The Oasis with A.Haqq Islam

The Oasis with A. Haqq Islam is a weekly podcast hosted by music industry veteran A. Haqq Islam, featuring intimate and refreshing conversations on the impact of Islam in music, sports, fashion, film, politics, technology, Hip Hop culture and more. This podcast seeks to challenge the stereotypical views of Muslims domestically and internationally while introducing the world to Muslims and followers of Islam who are impacting the culture and breaking barriers.

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Episodes

8 hours ago

Ever wondered what it is really like to move from the UK to Qatar as a professional?
In this episode of The Oasis, we sit down with the three hosts of The Wise Guys Qatar to discuss their journey from the Somali diaspora in Europe to becoming influential educators and podcasters in the Middle East. This deep-dive conversation explores the unique experiences of Ahmed, Ali, and Maddus as they navigate life, faith, and career transitions.
From growing up in tight-knit Somali communities in Birmingham and London to teaching the next generation of leaders in Doha, these three brothers share the challenges and triumphs of the expat life. We discuss the cultural nuances of the Gulf, the reality of the Qatari education system, and how they built one of the most successful podcasts in the region by focusing on clean, authentic storytelling.
Whether you are interested in the logistics of moving abroad, the importance of positive representation for the Muslim community, or just want to hear some incredible life stories, this episode has something for everyone.
We also touch on their future ambitions, including their dream guests and their deep love for their homeland, Somalia.
Chapters
0:00 Intro and Meeting The Wise Guys
3:45 The Somali Community in the UK vs US
8:20 Family Journeys from Somalia to Europe
13:10 Life in Denmark and Facing Challenges
18:40 Educational Opportunities and Growth in the UK
23:15 The Personal Path to Becoming Teachers
28:50 Why We Decided to Leave the UK for Qatar
34:20 Comparing Life in Qatar to the UAE
39:45 Step by Step Guide to Teaching in Qatar
45:10 What Qatari Students are Really Like
51:30 Motivating Wealthy Students to Succeed
57:15 Understanding Salaries and Benefits in the Gulf 1:02:40 The Birth of The Wise Guys Podcast
1:08:15 Creating a Cultural Reset through Clean Content 1:13:50 Being Recognized and Building Influence in Doha 1:18:20 Dream Guests and Future Ambitions
1:21:05 Ramadan Goals and Love for Somalia
1:23:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
If you enjoyed this deep dive into life in Qatar and the power of community, make sure to RATE and REVIEW and follow. Leave a comment below letting us know which part of their story resonated with you most and who you would like to see on the show next!
#TheWiseGuys #QatarLife #SomaliDiaspora #TeachingAbroad #PodcastSuccess

Thursday Mar 19, 2026

Join us for an incredible conversation from Doha, Qatar, as we sit down with Sudanese-American hip-hop artist and activist G Salih. In this deep dive, we explore the delicate balance between creative expression and the business of music, alongside the need for global advocacy for Sudan. G Salih shares his journey from the DMV to the international stage, discussing how his background in international business helps him navigate the industry while keeping ownership of his art.
We also discuss the current humanitarian crisis in Sudan and how the diaspora is mobilizing to make a real difference through organizations like the Sudanese Diaspora Network and Nile Nights.
Key Highlights
THE BUSINESS OF MUSIC - Why owning your masters is non-negotiable for independent artists and how to structure fair deals.
CULTURAL FOUNDATIONS - Growing up in the Sudanese community of Northern Virginia and the impact of immigrant values.
HUMANITARIAN WORK - The mission of the Sudanese Diaspora Network and providing emergency relief on the ground.
THE FUTURE OF SUDAN - Navigating the current conflict and the hope for a sustainable, self-sustaining future.
CHAPTERS 
0:00 Welcome to the Oasis from Doha
3:15 Starting Out in the Soundcloud Era
6:45 The Impact of College Dropout and Kanye West
10:30 Growing Up in the Sudanese Diaspora
14:15 Moving to the Suburbs and Culture Shock
18:00 Studying International Business at JMU
23:15 The Strategy Behind G Salih
28:00 Signing and Owning Masters
33:45 Breaking Down Royalties and Recoupment
39:30 Low Cost Recording vs Marketing Strategy
44:15 Why G Salih Avoids Major Labels
49:00 The State of the Music Industry Today
54:00 Redefining Success and Advocacy Through Art
58:30 Rapid Fire: Top 5 Hip Hop Albums
1:03:00 The Sudanese Diaspora Network Mission
1:08:15 Humanitarian Relief Efforts in Sudan
1:13:30 Nile Nights: Global Community Events
1:18:45 Meeting His Wife and Life in Qatar
1:22:15 The Current Crisis and Hope for Sudan
1:24:45 Closing Thoughts and What is Next
If you enjoyed this conversation, please RATE & REVIEW the podcast.
Share your thoughts on the music business or the situation in Sudan by leaving comment below.
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!
Follow The Oasis
IG:haqqislamoasis
Tiktok: haqqislamoasis
Follow G Salih -  IG: @therealgsalih

Thursday Mar 12, 2026

In this episode, holistic herbalist Tiara joins Haqq Islam in Doha, Qatar, to reveal how diet, stress, and environmental toxins are at the root of the health crisis facing our communities today. From the impact of endocrine disruptors in beauty products to the deep connection between trauma and physical illness, this conversation is a masterclass in reclaiming your vitality through nature.
Tiara shares her incredible life story, moving from a challenging upbringing in Philadelphia to the Peace Corps in Mozambique, and eventually studying natural medicine with the lineage of Dr. Sebi in Honduras. We dive deep into specific health issues like fibroids, PCOS, prostate health and erectile dysfunction explaining how an alkaline approach and gut healing can transform your life.
Whether you are looking for herbal remedies or inspiration from Tiara's journey as a global nomad who has visited over 70 countries, this episode offers the tools you need to start your healing journey.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro 
4:20 Understanding Fibroids and Endocrine Disruptors
8:50 The Role of Diet and Toxin Exposure in Health
13:15 Reversing PCOS and the Alkaline Diet Approach
18:00 Food Addiction and Obesity in America
22:30 Hormonal Disruptions and Early Puberty
27:15 The Importance of Gut Health and Microbiome
32:40 Herbs for Cleansing the Blood and Healing the Body
38:00 Carcinogens and the Danger of Enriched Foods
43:15 Prostate Health and Male Sexual Wellness
48:30 How Stress and Trauma Manifest as Physical Disease
53:45 Tiara's Personal Journey and Philadelphia Roots
58:20 Peace Corps Experiences and the Mugabe Incident
1:04:10 Studying Herbal Medicine in Honduras
1:09:30 Reverting to Islam and Global Perspectives
1:14:50 Traveling the World and Final Health Advice
1:18:53  End
If you found this information valuable, please  RATE, REVIEW and FOLLOW the podcast for more enlightening conversations on health, spirituality, and global culture. SHARE this with someone who needs to hear this healing message today.
GET IN TOUCH WITH TIARA
Instagram: @healwithtiara
Website: healingwithtiara.com

Thursday Jan 08, 2026

From Howard University to Hollywood TV screens to owning a mid-century modern furniture store in Philadelphia — this episode is a masterclass in reinvention and entrepreneurship.
In this episode, Haqq sits down with longtime friend and Howard classmate Kenya Abdul Hadi, co - owner of The Modern Republic, a premier mid-century modern furniture store in Philly. Before furniture, Kenya built two successful clothing brands, selling T-shirts that landed in Nordstrom, appeared on iconic shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and were worn by cultural heavyweights including Tupac, Fat Joe, DMX and LeBron James.
Kenya breaks down:
* How he got his clothing line into major retail stores like Nordstrom
* The real strategies behind building and growing a loyal customer base
* Why furniture is one of the most lucrative retail businesses
* How anyone can start a furniture business today
* Knowing when to pivot and evolve as an entrepreneur
The conversation also dives into their shared roots at Howard University, the power of relationships, and the mindset required to build brands that last across industries.
Whether you’re into fashion, furniture, retail, or entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with real game from someone who’s lived it.
Don’t forget to Subscribe and Rate & Review on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcast at.
#Entrepreneurship #MidCenturyModern #FurnitureBusiness #HowardUniversity #Streetwear #RetailGame #Philadelphia #TheModernRepublic #BusinessPodcast

Thursday Jan 01, 2026

Pure Love Pies is more than a bakery — it’s a story of faith, family, and self-determination.
In this episode, Haqq sit's down with the owner of Pure Love Pies, a Muslim-owned bakery known for its legendary navy bean pie, a dish deeply rooted in Black Muslim history. Popularized through the Nation of Islam and the teachings of Elijah Muhammad, bean pie was created to encourage healthier eating and economic independence — and that legacy continues today.
In this episode Haqq and Samaad Barnes discuss:
⚫️ The do-for-self mindset passed down from his father
⚫️ How his mother developed the original bean pie recipe still used today
⚫️ Turning a cultural staple into a profitable business
⚫️ Running two bakery locations and selling thousands of pies
⚫️ Balancing a 9-to-5 job while building a business
⚫️ The real steps it takes to open a brick-and-mortar bakery and make a profit
⚫️ Why keeping it a family business matters This episode is for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, Black Muslim history, food culture, or building something meaningful from the ground up.

Thursday Dec 18, 2025

From Sudan to Stardom: This episode features a conversation with Alsarah, the East African retro-pop artist, poet, whose journey from Khartoum to musical success is as inspiring as her soulful sound. She opens up about her roots in Sudan, navigating cultural identity as a Muslim, and how her family's resilience shaped her creative path. Discover how her deep connection to East African traditions and life experiences fueled her rise in the music world and led her to form her own rock band, Alsarah & The Nubatones.
From her early days exploring Sudanese music to embracing African American sounds like gospel, jazz, and blues, Alsarah shares how she built her career as an independent artist from studying greats like Erykau Badu, Learn how she financed her albums, negotiated licensing deals, and took bold steps to preserve her authentic voice amidst industry norms. This episode also dives into her activism for Sudan, her reflections on revolution, and her ability to craft music that transcends borders and genres. Whether you're a fan of cultural exploration, Islam, or simply enjoy authentic artistry, this episode is for you!
Don't miss her heartfelt insights, her latest album "Seasons of the Road," and how she landed a record deal.
Be sure to Rate and Review on Apple Podcast and subscribe to stay tuned for more inspiring tales from artists redefining success and pushing boundaries.
#sudanesemusic #ethnomusicology #eastafricanculture #eastafricamusic
CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro
02:06 - East African Retro Pop Overview
03:59 - Her Genesis Story
10:05 - Moving to America
12:12 - What is "Tarab Music"
13:20 - Discovering African American Music
16:16 - Graduating from Wesleyan University
18:49 - Moving to New York City
22:06 - Starting Her Band Journey
24:34 - Securing A Record Deal
30:09 - Releasing a New Album After 9 years
34:40 - Sudan’s Future Perspectives
35:54 - Alsarah's Music Journey
39:54 - Artists She Wants go on Tour With
42:12 - Outro

Thursday Dec 11, 2025

In this episode of The Oasis, Haqq sits down with Yamu Camara, data scientist turned 7 figure real estate investor and Co Founder of DeenVest Capital.
Yamu walks us through her early beginnings in Gambia, where she dealt with abuse and ostracization to landing a fellowship in America and becoming a 7 figure real estate investor.
If you are interested in learning how to get into real estate with minimal funds and the step by step process this episode is for you.
Yamu Takes us through her full process and provides a checklist of the following:
⚫️ Websites to Find Properties
⚫️ Which Banks To Secure Funding
⚫️ How Much Money You Need To Get Started
⚫️ What You Need To Look For Once You Find a Property
⚫️ What Locations Are Good To Invest In
⚫️ Why You Are Losing Money Keeping It in The Bank
Make sure you Rate, Review and SUBSCRIBE on Apple Podcast and wherever you listen to your podcast.
Stay up to date with Yamu Camara and get more real estate & investing tips Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingwealthfromrentals/
DeenVest Capital: https://deenvestcapital.com/
The Oasis with Haqq Islam Podcast
Subscribe to Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@haqqislamoasis
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Oasis Podcast Website: https://www.theoasispodcast.com/

Friday Dec 05, 2025

This episode of The Oasis features a candid and enriching conversation with Ishmael Muhammad and India Y. Ali, a power couple whose journey began during a spiritual pilgrimage to Umrah.
From their first meeting in Mecca to their heartfelt three-hour conversation in Egypt, they share how their love blossomed into a beautiful partnership. Growing up Muslim in Texas, Ishmael reflects on the values that shaped his identity, while India reveals her journey from attorney to co-founder of a community-focused law firm.
Together, they discuss how their shared faith in Islam and commitment to service have strengthened their bond and their mission to empower their community. Whether you're a fan of inspiring love stories, a "90 Day Fiancé" enthusiast, or someone seeking insight into how cultural identity and personal growth intersect with love, this episode is for you.
From navigating life and business together to expanding their vision across borders, Ishmael and India showcase an extraordinary partnership that builds on love, trust, and purpose. They even touch on the importance of estate planning, combating gentrification, and creating a lasting legacy for future generations.
Get ready for a story of love, resilience, and vision that will leave you inspired.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring stories and thought-provoking conversations. #marriageadvice #umrahexperience #umrahjourney #familydynamics #candidconversationsmarriage
CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro
01:26 - Growing up in Texas
04:53 - College Basketball Journey
08:33 - Transition to Real Estate Career
12:21 - How He Met His Wife
17:10 - Vision for the Law Office of India Y Ali
20:53 - His and India’s Love Story
29:50 - Understanding Trusts
32:53 - Working Together in Business
37:03 - Expansion to Ghana
39:55 - Final Thoughts and Reflections
40:38 - Advice for Married Couples in Business
43:30 - Closing Remarks

Thursday Nov 27, 2025

Shareef Abdul Malik, Entrepreneur, community leader, and a man whose faith guides his every move. This episode features a conversation with Shareef Abdul Malik as he discusses how Islam and cultural identity have shaped his inspiring entrepreneurial journey. From starting We Buy Black to evolving into Naspora, Malik shares how his passion for uplifting communities and his commitment to creating opportunities for others are rooted in his deep faith and values.
Discover how he navigated challenges, embraced personal growth, and pioneered initiatives that empower the underserved, including his ambitious goal of selling 40 million Naspora boxes filled with products from Black and Muslim-owned businesses. Whether you're intrigued by stories of resilience, entrepreneurship, or the intersection of faith and business, this episode is for you.
Tune in to hear Shareef's reflections on manhood, getting married at 17, marrying a second wife and his unwavering dedication to building a legacy through service. Don’t miss this powerful conversation — make sure to like, comment, and SUBSCRIBE to stay connected with more transformative stories!
#youthmentorship #nasporamission #nasporaplatform #nasporavision #culturalunity #entrepreneurship #buyblack #islamicvalues #naspora #muslimbusiness
CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction
00:41 - Early Life
06:27 - Howard University Experience
08:57 - First Taste of Entrepreneurship
10:58 – Highschool Marriage
18:17 - Leaving College
19:46 - Starting We Buy Black
22:01 - Importance of Education for His Wife
25:41 - Founding We Buy Black
31:37 - Transition from We Buy Black to Naspora
35:04 - Unboxing the Naspora Box
40:00 - Defining Manhood
45:55 - Advice for the Next Generation
51:36 - How You Can Suppor Naspora
53:53 - Outro
The Oasis with Haqq Islam Podcast Subscribe to Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@haqqislamoasis Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oasis-with-a-haqq-islam/id1740666577 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haqqislamoasis/?hl=en Follow on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@haqqislamoasis Oasis Podcast Website: https://www.theoasispodcast.com/
Support Naspora https://naspora.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooEtjFnWcm2NAbucssaJ5kgJ6nwzfohovQV_35q4gG5kKFvPFh1

Thursday Nov 20, 2025

Step into this heartfelt episode of The Oasis where Haqq sit's down with Kadjahtou Balde, the passionate force behind Modify Thrift- A Harlem based pre love thrift shop. Kadjahtou's story begins long before she ever opened her own shop—it starts with her father, a Harlem staple who ran his store in the neighborhood for years. When she stepped in to carry that legacy forward, she wasn’t just taking over a business she was continuing her family's legacy.
In this intimate conversation, she opens up about the moment she asked herself, What can we build with low overhead that still allows us to thrive? That question sparked the birth of Modify Thrift, a unique space offering modest, sustainable, pre-loved clothing for all women Her mission is rooted in sustainability, accessibility, creativity, and honoring the community that raised her.
You’ll hear how her upbringing shaped her identity, how sustainability became a core value, and how she turned her father’s Harlem hustle into a modern, purpose-driven business. This episode dives deep into themes of family legacy, faith, resilience, entrepreneurship, and reimagining what thrift culture can be. If you’re navigating your own path, dreaming of building something meaningful, or simply love a good story of grit and growth—you’re going to feel right at home here.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and SUBSCRIBE
#thriftshopping #harlemcommunity #modestfashion #muslimfashion #fashionhub
CHAPTERS:
01:07 - Intro
01:59 - Her Early Life
04:02 - College Experience
06:20 - First Job Insights
09:47 - Her Dad’s Business Journey
15:35 - Understanding Modify Thrift
17:43 - Dad's Reaction to Thrift Store Idea
21:10 - The Light Bulb Moment
24:09 - Green Light from Dad
27:50 - Meaning of Modify Thrift
30:34 - Sharing Her Journey Publicly
32:30 - Her Dad's Coolness
34:04 - The Modest Closet Refresh
42:09 - Curating Your Clothes
45:36 - Personal Insights
48:40 - Balancing Responsibilities
50:54 - The Muslim Community Impact
53:25 - What's Next for Modify
 
The Oasis with Haqq Islam Podcast Subscribe to Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@haqqislamoasis Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oasis-with-a-haqq-islam/id1740666577 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haqqislamoasis/?hl=en Follow on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@haqqislamoasis Oasis Podcast Website: https://www.theoasispodcast.com/
 
 

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