The search for God is often buried beneath the noise of daily life. Career goals, social validation, and cultural expectations crowd out the deeper questions—the ones that actually shape our destiny. Is there a God? Is there a Judgment Day? And if so, what does it really mean to live in alignment with that truth?

Spiritual curiosity is rarely encouraged in a world obsessed with productivity and appearances. Even within faith communities, questioning can be seen as weakness or rebellion. Yet, it’s precisely this line of inquiry that actor and thinker Hamza Ali Abbasi invites us into—with humility, courage, and clarity. Too often, conversations about religion feel like either rigid doctrine or shallow inspiration. But in this powerful episode, Hamza transcends both. In his honest and deeply reflective discussion with Eram Saeed, he unpacks how faith—when rooted in reason—becomes not just believable, but transformative.

Together, they unravel major themes often untouched in mainstream religious discourse: the misuses of Hadith, the role of sects, why Quranic clarity matters, and how the Prophet’s (SAW) life demonstrated divine judgment in real time. If you’ve ever felt spiritually confused, judged for your questions, or afraid to challenge the status quo, this episode will speak to you. It’s a call to think deeply, believe freely, and align your life with a faith that makes sense.

Ask the Big Questions—Before Life Distracts You

In today’s hyper-distracted world, it’s easy to overlook the most important questions: 

• Why are we here?
• Is there a God?
• What happens after we die?

Hamza Ali Abbasi and Eram open the conversation with a bold reminder—these questions aren’t luxuries for philosophers. They’re urgent matters that shape every life decision.

For Hamza, the stakes were clear: if there’s no afterlife, pursue worldly success at any cost. But if there is a God and a Judgment Day, everything changes. He encourages every listener—no matter how busy—to pause and confront these questions with sincerity.

Reason First, Emotion Follows

How do we know what’s true? Hamza’s method is both spiritual and logical. He insists that reason (ʿAql) must be the lens through which we explore faith, while emotion should follow—not lead.

Too many people, he warns, are loyal to ideas or traditions because of emotional or tribal pride, not truth. The goal isn’t to find a God that comforts us, but a God that makes rational, moral, and universal sense. Eram adds an essential balance: while God may be approached through reason, He cannot be fully comprehended. That’s where humility begins.

A Book for the Seekers, Not the Scholars

Despite being a public figure, Hamza never intended to write a religious book—until he realized how many others were struggling with the same questions he once had. His goal? To translate complex scholarly ideas into simple language for everyday people.

One of the guiding frameworks in this effort is the interpretation of Islam offered by Javed Ahmad Ghamidi. This school of thought challenges mainstream rigidity by emphasizing moral intention over ritual conformity. It champions a vision of Islam that includes:

• Artistic expression within ethical boundaries.
• Optional (not mandatory) head coverings and beards.
• A rejection of state-enforced personal piety.

In a time when many feel alienated by rigid or political interpretations of Islam, Hamza’s mission is to make Deen approachable, rooted in timeless principles and personal accountability.

Breaking Free from Sectarianism

One of the most eye-opening insights of the episode is Hamza’s critique of sectarian rigidity. Many Islamic groups claim their scholars are infallible post-Prophethood—a notion Hamza rejects. Instead, he champions a “garden of interpretations” where Muslims can respectfully agree and disagree, picking truths that resonate with reason and conscience. 

This openness, he says, is important for new Muslims and seekers who are often turned away by inflexible gatekeepers. This freedom allows Muslims to deepen their faith without boxing it into identity politics or inherited dogmas.

The Rasul as a Sign of Judgment on Earth

Learning the difference between a Nabi and a Rasul opens up an entirely new understanding of the Quran. Unlike a Nabi, who simply delivers the message, a Rasul also embodies divine judgment in this world.

Seen through this lens, the Quran becomes more than just a spiritual guide—it becomes a historical record of God's justice playing out in real time. The rise of the early Muslim community wasn’t a fluke of military strategy. It was the fulfillment of a divine promise: reward for those who accepted the truth, and consequence for those who rejected it.

Educate Women, Eradicate Ignorance

When asked about the most urgent need in the Muslim world, Hamza’s answer was clear: eliminate religious ignorance—and start by empowering women. He shares a story of renowned scholar Akram Nadvi, who struggled to find significant historical contributions of women in traditional Islamic texts—despite their vital role in early Islam. This absence is a symptom of centuries of systemic suppression.

Hamza and Eram both affirm that Islam, in its original form, gave radical rights to women. The problem isn’t the religion—it’s the way it’s been misinterpreted and misapplied. A revival of Islamic values must begin with reclaiming that legacy.

Hamza Ali Abbasi’s Journey

Before becoming a published author and voice for spiritual reflection, Hamza Ali Abbasi was one of Pakistan’s most recognizable actors—and a self-declared militant atheist. Raised in a Muslim society where religious questioning was often met with anger, he struggled to reconcile core beliefs with what he saw as cultural rigidity and contradictions. Questions about divine justice, the fate of non-Muslims, and the completeness of the Quran led not to answers, but to isolation and doubt.

Still, something within him remained restless. What began as rejection turned into an honest, consuming inquiry: What if Judgment Day is real? That single question reshaped his direction. Rather than dismissing religion entirely, Hamza chose to explore it sincerely. In doing so, he discovered not just theological answers but an emotional shift—God, once seen as distant and punishing, became a presence marked by love, wisdom, and profound personal relevance.

Now, Hamza uses his platform to promote a faith rooted in reason, sincerity, and compassion. His transformation challenges the idea that doubt and belief are opposites—instead, it shows that the most enduring faith often begins with the courage to ask difficult questions.

Expert Advice & Powerful Quotes

“If nothing else, I hope that through this conversation and through this book, we can just make people realize how crucially important it is to very seriously and sincerely ask the bigger questions of life at least once in their lifetime before death comes.” – Hamza Ali Abbasi

“Quran is essentially a written record of how God conducted his earthly demonstration of divine judgment through his last Rasul in the Arab Peninsula.” – Hamza Ali Abbasi

“Muslims need to let go of religious self righteousness. They need to let go of hatred and judgment and disagreement, and they need to have an open mind that those who we are disagreeing with.”– Hamza Ali Abbasi

“You don't need to be a scholar to make endeavors to understand your religion.” – Hamza Ali Abbasi

Your Next Step: Explore Faith with Clarity and Courage

If this conversation sparked something within you, here are a few ways to take the next step:

1. Listen to the Full Episode – Unpack the entire conversation to deepen your understanding of Islamic thought, reason-based faith, and the role of a Rasul.
2. Question with Intention – Don’t shy away from the big questions. Set aside time this week to honestly explore: Do I believe in God? Why?
3. Engage the Quran with Fresh Eyes – Read the Quran not just for inspiration, but as a divine record of justice. Reflect on what changes when it’s seen through this lens. 
4. Let Go of Sectarian Labels – Be willing to learn from scholars outside your sect or tradition. Truth isn’t owned by one group—it’s available to all who seek it.
5. Join the Conversation –  Explore more soul-stirring episodes and reflections at Jamali.love and become part of a growing movement of faith-led self-discovery.

Your answers are waiting—not at the extremes, but at the intersection of curiosity, courage, and conscience. Start there.