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. Oct 1

    A Random Email Changed Everything… | How We Built The Oasis From Nothing

    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

  2. Sep 24

    Is It the Apps or Us? Muslim Marriage Struggles Explained

    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

  3. Sep 17

    From Refugee Camp to Miss Cosmos: The Khadija Omar Story

    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.

  4. Sep 10

    Grade For Grabs| Why This Staten Island Deli Rewards Kids for High Grades

    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

  5. Sep 3

    From Guinea to Harlem: How Caps USA Built a Streetwear Empire

    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.

  6. Aug 27

    Veiled Visionaries: Empowering Black Muslim Women in Style

    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.

  7. Aug 20

    5 Warning Signs of Heart Disease: A Cardiologist’s Guide

    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

  8. Aug 13

    From $1 Cookies to a Viral Bakery: The Miss Elite Bakes Story

    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

Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
5 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.

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