The Oasis with A.Haqq Islam

From a refugee camp in Kenya to the international stage of Miss World and Miss Universe, Khadija Omar has spent her life shattering glass ceilings. In this powerful episode of the Oasis, host Haqq Islam sits down with the groundbreaking model and entrepreneur to discuss her incredible journey of resilience, faith, and fashion.
Khadija opens up about her early years in a refugee camp and the transition to life in Canada at age nine. She shares how she navigated bullying and identity struggles to become the first hijabi woman to represent Somalia on the world stage. You will learn about her transition from a high school shooting guard to a pageant queen, and the unwavering support from her parents that fueled her courage.
The conversation also dives into the business side of pageantry and Khadija's entrepreneurial spirit. She discusses the launch of House of Hooyo, her custom couture brand dedicated to her mother, and her work as an ambassador for humanitarian causes like Smile Train Africa. Khadija also speaks candidly about her personal growth, her decision regarding the hijab, and her upcoming quest for the Miss Cosmo crown in Vietnam. This interview is a masterclass in building confidence and turning your unique story into your greatest strength.
Chapters
0:00 Intro and Welcome to the Oasis
2:50 Life in the Kenyan Refugee Camp
6:45 Moving to Canada and Overcoming Adversity
11:15 From Basketball to Beauty Pageants
15:30 The Journey to Miss World Ontario
19:00 Representing Somalia on the International Stage
24:10 Competing in Puerto Rico and Placing Top 12
28:30 Character and Confidence Behind the Scenes
32:00 Making History at Miss Universe Mexico 3
6:15 Entrepreneurship and the Launch of House of Hooyo
40:40 Faith and the Evolution of Personal Identity
44:00 Miss Cosmo Somalia and Humanitarian Goals
47:13 Final Thoughts and How to Connect
 
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What happens when a neighborhood deli becomes a beacon of hope for local students? In this inspiring episode of The Oasis, we sit down with the visionary brothers behind Zach’s Famous Deli and the viral Grades for Grabs initiative.
The brothers share their incredible journey from Yemen to New York City, detailing the sacrifices their father made and the challenges of growing up in Brooklyn. Wali opens up about his difficult transition from a failing business in the Bronx, where he survived a traumatic shootout, to finding a new purpose on Staten Island.
Discover how their commitment to education and their Islamic faith led to the creation of the Island Ock persona and a program that rewards students for their academic success. From rewarding 100-dollar bills for improved grades to building a global community on TikTok, this conversation explores how these brothers are fighting the stigma of the corner store and building a roadmap for the youth. We also get a sneak peek into Wali's upcoming book, Climbing Mountains, which chronicles his life lessons from the peaks of Yemen to the streets of New York.
Chapters
3:45 The Journey from Yemen to Brooklyn
7:50 Cultural Immersion and Learning English
11:30 High School Years and Sports Dreams
15:10 Struggles with Education and College
19:25 Why Yemenis Open Delis
23:40 Starting a Business in the Bronx
28:15 Surviving the Deli Shooting Incident
32:45 Facing Business Failure and Defeat
36:50 Moving to Staten Island and Starting Over
41:10 Creating the Island Ak Persona
45:30 The Origin of Grades for Grabs
49:50 Going Viral and Community Impact
54:15 How Faith Fuels Their Mission
58:30 Future Vision for the Program
1:03:10 Climbing Mountains Book Announcement
1:06:30 Final Message and How to Support
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From a small table on a Harlem street corner to a global street wear powerhouse, the story of Caps USA is a masterclass in faith, family, and perseverance. Join us on this episode of the Oasis as we sit down with Thierno Diallo to discuss the incredible legacy his parents built after emigrating from Guinea.
We explore how the Diallo family navigated the height of the hip hop movement, the challenges of the 80s and 90s, and the transition into a new era of digital commerce. Thierno shares personal insights on the importance of Sabur (patience), the impact of his Islamic faith on his leadership style, and the responsibility of being a first-generation entrepreneur.
Whether you are an aspiring business owner or a fan of street wear history, this conversation offers valuable lessons on building a brand that remains rooted in community while reaching a global audience. Discover how Caps USA became a staple of 125th Street and why people travel from all over the world to experience the store in person.
Chapters
0:00 Intro and welcome to the Oasis
3:15 The RISE acronym: Risk, identity, and sabur
7:45 From Guinea to Harlem: A parents journey
11:30 Building a business on the corner of
125th Street 15:50 The height of hip hop and the move to hats
20:10 Faith and identity in the street wear world
24:45 Joining the family business as a native Harlemite
29:20 Why family is the center of everything
33:55 The middle child perspective on life and business
38:15 Modernizing Caps USA during the pandemic
43:40 Customer service and the power of trust
48:10 Global reach and the love for Harlem
53:05 Visiting the village and generational ideas
57:30 Meeting his wife and building a future
1:01:05 Business advice and the future of the brand
Make sure to support the movement by visiting the shop in Harlem or checking out their latest drops online. If you found this story inspiring, please RATE & REVIEW.

In this episode of The Oasis, we sit down with Machiami, the founder of Veiled Visionaries and a Forbes Africa recognized leader who is redefining visibility for Black Muslim women in the global market. She share her journey from the Bronx to the global stage, discussing how she uses her MBA and business expertise to bridge the gap between major brands and an underserved community of modest fashionistas.
From the nuances of Ivorian culture to the multi trillion dollar halal economy, this conversation dives deep into why visibility and financial literacy are essential for the modern Muslim woman.
Throughout the interview, we explore the unique challenges faced by black Muslim women in the beauty and hair care industries, the power of cultural identity, and why the global market can no longer afford to overlook this powerful demographic. She also shares her personal inspirations, her passion for soccer, and her mission to foster sisterhood through her groundbreaking ecosystem.
Chapters
1:12 Introducing Machiami and Veiled Visionaries
2:45 Growing up in the Bronx and Ivorian heritage
4:30 Memories of Ivory Coast and cultural storytelling
7:15 Using an MBA to build a brand
8:40 Bridging the gap between brands and Muslim women
11:00 Understanding the two trillion dollar halal economy
14:15 Integrating high level fashion with the hijab
17:30 Soccer, the World Cup, and African excellence
21:00 The future of Veiled Visionaries and financial literacy
24:00 Where to find Machiami and Ivorian food tips
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In this episode of The Oasis, Brother Haqq Islam sits down with Dr. Ali, a leading cardiovascular specialist and professor at Columbia University, to uncover the truth about heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. This deep dive into medical science and lifestyle choices provides the tools you need to protect your most vital organ.
Dr. Ali shares his personal journey into medicine and explains why conditions previously seen only in the elderly are now affecting people in their 20s and 30s. We explore the critical role of the endothelium, the dangers of high-sodium processed foods, and how simple changes like a 30-minute brisk walk can literally save your life.
The conversation also touches on the spiritual significance of the heart in Islam and how maintaining its physical health is a form of respect for the body we have been given.
Chapters
0:00 Introduction to Dr. Ali
2:45 A Personal Journey into Cardiology
6:15 Heart Disease Trends in Our Communities
10:30 Shocking Statistics on Cardiovascular Health
14:15 Genetics vs Environment What Really Causes Disease
18:45 Defining High Blood Pressure and Hypertension
23:15 The Dangers of Chronic Inflammation
27:30 Why Young Men Are Facing Vascular Issues
32:00 Understanding Type 2 Diabetes and Insulin Resistance
36:45 Food Insecurity and the Sodium Trap
41:15 Habits of People Who Live to 90
45:30 BMI and the Reality of Obesity
50:00 The Power of Daily Physical Activity
53:45 The Spiritual Heart and Quranic Wisdom
56:30 Preventing Heart Attacks and Managing Plaque
58:45 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information
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Today on The Oasis, we sit down with the incredible Amira Porter, the visionary behind Miss Elite Bakes, to discuss her inspiring journey from selling treats in high school to opening a thriving bakery in the heart of Philadelphia.
Amira shares her unique story of being raised in Saudi Arabia, where she first discovered her passion for baking while experimenting in the kitchen for her brothers. We dive deep into the realities of being a young entrepreneur, including the challenges of finding a commercial space and the importance of staying true to faith-driven values by avoiding interest-based loans.
Throughout the conversation, Amira explains how she transitioned from a career in healthcare to a full-time business owner, proving that with consistency and trust in God, anything is possible. You will also see a live taste test of her signature flavors like Strawberry Matcha Cupcake and Biscoff Cookie Butter Cupcake that have the entire studio crew impressed. From hosting creative cake and sip events to her plans for global expansion, this episode is packed with gems for anyone looking to turn their passion into a profession.
Chapters
0:00 Welcome to The Oasis with Miss Elite Bakes
2:45 From high school side hustle to business owner
5:30 Growing up in Saudi Arabia and early influences
9:15 Transitioning from healthcare to full time baking
12:45 The journey of finding a bakery location in Philly
16:15 Financing a business through faith and savings
19:30 Advice for the next generation of entrepreneurs
22:45 Creating community through cake and sip events 25:15 The ultimate cupcake and cookie taste test
31:00 Future plans and giving back to the community
34:11 Closing thoughts and how to support
If you enjoyed Amira’s story and want to see more inspiring interviews with entrepreneurs making a difference please RATE & REVIEW. Let us know in the comments which cupcake flavor you would want to try first! #MissEliteBakes #Entrepreneurship #Baking #SmallBusiness #PhillyEats

What does it really take to build a multi-million dollar real estate empire from the ground up? In this powerful episode of the Oasis, we are joined by Mahmoud Elyan, the founder of ECS Homes and a premier luxury home builder in New Jersey.
Mahmoud opens up about his incredible journey, from the early days of flipping houses to the devastating financial crash of 2008 that forced him to start over from scratch with nothing but a van and a set of tools. Mahmud discusses the intricacies of high-end construction, explaining why building a home is one of the most emotional investments a person can make. We explore his Palestinian heritage, the importance of maintaining your identity, and how his faith has guided his business ethics and leadership style.
He also shares the personal reasons behind moving his family to Qatar and what life is like in a society that prioritizes safety and family values. This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, showing that true success is about more than just a bank account, it is about impact, integrity, and legacy.
Chapters
0:00 Intro and meeting Mahmoud Elyan
3:15 Showcasing luxury projects and the Brick House
7:40 Growing up Palestinian in America and identity struggles
12:10 The first real estate flip and early success
16:30 Losing everything in the 2008 market crash
21:05 Starting over with a van and tools
25:40 The breakthrough 4 million dollar project
31:15 The custom home building and permitting process 36:20 Common misconceptions about builders and budgets 41:10 Managing high net worth clients and business ethics 46:05 Advice for young entrepreneurs in construction
51:20 The HGTV experience and staying true to character 56:15 Relocating the family to Qatar for peace and safety 1:01:00 Identity pride and the Qatar real estate market 1:03:45 3 things every home buyer needs to know
1:05:18 Final thoughts and outro
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Share your thoughts in the comments below about Mahmoud journey or your own real estate goals!
#RealEstate #LuxuryHomes #Entrepreneurship #Palestine #SuccessMindset

In this episode of the Oasis, we sit down with one of Doha’s most talented chefs to discuss her culinary journey and her strict philosophy on nutrition. Soumaya reveals why she has completely eliminated sugar, processed foods, and vegetable oils from her kitchen, opting instead for natural ingredients like olive oil and avocado oil. We explore her Lebanese roots, her life in Qatar, and how she balances being a busy single mom with a rigorous fitness routine that includes strength training, running, and golf.
The highlight of the episode is a special food tasting where Soumaya presents a variety of vibrant, healthy dishes. From Sayadieh with caramelized onions to air-fried Kebab Laban and a 3-hour slow-cooked stuffed chicken, you will see how she brings flavor to life without compromising on health.
Soumaya also shares her unique vision for the future of dining, focusing on intimate, home-cooked dinner experiences that prioritize human connection over the standard restaurant model.
Chapters
0:00 Meeting Chef Soumaya
2:45 The Story of Mama Cooks Daily
5:30 Lebanese Roots and Life in Doha
8:15 Thoughts on the Situation in Lebanon
12:00 The Secret to a Healthy Lifestyle
15:10 Cooking Without Sugar or Processed Foods
18:45 The Importance of Communal Eating
21:20 Food Tasting: Sayadieh and Kebab Laban
25:00 Slow-Cooked Chicken and Fresh Tabbouleh
29:30 The Vision for Intimate Dinner Parties
32:45 Managing Time as a Busy Single Mom
35:15 Future Goals and How to Connect
37:48 Video End
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Tell us in the comments which of Soumaya’s dishes you would want to try first! #MamaCooksDaily #HealthyEating #DohaFoodie #LebaneseCuisine #HealthyLifestyle

Is marriage really just about love, or is it the most significant financial decision of your life? In this episode of The Oasis, host Haqq Islam sits down with capital markets expert and Finleet founder Farah Kamal to explore the intersection of faith, finance, and entrepreneurship.
This deep dive reveals why choosing a spouse is a business move and how modern women can find inspiration in the legacy of Khadijah RA. From her journey as a trailblazing Muslim woman on institutional trading floors to witnessing the eighth largest bankruptcy in US history at MF Global, Farah shares raw insights on risk tolerance and business intelligence.
We discuss the mechanics of the global markets, the rise of fintech at companies like Wealth Simple, and the importance of transparency in financial data.
Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur looking to bootstrap your first company or a professional seeking to understand venture capital, this conversation is packed with actionable advice. Farah breaks down the importance of financial literacy, the reality of vibe coding in the age of AI, and why the GCC is becoming the new frontier for innovation, safety, and female leadership.
Chapters
0:00 Why Marriage is a Business Decision
4:15 The Business Legacy of Khadijah RA
9:30 Understanding Risk Tolerance
14:50 Breaking into Capital Markets
20:10 Being a Muslim Woman in Finance
25:40 Lessons from Major Institutions
32:15 The Collapse of MF Global
39:40 Fintech and Wealthsimple
47:00 Founding Finleet and Data Transparency
55:20 Bootstrapping vs Raising Capital
1:02:10 Financial Literacy and Avoiding Debt
1:09:45 How to Start a Business in the US
1:15:30 Navigating Angel Investors and VCs
1:22:15 Why Women Founders Thrive in the GCC
1:25:40 Spiritual Motivation for Success
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Welcome to a special sit-down at the Oasis featuring the creators of the Noop Theory podcast. Join us as we explore the deep connections between Islam, self-development, and the unique experiences of the Sudanese diaspora living in Qatar.
In this episode, Haqq Islam is joined by Aimen and Omer to discuss the profound philosophy behind their platform. They explain the concept of NOP—No Operation—and why it is vital to let your life breathe and find moments of stillness amidst the noise of the modern world. The conversation spans a wide range of vital topics, including the cyclical nature of our habits, the importance of choosing a spouse based on shared values, and how Islam serves as a practical anchor for navigating your thirties.
The brothers also share their personal stories of growing up across different borders before eventually settling in Doha. They provide a heartfelt look at the current humanitarian crisis in Sudan, expressing their deep pride in their heritage and their hopes for a future where they can contribute their global expertise back to their homeland.
This is a conversation about identity, representation, and the constant pursuit of becoming the best version of oneself through faith and awareness.
Chapters
0:00 Intro and Special Guests
2:15 Understanding the Noop Theory
5:30 Life Cycles and Choosing Your Loop
8:45 Faith as a Practical Guide
12:00 Three Deeds for the Afterlife
15:15 Principles for Marriage and Family
19:00 Self-Development and Psychology
22:30 Representation of Sudanese Voices
25:45 Navigating the Soul and the Ego
29:15 Technology and the Human Spirit
33:00 The Safety and Culture of Qatar
36:45 Entrepreneurship and Personal Stories
40:00 Reflections on the Conflict in Sudan
43:30 Future Goals for the Nuke Theory
 
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