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Between Classes: Where Students Seek, Reflect, and Grow

Between Classes: Where Students Seek, Reflect, and Grow

By: McMaster Muslim Students’ Association
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About this listen

University moves fast. Faith takes intention. Between Classes is a podcast for Muslim students navigating faith, identity, and university life in the West.

Created by students and hosted by the McMaster Muslim Students’ Association, Between Classes brings together students, shuyookh, scholars, and community leaders for thoughtful, honest, and practical conversations rooted in Islam.

From balancing deen and dunya, mental health, discipline, and relationships — to navigating modern challenges on campus and beyond — each episode connects Islamic guidance with real student experiences.

These aren’t lectures. They’re conversations.

Real questions. Real struggles. Real growth.

Whether you’re heading to class, studying late, or reflecting between responsibilities, Between Classes is a space where Muslim students pause, seek clarity, and grow — together.

© 2025 McMaster Muslim Student Association. All rights reserved.
Islam Personal Development Personal Success Spirituality
Episodes
  • Islamophobia on Campus: What Muslim Students Face and How to Respond | Shaykh Hosam Helal
    Feb 7 2026

    What does it mean to be Muslim on campus today?

    In this episode of Between Classes, we sit down with Shaykh Hosam Helal, Imam at ISNA Canada, for an honest conversation about Islamophobia, prejudice, and navigating university life as a Muslim student.

    From subtle bias to overt discrimination, many Muslim students struggle to balance identity, confidence, and faith while facing real-world challenges. This episode explores how to respond with strength, wisdom, and prophetic character — without losing yourself in the process.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • The reality of Islamophobia on campus
    • Microaggressions, stereotypes, and navigating difficult environments
    • Maintaining Muslim identity with confidence
    • Responding to prejudice with wisdom and dignity
    • Mental resilience and emotional strength
    • Advice for Muslim students balancing deen and dunya

    If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, judged, or pressured to hide your identity — this conversation is for you.

    Listen on all platforms: tinyurl.com/betweenclasses

    Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.

    Subscribe for more conversations built for Muslim students navigating university, identity, and real life — Between Classes.

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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • How to Beat Laziness & Stay Disciplined as a Muslim Student | Dr. Reda Bedeir
    Jan 28 2026

    Why do we know what we should do… but still struggle to do it?

    In this episode of Between Classes, we sit down with Dr. Reda Bedeir to unpack the Battle of the Nafs — the inner struggle behind laziness, inconsistency, procrastination, and burnout that so many Muslim students face.

    This is a powerful conversation about discipline in Islam, self-control, and how to build habits that last — spiritually, academically, and personally.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • What the nafs is and why it resists discipline
    • The Islamic root of laziness and procrastination
    • Why motivation fades — and what actually replaces it
    • Building discipline through worship, structure, and intention
    • Consistency in salah, studies, and daily habits
    • Fighting burnout while staying productive
    • Practical steps Muslim students can apply immediately

    If you’re struggling to stay consistent, falling behind in school, or constantly battling your own habits — this episode will change how you see discipline.

    Tune in for more real conversations built for Muslim students navigating university, faith, and life — Between Classes.

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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Halal Hustle for Muslim Students: Money, Ambition & Barakah | Ustadh Zaniar Ahmad
    Jan 25 2026

    Can you hustle, build a career, and make money without compromising your deen?

    In this episode of Between Classes, we sit down with Ustadh Zaniar Ahmad for a real conversation on Halal Hustle — what it means for Muslim students trying to balance school, work, ambition, and faith in today’s world.

    We talk about staying driven while keeping your intentions clean, avoiding haram income, and chasing success with barakah, not burnout.

    In this episode, we cover:

    • What “Halal Hustle” actually means in Islam
    • Making money as a Muslim student without crossing lines
    • Ambition vs. attachment to dunya
    • Rizq, barakah, and trusting Allah while still working hard
    • Career pressure, burnout, and staying grounded
    • Practical mindset shifts for Muslim students in the West

    Sponsor: MSU Elections (@msu_election)

    This episode is sponsored by MSU Elections.

    Voting is open from Jan 27–29 — make sure your voice is heard and take part in building your campus community. Follow updates here: @msu_election

    Check out Ustadh Zaniar’s Project: Meezan App

    Ustadh Zaniar also runs Meezan App — a project designed to help Muslims with practical tools and resources.

    Link: https://www.meezanapp.com

    Tune in for more conversations built for Muslim students navigating university, identity, and real life — Between Classes.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 6 mins
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