UIF Community Podcast

Ramadan Final Reflections and Eid Prep

Ramadan is entering its most important phase — the last ten nights, when believers seek the immense blessings of Laylatul Qadr and strive to maximize their worship, charity, and spiritual growth.In this episode, we’re joined by Shaykh Saad Haque (Resident Scholar at UIF) and Wesam Berjaoui (VP Sales, Eastern Region) to discuss how Muslims can make the most of these final nights of Ramadan and how to maintain spiritual momentum after the month ends.We cover practical guidance on:• How to maximize the last ten nights of Ramadan• The significance of Laylatul Qadr• Avoiding the common post-Ramadan and post-Eid spiritual slump• The purpose and importance of Zakat al-Fitr• Financial and charitable responsibilities before Eid• How to carry Ramadan habits into the rest of the yearWhether you’re looking to deepen your worship in these final nights or hoping to maintain your spiritual momentum after Ramadan, this conversation offers practical reminders and guidance.

Renewing Faith, Hope & Purpose this Ramadan

Feeling like Ramadan snuck up on you this year? You’re not alone—and this episode is for you.
In this special Ramadan edition of the UIF Community Podcast, we’re joined by Shaykh Saad Haque, a Mufti, Islamic scholar, and Imam serving the Virginia community for the past seven years. With over 13 years of formal Islamic education—including advanced studies in New York and South Africa—Shaykh Saad brings both deep scholarship and real-world compassion to a conversation every Muslim needs to hear right now.
This episode is a reminder that Ramadan is not about being perfect—it’s about resetting intentions, and taking meaningful steps forward, no matter where you’re starting from. Whether you feel spiritually ready or completely unprepared, Shaykh Saad offers practical guidance, encouragement, and hope to help you reconnect with the purpose of this blessed month.
 
Some topics we covered on this episode:
How to make the most of Ramadan
Navigating Ramadan with kids, teens, or as newlyweds
Understanding zakat and wealth purification during Ramadan
Aligning our finances with halal principles
 
Tune in, get inspired, and take your first step toward a more meaningful Ramadan with the UIF Community Podcast and Shaykh Saad Haque.

Our favorite Podcasts of 2025

On this episode our hosts discuss their favorite podcasts from 2025.  While there was plenty to choose from, they discussed 6 episodes that were most impactful in their opinion.  Bottom line, we’re hitting pause to reflect, rewind, and revisit the moments that mattered most. In case you missed some of them, this is a great way to preview our favorite podcast episodes from last year.  But first, we will kick things off with a timely 2026 Housing market update from Aijaz Hussain, EVP & Director at UIF.  We break down where things stand currently in the housing market from our vantage point and share views of many industry experts we follow.  If you are in the market to buy a home (or refinance) this year, this discussion should help you in making an informed decision.  Thanks for listening and your ongoing support.  If you have guest speaker ideas for future episodes or constructive feedback, please share with us: feedback@myuif.com

Navigating Marriage, Mindset, and Mental Health

In this episode of the UIF Community Podcast, we sit down with Farhan Ahmed, founder of Ihsan Coaching, an online coaching and therapy platform serving the Muslim community worldwide. https://ihsancoaching.com/
 
Farhan brings a unique blend of clinical training, practical tools, and faith-centered guidance to help individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s most meaningful challenges. Our conversation explores a wide range of topics — from relationship and family dynamics, to common marital struggles, early warning signs that can lead to divorce, and the value of addressing issues proactively.
 
Farhan also highlights the importance of pre-marriage counseling and how intentional preparation can strengthen the foundation of a future marriage. Beyond family and marital topics, we also dive into mental and emotional well-being, discussing how people today are coping with anxiety, depression, and stress, and how Ihsan Coaching provides accessible support rooted in compassion and Islamic values.
 
Whether you’re looking to improve your relationships, strengthen your emotional health, or better understand the tools available to our community, this episode offers valuable insights and practical guidance for anyone seeking growth and clarity.
 
Don’t miss this powerful conversation — it’s packed with insights that can truly elevate your relationships, your mindset, and your overall well-being.

Balancing Faith, Success & Happiness

In this episode, we have the distinct privilege of chatting with Dr. Yaqub Mirza, a physicist, entrepreneur, author, and an insightful leader whose impactful work deserves broader recognition. Dr. Mirza’s co-founded the private equity firm Sterling Management Group, investing millions in business ventures globally, and making a significant mark on Islamic institutions through his generous support and philanthropic efforts. Besides serving on the Boards of AMANA Funds and UIF, Dr. Mirza has been a lifelong supporter of ISNA and many Muslim charities.
It is an honor to learn from Dr. Mirza, whose book "5 Pillars of Prosperity" and life experiences offer valuable insights for all. During our conversation, we explored Dr. Mirza’s journey, his approach to entrepreneurship, and the wisdom he shares in his writings. Listeners will gain practical knowledge that they can apply in their own lives. Thanks for listening and your ongoing support.
If you have guest speaker ideas for future episodes or constructive feedback, please share with us: feedback@myuif.com

From Physician to Tech Entrepreneur

In this episode of the UIF Community Podcast, we chat with Dr. Saamer Siddiqi — a physician, entrepreneur, and founder of LIVEMED Telehealth, a fast-growing virtual healthcare company transforming how patients access care across the country.
 
Dr. Siddiqi shares his journey from long hospital shifts in Chicagoland to launching a tech-driven healthcare startup — and the mindset shifts, lessons, and risks that made it possible. He opens up about balancing a demanding medical career with entrepreneurship, building a team from scratch, and using innovation to solve real-world problems.
 
But this conversation isn’t just for doctors — it’s for anyone looking to turn a passion or professional skill into a meaningful business. You’ll hear practical takeaways on leadership, perseverance, and thinking like an entrepreneur, no matter what field you’re in.
 
As always, we value your opinion.  If you have guest speaker ideas for future episodes or constructive feedback, please do share with us:  feedback@myuif.com
 
If you enjoyed this episode, please share with your family and friends. We are extremely proud that over 199,000 people have listened to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube in the last few months. Thanks for your support... it means the world to us!

Demystifying The Chick fil-A Business Model

In this episode of the UIF Community Podcast, our hosts discuss some lessons we can all learn from Chick-fil-A’s uber successful business model. Using insights from the book "Covert Cows and Chick-fil-A" and other resources, your hosts explore practical ideas on building a customer-first culture and creating long-term loyalty in a competitive market.
 
The conversation starts with Chick fil-A's early beginnings to its "Eat Mor Chikin" ad campaign and ends discussing how just $10,000 (initial fee) can make you a Chick fil-A franchisee someday.  
 
But first, the hosts dive into a quick housing market update and Aijaz's recent trip to Scotland & Ireland and why both these countries must be on your travel bucket list.
 
If you enjoyed this episode, please share with your family and friends. We are extremely proud that over 197,000 people have listened to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube in the last few months. Thanks for your support... it means the world to us!

Balancing Faith & Politics - a Muslim Sisters journey to political prominence

In this episode of the UIF Community Podcast, we’re joined by two special guests; IL State Representative, Nabeela Syed & Community Activist Attorney, Faiyaz Hussain. If you want to learn how to impact our communities (politically speaking), this is must listen!
At the tender age of 22, Nabeela flipped one of the Republican districts in the IL State Senate race.  She comfortably beat a Republican incumbent in her first win, and then doubled the margin of victory in her reelection bid in 2024. 
As one of the youngest Muslim women ever elected to public office, Nabeela is redefining what leadership looks like bringing her faith, passion, and fresh perspective to the political arena. Nabeela starts out discussing what first motivated her to join politics and what compels her now to advocate for her community. From campaign challenges to working in a bi-partisan fashion, this is an inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss.
Also joining us is Faiyaz Hussain, a civil rights attorney and policy expert who offers insight into legal advocacy, religious freedom, and national efforts to combat Islamophobia.
We are super excited to bring you two incredible visionaries in one powerful podcast!  Please enjoy and share this episode with your loved ones if you find it valuable!
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Disclaimer: Welcome to the UIF community podcast, before we get started, please keep in mind that this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual presenters and do not necessarily reflect UIF Corporation or its affiliates.

Building Generational Wealth by Investing in Real Estate

How do you go from zero properties owned to managing over 320 units and $95 million in real estate assets—all while staying true to your values?In Episode 16 of the UIF Community Podcast, we sit down with Sirai Farah, a rising real estate investor who shares her journey into the world of wholesaling, multifamily acquisitions, and building strong relationships with investors.Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale your portfolio, this episode offers practical insights and a real-world look at what it takes to build generational wealth in real estate.Please enjoy and share this episode with your loved ones if you find it valuable! 

Conversation with a Principal & Educator Extraordinaire

On this podcast episode we are super excited to bring you a conversation with Br. Habeeb Quadri. 
 
Habeeb is an acclaimed educator and community leader recognized for his outstanding contributions both locally and internationally.  He was honored with the prestigious National Principal Award in 2019.  Habeeb has conducted over 1,000 seminars on topics such as ethical leadership, social-emotional intelligence, school culture and empowerment of educators and administrators. 
 
Habeeb is also an acclaimed author with multiple books to his credit and a member of Harvard University's School of Education Advisory Board. We are grateful that Habeeb took some time out of his busy work and travel schedule to share some of his wisdom with us.  This conversation covered many topics including how parents can raise confident, faith-driven and respectful children in today’s world? He then shared some thoughts on how Islamic schools are playing a pivotal role in shaping our next generation.
 
The conversation ends with Habeeb discussing some topics from his recent book "Prophetic Leadership".   However, we begin this episode by discussing the current state of the real estate industry and our thoughts on the upcoming home buying season. 
Please enjoy and share this episode with your loved ones if you find it valuable!