ISRA Academy Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Silma Ihram, Educational Consultant and founder of one of Australia’s earliest Islamic schooling initiatives, to reflect on her remarkable journey to Islam and her lifelong commitment to Islamic education.

What were the most critical steps taken by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in his very first year in Madinah and why do they matter so much?In this podcast, Dr Suleyman Sertkaya explores the foundational decisions made by the Prophet after the Hijrah, showing how Madinah was transformed from Yathrib into a morally, socially, and politically grounded community. Rather than viewing events in isolation, this talk situates the first year in Madinah within the broader chronology of the Sīrah, highlighting intention, strategy, and long-term vision.

In this episode, we explore a question many people quietly struggle with: If Allah already knows whether I will go to Paradise or Hell, why does He test me at all? This conversation unpacks a common misunderstanding about divine knowledge, destiny (qadar), and human responsibility.

In this episode, Prof Mehmet Ozalp and Dr Zuleyha Keskin explore five Qur'anic proofs for the existence of the afterlife. While traditional Muslim scholarship often focused on revelation rather than rational arguments, the Qur'an itself offers proofs of life after death. Join us as we discuss these proofs and reflect on how they strengthen our understanding of the Hereafter.

Who is Dajjal, the great deceiver of the end times? Is he a literal being, or could he represent a system of deception and misguidance? In this video, we explore the different interpretations of Dajjal found in Islamic scholarship and thought. We also discuss how the concept of Dajjal connects to the return of Isa (AS) and the emergence of Yajuj and Majuj, offering a deeper understanding of Islamic eschatology.

Dr Mustafa Khattab, the translator of The Clear Quran, joins me to share the remarkable journey of translating the words of Allah. In this conversation, he reflects on what inspired him, the challenges he faced, the spiritual moments he experienced and the lessons we can all take from his path.

In this podcast, Dr Suleyman Sertkaya takes us on a detailed journey through the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) arrival in Quba, the construction of the first masjid (mosque) and the first khutbah (sermon).

Many know that Ta’if was one of the most painful moments in the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ but few know the deeper stories behind it. In this video, Sirah expert Dr Suleyman, goes beyond the surface to explore what made the journey to Ta’if significant. From walking out of Mecca on foot after a year of immense personal loss, to the heartbreaking rejection by the leaders of Ta’if, this podcast provides details you would not have known before. Also, why Ta'if? Listen to this podcast to find out the answers to these questions plus more.

In this enlightening conversation, Prof Mehmet Ozalp sits down with Dr Zuleyha Keskin to explore one of the most destructive yet often misunderstood emotions — hasad (envy). They discuss what envy truly is, how it differs from jealousy, and why it is considered a disease of the heart in Islamic spirituality. Drawing on Qur’anic insights and Prophetic teachings, they also unpack how envy manifests in daily life and share practical guidance on how to purify the heart from hasad and nurture genuine contentment.

The Year of Sorrow (Aam al-Huzn) was one of the most difficult and heartbreaking periods in the life of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). In this year, he faced the devastating loss of his beloved wife, Khadijah (RA), and his protective uncle, Abu Talib. With their passing, he not only endured deep personal grief but also faced increased persecution in Makkah. This video provides detailed insight into these events along with lessons for us today.