In this video, I introduce you to the Founder of Heray Spice, a Chicago-based company working closely with a cooperative of farmers across his native Afghanistan to source the most beautiful, high quality saffron you’ll find (among other lovely ingredients such as wild cumin, and more). Listen in to Mohammed’s story as well as journey to becoming an entrepreneur and social impact leader. We discuss a lot of great things in this piece- it’s one of my favorites to date! Please leave your comments over on YouTube below the video and be sure to give us a like and subscribe to my channel.
In this video, I interview Mamadou Ndiaye who talks about his journey from Senegal to France and then to Malaysia as he embarks on a journey from student to professional in a major French company, then on towards his entrepreneurial journeys that led him to found his current company, Wasabih. Wasabih is poised to change the way people in the global Halal industry do business. Mamadou is an inspiration to anyone with a dream and a vision to pivot towards those dreams, even when the risk of doing so seems like the rocking a very comfortable boat.
Connect and do business on Wasabih: www.wasabih.com
Just before Ramadan I interviewed Martin Herbrich of Blue Angel Farm. He created a company that provides Halal supplements with fantastic Halal ingredients, particularly with women’s health in mind. In this interview you’ll hear why Martin created his company and how he is also cultivating a socially-conscious Halal health company with quality in mind first. Have a look.
Recently I interviewed Dr. Madiha Saeed, MD about her new book, Holistic Rx: Parenting Healthy Brains & Bodies in a Changing World. It was an insightful conversation about so many things related to inflammation, gut health, toxicity in our homes and how all of that effects the development, health, happiness and attachment styles of children. Her kids make a cameo at the end so you won’t want to miss seeing them and how attuned they are to making their own healthy food and lifestyle choices, which was so great to see. Click on the image below to watch the interview.
You can get a copy of her book by clicking on the image below.
Just before the start of Ramadan, I sat down with Mubarakah Ibrahim of Fit Muslimah to discuss the science behind what happens to our bodies when we fast. She gave so many incredible explanations and tips on what, when and how to eat and drink during the Ramadan (dry) fasting, you just simply don’t want to miss a minute of this interview. Take a seat, grab a pen and paper and take notes- it’s super interesting.
Before Ramadan, I was approached by a team of wonderful UNHCR officers in Canada and the U.S. who asked if I would be interested in learning about the UNHCR Islamic Philanthropy Program. Although I thought I was up to date on the various humanitarian aid organizations helping refugees and internally displaced persons around the globe, I was totally unaware of this incredible program in which all of the boxes have been checked to ensure that the characteristics of the program are 100% zakat-compliant for both donor and recipient, as well as backed by the fatwas of several Muslim scholars. This is important on so many levels, which is one of the many reasons I feel honored to partner with UNHCR this Ramadan to help as many people as we can through our amazing community.
Later this week, program officers from UNHCR will be LIVE on the MHK Facebook page to discuss the program in more detail, as well as the situation in Yemen. This is the area of focus for our Ramadan partnership because the situation is so incredibly dire and people, including very small children, are in an extremely precarious situation in which your donations could literally mean the difference between life and death.
Displaced children study in a school constructed by UNHCR in Al Raqa site in Sana’a. Over 35 displaced students study primary school inside the hosting site. They used to walk a very long distance to get to the closest public school in their district. ; Al Raqah site hosts some 130 displaced families in Hamdan district, north of Sana’a. The majority of IDPs had to flee from their homes due to conflict and come mainly from Nihm district (in Sana’a, bordering Marib), Hudaydah, Hajjah, Taiz, and Al Jawf governorates, most of them have been displaced for five years, though there are a limited number of families displaced more recently. The main issues reported by the residents include the lack of access to food, (food rations are distributed only to some 20 families). Severe needs for health services (there is no service provider available for free), and a long-term partner to provide water, sanitation and hygiene services. In addition, one of the main issues faced by the residents is housing, land and property issues with the private owners of the land, as some have reported threats of eviction. Most importantly, the IDPs have reported the need for livelihood projects to enable them to be self-reliant and improve their living conditions.
Each of you have helped to create a community of phenomenal, caring, loving and supportive readers who can really make a difference in Yemen this Ramadan.
That’s why I’ve set a goal for us to raise $100,000 USDthis Ramadan.
I believe we can surpass this, insha’Allah.
Your generous donation is 100% zakat approved, tax-deductible and will help make an immediate impact – and rush lifesaving supplies like tents, clean water and other critical aid – to those who need it most.
Refugees have lost everything and are facing the most difficult of circumstances just to meet their basic needs and protect their families. But your compassion can bring much-needed relief, comfort and hope to resilient displaced families and tell them they are not alone.
Please, will you share with your ENTIRE network? Will you donate and talk about this issue with your friends and family? I’m counting on us as a community to go above and beyond the goal set forth. Let’s not disappoint our brothers and sisters going through the unthinkable in Yemen right now.
