In this episode of the EZ Conversations Podcast, host Furkhan speaks with Imam Adnan Wood-Smith about the journey of finding one’s purpose and mission in life, particularly through the lens of the Islamic tradition. Adnan shares his story of growing up between the US and the UK, converting to Islam, and pursuing a career that aligns with his purpose of helping Muslim professionals reconnect with their spiritual depth. They discuss the challenges of aligning one’s life with their mission, the balance between personal agency and divine will, and the spiritual tools available to maintain that alignment. Adnan also elaborates on the ‘foes’ that can derail one’s sense of mission: feelings, outcomes, ego, and Satan. The conversation offers valuable insights for anyone seeking deeper meaning and direction in their lives.

Adnan Adrian Wood-Smith is an award-winning educator, speaker, and chaplain. He has mentored hundreds of men and women at institutions such as Brown University and Zaytuna College, using insights he gained from master teachers in West Africa, the Middle East, and the US. He is currently a PhD candidate in Islamic Studies at Harvard University, and is the founder of Greater, through which he coaches people who feel aimless in life to define and defend their unique mission and purpose.

Read more about Adnan’s current work: www.greaterwhy.com

https://www.youtube.com/@adnanwoodsmith

https://www.linkedin.com/in/awoodsmith/

00:00 Welcome to EZ Conversations Podcast
00:51 Guest Introduction: Brother Adnan’s Background
02:05 Journey to Islam: Finding Spiritual Home
07:29 Struggles and Spiritual Crisis
09:39 Discovering Islam in College
13:41 Embracing Islam and Sense of Belonging
18:53 Career Aspirations and Shifts
26:03 Family Reactions and Support
28:12 Teaching Purpose and Mission
31:58 Exploring Destiny and Time
32:39 Balancing Purpose and Mission in Daily Life
33:27 Challenges in the Muslim Community
34:59 The Importance of a Strong Mission Statement
35:55 Islamic Spiritual Tradition and Remembrance
44:29 The Role of Free Will and Divine Will
53:30 Identifying and Overcoming Life’s Foes
59:41 Conclusion and Resources for Further Learning

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Furkhan Dandia Therapist and Coach

I am a men's coach, therapist, group facilitator, podcaster and author. My journey began five years ago when I was going through a separation. I found myself alone and in a shame spiral that our culture and society covertly exert on people due to the perceived "failure" of a marriage. Unfortunately, I personalized that message which led me to fall deeper into a hole, causing me to surround myself with people that did not serve me and engage in substance abuse. While seeking therapy, I was not making the wholesale changes I needed.

As part of my experience with therapy, I realized that I am not alone in the challenges men my age experience (I separated at the age of 34/35). I realized I could be a voice for men like myself and offer support in this space. In the middle of the pandemic, I applied for a Master's degree in Psychology to become a therapist. This change was a significant shift for me as I worked in the corporate world as an engineer. Once I leaned into the space of supporting other men, I also started a podcast to normalize these difficult conversations and started a men's group a year later with the support of a friend.

I thought I was giving something back when I started the men's group. However, I quickly realized I was getting substantially more from the connections I built than I initially anticipated. It was also something I needed because I was going through another breakup.

At that point, I also realized that I had not taken the time to heal, and I was outsourcing my healing through romantic relationships, substances, material acquisitions and superficial relationships. I decided to step away from the outgoing lifestyle and started to focus on my healing which was another phase of evolution for me on my journey. Over the last year and a half, I have become mindful of the people I spend my time with. I have cleaned my lifestyle of substances, toxic environments and behaviours. I have focused on my sleep, my health and my knowledge. I have improved my spiritual relationship with myself, which was lacking the most over the past five years. This is the best I have felt.

As part of my solitude journey and to find myself again, I also released a book encapsulating my journey, which I hope to share with others. My book is titled: The Pursuit of Self-Love.