We underestimate the power of words, even though they’re the bedrock of change. In this episode I speak to Zainab Iqbal about her experience as a Muslim journalist, and how she uses her words to tell stories that gets overlooked by the mainstream media. Zainab is a powerful voice, who puts her Muslim Identity before every word she writes.

We spoke about the challenges she faces as a Muslim journalist, including Islamophobia and women rights. We also spoke about representation, and how it is important for people to see themselves reflected in the media. Zainab is an inspiration to us all, and she is a reminder that words have the power to change the world.

Enjoy!

Timestamps:
0:00 Promo
0:42 Zainab’s upbringing
3:08 First Stories Zainab Wrote
4:10 From Fiction to Journalism
6:07 What Does it Mean to be a Muslim Woman Journalist
8:45 Andrew Tate and Objectivity in Journalism
11:27 Chatgpt, AI, and the Future of Journalism
12:42 What Drew Zainab to Journalism
20:19 How to Deal with Criticism
22:53 How to Ask Good Questions
26:52 The Best Story Zainab Ever Wrote
28:07 How Stories Lead to Change
33:00 The Process of Writing and Publishing a Story in Journalism
35:06 Different Forms of Stories in Journalism
38:12 The Writing in Journalism
41:33 Zainab’s Writing Process
44:58 The Misrepresentation of Palestinians in the Media
52:29 Brooklyn Restaurant Recommendation
53:59 Favorite Books
54:36 Advice for Aspiring Journalists

🔗 CONNECT WITH Zainab
Website: https://www.middleeasteye.net/users/zainab-iqbal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zai.nabee/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/planetzainab?s=20
Photography Page: https://www.instagram.com/zainabshoots/

🔗 CONNECT WITH HAZAWI
Join my community: https://www.mohamedthewriter.com/#/po...
YouTube Channel: @HazawiStories
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HazawiStories
Website: https://www.mohamedsmorshed.com/tag/podcast/


📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED

The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley: https://a.co/d/7Vv90BP
Lost Islamic History: Reclaiming Muslim Civilisation from the Past by Firas Alkhateeb: https://a.co/d/dh72wkl

🎙️ABOUT THE PODCAST

Hazawi Podcast demystifies the writing and publishing process. It’s for emerging Muslim writers who want to improve their writing, discover the roadmap to publishing their work, and explore diverse writing careers.

🤝LEAVE A REVIEW

If you enjoyed this episode give the podcast a 5 star review on Spotify to be part of it’s growth

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hazawi-podcast/id1645790556
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LOnODlp3DVg6Fa2Nos5aS?si=348a0222e8f94fb9

🙏Thank you for listening and keep on creating.