The Oasis with A.Haqq Islam

theoasishaqqislam

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.

  1. JAN 8

    From Fresh Prince to a Profitable Furniture Store - Heres How You Can Do it Too - Kenya Abdul Hadi

    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

    51 min
  2. 12/18/2025

    How Studying Erykah Badu Helped an Independent Artist Secure a Record Deal

    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

    43 min
  3. 12/11/2025

    How She Built a 156-Unit Real Estate Portfolio in Just 4 Years (Step-By-Step Checklist)

    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 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/

    53 min
  4. 12/05/2025

    I Met My Wife At Umrah:This is Our Story

    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

    45 min
  5. 11/27/2025

    Entrepreneur Shareef Abdul Malik on Polygamy: ‘Most Brothers Are Doing It Wrong’ — FULL STORY

    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

    54 min
  6. 11/20/2025

    She Turned Her Father’s Harlem Store Into a Modest Fashion Movement

    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/

    57 min
  7. 11/13/2025

    How Men Can Still Lead in Marriage — Even When the Wife Is the Breadwinner

    In this episode Bilal and Shaeeda stars of 90 Day Fiancé and friends to the room, open up about what it really takes to create balance in modern relationships. From navigating gender roles and cultural expectations to elevating each other in marriage and family life, they share how mutual support and understanding can transform a partnership. Grounded in their Islamic faith, Bilal and Shaeeda discuss what Islam teaches about the structure of marriage and how couples can find harmony between leadership, love, and respect. Bilal offers real advice to young brothers on how a man can lead and support his family—even when his wife earns more, while Shaeeda reflects on her journey to motherhood after 35 and the joys of blending family life with her creative pursuits. Together, they explore the power of shared values, humor, and teamwork in overcoming challenges, while touching on how social media and cultural identity shape modern love. Whether you’re inspired by faith, passionate about relationships, or simply seeking better balance in your own life, this conversation is a refreshing and insightful listen. #familysupport #genderroles #familygrowth #islamicperspectivesonmarriage #empoweringwomeninrelationships CHAPTERS: 01:08 - Intro 01:59 - Pregnancy After 35 03:33 - DMing Your Husband 06:25 - Being a Mom After 40 07:11 - Blending Families 08:17 - Gender Roles in Relationships 09:55 - Special Guest 18:33 - Money Management 24:33 - Money and Women 27:10 - Balancing Life and Relationships 32:36 - Who Comes Up with The Social Content 36:21 - Update on TV Show Love InshaAllah 40:07 - What’s Next 42:16 - Final Words   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/

    50 min

Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

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.