Why is it so hard to change when we know exactly what we want? We may want more peace, better relationships, or financial freedom. However, we often find ourselves repeating the same patterns, sabotaging our goals despite our best intentions. The truth is, most of our behavior isn’t logical, it’s unconscious—shaped by old programming and emotional residue that keeps us stuck in fear, overwhelm, and self-doubt. In the chaos of daily life, few of us are ever taught how to release what no longer serves us or how to engage in true emotional healing.
In this episode of The Jamali Life Show, host Eram Saeed welcomes international EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) expert Brad Yates for a powerful conversation about self-sabotage, energy healing, and emotional freedom. Drawing from decades of experience and over 53 million YouTube views, Brad explains how tapping works on the body’s energy system to reduce stress, unlock clarity, and break through subconscious resistance. Together, they explore why we often act against our own best interests and how we can lovingly rewire our beliefs to move toward the life we desire.
Walk away with practical techniques, eye-opening insights, and real-world stories. Understand how tapping has transformed lives in moments of deep trauma, self-doubt, and fear. This episode offers a path to reclaim your peace.
There is a pressing issue in how Islam, a faith built on justice, equality, and compassion, has been misrepresented in some circles as oppressive to women. This misrepresentation often stems from patriarchal norms that have influenced Islamic societies over time. Dr. Sitara Akram, a scholar of Islamic finance and women’s rights, and co-host Chris Atwood explore these misinterpretations, the role of women in Islam, and the need to return to the true values of the faith.
Dr. Akram offers insight into how her upbringing in Pakistan, where women’s education was highly valued, contrasted with the more conservative strains of Islam she encountered upon moving to the UK. The conversation challenges listeners to rethink the role of Muslim women, both historically and in modern times, and to address how patriarchal structures have distorted Islamic teachings.
Dr. Akram reflects on the impact of her cross-cultural experiences, particularly how living in both Pakistan and the UK shaped her understanding of Islam and her role as a woman within it. Raised in a household where education was equally prioritized for both boys and girls, she developed a love for learning that led her to pursue higher education and a career in academia. However, after relocating to the UK in the late 1990s, she witnessed a rise in conservative Islamic thought, which often contradicted the inclusive, educational values she had grown up with.
This shift prompted her to become a more informed Muslim, especially as she navigated raising her children in a society that frequently questioned their faith and cultural identity. Dr. Akram shares how the Western emphasis on knowledge allowed her to further her education. She discusses how Islamic scholars can bridge gaps between different cultures. It offers a way to engage with modernity while staying rooted in their faith.
Eram and Chris highlight the often-overlooked contributions of Muslim scholars to the development of human knowledge. These scholars played pivotal roles in advancing fields like mathematics, astronomy, and human rights—many of which still impact our lives today. Dr. Akram stresses the importance of reclaiming this history, pointing out that many women scholars have been erased from mainstream narratives due to patriarchal influences in Islamic societies.
Despite this historical erasure, there are rich examples of women in Islamic history who held prominent scholarly positions. Dr. Akram expresses optimism that, through dedicated research and efforts by scholars, these women’s contributions will be rediscovered, helping to enrich Islamic thought and inspire future generations.
There are contradictions between the core values of Islam and how they are practiced in certain Muslim-majority countries. For example, Hadith (the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad), are often misused and over-relied upon in Islamic jurisprudence. Historically, Hadith was not the primary source of Islamic law—this role belonged to the Quran. Over time, however, Hadith became elevated, causing discrepancies between what is truly Islamic and what has been culturally imposed.
There needs to be a critical reassessment of how Hadith is applied today. Islamic scholars may need to return to the Quran and reinterpret Islamic practices in light of modern values while remaining true to the faith’s core principles.
Rituals such as the five daily prayers (Salat) are fundamental to Islamic practice, but their significance goes beyond worship—they are tools for self-correction and personal growth. Dr. Akram explains that these rituals serve as checkpoints throughout the day, reminding Muslims to reflect on their actions and realign with their ethical values.
Chris emphasizes the importance of performing rituals with intent and authenticity. He argues that merely going through the motions of religious practices without emotional and spiritual connection can make these rituals meaningless. Both hosts agree that true value comes from engaging with rituals in a way that brings one closer to God and to ethical living.
Patriarchy within Islam is also a major concern. Dr. Akram points out that patriarchy existed before the advent of Islam, but the faith initially offered women rights and freedoms that were revolutionary for its time. However, over the centuries, patriarchal interpretations of Islamic texts eroded these advances.
Islam’s teachings on women’s financial independence and inheritance rights were groundbreaking, allowing women to live with dignity and autonomy. Dr. Akram believes that Muslim women, empowered by these original teachings, hold the key to transforming societies and combating global inequalities. It is critical that women reclaim their rightful place in the narrative, both within Islam and the broader world.
Islamic teachings can also have a role in addressing global economic issues. Dr. Akram highlights how the Quran laid down the foundation for economic justice centuries ago. She points to the Quranic principles of wealth redistribution and the prohibition of exploitative lending, which provide a roadmap for combating inequality.
She also discusses the significance of women’s financial independence, noting how the Islamic system of inheritance allows women to control their assets, ensuring their autonomy. This, Dr. Akram argues, is the first step toward realizing women’s potential—both within Muslim communities and globally. By embracing these principles, societies can address economic challenges and work toward a more equitable future.
Dr. Akram calls for a return to the true values of Islam, rooted in justice, equality, and spiritual connection. She stresses the importance of how Islamic scholars could address modern challenges, including patriarchy, political oppression, and economic inequality.
This return comes with a powerful message of hope: Muslim women, inspired by the foundational values of Islam, have the potential to lead the charge for positive change, both in their communities and the world at large.
Sitara Akram’s journey to becoming a respected scholar and advocate for women’s rights in Islam began in a household where education was valued equally for both boys and girls. Growing up, she developed a love for learning, fostered by a father who encouraged intellectual curiosity. This set her on a path to academic success, culminating in a PhD in Islamic finance from the University of Leeds. Her early life was filled with books, questions, and a commitment to personal growth, but her journey truly transformed when she moved to the UK. This is when she encountered a more conservative form of Islam that made her question the values she had always taken for granted.
Raising her children in a society where their Muslim identity was questioned forced Sitara to become not just a mother, but an informed and engaged scholar. She found herself in a position to answer her sons' critical questions about their faith. She had to dig deeper into Islamic texts and challenge the interpretations she had once accepted. This personal struggle led to a broader professional mission: Sitara sought to reclaim the true, inclusive values of Islam that had been obscured by patriarchal interpretations over time. From then on, she set out to elevate the voices of women scholars whose contributions had been erased by history.
Today, Sitara is a leading voice in the push to redefine the body of how Islamic scholars approach Muslim doctrine, especially regarding women’s rights. Her work, which spans across Islamic law and finance, aims to challenge patriarchal practices and restore the empowering teachings of Islam. She continues to inspire Muslim women around the world to reclaim their space in both their faith and society. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of education, resilience, and a commitment to justice.
“I grew up in a household where women's education was equally as valued as men's education, so there was no differentiation between boys and girls in terms of access to education.’”
“I think one of the tragedies that's happened is that women have been written out of our own knowledge tradition, and it's our responsibility as Muslim scholars, particularly those in the West, because we have the freedoms and that women in the East don't.”
“Diversity is strength. One of the things I always say… when Muslims do delve into… more divisive discussions is just break bread together, sit with somebody, have a cup of tea with them, and you'll find that you have a lot more in common with them, because we have the shared humanity, the differences are very small.”
“The Quran actually puts the economic dignity of man front and center, but we haven't paid attention to that.”
“If Muslims were to reconfigure their thinking and say, I'm here to serve humanity. I'm here to make this world a better place. I think that this is a vision that many, many people will gather around, Muslim or non Muslim.”
In this episode of The Jamali Bridge Podcast, Dr. Sitara Akram and Chris Atwood dive into the journey of rediscovering ourselves. A time wherein we challenge old beliefs and embrace personal transformation. Through their discussion, they explore how cultural influences shape our identity and how we can heal by rewriting our stories. They also emphasize the critical role of Islamic scholars in reinterpreting and reclaiming the true values of Islam.
Healing starts with the first step. Break the resistance and make room for peace. Trust that your transformation is already in motion.
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