UIF Community Podcast

We were joined by Nejat Abdurahman, founder of N-BAC and author of The Art of Managing Up.
Nejat shared practical insights on how to build stronger relationships with leadership, communicate more effectively, navigate difficult workplace situations, and become more influential within your organization. Whether you're a manager, a team member, or someone looking to grow in your career, this episode offers practical advice that can help you work more effectively, build trust, and create greater opportunities for yourself and your team.
If you've ever struggled with managing relationships at work or wondered how to better communicate with leadership, this episode is for you.
Listen to the latest UIF Podcast episode and hear our conversation with Nejat Abdurahman.

Are you doing enough today to set your child up for college success tomorrow?
 
In this episode of the UIF Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Salman Khan to explore what Muslim families need to know about preparing for college in today’s competitive landscape.
 
From building a strong academic and extracurricular profile to maximizing scholarships and financial aid, Dr. Khan shares practical steps families can take years before applications begin. We also discuss one of the biggest concerns facing Muslim families today: the topic of interest-based student debt in college planning.
 
Whether your child is in middle school, high school, or actively applying, this episode offers practical insights to help families reduce stress, make informed decisions, and plan ahead.
 
Topics include:
• What colleges are really looking for
• Common admissions mistakes parents make
• How to increase scholarship and merit aid opportunities
• Strategies to reduce student loan reliance
• Balancing academic success with Islamic values
 
If you're planning for your child’s future or preparing for college yourself, this episode is for you.

Building wealth is only half the equation… the real question is:
Will it be protected, preserved, and passed on the way you intend?
In Part 2 of our UIF Community Podcast with Sr. Fahmin Fardous, we shift the focus from building wealth to something even more critical — protecting it and planning for what comes next.
Joined again by Aijaz Hussain, this episode dives into the questions many people avoid — but absolutely shouldn’t:
What actually keeps people in their 50s up at night when thinking about retirement?
How much income do you really need to maintain your lifestyle after you stop working?
How does Social Security factor in — and what can you realistically expect?
When should you think about gifting, long-term care planning, or advanced tax strategies?
And more real-life scenarios around retirement and estate planning.
👉 If you’ve spent years working hard to build wealth, this episode will challenge you to think about how well you’ve protected it.
Watch or listen now — this is one conversation your future self will thank you for.

What does it take to build lasting wealth and achieve your retirement goals—the kind that supports your family, protects your future, and leaves a meaningful legacy?
In this episode, we sit down with Sr. Fahmin Fardous, a Certified Financial Planner with a refreshing perspective on money, behavior, and legacy-building. The conversation goes beyond the basics and addresses the real questions many families are asking, including:
 
• How much money do you need in retirement?
• Are you better off saving through a 401(k), Roth IRA, or SEP IRA?
• How can you plan effectively for your children’s education?
• How do you balance today’s “wants” with long-term financial security?
• Will your wealth transfer the way you intend it to?
 
Fahmin brings a unique blend of psychology and financial expertise, unpacking not just what to do with your money, but why so many people struggle to do it consistently.
This episode is practical, eye-opening, and highly relevant. We had so much to cover that we’re breaking the discussion into two parts. Please enjoy Part 1 now. In Part 2, we’ll focus on wealth preservation planning.
Watch or listen now!

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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!