Welcome to our podcast, a platform dedicated to delving deep into the experiences of Muslim students in university. Through engaging conversations among our speakers, we aim to uncover and explore the distinctive hurdles they confront, fostering a better understanding of their challenges within the university environment. Join us as we embark on a collective journey of discovery and dialogue.
The Fastest Way to Allah’s Pleasure | Rehan Salim | Firmly Rooted Ep 16
In this latest episode of the Firmly Rooted podcast, Rehan Salim unpacks why the Qur'an consistently pairs the command to worship Allah alone with goodness to one's parents - arguing that honouring parents is not a side thing, but one of the most direct routes to Allah's pleasure.
This episode will help you reframe how young Muslims and university students should think about their parents - while they still have them.
This video covers:
Why the Qur'an repeatedly ties worshipping Allah to goodness toward parents
Inspiring stories that show what honouring a mother can earn
Three practical habits for university students: humility, learning what makes them happy, and consistent communication
How to navigate difficult or controlling parents - including the three criteria for when to listen to them
How to speak to your parents about marriage
Looking for more Firmly Rooted content? Check out our top episodes:
Are you ready for Marriage? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87wrgmhXBCo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87wrgmhXBCo)
How to get married https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51ggEz6MhHw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51ggEz6MhHw)
Addictions, Temptations & Marriage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggLnzTP9nZY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggLnzTP9nZY)
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/firmly-rooted/id1709700213 (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/firmly-rooted/id1709700213)
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3XojwtnPcAX3B2Nm39lOAQ (https://open.spotify.com/show/3XojwtnPcAX3B2Nm39lOAQ)
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RootsAcademyuk (https://www.youtube.com/@RootsAcademyuk)
Website: https://rootsacademy.co.uk/ (https://rootsacademy.co.uk/)
Check out the full playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy0lOVCoktk0hGEFDnlQ6311m5GQ3088A (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy0lOVCoktk0hGEFDnlQ6311m5GQ3088A)
🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about faith, identity & student life.
13 Apr 2026
Faith, Panic Attacks & the Student Mental Health Crisis | Firmly Rooted EP15 | Asim Khan
Half of young Muslims at university suffer from anxiety or depression.
In this latest episode of the Firmly Rooted podcast, Asim Khan argues that Islam has always addressed mental health - through Quranic stories of prophets experiencing grief, anxiety, and fear - but cultural stigma has caused Muslims to treat these struggles as signs of weak faith rather than human realities God has already spoken to.
He offers a holistic framework: combining spiritual grounding (Quran, reliance on God, prophetic example) with practical steps like physical exercise, good companionship, and professional support from Muslim clinicians. The conversation is especially aimed at university-age Muslims navigating loneliness, identity pressure, and the compounding effect of Islamophobia.
This episode covers:
Why mental health stigma in Muslim communities often comes from culture, not Islam - and what the Quran actually says about the mind
How prophets like Yaqub (AS) and Musa (AS) experienced what we'd today call depression and anxiety, and what they did with it
The holistic approach: why spiritual, physical, and emotional wellbeing are inseparable in Islam
Practical steps for Muslim students - from choosing the right friend circle and seeking Muslim clinicians, to reciting Quran aloud before your exams
🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about student life, faith & identity.
7 Jul 2025
#11 “Vision, Direction, Decisions!” A Conversation on Motivation, Purpose, Faith w/ Iqbal Nassim
What drives you when no one’s watching? In this thought provoking episode of Firmly Rooted, we explore our understanding of motivation and what it means to live a life driven not by applause, but for the sake of Allah.With Iqbal Nassim, we are taken through a personal and spiritual journey of aligning our priorities with that of our greater purpose - to live God-centered lives. Whether you're in university, leading a team, or just trying to stay spiritually grounded, this episode will challenge you to realign and refocus.
15 Jun 2025
#10 Qur’an or Career? What Every Muslim Student Needs to Hear
University deadlines. Social pressure. Distractions everywhere. Where does the Qur’an fit in?
In this episode, Ustadh Hisham is joined by Shaykh Jamal Abdinasir to explore the challenges and opportunities for students trying to stay spiritually anchored.
27 Jan 2025
#9 How I Raised $2 MILLION with a Muslim Startup w/ Shinaz Navas
In this episode we sit down with Shinaz, a young startup business founder, and someone with an inspiring vision for the future.
8 Dec 2024
#8 My Journey to Islam w/Brother Esa Loo - Firmly Rooted
In this episode, we sit down with inspiring revert, Esa who shares his transformative journey to Islam. From leaving his religion to discovering Islam and embracing it as his new way of life, he recounts pivotal moments and heartfelt anecdotes that shaped his path.
We discuss the power of dawah through actions over words and how leading by example can spark curiosity and change for reverts. Our guest Esa also offers heartfelt advice to new reverts, touching on the challenges and blessings that come with this spiritual journey.
Whether you’re a revert, born Muslim, or simply curious about Islam, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical wisdom. Tune in for more!
13 Oct 2024
#7 Addictions, Temptations & Marriage - Our Biggest Challenge? Ft Ustadh Asim Khan
Have you ever felt stuck in a dark hole, drowning in a world filled with temptations and explicit content just a few clicks away?
Sensitive yet widespread topics such as pornography addiction can often be
overlooked or buried under the carpet for lots of reasons.
In this episode, we try to break down these barriers by chatting with our specialguest Ustadh Asim Khan, Pharmacist, Author and Imam. We explore the social, mental and spiritual impacts of struggling with addictions - and how to find the path to recovery.
We also discuss how building accountability, seeking professional help from muslim individuals, and repentance is crucial in Islam.
25 May 2024
#6 The Biggest Muslim Crisis w/ Ustadh Mustafa Razzak
In this deeply engaging episode, we confront what many consider the biggest crisis facing the Ummah today: the neglect of prayer (Salah).
25 May 2024
#5 Preparing for Ramadan, The Ideal Muslim Student w/ Ustadh Mohammad Al-Kayani
Join us in this insightful podcast episode as we delve into the profound significance of Ramadan, offering valuable insights on preparation, embodying the ideals of a Muslim student, and setting meaningful goals for the holy month.
5 Feb 2024
#4 Apps, Cafés and Marriage Meetings w/ Sheikh Mustafa Shaybani
How do you get married? From navigating the path to finding the right potential partner to the use of apps, our guests share wisdom, anecdotes, and practical tips to guide you through this exciting chapter of life.
5 Feb 2024
#3 Are You Ready for Marriage? w/ Sheikh Mustafa Shaybani
In this thought-provoking episode, we're diving into the heart of a crucial question: Are You Ready for Marriage? Join us as we navigate the complexities of marriage, self-discovery, and partnership. Our guests share personal experiences, insights, and valuable advice to help you gauge your readiness for this significant life step.
20 Dec 2023
#2 Finding Your Purpose
In this enlightening episode, we delve deep into the profound quest of finding one's purpose within the realm of career choices. Join us as we explore the intricate journey of self-discovery, uncovering the inner passions, values, and aspirations that guide individuals toward a fulfilling path. Don't miss this inspiring discussion on unlocking your true purpose!
1 Oct 2023
#1 Navigating First Year, Finding Your People, Standing Your Ground
From getting invited to pubs and bars by your coursemates to your lecturers telling you that God isn’t real, the faith of Muslim students is continuously tested on campus. How would you respond when you get invited to the pub? Or when your non-muslim friend tries to convince you that God isn’t real? This episode will discuss the experiences of former students and how they dealt with all the pressures of Western society.
29 Sept 2023
Firmly Rooted Trailer
Welcome to our podcast, a platform dedicated to delving deep into the experiences of Muslim students in university. Our mission is to shine a spotlight on the often overlooked issues they encounter during their academic journeys. Join us as we embark on a collective journey of discovery and dialogue.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Contact Firmly Rooted
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Firmly Rooted?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
