Mindful Meeting
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him & his family) said, “The best of you are those who are best to their family, and I am the best amongst you to my family.” Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said, “May Allah have mercy on those who revive our affairs.” These powerful words shape the foundation of Mindful Meeting—a space where we strive to revive, reform, and strengthen ourselves and our families through meaningful conversations and personal growth.
I’m King Abu, your host. Originally from East Africa and now living in the States, I’m a full-time provider, student, and most importantly, a father to two energetic boys. Life keeps me busy, and let’s be real—Somali tea keeps me going.
But beyond the daily hustle, my journey led me to a painful realization: our communities are struggling with broken families, and no one wants to talk about it. After my divorce, I saw firsthand how unprepared many of us are for marriage and the responsibilities that come with it. Divorce rates in the Muslim Ummah are rising, and if we want to change that, we need to start at the root—by preparing ourselves and our youth for healthy, lasting relationships.
That’s why Mindful Meeting isn’t just about marriage. It’s about holistic growth—spiritually, financially, mentally, emotionally, and physically—because building strong families starts with becoming strong individuals. Every week, I sit down with experts and real people to uncover wisdom, share stories, and learn how to navigate life’s challenges with faith and intention.
This is more than a podcast. It’s a movement—one that calls us to revive the affairs of Ahlul Bayt, strengthen our homes and families, and become the best versions of ourselves. So, grab a cup of my Somali tea, as that’s my specialty, and let’s embark together on this journey.
Lastly, I am known for my Somali tea; it is my specialty!
Mindful Meeting
S2E18 - The Road to Martyrdom: What Led to the Assassination of Imam Ali (AS)
Welcome to Mindful Meeting Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Saad Al-Sikaafi to discuss the historical and political circumstances that led to the assassination of Imam Ali. We discuss the real meaning of Mawla, factors that led to the assassination of Imam Ali, and why people today question the authority of Imam Ali.
What You’ll Learn:
[00:00] Introduction
[04:10] Who Is Imam Ali?
[07:10] Understanding the Qualities of Imam Ali
[15:12] What Led to the Assassination of Imam Ali?
[17:25] Proof That Imam Ali is the Divine Successor of the Prophet
[23:51] The Real Meaning of Mawla
[31:15] More Evidence About the Meaning of Mawla
[35:25] Why Almost Everybody Turned Against Imam Ali
[38:45] Was Abu Bakr a Legitimate Caliph?
[42:05] Imam Ali Only Wants to Guide People Back to Allah
[45:05] The Denial of Imam Ali’s Authority
[50:12] Saad Al-Sikaafi’s Message to Humanity
[51:23] Parting Thoughts
Resources:
Dialogue in the Source of the Belief by Saad Hameed
Follow us on IG: @mindfulmeetingpodcast
Follow us on TikTok: @mindfulmeeting
Follow us on X: @mindful_meeting
Enjoy! Thank you, and God bless you all!
And finally, remember to treat each other with kindness.
Quotes
- “Sometimes the best praise you can get comes from the enemy’s mouth.” - King Abu
- “Without the allegiance of Imam Ali, Abu Bakr would never, ever be legitimate.” - Saad Al-Sikaafi
- “If you want to be accepted by Allah, there is one path, and only one path, the path of Imam Ali.” - Saad Al-Sikaafi
- “Whoever obeys Ali, obeys Allah. Whoever disobeys Ali, disobeys Allah.” - Saad Al-Sikaafi
