The Muslimah Storytellers Podcast

The Revival of Long-Form Content & Creating Space for Muslim Women
What happens when we choose to slow down in a world built around the scroll?
In this episode of the Muslimah Storytellers Podcast, we’re joined by the founder of FRIDAY Magazine to explore the revival of long-form content, the importance of Muslim media, and why creating intentional spaces for Muslim women writers and readers matters.
We also get into the practical side of building a slow-production magazine — from the idea behind it to actually bringing it to life.
In this episode, we discuss:
01 — Why long-form content still matters In an age of short-form videos, quick takes and endless scrolling, why are readers still drawn to thoughtful, in-depth storytelling?
02 — Creating our own Muslim media spaces What happens when Muslim women stop waiting to be represented and start creating the platforms, publications and spaces they want to see?
03 — Why Muslim women need spaces to write and read We explore the importance of having spaces where Muslim women can tell nuanced stories, explore ideas and see themselves reflected beyond stereotypes.
04 — The revival of print and slow media Why deliberately choosing print, long-form writing and slower production can be a powerful response to an increasingly fast-paced digital world.
05 — Behind the scenes of creating a magazine What does it actually take to create a slow-production magazine? We talk about the process, the challenges and what happens behind the finished pages.
06 — Building something with intention From editorial choices to community, we explore what it means to build a media platform around values rather than simply chasing content.
Listen until the end…
We finish by getting into the HOW of creating a slow-production magazine — and what aspiring writers and creatives can learn from building something intentionally from the ground up.

Website: www.muslimahstorytellers.com

In this inspiring episode of The Muslimah Storytellers Podcast, we sit down with Suad — a writer whose journey is a powerful reminder that passion, purpose, and tawakkul go hand in hand. Allahumma barik, Suad’s story is filled with wisdom about pursuing your craft on an unconventional path while staying deeply rooted in faith.
We explore how writing can be a way to make sense of the world and serve Allah, and how embracing the identity of “writer” — even before the world sees you as one — opens doors to growth, confidence, and support. Suad shares how her early drafts built her skills, how declaring her calling invited her loved ones’ encouragement, and how seeking publication deepened her understanding of purpose, intention, and reliance on Allah.
Her beautiful reflection — “Without Allah, you couldn’t write a single word” — captures the heart of this conversation: writing is not just a craft, but an act of worship.
Tune in to be reminded of the power of starting, the importance of renewing intentions, and the joy of writing for the sake of Allah.
✨ Stay Connected: Visit muslimahstorytellers.com for resources and services, and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram for updates.
✍🏽 Join Our Challenge: This November 2025, we’re hosting a 30-day writing challenge with prompts, workshops, prizes, and a chance to be published in our anthology — all happening on the Muslim Storytellers Discord. Sign up on our website to participate!
As always, thank you for listening — and until next time, as-salaamu ‘alaykum and more ink to your pen!

Episode Summary Take a virtual seat at our July Masterclass, From First Draft to Publication. In this episode, we deep-dive into the full publishing process—from idea to finished book—with a panel of seasoned experts:
Hajera Khaja – Writer, editor, and creative writing teacher
Khadijah Hayley – Book doula and editor
Ayaan Mohamud – Award-winning author
Whether you’re just starting your first draft or preparing for publication, this session is filled with practical advice, insider knowledge, and motivational gems to help you on your journey.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
The step-by-step journey from manuscript to published book
How to choose between traditional, self, and hybrid publishing
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Tips for staying motivated through every stage of the process

🎶 Track: Words – Vocals of Africa 📌 License ID: P425-296 🔗 License tracks now: https://halalsoundtracks.com

In this throwback to our first Masterclass of the year, we sat down with a panel of Muslim writing experts—editors, publishers, and authors—to dissect the writing and publishing process. Together, we explored a central question: “What part of the publishing, writing, or marketing process do you find most challenging—and why? And what strategies have you discovered to make it easier?”
Whether you’re struggling to finish your manuscript, navigate publishing options, or market your book, this episode is packed with real-world advice and actionable tips to help you move forward.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
The biggest challenges Muslim writers face in writing, publishing, and marketing
Practical strategies to overcome common obstacles
Insights from editors, publishers, and writers who’ve been through the journey
Encouragement to stay the course on your path to publication

Panelists - Suad Kamardeen (Writer, Editor, Founder of Qalb Writers Collective), Emma Halim (Award Winning Author), Arooj Hussain (Taha Publishers), Asmaa Hussien (Ruqaya's Bookshelf)
🎶 Track: Words – Vocals of Africa 📌 License ID: P425-296 🔗 License tracks now: https://halalsoundtracks.com