Islam Poetry Slam represents the vision of Mukhtar Ali and Zain Kassamali. The project involves 12 poets (6 male and 6 female) reciting poetry on a single topic, then receiving commentary from the audience. The Islam Poetry Slam will have monthly writing sessions, travel to various cities and countries to recite poems, and release an album. What does the Western Muslim mind think? How do poetry, art, and language transition from culture to culture? Islam Poetry Slam employs a dynamic platform to explore the boundaries of spoken word and freedom of expression.
Islam Poetry Slam's 1st event featured Grammy nominated poet Amir Sulaiman. Amir has been featured in Variety and USA Today for producing projects with Dave Chappelle. Amir has also been featured on Max's (formerly HBO Max) Def Poetry Jam and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. The 3rd Islam Poetry Slam event will feature other poets, such as Haidar Al Attar, Barak Hussain, Ali Al Hakeem, and Nouri Sardar as special guests. The event will be held at the Curtis Theatre on August 24, 2025, from 5 PM to 8 PM.
Islam Poetry Slam represents an opportunity to be a part of a groundbreaking project, bridging the gap between the East and West. The project aims to bring an understanding of Islam, eliminating many of the misconceptions associated with it. Due to its unique perspective and never-before-seen concept, it is anticipated that the project will receive significant coverage in the media and the poetry world. In less than one month, the project grew over 1,019,771 marketing impressions from posts, highlights, reviews, and comments. 12% of the proceeds will be donated to charity.
Mukhtar Ali is a lifestyle designer. He's worked with include the Universal Music Group, Interscope, Sony, MTV, VH1, Frankie B., Parasuco, and others. He has been trained by some of the world’s most recognized directors and photographers like David LaChapelle and Joseph Khan. He has directed for Tila Tequila, Raekwon, and Game. His directing work has been featured on MTV, XXL Magazine, WorldStarHipHop, and Global Grind. He is former VP of A&R for Uprising Records. He has worked as a wardrobe stylist for Paris Hilton, 50 Cent, Mariah Carey, Bai Ling, Jessica Simpson, Eminem, George Michael, DMX, and others. He created fashion projects - Dope Hijabi, 40 Styles, and Hijab and Sneakers. He has a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design and Marketing is currently pursuing a Master's and Doctorate in Business. He has studied and traveled to Los Angeles, New York, London, Milan, Paris, India, China, Japan, Iraq, and Iran.
Zain Kassamali is an entrepreneur, VP of A&R Box and Packaging, and works with companies like Oakley, Costco, Obey clothing, and several other apparel manufacturers. He is a poet, an executive MBA candidate from Chapman University, and a former top-producing sales rep for a multinational telecom company. Zain has studied and traveled to Pakistan, India, Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.