Brands De-Islamifying Ramadan / Ep 4, Generic Muslim Podcast

[@mominahbaig3260]

This is something I've been noticing more and more. A lot of muslim influencers represent Ramadan using buzzwords such as self-reflection, love, and empathy for others. Don't get me wrong, all these aspects are amazing, however keeping them out of the context of islam, or not even mentioning why we actually do it, WHO it is for exactly, just makes it sound like some sort of a meditative practice that has nothing to do with our religion. I feel like a lot of people water down Islam so that it's digestible for non-muslims. Just goes to show our own weakness of faith, subhanAllah

[@genericmuslim]

accurate!!

[@juliajung5582]

Hello! Salam! I got to know Islam during the pandemic and since then I've been learning, trying to be close to Allah, trying to know the true religion (I'm Brazilian and where I live I never had contact with Muslims, everything was very new). Anyway... In this initial period I watched many videos ("vlogs") of Muslim women showing their lives, their routines, products bought for Ramadan, new clothes for Eid day etc etc etc... And a few days ago I was watching and stopped. I reflected exactly on this; these things are not the essence of religion, true religion, worship. Real things are not put on display...

[@HA-jq1mu]

you are so right

[@nunchai_is_life]

Spot on! Similar issues with the writings of Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi.

[@EnglishPlus36]

so true

[@senan13]

I hope I can raise my kids to be this confident in their faith and unapologetically Muslim. Islam is beautiful! Thanks for representing so well.

[@Hekmaaatun]

Ameen! As a parent I feel this 100%

[@dalilabs_]

this video reminded me of dr haifa younis, she once said: “our islam is sweet and full of sugar, we don’t need to sugar coat it” :)

[@Maisumii]

I love that!

[@picklepoppers8223]

Spot on.

[@hannahnygaard8404]

I am not muslim, but I love watching your videos when you talk about islam! Have been watching you for years dude. It is so true that you don't need to water islam down for us.

[@haruspex1-50]

I disagree however I respect your opinion

[@May77440]

Subhanallah, yesterday I saw a brand partnership with a Muslim influencer exactly like this and I couldn’t explain to myself why it didn’t sit right with me. It breaks my heart to see us going down that path of secularising parts of our religion. One influencer stated that they wanted to see Muslim holidays like Ramadan to have the same recognition as other holidays. But, God Forbid that Ramadan becomes a capitalistic dream. We shouldn’t idealise this type of representation. Taking it just one step further, Ramadan shouldn’t even be a vehicle for brands to sell certain products. Selling makeup, candles, and skincare by invoking a holy month during which we’re supposed to detach from worldly matters is incredibly contradictory. Khayr, may Allah guide us all. Thanks for speaking about this, interesting discussion for sure!

[@hikmarchives]

Yes! Thank you for this, I've felt this way for the past few years. I've seen a lot of people trying to explain this (especially on Muslim influencer pages), but many people misunderstand what they're trying to say. I feel as though many Muslim influencers are using Ramadan for the sake of their content. While I understand that for content creators, it's their job and it's how they make money etc., but people shouldn't be trying to water down Ramadan and treat it as a cultural thing. Of course I think it's amazing that non-muslims want to participate and experience it to, and there's nothing wrong with that but we have to remember that Ramadan goes deeper than just fasting or superficial things such as self-reflection, love etc. It's a religious obligation that we do for the sake of Allah and that's that.

[@anichka3020]

Asalam aleikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu. Alhamdulillah you are speaking to this topic. Sadly, I have personally experienced a great disappointment a couple years ago, when I was a recipient of scholarships at my university in the college of education. I was asked to be interviewed and about 90% of my responses were tied to my gratitude towards Allah and how my faith is a great part of my life. It was a proud moment, however, when I went to the awards ceremony and they played a video with all the students interview responses, nothing of what I said was included!!! I was just in a really short snippet of the video and the only voice recording they shared of me was mentioning the word “elementary education”. I was so disappointed 😢

[@ayaabassi91]

This was lovely , thank you for sharing your thoughts and talking abut this issue as it is becoming universal unfortuantally not just in the west , even in the Arab world, Ramadan is being twisted , brands working with certain influencers are approaching Ramadan or any other Muslim holiday in the same ways you mentioned , this is ought to be talked about , so thank you , I truly applaud you, for being honest, and not sugarcoating any aspect in this matter 👏🏼👏🏼

[@whocares2128]

Reminds me of the hadith of the Prophet [SAW] - "you will follow the ways of the nations (Jews and Christians) who were before you, handspan by handspan, cubit by cubit, so much so that even if they entered a hole of a lizard, you would follow them."

[@doniahammami8458]

This podcast talk is soooo good!! This opened so many dimensions on my thought process and I got so much more perspective about this topic. Thank you for sharing this. May Allah bless you with jannat al firdaws🤲🏼

[@Shazy82]

You're soooo spot on subhannaAllah. I remember a few years ago I had an argument with my friend about something similar. It was when all these fashion brands (bargain basement to luxury designers) were throwing hijabis in the their magazine/socials/runway ads and everyone was clapping for them. At first it seemed like a step forward for us millennial muslims who dealt with a lot of hate after 9/11 and were now being accepted as Americans by the public .. esp during the Obama Admin.... but I was still a bit weary. I remember telling my friend I was concerned that these major billion dollar conglomerate NON-muslim companies were now in control & they would decide what images of "modest/hijabi fashion" would be marketed worldwide. Idk about you but I don't want a company that owns an alcohol brand to also be in control of mainstream hijabi/modest fashion. Us muslims should own our modest industry instead of joining the western one. These companies invest billions of dollars in marketing/advertisement research - specifically on how they can influence the mind of the masses; my fear was that the youth in the west (and globally tbh) would be negatively influenced by them and basically misunderstand Islam. Growing up in America, I know first hand the struggle of practicing your faith as a muslim young adult in this country, this would make the confusion and battle of nafs even harder for the next generation. Not every community should be represented in every category. Ex. When the muslim hijabi model was on Sports Illustrated Swim Suit Edition. Honestly, as someone who majored in PR I was beyond SHOOK. Or when the Playboy did an article on a muslim hijabi journalist... Like that never should've happened Playboy rebrand or not... the DNA of that specific SI edition is the complete opposite of modest. It even makes me look at the SI team sideways cause damn , y'all clout chasing THAT bad lol what happened to Brand Identity? Just cause she wore a burkini doesn't make it ok. I'm glad the model eventually stood up for herself and used her voice to correct those actions may Allah swt be pleased with her. I think as long as some muslim content creators accept these brands non-religious ad requirements, were gonna see Ramadan fully commercialized like what alcohol companies did to Cinco de Mayo. InshaAllah there will be more no's from us and the brands will wake up or if we just develop our own industry, we don't have to rely on their checks. I'd rather represent Allah & his Messenger SAW then to use my face & platform to misrepresent Islam for a check. Baby steps InshaAllah, Muslim content creators are just getting opportunities - with time comes wisdom.

[@lina.khaled]

salam subhi, i never comment on videos but i felt the need to share this. i have been loving the generic muslim podcast, i have never been able to sit through any podcasts EVER i usually lose interest a few minutes in and/or zone in & out - with these episodes however, i have been refreshing my feed daily hoping for a new one. i, like many others, am truly grateful for your insight & your topics. i admire how your advise is realistic & non-judgmental. your tone & humour definitely helped keep me engaged & is very refreshing compared to the more “do it out of fear” approach of other talks/lectures. i’ve had to re-evaluate a lot of my decisions on how i chose to spend my time this ramadan, and just overall as a muslim and my purpose for my time here. (also side note: i am a graphic designer/marketer myself so I've loved hearing your experience & stories and relating them back to islam & as a muslim working in this field.) i hope you continue them on a weekly basis even after ramadan, and thank you for starting this podcast جزاك الله خيراً 🖤

[@strawberrymoon1906]

You are spot on with this topic👏 This year for me, it was so much more noticeable how selective the Ramadan narrative is becoming, without mentioning that is primarily a command from Allah and thus by fasting during Ramadan it is a form of worship to Allah.

[@Maisumii]

In Germany we have at Christmas time a very big thing here it's called "Adventskalender" it's a Callender filed with chocolate or toys for every 24 day before Christmas. So in the last couple of years they started to make Ramadan versions of it with 30 days and sell it for 4th the price on Ramadan. We don't buy that because we don't want to capitalize Ramadan in that way. And in the Media WHEN they talk about Ramadan they always make it seems like it's just about the Iftar with a big feast and lots of food.

[@nadiadansani2139]

This is very interesting because on the other side, I feel like I see a lot of Muslim influencers going hard with the winter holiday content, but when it come to Ramadan there’s little to no Ramadan centric content. Muslim influencers that will do everyday of vlogmas, but when it com s to a Vlogadan/Ramavlog they’re not as consistent in posting.

[@maiiouma]

I agree with what you said about them wanting to "look" inclusive rather than actually _be_ inclusive. There is so much تمييع or "watering down" of religion already. People seem to want an "Islam lite" version of religion. They only want the celebratory aspects of it. No aqeeda, no tawheed, no sunnah, no hardcore Islamic beliefs and values. Hope there are more Muslims who are aware of this. I respect your stance brother Subhi. Jazaka Allah khairan.

[@zelihagokce]

I think, as you mentioned, we have to simplify it as much as possible and get straight to the point of practising our deen.

[@naruman7]

The "and know thaaat...Allah is watching!" got me like!! Subhiiiiii!!! 😂😂

[@azmiboonmalert3724]

I have never realised about this angle before. Thank you for raising this up. May Allah reward you.

[@safasliceoflife]

I agree with this 100% when i was a kid and i started seeing Ramadhan and Eid sales at grocery stores I was so excited and felt like we are finally getting some recognition. The next year I was over it when I realized it was just a marketing ploy to make money and they dont actually care. I realized our Eid would become Christian's Christmas and I didn't want that. I feel like it is also inevitable at this point for muslims being used to make more money. We are a huge untapped market. Why else have fast fashion brands started making abayas /hijab etc.

[@piqueny8872]

This is why I hate coming across Muslim sisters decorating there homes for Ramadan?!! It’s a spiritual non materialistic month. They are decorating like it’s Christmas, fair enough if they have young children who they want to educate or them excites them for Ramadan, perhaps make Ramadan cards for the grandparents or read Islamic books Hadith ect But the whole deco is too much

[@SaifAhmed]

"I feel like it is also inevitable at this point for muslims being used to make more money." - On the flip side, I find it shocking that some Muslims think others should work for free. God forbid the Halal butcher make money! Should the butcher be a non-profit and give away goods for free? Should dates be free at the supermarket? This is the sort of thinking that leaves Muslims with no options for consumption and we end up under-serviced. Could you suggest some charities which give away all the required Muslim foods for free, even when we have willing buyers who want a normal life with normal commerce?

[@fatihaslhdn]

Assalammualaikum subhi, your message is really important to be heard by people like me; who used to dilute religion when interacting with non islamic people when in fact i know there’s more than just secular values eg inclusivity, understanding, kindness, but actually more about recognizing Him [taqwa], making the right intention (ikhlas) hereafter minset (day of judgement) and submission to Allah (slave/abd). This applies not just in branding and markering world but also in respective career of myself, in my own homes, with my friends and all. I feel like there is an innate inferior complex to be unapologetically muslim but seeing you confident and strong iasMuslim is actually refreshing to me. I hope all our brothers and sisters can become more muslim represent in our community so that the identity can be contagious to other sugarcoating Muslims! May Allah guide us ❤

[@shushitnow]

I love this take and it actually has me reflecting on the commercialization of religious holidays in general. Since the start of Ramadan, i’ve started to see a lot of “secular” style ramadan ads from muslim influencers which i found really weird because why talk about the “celebration” of Ramadan as if it’s a holiday or bring it to your social media but not do it justice?

[@nadammahk]

Interesting.. It was a bit hard for me to grasp the idea at the beginning because I have never thought about that or noticed it before.. But as you elaborated more on the topic it sort of clicked and I started remembering vividly how that would be the case for certain people talking about brands although they might have done that unintentionally giving the benefit of the doubt.. So like you've mentioned it could be they're happy to promote Islam or Ramadan with big brands, but it's important to remember the real reason we do it. Really interesting and eye opening topic thank you.

[@princessnoor176]

Excellent topic

[@sokkaslostboomerangg2593]

I LOVE THE BACKGROUND Allahumma barik wa MashaAllah lakuwattailabilah ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Tizou007]

I think it’s important to understand that the reason it’s explained that way, as self reflection, love, giving, and empathy is because it helps people that don’t understand Islam, relate a bit more. I do agree that we should add that this month is a month of worship, where we self reflect as muslims, we love, and we feel more empathetic towards our religion, towards others and all for the sake of Allah. I understand how it can be dangerous to explain it without mentioning Allah. But I also think it’s a way of explaining to those that may not understand or relate. For example, my boss, I have to explain its self reflection, it’s a sacrifice to gain more appreciation for the things god has given us. However, if I just said that it was spiritual week, where we sacrifice food and water for the sake of Allah. I think it misses out on a huge part of what we practice during Ramadan, and a huge portion of what the non Muslims may understand. So idk. I agree and I disagree. I agree that brands take advantages of them, and you must be more knowledgeable. But I do think there’s a balance in the explanation of Ramadan to others. Defs not excluding Allah, but also not neglecting the good actions that come with the month of Ramadan (giving, love, forgiveness, spiritual self reflection).

[@nadinanasina5316]

So true I was trying to figure out how to put into words. We as Muslims see fasting as an act of worship and feel all the benefits of it and feel the peace thru attaining that Taqwa (mindfulness of God). When nonmuslims see the no water, food, etc, ppl immediately think wow this religion is so hardcore, and won't necessarily understand how beautiful this month is to us without us bringing in all those topics of mindfulness and discipline and community. Completely agree with subhi that definitely Allah should always be a part of the equation when discussing an act of worship to him like the month of Ramadan, but I definitely think there's a sweet spot when discussing this with nonMuslims.

[@user-mi.]

Bless you! You're speaking what I think about more often when I see those content and ads!

[@peacenow6618]

May Allah Accept your works, and make it a means of acceptance and Guidance for the Ummah!

[@ghadahajji7305]

So impressive 🤩

[@maryah_s]

This episode is giving younger Subhi vibes. The cap, the chuckles. haha :D May Allah keep you happy and smiling always.

[@ballroomblue1270]

Right on the money 💴 yesssss sooo true Allah yahfadak!!!!!❤❤❤❤

[@peacenow6618]

جزاک اللہ خیرا

[@nayyabtariq6682]

I never realized it, but as you went on I was like "wait a damn minute, that's so true"

[@user-mi.]

We don't celebrate and fast to get the benefits but as an actor of worship to God, AND this act and every act of worship Has benefits to us and IS Good to us. That is the missing point, I guess, every time people get asked or mentioned fasting or and other act of worship. This podcast... I'm just going to make it a main content these days! Bless you

[@pome-ru]

Subhanallah I never even noticed this. An eye opener. Thank you brother. بارك الله فيك

[@RayOfHope8]

Very true. ❤️🤲 May Allah bless you for your efforts.

[@nawarra9652]

super important topic والله

[@lizaminasyan9255]

So true! thank you for this video ❤

[@sarahgabel9744]

Excellent podcast. Very easy to listen to. Thank you Subhi 😊

[@hafssasayed2589]

This was very insightful, thank you.

[@Salma-s5e]

I am so happy you are back

[@hakimgraphiks5903]

بارك الله فيك أخي صبحي، موضوع مهم جدا. شيئ مؤسف أنو القليل جدا من رواد المنصات من نوه و تكلم على هذه الفكرة. بالتوفيق ان شاء الله.

[@turta784]

Thank you a lot for pointing out this, i didn't realised it until you say :'( assalamualaikum

[@seamlessdiary]

Yes anotherrrr vid ❤

[@Fruby.1]

Please make a video about an average person dealing with hardship (I.e illness )

[@hibz2992]

16:55 I had no business laughing as hard as I did😂😂😂😂

[@hannahtamimi471]

Yeeea this has always annoyed me but I couldn't put a name to it.

[@saraAFA_]

As Salam alaykum warahmatullah. All your points are super valid and I th Al you for speaking about then. However First off, us Muslims need to stop “celebrating” Ramadan!!! Ramadan is NOT A HOLIDAY. It is a personal and communal act of “worship” A lot of Muslims are confused. Ramadan is the school. Eid is the graduation. We are getting carried away with decorations, lights and lanterns for the month of Ramadan. Where did it all come from? Muslims need to calm down and focus on Ibadah during Ramadan. Now if we want to talk about Eid then that’s another conversation.

[@salifuuuu]

I think that I am more understanding of people who wish to participate in Ramadan because they are in Muslim majority countries, muslim majority family or friend circles. Out of respect for partner, etc. Even people who are curious about Islam and want to use the month to explore that. But the online, viral “I am not a muslim but I’m about to celebrate Ramadan, here’s why” thing rubs me the wrong way and feels like a grift.

[@esma.sim.]

👍🏼

[@hibahayani3464]

OMG thank you .

[@SaifAhmed]

Is it just me, or is anyone else *glad* that the local supermarket is selling Halal meat and dates without me having to drive an hour away to buy it? Does ShopRite really need to plaster verses from the Quran and Hadith to sell Halal meat? Is that practical? Would they put up posters with the history of Ramadan on shelves just so they can sell some goods? Do we want to go back to the 1980s when people drive three hours to buy Halal goods?

[@nunchai_is_life]

You have touched on two issues that I've been thinking about a lot. Very interesting - esp for those of us in countries where Muslims are minority who crave being 'seen'. In relation to the commercial elements, I'm concerned particularly of those brands that push a Ramadan product and that brand that doesn't represent Islamic values (underpay staff, destroy environment etc). The issue of those fasting during Ramadan who aren't muslim (bc they do it in solidarity or to 'experience' the routine of Ramadan but dont engage in the religious element) is a interesting topic - i love the gesture esp if it comes from a place of learning / joining but isn't Ramadan more than just fasting. In circumstances where the person engages in the fasting and/or the feasting without the spiritual reflection, is this also an example of stripping Islam from Ramadan? In countries where muslims arent the majority i think there is an added issue that non muslims engaging with 'islamic activities' may just be subconsciously or consciously virtue signalling.

[@ss.92.]

Haha 11:29 McScuse me 🤣🤣 I guess it was McDonalds that approached you then 😉

[@mountaindew20]

Greetings from malaysia brother🤎

[@mariamaboumrad3067]

💎 💎

[@laflaf125]

I wonder if Ramadan is commercialised in this way in muslim majority countries

[@YuMi-om4dy]

💜

[@RayOfHope8]

❤️❤️❤️❤️🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@batoulabbasi4235]

So much to be said here. All of this goes back to the “woke” movement as you said and trying to appear more inclusive of diff types of people. Muslims are accepted for the little quirks that make them different (hijab, 5 daily salahs, fasting in ramadan, etc) but when it comes to matters like testifying there is no god but Allah and the prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم is His final messenger, that Islam is a hardcore value system, this gets brushed under the rug. Not just by nonmuslims but a lot of the time by Muslims too unfortunately. Because the reality is, diversity of value systems/ideologies is not really feasible. The overarching ideology of our society is that of liberalism ie worshipping the nafs (which is completely contradictory to Islam). That’s why speaking against any of this ideology’s manifestations (if you catch my drift) can land us into trouble with our careers, our institutions, social media, etc. That’s why there’s this general discouragement, from both outside the Muslim community and within, of speaking about Islam’s true values, because there’s a major clash with that and with the status quo ideology, which functions as a religion in and of itself.

[@amm7862]

Per your point at 5:35, unfortunately when we completely relinquish Muslim content creators from responsibility around sponsored content specifically in relation to de-Islamifying Shahr Ramadan, then is it really fair to blame brands that aren’t even Muslim that want to commercialize our religion and holidays? After all, they aren’t Muslim and they are a commercial entity whose bottom line is profit. My question to you as a veteran Muslim content creator, at what point do we move from having “rights” “choices” etc to responsibilities to ourselves, our deen, our community and our Creator? Is that purely only a personal choice when content creators are influencing our youngest and most impressionable generation to access social media? Food for thought.

[@sanashakeel3169]

👍

[@connortom1678]

your volume is too low

[@nehas868]

totes agree with de-islamifying and become more of a profit-centered holiday. not only from companies, but from the average generic muslim as well. it's so sad to see and it ruins the vibes of Ramadan. makes me miss the ramadans of childhood. grew up in the tx public school system as well so yes, it's great seeing other people learn more about islam and ramadan, but it definitely seems more censored at times. whether that's because of the political environment or other reasons, it's still sooo strange to see others frame islam from a more western pleasing POV and i feel like that distorts Islam, making the religion suit you rather than you submitting to the religion.

[@Alexthebabycat]

Firsttt

[@yas7689]

this

[@sidramir3211]

fourth lol

[@itszahra4075]

Very interesting and Eye-opening topic! I just figured that I accepted these “exclusivity based” represntations of islam because I thought they were enough somehow as a start islam recognition, but now I understand that something that is built wrong from the start may not always turn out good 🫠