The Oasis with A.Haqq Islam

Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes when a guest doesn't show up? Join Haqq Islam and Jazlyn Porter for a deep dive into the origin story of The Oasis and their mission to redefine Muslim representation in media.
This special impromptu episode turns a rainy day pivot into a powerful conversation about the grit, vision, and partnership required to build a media conglomerate from the ground up. In this episode, Haqq and Jazlyn discuss how they met, why they decided to just go for it on their own the initial idea for the podcast, which was born out of a desire to move past harmful stereotypes and showcase the true diversity of the Muslim experience.
From doctors and lawyers to comedians and actors, the goal has always been to highlight dope individuals who are true to their faith while excelling in their fields. The duo also gets real about the business side of creativity.
They share the challenges of finding funding, the experience of being ghosted by major platforms, and the importance of staying the course even when doors close. You will hear about their exciting new partnership with Salams, upcoming poetry event in Los Angeles, and their future plans for films and documentaries aimed at global audiences.
Chapters
0:00 Intro and the rainy day pivot
3:45 The origin story of Haq and Jazlyn
8:12 Redefining Muslim representation in media
12:50 Memorable guests and building connections
17:35 Taking chances on a new platform
21:55 Navigating business hurdles and ghosting
26:10 Partnering with Salams for future events
30:30 Expanding into films and documentaries
34:50 The visionary versus the producer dynamic
39:15 Learning from younger generations
43:20 Sustaining creative momentum and belief
47:45 The power of appreciation and team culture
51:40 Closing thoughts and final message
Whether you are an aspiring creator or a long-time fan of the show, this episode offers a transparent look at the highs and lows of their creative journey. It is a testament to the power of vision and the importance of having a ride-or-die team.
Subscribe to stay updated on our upcoming films and events! Leave a comment below about your favorite episode of The Oasis so far. Rate & Rview #theoasis #muslimmedia #creativejourney #representationmatters #podcastbehindthescenes

Are you a millennial or Gen Z Muslim struggling to navigate the modern marriage scene while building a successful career? In this episode of the Oasis, we sit down with Basama Beyah, to discuss everything from modest fashion to finding your soulmate in the digital age.
We dive deep into the challenges of the current marriage market and why so many young Muslims are finding it difficult to connect. Basama provides an inside look at her role as the senior global marketing manager at Salams, the worlds leading Muslim marriage app, and offers practical advice on how to approach the search for a spouse with the right mindset.
We also explore her success as a fashion designer with her brand BaZma Beyond and how she managed to purchase her first home as an investment at just twenty-five years old. Later in the episode, we are joined by Basama's mother, Aziza, who shares her perspective on raising successful children, the art of homeschooling, and the importance of returning to the Quran and Sunnah when building a family.
This conversation is packed with inspiration for anyone looking to balance professional ambition with spiritual growth and community building.
Chapters
0:00 Introduction to the Oasis
2:15 Growing up as a fourth generation Muslim
5:45 The reality of homeschooling and family protection
9:30 Balancing Quranic studies with university life 1
4:00 Why Basama pursued an MBA at twenty 
18:15 Family history and reverting to Islam
23:30 Launching BaZma Beyond fashion line
27:45 Entrepreneurship and the power of family support
32:15 Marketing strategies and the shift to social media
37:00 Buying an investment home at twenty-five
41:30 Developing a positive and confident mindset
45:00 Behind the scenes at the Salams marriage app
49:15 Global marketing and the startup experience
53:45 Why millennials are having a hard time getting married 58:30 Navigating cultural expectations and financial barriers 1:02:15 Closing the gap between men and women in marriage 1:06:00 A conversation with Basama's mother Aziza
1:10:00 The future of modest fashion and final advice
1:12:55 Conclusion
If you found this episode helpful, please RATE & REVIEW  subscribe to our channel for more deep dives into the Muslim experience.
Don't forget to share your thoughts on the modern marriage scene in the comments below! #muslimmarriage #modestfashion #entrepreneurship #homeschooling #islamiclifestyle

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
 
Make sure to RATE & REVIEW and subscribe to the podcast channel.

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
If you enjoyed this story of resilience and community, please like this video and subscribe to the channel for more inspiring interviews. Please RATE & REVIEW 

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
If you enjoyed this deep dive into culture, business, and fashion, please make sure to RATE & REVIEWand  subscribe to our channel for more inspiring stories from the Oasis Circle. 

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
If you found this information beneficial, please like RATE & REVIEW. Share this with your family and friends to help spread awareness about heart health. #hearthealth #cardiology #wellness #diabetesprevention #theoasis

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
If you enjoyed this deep dive into healthy Middle Eastern cuisine and lifestyle, make sure to like this video and subscribe to our channel.
Tell us in the comments which of Soumaya’s dishes you would want to try first! #MamaCooksDaily #HealthyEating #DohaFoodie #LebaneseCuisine #HealthyLifestyle