The Transit Lounge with Mohamad Zaoud

S1E7: Riyaad Minty | AJ+, TRT and everything in between.

January 1st, 2019  |  Season 1  |  33 mins 48 secs

aj+, al jazeera, news, qatar, riyaad minti, south africa, trt, turkey

Riyaad Minty grew up in a South Africa just recovering from decades of oppressive apartheid. With a keen interest in human rights in a post 9/11 world, Riyaad chose to do a Law degree at university; but only for so long. With a vision in mind and a company to build, Riyaad dropped out of university after his first year of study. Starting off in the animated greeting cards and ringtones industry (back when it was revolutionary, that is), Riyaad eventually moved to Doha to pursue an e-marketing role at Al Jazeera. Through a mixture of pure genius, a desire for impact and a deep spiritual drive, Riyaad went from the junior no one had time for to the man that would play a major role in bringing AJ+ to the world; a purely digital news outlet that has changed the way humans consume news.

The Transit Lounge chronicles the journeys of people who’ve had a considerable impact on the Muslim world. In season 1, we hear from successful entrepreneurs, academics, scholars and politicians. Hosted by Mohamad Zaoud, each episode explores the highs and lows of our guests, and tackles the question of our time - what does it take to find balance when living a contemporary Muslim life.

Mohamad Zaoud is a brand enthusiast and consults businesses and NGOs on brand & growth strategies. He’s currently the Manager of Digital Growth – EMEA, and formerly Head of Marketing MENA, at Al Jazeera Media Network where he’s worked on flagship brands including Al Jazeera and AJ+.

Visit toledosociety.com for more info.

S1E4: Mufti Menk | Struggles of a Worldwide Mufti

November 20th, 2018  |  Season 1  |  21 mins 28 secs

divorce, india, islam, ismail menk, madina, mufti menk, quran, south africa, zimbabwe

Mufti Menk is arguably the most popular and renowned Mufti on the planet. Having been in the 'Top 500 Most Influential Muslims' list 6 years in a row, his name and online lectures are a staple in millions of Muslim households. To no surprise, we learn the Mufti was reading the Quran at the tender age of 3 and memorised it cover-to-cover by 11 (yes, you read those numbers right). A fast-tracked upbringing was just the beginning; after being enrolled (somewhat a surprise to him) into Madina University, Ismail Menk began on a journey of hardship, enlightenment, struggle and joy. We trace the Mufti's journey from childhood in a Christian school, to early medical career aspirations, studying abroad and a difficult divorce - all of which made the Islamic Scholar we know as Mufti Menk.