Meet Saeed Purcell | Imam (Muslim Religious Leader), Personal Development Consultant (Spiritual and Relationships), Son, Brother, Father, Husband, Friend, & World Citizen.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Saeed Purcell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Saeed, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
So, I was born with a metabolic disorder called PKU (Phenylketonuria). It’s a lifelong condition that affects how your body processes protein. Long story short, it means that as a child you can become severely physically and mentally retarded. As an adult, it leads to neurocognitive and psychological issues with attention, focus, thinking, emotional control. I spent most of my adult life untreated, after following a strict diet in my youth. The effect of this was increasing difficulties with work, school, and relationships.
I say all of this to set the stage for what comes next. Because of all this I was greatly attracted to process and systems. It was by learning and planning that I was able to succeed at anything. My interests tended towards structured systems; like military (I never actually joined, for philosophical reasons). Martial arts, science, etc. The same desire for structure inevitably led me to my new found faith – Islam.
Wanting to succeed in my new path, I took to studying. Initially on my own, but with some structure from fortunate advice. Subsequently I started studying at a university level. Because of many thing, many of which now I have come to understand were (at least partially) due to my PKU, I struggled greatly with work and relationships. I craved freedom and to immerse myself in my studies – unfortunately often at the expense of my responsibilities. Because of this I floundered for many years, Allaah (God) saved me through the generosity from friends and family. I should have been homeless many times, but I kept landing on my feet through no merits of my own.
Through some tenacity, and a lot of unearned blessings, I eventually completed my degree in Islamic Studies, landed a stable job, and most recently found a woman who could handle my unpredictable nature.
Finally, I was able to find a reliable treatment for my PKU which has given me back a ‘normal’ life. Clarity, focus, and most importantly emotional control. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m thriving. Happily married for nearly 8 years, stable employment (for the most part) for nearly 6 years, and I’m actually in the midst of my Phd in Islamic Studies. All this while also building a business – one I hope to retire to and thrive in my aspirations of sharing my hard learned lessons from the many battle fields I’ve crossed over my nearly 6 decades.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Although this isn’t well known by many of my friends and acquaintances these days, in my somewhat distance past I was a published poet, a music industry journalist, and music producer/artist. I even spent some time in radio as well.
It was my love of words and music that led me to my new found faith.
My poetry, specifically the one that got published, was often spiritual in nature – long before my journey had begun.
My music was formed from an amalgamation of many influences; my mothers interest in Bossa Nova and Jazz, my early exposure to hip-hop. The style of music I researched and endeavored to produce was most akin to Acid Jazz. The one song that eventually got released was quite different though; it combined punk, funk, and British Pop and was the background track for a hardcore local hip-hop artist called X-Government. My work writing for the music industry (specifically The Source, Streetsound, and Da Bomb) exposed me to local Muslim artists which influenced my faith journey and led to my first visit a Masjid (mosque).
I’ve continued to use these gifts in a new way with writing articles and sermons regularly, and now creating social media content – most actively on LinkedIn and soon on my revamped website www.brosaeed.com.
My brand, I’ve made a conscious decision to try and remain humble; hence the name Bro Saeed. No titles, etc. I try to be as highly trained as possible, but I don’t want that to be my brand. I believe in relationship building and the necessity of listening first. That, more than anything is how I want to be known. Someone who has a genuine concern for people to be the best they can be.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Being a relatively new resident; I moved to the DFW a little over 7 years ago. My familiarity with the city is limited.
Most of my time is spent in Irving; the Heritage District is especially enjoyable.
I’m a bit of a foodie, so my favorites are somewhat unique. A place I used to love, which unfortunately has recently close, was Invasion in the Medical District – it was a Halal Burger joint which had award winning burgers, my favorite though was their Corn Flight (basically Elotte and other versions, truly mouth watering).
A recent favorite place to eat for my better half and I has been Ecclesia – a brunch place that has some truly exquisite fare; my favorite is the Eggs in Hell (basically Shakshuka).
I love a good cup of tea, sadly, I’ve not been able to find a good place to go to – the few I enjoyed are either closed or too expensive for my taste.
Another place I enjoy is a Vegetarian place in Irving called Honest – it caters to a mostly Hindu clientele but the vegetarian nature of the restaurant appeals to my PKU dietary requirements.
One thing I miss, is a good spot to stargaze; I was an avid amateur astronomer back in the day (that was actually my first major when I started college).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, all thanks and praise is due to Allaah, the one without whom none of this would be possible.
After that, my mother for her unending support. My wife for her patience and unconditional love. My dearest friend and mentor, Dr. Hatem al-Haj. And my local community from the Islamic Center of Irving – most notably, Yasir Arafat for his nomination as one of the High Spirited Citizens of Irving this year.
Lastly, I want to thank my dear brother Curtis James for his Shoutout in a previous story right here.

Website: https://www.brosaeed.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bro.saeed1/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brosaeed/

Twitter: https://x.com/Bro_Saeed1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saeed.r.purcell

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BroSaeed

Image Credits
N/A; all images are my own.