The Oasis with A.Haqq Islam

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 st...

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 episode they discuss the profound con...

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 challenges and triumphs behind a life ded...

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 conversation dives deep into Sudan’s anc...

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 has grown into a thriving fragrance b...

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 childhood dreams to becoming a role mode...

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-deprecating humor.

Inspired early on by w...

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 discussion, Elmahdi opens up about his creat...

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 of being too "Black" to fit in with...

In this next episode of "The Oasis" featuring Sahr Ali, the passionate leader of Black Muslims Now, a grassroots collective dedicated to uniting and amplifying the voices of Black Muslims in New York and beyond. Host Haqq Islam sits down with Sahr to explore her inspiring mission to foster visibility, advocate for social justice, and build stronger communities.

From her roots as a second-generation Muslim in Philadelphia to her jou...

This episode of The Oasis features a candid conversation with Jamal Al Amin, the CEO of Brooklyn Perk Coffee, who shares his inspiring journey from embracing personal flaws to building a business rooted in peace, love, and unity. Jamal discusses how his experiences growing up in Flatbush, Brooklyn, and his transformative journey through Islam shaped his approach to business and life.

Discover how Jamal turned a dream into reality, ...

This episode features a conversation with visionary leader Mansa Suliman Al Kushi the man behind the creation of the Kingdom of Kush, a nation reclaiming African unity and empowerment. Situated between Egypt and Sudan, this new nation is rooted in pan-Africanism and serves as a sanctuary for people of African descent worldwide. Mansa shares the incredible 30-year journey of building this country, from claiming uninhabited land in 1...

Step into the world of resilience, art, and activism in this captivating episode featuring poet, activist, and author Bayadir Mohamed- Osman. Known for her powerful storytelling and deep connection to Sudan’s struggles, she shares her journey as a third-culture kid navigating life in the DMV while embracing her Sudanese roots.

This heartfelt conversation explores her acclaimed book "Secondhand Smoke," where she masterfully transfor...

Born into two worlds, Oddisee third culture journey is a story of resilience, creativity, and identity. This episode features a conversation with the extraordinary lyricist, producer, and artist Oddisee, as he discusses how his unique upbringing—being raised between his Sudanese father’s collectivist values and his African-American mother’s roots—shaped his worldview, music, and artistic vision. As a proud third culture kid, he sha...

Dive into this episode of The Oasis featuring Nadine El Roubi, a neo-soul artist whose unique sound bridges cultures and genres. Born in Khartoum, Sudan, and shaped by global experiences—from Virginia to The Netherlands—Nadine shares her journey as a "third culture kid" navigating identity, artistry, and passion.

This captivating conversation explores how her multicultural roots and personal experiences, including influences from I...

Meet Muhsin Cason, the undefeated Muslim boxer breaking stereotypes both inside and outside the ring. The season 3 finale episode of "The Oasis" features an inspiring conversation with Muhsin, a second-generation Muslim, poet, police officer, hafiz and devoted father. Known for bringing his unique flavor to everything he does, Muhsin combines discipline, artistry, and faith to challenge societal norms and redefine what it means to ...

This episode of "The Oasis" features a conversation with longtime family friends Shabhaz Ganny and Omar Ganny the dynamic father-son duo behind Darbars, a thriving halal restaurant chain built on faith, love, and family values. From starting with a small bodega to becoming the "mayor of Liberty Avenue," Shabhaz shares his inspiring journey from India to Queens, finding love, and building a business rooted in Islamic principles.

Oma...

In this inspiring episode of "The Oasis," host Haqq Islam sits down with Rana Abdelhamid, a true changemaker affectionately known as the "Mayor of Queens." From her roots as a Queens girl with Egyptian heritage to her rise as a community activist and advocate, Rana shares her incredible journey of resilience, activism, and cultural pride. The conversation explores her upbringing in one of the most diverse boroughs in New York City,...

This episode of The Oasis features a conversation with Rufus and Jenny Triplett, a power couple who have celebrated 35 incredible years of marriage. Named Ebony Magazine's 2012 Couple of the Year and recognized for their appearances on TLC, CNN, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, and TED Talks, Rufus and Jenny bring wisdom, humor, and authenticity to this inspiring discussion. From their journey as military veterans to publishing the ...