as the history of photography in the Haram al-Sharif. They discuss how modes of travel for pilgrims have changed over the centuries, and the benefits of reading pilgrim travel accounts from the past.
014 Islam in South Africa: Survival, Preservation & Revival
August 02, 2019 13:43 - 46 minutes - 37.5 MBYaseen Kippie talks to Zara about the history of Islam in South Africa. He tells us about the early community, made up of influential people exiled to the Cape by the Dutch. A story of survival and resistance, Yaseen tells us about 'the revivers', individuals who ensured the preservation of Islam in South Africa.
013 DIASPORA VOICES | Sudan
June 30, 2019 14:42 - 53 minutes - 43.1 MBOmar Rais & Muazzam Mir speak to Thuraya Tarig, Mandour El Mahadi & Ehab Eltayeb, about their experiences growing up as part of the Sudanese diaspora. They discuss their individual experiences & memories of Sudan, their attempts to 'belong' & stay connected to 'home' while navigating two identities. They tell us about the role of the diaspora in supporting Sudan & how the ongoing revolution is changing the perception of the diaspora within Sudan itself.
013 DIASPORA VOICES | Sudan
June 30, 2019 14:42 - 53 minutes - 43.1 MBOmar Rais & Muazzam Mir speak to Thuraya Tarig, Mandour El Mahadi & Ehab Eltayeb, about their experiences growing up as part of the Sudanese diaspora. They discuss their individual experiences & memories of Sudan, their attempts to 'belong' & stay connected to 'home' while navigating two identities. They tell us about the role of the diaspora in supporting Sudan & how the ongoing revolution is changing the perception of the diaspora within Sudan itself.
012 Sacred Spaces | Arbaeen & Imam Husayn | Cycling to Hajj
June 24, 2019 18:21 - 40 minutes - 32.8 MBZara and Ali speak to Salim Bharwani winner of our Sacred Spaces competition about Arbaeen, one of the world's largest gatherings of people, and visiting the tomb of Imam Husayn. He explains its significance for Shias, as well as the profound effect it has had on him personally. Later, Muazzam speaks to Muhammad Zahir, one of the cyclists from the Pedal to Hajj team, who are cycling from Kenya to Mecca for Hajj, to raise money for the education of children in Nairobi.
012 Sacred Spaces | Arbaeen & Imam Husayn | Cycling to Hajj
June 24, 2019 18:21 - 40 minutes - 32.8 MBZara and Ali speak to Salim Bharwani winner of our Sacred Spaces competition about Arbaeen, one of the world's largest gatherings of people, and visiting the tomb of Imam Husayn. He explains its significance for Shias, as well as the profound effect it has had on him personally. Later, Muazzam speaks to Muhammad Zahir, one of the cyclists from the Pedal to Hajj team, who are cycling from Kenya to Mecca for Hajj, to raise money for the education of children in Nairobi.
011 The Kenyan Photographer Who Inspired Live Aid
June 09, 2019 21:08 - 56 minutes - 45.7 MBIn this special episode from Kenya, Muazzam Mir speaks to Salim Amin, son of the late Mohamed Amin, at his home in Nairobi, about his father's legacy & the remarkable achievements of his career as a photojournalist. They talk about his work on the Ethiopian famine, that raised awareness and an outpouring of charity across the world, eventually leading to the Live Aid concerts. They also discuss the ethics of photojournalism, and the ways in which the profession has changed in the smartphone ...
010 Lahore: Secrets of the Old City
April 30, 2019 11:51 - 49 minutes - 68.3 MBZara speaks to Shahroze Khan, a politics and history student and photographer, about the walled city of Lahore. Shahroze explains its history, from its somewhat contentious roots, steeped in Hindu mythology, to the heights of its splendour under the Mughals, followed by its brief period as capital of the Sikh Empire in the 19th century. He discusses the politicisation of history after Partition and the creation of Pakistan, and talks about his favourite buildings and monuments in the Old Cit...
009 RECLAIM |Challenging Institutional Orientalism in Photography
March 30, 2019 21:34 - 45 minutes - 36.8 MBZara is joined by Sacred Footsteps' writers and photographers Afaq Ali and Omar Rais, and Chirag Wakaskar, a photographer based in Mumbai, India and creator of the @everydaymumbai project on Instagram. We discuss the response to our previous episode on Orientalism in travel photography, and Ali tells us about the 'Rooftop campaign' that demands National Geographic apologise for endorsing a 'racist and dehumanising' photo. Chirag talks about the problematic nature of 'Steve McCurry's India' a...
008 Islam in China: The Question of Sahaba Visiting China, The Uyghur People & Chinese Muslim Scholarship
February 25, 2019 14:10 - 43 minutes - 35.4 MBDuring the so-called ‘Dark Ages’, the Islamic world was undergoing was period of cultural enlightenment; at the same time, another empire, further east, was also flourishing. Historian Hassam Munir tells Zara about the cultural exchange between the Muslim and Chinese worlds. He talks about the history of Islam in China, explaining how and when it first reached the region and whether or not a Companion of the Prophet (pbuh) ever visited China. He also tells us about the Uyghur people and thei...
008 Islam in China: The Question of Sahaba Visiting China, The Uyghur People & Chinese Muslim Scholarship
February 25, 2019 14:10 - 43 minutes - 35.4 MBDuring the so-called ‘Dark Ages’, the Islamic world was undergoing was period of cultural enlightenment; at the same time, another empire, further east, was also flourishing. Historian Hassam Munir tells Zara about the cultural exchange between the Muslim and Chinese worlds. He talks about the history of Islam in China, explaining how and when it first reached the region and whether or not a Companion of the Prophet (pbuh) ever visited China. He also tells us about the Uyghur people and thei...
007 RECLAIM |Orientalism & Modern Travel Photography: ‘Othering’ in the Instagram Age
January 16, 2019 21:01 - 1 hour - 56.5 MBZara and Yasmine talk to Afaq Ali and Zain Haider about the legacy of Edward Said and look at modern day travel photography through the lens of Orientalism. They discuss the ways in which ‘othering’ still takes place, and how well regarded photographers, intuitions and publications are still promoting that narrative. They also examine questions of identity and consent; and ‘self-Orientalisation’ among poc photographers and communities.
006 Islam in East Africa: Traders & Tariqahs on the Swahili Coast and the Tale of a Lost City
December 31, 2018 13:04 - 53 minutes - 74 MBIn episode six, Zara speaks to Muazzam Mir about the history of Islam in East Africa, particularly along the Swahili Coast. They talk about the role of travellers, traders and sufi tariqahs in the spread of Islam in the region, as well as noteworthy scholars. Muazzam refutes the colonialist idea that Africa was a land of darkness before the arrival of European powers, and tells us about the lost city of Gedi, a once sophisticated civilisation, built by Muslims, that was abandoned in mysterio...
005 Jamaica, Rasta-Muslims & the Importance of Meaningful Travel
November 09, 2018 13:37 - 46 minutes - 64.7 MBIn episode five, Zara speaks to Wafa Aouchiche, founder of Burgundy Roots, about their retreats in Jamaica. We talk about the Jamaican Muslim community and the ‘Ras-Mus’ (Rasta-Muslims), and the connections between the Caribbean & Algerian revolutionaries. We discuss the negative impact of foreign-owned island resorts and some of the problems Jamaica faces; the importance of meaningful travel, and whether Muslim travellers are compromising on experience of the sake of halal food. ...
004 Iran: Travelling as a Sunni in a Shia Country & Visting the Tomb of Imam Ghazali
October 30, 2018 16:56 - 48 minutes - 39.4 MBIn episode four, Yasmine and Zara speak to SF writer and photographer & founder of Zirrar Tours, Afaq Ali about his experience travelling expensively in Iran, particularly as a Sunni in a Shia country. He talks about his visit to the tomb of Imam Ghazali, the Armenian Christian quarter of Isfahan, and the Jewish communities of Iran. Links are in the show notes.
003 Islam in West Africa: Empires, Scholarship, Sufism & the Empowerment of Women
September 30, 2018 11:32 - 31 minutes - 25.7 MBIn episode three, Zara talks to Mustafa Briggs about the history of Islam in West Africa. They discuss the roots of Islam in the region, the intellectual achievements of Timbuktu and other centres of learning, sufism and the empowerment of women through scholarship that can be seen throughout West African history. Mustafa also tells us about his upcoming lecture series 'Beyond Bilal'. Find out more: show notes
002 The Female Experience of the Rawdah & the Challenges Faced by Women
August 30, 2018 15:23 - 47 minutes - 74.6 MBZara speaks to one half of spoken word duo Poetic Pilgrimage, poet and playwright, Sukina Pilgrim about her experience of visiting the rawdah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Madina, and the challenges and joys that it entailed. They also discuss the experience of notable women in history when visiting Madina and the difficulties women face today visiting the blessed rawdah, and why it is important they are spoken about. Sukina offers advice on dealing with negative emot...
002 The Female Experience of the Rawdah & the Challenges Faced by Women
August 30, 2018 15:23 - 47 minutes - 74.6 MBZara speaks to one half of spoken word duo Poetic Pilgrimage, poet and playwright, Sukina Pilgrim about her experience of visiting the rawdah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Madina, and the challenges and joys that it entailed. They also discuss the experience of notable women in history when visiting Madina and the difficulties women face today visiting the blessed rawdah, and why it is important they are spoken about. Sukina offers advice on dealing with negative emot...
001 Spiritual Travel: the Story Behind SF, Meeting Vietnamese Muslims & Visiting Murabit al-Hajj
July 26, 2018 09:33 - 30 minutes - 42.5 MBIn episode one, host Yasmine Ahmed-Lea speaks to co-host & founder of Sacred Footsteps, Zara Choudhary, about the concept of 'spiritual travel' & the story behind the website. They also discuss the recent passing of the esteemed Mauritanian scholar Murabit al-Hajj. All of the links to the articles mentioned can be found in the shownotes here: https://www.sacredfootsteps.org/2018/07/26/001-spiritual-travel/
001 Spiritual Travel: the Story Behind SF, Islam in Vietnam & Visiting Murabit al-Hajj
July 26, 2018 09:33 - 30 minutes - 42.5 MBIn episode one, host Yasmine Ahmed-Lea speaks to co-host & founder of Sacred Footsteps, Zara Choudhary, about the concept of 'spiritual travel' & the story behind the website. They also discuss the recent passing of the esteemed Mauritanian scholar Murabit al-Hajj. All of the links to the articles mentioned can be found in the shownotes here: https://www.sacredfootsteps.org/2018/07/26/001-spiritual-travel/