Muslim Life Hackers

How to Parent Teens Without Losing Your Mind with Asumini Kasule

Most parenting advice stops at “the teen years get harder.” But what do you actually do about it?In this episode on the Muslim Life Hackers podcast, parenting and career coach, Asumini Kasule breaks down why your relationship with your teenager is the foundation of their success—and why working on yourself is more powerful than trying to change them.This isn’t about being your teen’s best friend. It’s about being the parent they need while building the connection that lets you actually influence them during the years when peer pressure peaks.What You’ll LearnThe Foundation of Teen Success [02:00-04:00]* Why peers become so influential during teen years* The prophetic model: befriending your teen ages 14-21* How connection enables guidance without judgmentThe Inner Work Parents Need to Do [04:00-09:00]* Moving from “obey me” to “I hear you”* What innocent oppression looks like (and how to stop it)* Why Allah won’t change your teen’s condition until you change what’s within yourself* Managing your own emotions before addressing theirsSetting Limits Without Being a Dictator [09:00-13:00]* The difference between authoritarian and authoritative parenting* How to have family meetings that actually work* Setting boundaries while giving flexibility* Holding limits consistently (and what happens when you don’t)The Screen Time Battle [13:00-18:00]* The two-hour rule and the two-hour-before-bed rule* Why devices stay in common rooms* Getting teens to brainstorm screen-free activities* Modeling device boundaries as parentsCareer Conversations That Don’t Create Resentment [21:00-27:00]* Exploring strengths, not just interests* Presenting your preference as an option, not a mandate* Dealing with your own fear about their choices* Why your journey doesn’t have to be their journeyKey Quotes“Allah would not change a condition of a people until they change what’s within themselves. You might look on the outside and see my teen is the problem. But their behavior is a result of their thoughts and feelings.”“When you yell, you’re not dealing with your emotions—you’re just releasing them by taking it out on your kids.”“Everything about the teens starts with connection with the parent. Without that avenue, you’re leaving the job for the people around them.”“The journey is crafted by Allah. We do our effort as parents, but the outcome is in His hands.”Guest BioAsumini Kasule is a certified parenting and career coach who supports Muslim families navigating cultural and identity changes as children reach their teen years. With 20+ years of corporate leadership experience at Fortune 500 companies and degrees from Carnegie Mellon and Stanford in Material Science and Engineering, she now helps parents build the connection that lets them guide their teens toward purpose and confidence.Connect with Asumini* Instagram: @kasulebailacoaching* Website: Kasule Baila Coaching* Book: Lead with Love - A Journey of Faith in Parenting TeensResources Mentioned* Builders of a Nation by Sheikha Haifa Younis* Surah Ar-Ra’d (Quran 13:11) - “Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves”Subscribe to the Podcast* Apple Podcasts* Spotify This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit muslimlifehackers.substack.com

Scandals in Our Community and Your Inner Voice

In this episode of the Muslim Life Hackers podcast, host Mifrah Mahroof discusses the importance of intuition in navigating community scandals. Mifrah explores how intuition acts as a powerful tool for personal growth, protection from harmful situations, and better decision-making. She also offers practical tips on how to develop and trust your instincts, seeking both spiritual guidance and professional help.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:45 Addressing Community Scandals01:35 Personal Experience with a Scandal04:04 The Power of Intuition08:27 Strengthening Intuition and Seeking Guidance10:15 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSign up to the Muslim Life Hackers newsletter: https://muslimlifehackers.substack.comListen to the Podcast: Apple Podcast Spotify Connect with Muslim Life Hackers: Instagram Twitter TikTok Facebook Connect with Mifrah Mahroof: Instagram Tiktok 🏖️ This episode is sponsored by Sisters Explore, a company I founded to offer guided small-group travel for Muslim women to connect, explore, and enjoy faith-centered journeys. Learn more at http://www.sisters-explore.com Disclaimer: Some links in this description are affiliate links. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit muslimlifehackers.substack.com

How Growing Yourself Uplifts the Entire Ummah

In this episode, Mifrah explores the interconnectedness of personal growth and how it affects the ummah. She addresses why we struggle to grow and also shares the story behind the ‘Growth Retreat’, the upcoming experiential learning experience taking place in Sri Lanka in February 2025. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:18 The Impact of Global Events on Personal Growth00:42 The Role of the Ummah in Personal Development02:05 Faith-Based Personal Development03:00 Challenges in Personal Growth03:28 The Importance of Environment and Social Circle05:22 Turning Knowledge into Action05:50 Introducing the Growth Retreat05:53 Experiential Learning and Personal Growth06:48 The Power of Play and Active Engagement07:45 Who is this Retreat for?Sign up to the Muslim Life Hackers newsletter: https://muslimlifehackers.substack.comListen to the Podcast: Apple Podcast Spotify Connect with Muslim Life Hackers: Instagram Twitter TikTok Facebook Connect with Mifrah Mahroof: Instagram Tiktok 🏖️ This episode is sponsored by Sisters Explore, a company I founded to offer guided small-group travel for Muslim women to connect, explore, and enjoy faith-centered journeys. Learn more at http://www.sisters-explore.com Disclaimer: Some links in this description are affiliate links. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit muslimlifehackers.substack.com

Hafsa Taher: Overcoming Mindset Blocks in Business for Women

The episode features Hafsa Taher, a business strategist, who discusses her journey in business and the importance of finding one's purpose. She highlights the significance of balancing inner work, like mindset and self-worth, with outer strategies for success. Key challenges for women, such as impostor syndrome and societal pressures, are explored. Hafsa stresses the importance of changing negative beliefs about money and aligning business goals with personal values. She also discusses the role of self-development and therapy in overcoming obstacles and building confidence.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Exciting Announcement02:59 Inner Work vs. Outer Work in Business03:57 Challenges Women Face in Business06:33 Money Mindset and Beliefs08:35 Transforming Negative Beliefs About Money17:14 Overcoming Worthiness Issues in Business18:14 The Comparison Game and Entitlement18:43 Capitalism and Self-Worth19:45 Redefining Value and Success20:42 Aligning Intentions with Faith22:26 Navigating Business with Passion30:26 The Role of Therapy in Self-DevelopmentAbout Hafsa Taher:Hafsa Taher is a certified Muslim life coach trained through DiscoverU's Adwam Coaching program and a business strategist with over 15 years of business experience. Passionate about empowering others, Hafsa's coaching guides sisters through their own paths of fostering resilience, faith, and business growth.Connect with Hafsa Taher:InstagramFacebookWebsiteResources Mentioned:Brave, Not Perfect by Reshma SaujaniStart with Why by Simon SinekBillion Dollar Muslim by Khuram MalikSelf-Compassion by Dr. Kristin NeffHow to Be Single and Happy by Jennifer L. TaitzPlaying Big by Tara MohrSign up to the Muslim Life Hackers newsletter: https://muslimlifehackers.substack.comListen to the Podcast: Apple Podcast Spotify Connect with Muslim Life Hackers: Instagram Twitter TikTok Facebook Connect with Mifrah Mahroof: Instagram Tiktok 🏖️ This episode is sponsored by Sisters Explore, a company I founded to offer guided small-group travel for Muslim women to connect, explore, and enjoy faith-centered journeys. Learn more at http://www.sisters-explore.com Disclaimer: Some links in this description are affiliate links. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit muslimlifehackers.substack.com

Achieving Life Goals with Dua: Insights from Mifrah’s 15-Year Journey

In this episode, host Mifrah Mahroof explores her 15-year journey with a dua habit focused on achieving her goals. She discusses how this practice, inspired by the late, Sheikh Muhammad Al Shareef (may Allah have mercy on him) has shaped her life. Mifrah talks about the emotional journey of dua, the lessons learned in connecting with Allah, and the link between personal growth and bigger duas. Join her to discover how to incorporate these insights into your own dua journey. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:15 Understanding the Dua Habit01:48 The Influence of Sheikh Muhammad Al Shareef02:58 Examples of Personal Duas03:19 The Emotional Journey of Answered Duas04:34 The Deeper Connection with Allah05:40 Leveling Up to Receive Duas06:49 Personal Growth and Realizations13:10 Upcoming Growth Retreat14:30 Conclusion and Invitation for QuestionsSign up to the Muslim Life Hackers newsletter: https://muslimlifehackers.substack.comListen to the Podcast: Apple Podcast Spotify Connect with Muslim Life Hackers: Instagram Twitter TikTok Facebook Connect with Mifrah Mahroof: Instagram Tiktok 🏖️ This episode is sponsored by Sisters Explore, a company I founded to offer guided small-group travel for Muslim women to connect, explore, and enjoy faith-centered journeys. Learn more at http://www.sisters-explore.com Disclaimer: Some links in this description are affiliate links. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit muslimlifehackers.substack.com