The Oasis with A.Haqq Islam

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 bal...

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 leg...

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—an...

What does it mean to truly call a place home when your roots are planted in another land? Join us for a powerful and moving conversation on The Oasis as we sit down with Waleed Shurrab to explore his family's 75-year journey from Palestine to Qatar and how they built a legacy of faith, hard work, and success. In this episode, Haqq Islam dives deep into the personal history of Waleed's family, begi...

Meet Sumaya Adam Abdi, the Somali powerhouse taking Qatar and the GCC by storm through her incredible content creation journey. From her corporate roots to becoming a major digital influencer, she joins Haqq in the Oasis to discuss identity, business, and the true heart of Somalia. In this deep-dive Sumaya shares her transition from corporate career and real estate to pursuing her passion for medi...

In this episode of The Oasis, host Haqq Islam sits down with Dr. Daanish to discuss how self-belief, discipline, and faith can transform your life. From medical school survival tips to the spiritual power of fasting, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for students and professionals alike. Dr. Danish shares his unique journey of studying medicine in Scotland and how he built a massi...

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 naviga...

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 internation...

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 s...

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 succ...

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...

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 a...

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 mi...

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 th...

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 op...

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...

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 disc...

This episode features a heartfelt conversation with Imam Khalid Latif, the visionary leader of the Islamic Center of New York City. Known for his groundbreaking work in interfaith dialogue and community development, Imam Khalid shares his transformative journey from a third culture kid with Kashmiri roots to becoming a leading advocate for spiritual leadership and social justice. Throughout the ep...

Step into the inspiring story of Julian “J Rock” Williams in this episode of The Oasis. From the streets of Philadelphia to becoming a world champion boxer, Julian opens up about how his passion for boxing began at just 12 years old—and how his faith in Islam has shaped every step of his journey. This powerful conversation dives into Julian’s drive, discipline, and resilience, revealing the challe...

In this episode Haqq Islam sits down with the extraordinary Abir Ibrahim, a development economist, public historian, and author of *“Love Letters to Sudan.” Together, they explore Sudan's complex cultural identity, history, and legacy as the cradle of civilization. Abir shares her journey of balancing a multifaceted identity shaped by Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. This engaging conve...

In this episode, Haqq sits down with Aarfat Khazi, the owner of the New Jersey fragrance store, The Misk Shoppe. It also happens to be the same place where NBA legend Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf gets his signature scent. Aarfat shares how losing his job in IT unexpectedly set him on a new path into the world of fragrance. From humble beginnings, starting with pop-ups and an online store. The Misk Shoppe ha...

In this inspiring episode, meet MonaLesa Brackett, a trailblazing hijabi breaking barriers in the Miss USA pageant as Miss New Hampshire 2025. From her journey as a proud Brooklyn native to embracing Islam and competing in a burkini on the national stage, Mona Lisa shares her extraordinary story of resilience, cultural identity, and self-confidence. This conversation dives into her path from child...

This episode of The Oasis features a conversation with Hoodo Hersi, a trailblazing comedian who’s breaking barriers and redefining what it means to succeed in comedy as a Black Muslim woman. From her roots as the daughter of Somali immigrants to navigating cultural identity, gender expectations, and societal norms, Hoodo shares how her unique perspective shaped her incisive, witty, and self-deprec...

This week features a conversation with Mohamed El Mahdi entrepreneur, writer and accomplished author of "Gamma Brother" and "Girl From Ganymede." As a Sudanese-American with a profound family legacy tracing back to revolutionary leader Muhammad Ahmad al-Mahdi, he shares how his heritage shapes his identity while navigating life as an engineer, horse rider, and storyteller. In this candid discussio...

Step into the inspiring world of Khadeejah B, founder of "Every Black Muslim Girl," as she shares her untold journey of navigating life as a Black Muslim woman. Growing up in London as a Nigerian Muslim, Khadeejah shares her deeply personal journey navigating cultural and religious challenges, micro aggressions, and the pressures of intersectional identity. Khadeejah opens up about the challenges...