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
A Sunni asks of Shia Path
Welcome to Mindful Meeting Podcast. In this episode, we pay tribute to the life and enduring legacy of Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq, commemorating his martyrdom not through sorrow, but through thoughtful reflection and meaningful engagement. Tune in to hear Abdu, Muhammad Hani, and I wrestle with big questions, rethink old assumptions, unpack why most Imams were misunderstood, and explain what the Imam’s role means for us today.
[00:00] Introduction
[05:10] Today’s Riddle
[07:04] Getting to Know Abdul and Muhammad Hani
[09:28] Characteristics of Imam Ali
[11:15] Some Special Qualities of Imam Ali
[18:10] The Difference Between Imama and Khalifa
[23:45] What Caused Three Civil Wars During Imam Ali’s Rule
[28:09] How Imams Strategically Preached Islam
[34:30] What Really Happened to Imam Ali?
[38:50] Ways to Trace the Authenticity of an Imam
[46:28] Discussing the Authority of the Shias
[49:42] True Islam will Survive Till the End of Time
[55:58] Why Most Imams Were Worried About Their Safety
[59:57] Most Imams Were Misunderstood
[01:06:35] The Concept of the Tough Imam
[1:09:30] The True Role and Purpose of an Imam
[01:14:35] How the Imam Can Guide You
[1:18:25] The 1979 Revolution of Iran
[1:22:45] Parting Thoughts
Resources:
All relevant links and re/sources will be provided in the Show Notes found on the website at:
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Enjoy! Thank you, and God bless you all!
And finally, remember to treat each other with kindness.
Quotes:
- “Imam Ali is indisputably the most esteemed and respected Sahabi of the Holy Prophet.” – King Abu
- “Salah is actually considered the pillar of the religion.” – King Abu
- “Nothing can happen without people feeling the need for it to happen.” – Mohammed Hani
- “Don’t be passive with your faith; instead be very active.” – King Abu
- “No matter how many differences we have, there’s one thing that unites us and that is humanity itself.” - Mohammed Hani
