ISRA Academy Podcast

Епизоди

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  Logical Fallacies in Atheist Arguments - With Dr Omer Atilla Ergi 12.08.2026 30мин

  In discussions about faith and atheism, the conversation is often shaped not only by evidence, but also by the way arguments are constructed. In this episode, Dr Zuleyha Keskin speaks with Dr Omer Atilla Ergi about several common logical fallacies that frequently appear in arguments against belief in God. Together, they explore how these fallacies influence public discourse and why clear reasoning is essential when discussing questions of faith. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction04:27 Argument from ignorance11:38 Shifting the burden of proof21:56 Nietzsche: As modernity and science advance, belief in God declines25:37 They fight with the God in their imagination Both Dr Omer Atilla Ergi and Dr Zuleyha Keskin teach in the Islamic Studies courses offered by ISRA Academy. For more info: https://www.isra.org.au/uni-courses/
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  The Charter of Madinah: A Solution for Today’s Divided World - With Dr Suleyman Sertkaya 09.08.2026 50мин

  More than 1,400 years ago, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ established the Charter of Madinah, bringing diverse religious, tribal and cultural communities together under a shared framework. Dr Suleyman Sertkaya explores its principles of coexistence, religious freedom, cultural autonomy and shared responsibility and argues that this historic document can solve many of the problems we’re facing today.   Timestamps:00:00 Introduction04:16 The last 100 years: turmoil after turmoil15:17 Recognition of every community in Madinah18:47 A timeless and ideal document21:30 Everyone participates24:00 Religious and cultural autonomy for each group25:38 The Prophet ﷺ as mediator rather than judge31:00 Islamic laws are binding upon Muslims only34:25 The Charter as an overarching framework37:15 Recognition of cultural differences and autonomy40:23 Madinah as a protected territory and one ummah46:35 Concluding comments
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  Guide for Youth Part 2 - With Dr Omer Atilla Ergi 07.08.2026 35мин

  This  episode is part of the Risale-i Nur Series
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  Can Muslims Go To Therapy - With Dr Zuleyha Keskin 04.08.2026 18мин

  Mental health is discussed more openly than ever before, yet many Muslims still hesitate to speak about their struggles or seek support. Does experiencing anxiety, sadness or emotional distress mean our faith is weak? And what role can therapy play alongside faith? Timestamps00:00 Introduction00:16 Why some Muslims are ashamed to experience certain emotions03:08 Why Muslims shy away from therapy05:14 Do faith and therapy serve the same purpose?12:02 A message for someone struggling with their mental health This conversation is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as personal psychological or medical advice. If you are experiencing persistent or severe distress, please seek support from an appropriately qualified health professional.
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  Guide for Youth Part 1 - With Dr Omer Atilla Ergi 03.08.2026 39мин

  This episode part of the the Risale-i Nur series.
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  Religion and Science: Friend or Foe? - With Dr Omer Atilla Ergi 30.07.2026 26мин

  In this episode, Dr Zuleyha Keskin speaks with Dr Omer Atilla Ergi about one of the most enduring questions of our time: are science and religion really in conflict? They explore the historical relationship between faith and scientific inquiry, challenge common misconceptions about Islam and science, and discuss why the deeper we understand the universe, the more profound its mysteries become. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:15 Emergence of naturalism05:03 Many classical scholars were scientists as well10:37 God of everything, not God of gaps14:54 Life is the biggest mystery21:17 God is the author of the Qur’an and the universe
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  Raising Strong Muslim Daughters in the West - With Dr Zuleyha Keskin 27.07.2026 20мин

  Raising daughters in a Western context comes with challenges that are not always obvious. In this conversation, Zeynep speaks with Dr Zuleyha Keskin about helping Muslim girls develop the confidence, resilience and inner strength needed to remain grounded in their faith. They discuss the subtle social pressures young Muslim women face, the importance of building trust and creating a relationship in which daughters feel safe speaking openly. Timestamps00:00 Introduction00:30 One of the biggest challenges04:36 Being Muslim requires a lot of strength07:58 The challenges are socially more subtle13:55 Your daughter should be able to come to you for anything
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  The Power of Bismillah - With Prof Mehmet Ozalp 23.07.2026 25мин

  In this conversation, Ustadh Ahmet Ozturk speaks with Professor Mehmet Ozalp about the deeper meaning and spiritual significance of Bismillah — “In the name of Allah.” This is a thoughtful conversation on faith, creation, dependence on Allah, and the spiritual power contained in words we often say without fully reflecting on their meaning. Timestamps00:00 Introduction01:00 We don’t say Basmala enough02:34 Basmala is the summary of the Qur’an09:40 Everything cooperates to support life15:43 Humankind being created in the “image of God”20:50 Tapping into the power of God with Basmala
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  If God Needs Nothing, Why Did He Create - With Dr Omer Atilla Ergi 15.07.2026 24мин

  If God needs nothing, why did He create the universe? And if He is completely self-sufficient, why does He ask us to worship Him? In this episode, Dr Zuleyha Keskin speaks with Dr Omer Atilla Ergi about Allah's absolute independence, the purpose of creation, and why worship benefits us, not God. Together they explore how worship is ultimately a process of purification and spiritual growth. Timestamps00:00 Introduction04:49 It’s the talent that results in an outcome10:10 Humans are agents of need and we compare15:55 Response to “Why does God need our worship?”21:15 Purification process
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  Challenging Questions About God and Evil - With Prof Ozalp and Dr Ergi 10.07.2026 39мин

  In this thought-provoking Q&A session, Dr Omer Atilla Ergi addresses some of the most challenging questions surrounding suffering, justice, evil, and the wisdom of Allah. Drawing on Islamic theology and spirituality, he explores how believers can make sense of suffering while maintaining faith, trust, and hope. Timestamps: 00:00 Why do evil people get away with evil?06:48 Why is suffering distributed unevenly?09:44 Advice for someone who feels distant from Allah because of suffering17:33 Why do non-Muslim countries appear more just than Muslim countries?21:21 Why do some people suffer to the point of suicide?28:20 Does a privileged Muslim have it easier than a destitute non-Muslim?35:20 Why are evil people created?
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  The Historic Madinah Charter - With Dr Suleyman Sertkaya 04.07.2026 58мин

  In this episode, Dr Suleyman Sertkaya explores the historical significance of the Madinah Charter, one of the earliest documented agreements governing a diverse society. He discusses the circumstances that led to its formation, when and how it was documented and who the parties were.
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  Does Suffering Disprove God? - With Dr Omer Atilla Ergi 30.06.2026 28мин

  Dr Omer Atilla Ergi explores one of the most challenging questions in philosophy and theology: the Problem of Evil. Drawing on reason and Islamic theological insights, he examines whether suffering truly contradicts belief in a merciful God and how concepts such as free will, human perspective, and divine wisdom contribute to understanding this issue. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction00:26 The term theodicy01:17 The argument that suffering contradicts God’s mercy09:02 Is God All-Powerful?09:51 If God is all-powerful, is He intentionally not stopping suffering?13:50 Evil and suffering are subjective19:03 Free will can cause suffering, but free will is needed
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  How Do We Know Which Religion Is True - With Dr Omer Atilla Ergi 24.06.2026 26мин

  In this conversation, Dr Zuleyha Keskin and Dr Omer Atilla Ergi explore one of the most important questions a person can ask: how do we know which religion is true?  00:00 Introduction00:52 Who asks this question?05:07 How the names of God may be understood in other religions07:12 Renowned historic figures may have been prophets13:15 Why would there be no prophet after Prophet Muhammad?17:12 What if I was born into a non-Muslim family?23:31 Being born into a certain religion is not an advantage
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  Is The Animal Kingdom Built on Suffering? - With Prof Mehmet Ozalp 21.06.2026 28мин

  Many modern atheists argue that the natural world is fundamentally cruel, a place where survival depends on predation, competition, and death. In this thought-provoking discussion, Prof Mehmet Ozalp and Dr Zuleyha Keskin explore a different perspective. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction00:38 Famous atheists portray life as all about suffering04:05 There’s less suffering in the animal kingdom than it’s made out to be11:44 Rational argument that life is about helping one another19:50 Imam Ghazali’s approach22:47 Knowledge beyond the animals
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  Nafs Al-Ammarah (The Commanding Self) - With Prof Mehmet Ozalp 17.06.2026 28мин

  What drives our thoughts, emotions, habits, and behaviours? In this new series, Prof Mehmet Ozalp and Dr Zuleyha Keskin explore the classical Islamic concept of the seven levels of the nafs (self), beginning with the first and lowest level: Nafs al-Ammarah (the Commanding Self). Drawing on Islamic scholarship, spirituality, and practical examples from everyday life, this discussion examines how the nafs influences our actions, why we struggle with certain habits, and how spiritual growth begins. 📌 Timestamps 00:00 Introduction00:58 What is the nafs?02:36 Introduction to Nafs al-Ammarah08:30 Habit change and the different levels of the nafs09:38 Signs of Nafs al-Ammarah17:43 Hadith on anger and emotional dysregulation21:22 The relationship between iman and Nafs al-Ammarah25:28 How do you recognise that you are coming out of Nafs al-Ammarah? This episode is part of our series on The 7 Levels of the Nafs, exploring the journey of spiritual purification and inner transformation in Islam.
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  Madinah Before Islam - With Dr Suleyman Sertkaya 12.06.2026 51мин

  What was Madinah like before the arrival of Islam? In this insightful lecture, Dr Suleyman Sertkaya explores the history of Yathrib (later known as Madinah) before the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ migrated there. Discover the tribal dynamics, longstanding conflicts, and social conditions that shaped the city and prepared it for one of the most significant transformations in human history. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction03:15 Why it was called Yathrib07:38 Population breakdown of Yathrib when the Prophet ﷺ arrived11:23 Aws and Khazraj: Two brothers from the same mother and father20:32 The Buʿāth Wars30:46 The search for an external person to resolve conflict in Yathrib43:17 Islam comes into the picture44:15 Factors contributing to the people of Madinah accepting Islam
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  Was The Universe Created For Humans Only - With Dr Omer Atilla Ergi 10.06.2026 22мин

  In this first episode of Response to Atheists, Dr Zuleyha Keskin speaks with Dr Omer Atilla Ergi about humanity's place in creation, the possibility of other intelligent beings, and what the Qur'an says about the vast universe around us. 📌 In this episode:00:00 Introduction00:31 Introduction to the series02:10 Does the Qur'an say the entire universe was created just for us?05:47 We are not alone09:34 Qur'an 17:70: Favouring humans over most, not all of creation14:24 Qur'an 65:12: Many earths?19:31 Why I'm a strong believer in other creations like humans Both Dr Omer Atilla Ergi and Dr Zuleyha Keskin teach in the Islamic Studies courses offered by ISRA Academy. For more info: https://www.isra.org.au/uni-courses/
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  7 Things Children Need More Than Love - With Dr Zuleyha Keskin 05.06.2026 14мин

  Most parents love their children deeply. However, children need more than love. Drawing on examples from the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and stories from the Qur'an, this talk offers practical insights for parents who want to raise children who feel secure, guided, resilient, and spiritually grounded.
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  How the Prophet ﷺ Built a Civilisation in Madinah - With Dr Suleyman Sertkaya 20.05.2026 52мин

  Dr Suleyman Sertkaya explores the foundational steps taken by the Prophet ﷺ after the Hijrah, showing how Madinah was shaped through faith, community, education, economic independence, social responsibility and ethical leadership. This talk offers powerful lessons for Muslims today on how prophetic guidance can shape not only individual character, but also families, communities and society. Timestamps:00:00 Foundational Steps After the Hijrah04:25 Mosque, Brotherhood and Education in Madinah12:40 Declaring Madinah a Sacred Sanctuary19:40 Establishing an Independent Marketplace46:00 Laying the Foundations of Civilisation
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  Can We Stop Time and Ageing - With Dr Omer Atilla Ergi 17.05.2026 19мин

  Can we stop time and ageing? In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr Zuleyha Keskin and Dr Omer Atilla Ergi explore one of humanity's deepest questions, weaving together modern science and Islamic wisdom to uncover what time truly means, and what our faith teaches us about its inevitable passage. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Time cannot be defined 07:49 Theoretically you can go forward in time 10:17 Two reasons why ageing occurs 12:05 Nothing is eternal 14:11 Death is a blessing