Hosted by Hash Assad and Sh. Navaid Aziz, BALANCE brings you insightful conversations with leading experts at the intersection of Islamic principles and financial success.
In today's complex financial landscape, many Muslims struggle to align their wealth with their faith. Each episode cuts through the confusion, delivering practical wisdom from scholars, financial experts, and successful Muslim entrepreneurs who've built meaningful wealth while staying true to their values.
From retirement planning and halal investments to business success stories and wealth preservation strategies, BALANCE
Beyond the Paycheck: Rethinking Wealth, Risk, & Purpose in Tech
What does it take to bridge the gap between a high-level corporate tech career and a purpose-driven business that empowers underserved communities? In this episode, we sit down with Ilyas Khan, an Enterprise Architect and co-founder of Cloud Surge, to discuss the intersection of technology, faith, and ethical entrepreneurship.
Key Discussion Points
- The transition from corporate life to full-time entrepreneurship.
- How Cloud Surge empowers talent in Pakistan and small towns.
- Navigating the financial challenges of bootstrapping a tech business.
- Ethical considerations for Muslims working in AI and data.
- Protecting critical thinking in the next generation.
15 Aug 2026
The Man Building The Muslim Startup Ecosystem
Abdul Haseeb Basit is the Co-Founder and Principal of Elipses, a Board Member and CFO of Global Digital Finance, and the Chair of the Muslim CEOs Collective. With over 25 years of experience spanning tier-1 banking, fintech, and digital assets, Abdul Haseeb has spent his career at the intersection of finance, technology, and community.
In this conversation, Hash Assad and Sh. Navaid Aziz sit down with Abdul Haseeb to explore what it actually takes to build a thriving Muslim economy, from the boardroom to the ummah at large. We'll dig into the origin story of the Muslim CEOs Collective and why community-building among Muslim founders and executives has become so essential. From there, the discussion turns to angel investing: what it is, how it works, and the lessons, and wins — Abdul Haseeb has picked up backing Muslim entrepreneurs through Madinah Angels.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
The story behind the Muslim CEOs Collective, and why it exists
What angel investing really is, and the lessons learned from backing Muslim founders through Madinah Angels
Whether there's reason for optimism about where the ummah is headed, and what that optimism is built on
Where Islamic finance is actually heading, beyond the industry hype
The real challenges facing Muslim startups today, and the resources founders should know about
What capital structures need to exist for the Muslim world to build lasting, generational wealth
14 Jun 2026
Defending Dignity: A Conversation with NCCM’s Stephen Brown
What happens when faith meets the front lines of civil rights? Join us for a powerful conversation with Stephen Brown, CEO of the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), as he shares his journey from a labor negotiator to leading one of Canada’s most vital advocacy organizations. This episode explores the deep connection between personal transformation, community service, and the struggle for justice.
In this episode of the Balance podcast, we dive deep into the intersection of faith, finance, and social justice. Stephen opens up about his personal transformation after accepting Islam at Concordia University and how his faith became a superpower in his professional life. We explore the unique challenges facing Muslims in Quebec, the historical struggle for civil liberties, and the real economic cost of Islamophobia in Canada.
Stephen also shares profound insights into the history of black Canadians and why he chose to leave a stable career to fight for the rights of the next generation. We discuss the importance of building strong institutions, the financial impact of discrimination, and how the Muslim community can strategically invest in its own future. Whether you are interested in civil rights, personal growth, or the socio-economic landscape of Canada, this conversation offers a rare and moving perspective.
21 May 2026
Wahed Invest Hits $2 Billion: The Future of Halal Investing
The world of Islamic finance is evolving rapidly, creating new opportunities for Muslims to grow their wealth while staying aligned with their values. But with innovation comes important questions around Sharia compliance, ethical investing, risk management, and the future of halal financial products.
In this exclusive conversation, we sit down with Umer Suleman, Chief Risk Officer at Wahed, to explore how technology and ethical finance are transforming access to halal investing across the globe.
From Wahed’s milestone of reaching $2 billion in assets under management to the growing role of waqf, asset-backed payments, and Islamic investment innovation, this discussion offers valuable insights for Muslim professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, and families looking to build wealth with purpose.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
The future of halal investing and Islamic finance
How Sharia-compliant investing and financial screening work
The significance of waqf and strategic charity in community growth
Innovations shaping ethical wealth management and asset-backed payments
Practical advice for Muslim professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors
17 Apr 2026
From Story to Systems: Identity, Money, & Impact
What happens when you combine a PhD in Applied AI with a passion for sustainable fashion and community building? In this episode of Balance, we dive deep with Dr. Ayse Mohammed to explore how technology and faith can reshape our world for the better.
Key insights in this episode:
- Understanding Applied AI and its role in solving real-world problems
- The environmental impact of fast fashion and how to build a timeless wardrobe
- Reimagining fintech with Islamic principles and AI-driven ethical screening
- Navigating life as an immigrant and the cultural differences between Turkey and Canada
- Practical advice for Muslim women balancing faith and modern relevance
10 Feb 2026
The Muslim Guide to Crypto - Part 2
In Part 2 of The Muslim Guide to Crypto, we go deeper into the fiqh of digital assets, exploring how classical Islamic principles apply to one of today’s most revolutionary financial technologies. Sh. Mu'aawiyah Tucker will break down the methodology (usool) they use to determine whether Bitcoin and other crypto assets meet the conditions of halal financial conduct.
What You'll Learn:
The key rulings that determine when Bitcoin use is permissible, and when it crosses into the doubtful zone.
Which crypto activities clearly violate Shariah principles (including staking, futures, options, and lending).
How to distinguish between investing and maysir (speculative gambling).
Whether volatility itself is a Shariah concern, or if intention and structure matter more.
What a truly halal crypto portfolio looks like in practice, and what to exclude.
How Muslims can manage risk responsibly through sound position sizing, time horizons, and custody practices.
A high-level approach to calculating zakat on Bitcoin holdings.
The growing challenge of centralization in Bitcoin’s custody, mining, and exchange ecosystems, and what that means for Muslim investors.
10 Jan 2026
Balance: Debt-Free Real Estate: A Conversation with Sirai Farah
In today's complex financial landscape, Muslim investors face a unique opportunity: building wealth through real estate without debt or interest, fully aligned with faith and principles. Discover how debt-free strategies empower communities and create lasting legacy.
Join Hash Assad, Sh. Navaid Aziz, and guest Sirai Farah—co-founder of DeenVest Capital—for an inspiring online conversation on halal real estate investing. Gain practical insights into interest-free property funds, ethical wealth growth, and Sharia-compliant models that deliver clarity and confidence.
In this episode, you will learn:
Sirai's journey founding DeenVest and shifting from conventional real estate to faith-based investing
How debt-free funds acquire multifamily properties without leverage or riba
Realities of raising capital for halal US investments and shifting investor mindsets
Key insights for Muslim and non-Muslim investors on ethical real estate
Scaling a values-driven business with transparency and compliance
5 Dec 2025
Balance: The Muslim Guide to Crypto
Today, Muslims everywhere are navigating one of the biggest financial shifts in modern history. Digital money is reshaping the world. The question is: how do we engage with these new technologies while staying true to our values?
Join trusted voices in Islamic finance as they break down what every Muslim should understand about Bitcoin, blockchain, and the future of money. This session offers clarity, grounded knowledge, and a practical look at where global financial systems are heading.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
How Bitcoin and blockchain technology actually work and is it actually halal
Why many Muslims are considering alternatives to modern fiat money
How these assets align with Islamic principles on money and transparency
What the future may hold for Bitcoin and global financial systems
Whether you're curious, skeptical, or simply want to understand what's happening in the world of finance, this session will provide you with clarity and practical insights rooted in our Islamic values.
24 Oct 2025
Balance: Faith, Family, Finance and Fitness
In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining balance between faith, family, finance, and fitness is one of the greatest challenges and opportunities, for modern Muslims.
Join us for a powerful conversation with Sh. Abdullah Oduro, an internationally recognized imam, educator, and convert to Islam who brings together Islamic scholarship, practical life experience, and a passion for personal growth.
From his journey of faith and identity to his work at Yaqeen Institute and MasterMan Nation, Sh. Abdullah has inspired thousands to reconnect with their deen, lead their families with integrity, and strengthen both body and soul.
How faith shapes your approach to family and wealth
Why fitness and discipline are essential parts of spiritual life
The balance between worship, work, and well-being
Practical steps to realign your daily life with Islamic values
Whether you’re striving to lead your home, build financial stability, or simply live with more purpose — this episode will leave you motivated and grounded in faith.
29 Aug 2025
Balance: The Current State of Real Estate
Are rising interest rates, inflation, and market uncertainty leaving you wondering, "Should I buy now or wait?"
This podcast dives deep into Halal real estate strategies with expert insights to help you navigate these challenging times. Join us as Nader from Manzil Realty shares his expertise, offering Sharia-compliant solutions for first-time homebuyers, real estate investors, and families seeking long-term financial stability. Together, we explore:
The impact of rising inflation and interest rates on real estate markets across Canada.
Key strategies to balance faith and financial goals when buying a home.
The complexities of timing the market versus focusing on long-term investment strategies.
The unique challenges and opportunities in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton.
Whether you're looking to buy your first home or expand your investment portfolio, this video answers your most pressing questions about navigating the real estate market while staying true to your values.
4 Jul 2025
Balance: Sheikh Belal Assaad - Money, Marriage & Faith
Sheikh Belal Assaad shares Islamic perspectives on halal investing, global equities markets, and wealth management, offering practical steps for financial security rooted in faith; this is an interview.
26 Jun 2025
Balance: Alberta Halal Mortgage
This episode explores Alberta's first regulated halal mortgage, explaining its Sharia-compliant structure and benefits for ethical financial planning, making it an interview.
20 May 2025
Balance: Muslim Wealth and Legacy Building with Sh. Joe Bradford
Islamic finance expert Sh. Joe Bradford discusses with hosts Hash Assad and Sh. Navaid Aziz how Muslims balance wealth-building with spiritual humility to create lasting, halal generational wealth in this interview.
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Host of BALANCE: Where Faith Meets Finance?
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