We were lucky to catch up with Asha Kabirou recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Asha, thanks for joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

Turning an idea into reality takes persistence and grit. Halaqah Tingz began with a simple yet powerful moment—a Ramadan Iftar held in the living room of one of our sisters. During that gathering, one theme deeply resonated with us: the lack of a welcoming space to learn about Islam in a way that felt warm and congenial. That heartfelt conversation sparked what has now become Halaqah Tingz.

Since then, we’ve been meeting monthly, each session centered around a topic designed to bring us closer to Allah (God). Our discussions go beyond surface-level learning—they challenge us to grow, to reflect deeply, and to apply what we learn in ways that make us more accountable as students of life.

But getting to this point didn’t happen overnight. It required intention, planning, and a deep understanding of what the community truly needed. I began by clarifying the vision: to create a nurturing, judgment-free environment where women could grow both intellectually and spiritually. From there, I analyzed data, conducted surveys, and had meaningful conversations to identify the key elements that would support such a space.

We started with lighthearted, engaging activities to observe what resonated and maintained interest. Over time, we discovered what worked and what didn’t. One of the most important lessons was to listen—to truly hear what the community was asking for and allow that input to shape the space we were building together.

Setting boundaries is important, but so is allowing room for people to grow. It’s vital that every voice feels heard and valued—even those that express unpopular opinions. Everyone has something unique to offer, and with the right support, each individual can flourish.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our core founding members—especially Asizat Kadiku, our Executive Director. Asizat is a fearless leader who has done a phenomenal job of driving home the vision of our organization. Her leadership, clarity, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in shaping the heart and mission of Halaqah Tingz.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Asha Kabirou, the Founder and Research Director of Halaqah Tingz. I started Halaqah Tingz with a vision to make intricate Islamic concepts more accessible, relatable, and transformative—especially for women in the DMV (Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia) area. At its core, our community is about creating a supportive space where women can intellectually and spiritually thrive.

I’m also the author of The Invisible Hand: Exploring the Visible and Invisible Design in Nature, a book that delves into the deep interconnection between scientific truths and spiritual insight, highlighting the divine design embedded in the natural world.

With a Bachelor of Science in Biology (focused on animal physiology) and a Master’s in Biotechnology, specializing in biodefense and biosecurity, my academic background shapes much of my work. Over the past seven years at the National Institutes of Health, I’ve worked on critical research involving COVID-19, infectious diseases, and antibiotic resistance—efforts rooted in my commitment to understanding how complex biological systems influence human health and well-being.

Beyond research, I am deeply passionate about public speaking. I love taking the stage to transform spaces and offer fresh, thought-provoking perspectives on how we engage with the world around us. My talks often bridge science and spirituality, helping audiences find meaning at the intersection of faith, knowledge, and personal growth.

What sets me apart from other speakers and authors is my ability to integrate complex scientific knowledge with a spiritually grounded perspective—creating a narrative that speaks to both the intellect and the soul. I don’t just present information—I reshape how people see themselves, their faith, and their place in the world. My work is deeply rooted in both rigorous research and heartfelt storytelling, allowing me to connect across diverse audiences with authenticity and purpose.

Through Halaqah Tingz, I continue to encourage others to explore Islam not just as a faith, but as a lens through which we can better understand ourselves, the world, and our purpose within it.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most important lessons I’ve had to learn is recognizing the value of my words, my time, and my work—across all areas of life. Early on, I realized that the moment you set a precedent of offering your services without clear intention, it can lead to misunderstandings. It may unintentionally signal that the work lacks value, or worse, that you don’t know your own worth—even if the person requesting your time does.

To be clear, I’m not saying you should never do pro bono work. Giving back is essential. But it must be strategic. Be discerning about the clients you take on, the businesses you collaborate with, and the platforms you lend your voice to. If someone is persistently reaching out to book you for a talk or service, chances are—they already recognize your value. The real question is: do you recognize it too?

They’ve seen your consistency, they respect your work ethic, and they’re drawn to the unique qualities you bring. That’s why it’s vital, as a professional and a business owner, to have a clear understanding of the impact and outcome you’re hoping to achieve in any engagement.

Do your research. Ask the right questions. And remember—not every opportunity is a yes. I’ve become much more mindful about the partnerships I pursue and deeply intentional in seeking spiritual clarity before stepping into any commitment. While not everyone may approach decisions in this way, I believe it’s essential to pause and reflect before saying yes. At the very least, give yourself the space to think intentionally about what you’re stepping into—and why.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building an online presence takes work—real, intentional work. It’s more than posting content; it’s about showing up consistently and staying true to your message. While I’ve taken the time to study how algorithms operate across different platforms and how each one supports specific types of engagement, the truth is, the best way to learn is by doing. You figure out what resonates by showing up, creating, and adjusting along the way.

Consistency is the most important ingredient. It’s what communicates to your audience that you’re serious about your message and committed to the value you bring. Over time, consistency doesn’t just attract viewers—it converts them into supporters, clients, and community.

For me, quality has always taken precedence over quantity. I’ve seen accounts with tens of thousands of followers, yet very little engagement. That’s why I encourage anyone building a community to be strategic about who they’re attracting. Ask yourself: Are these followers potential collaborators, clients, or supporters of your mission? Or are they just boosting your view count without aligning with your goals?

If your objective is to secure more speaking engagements, sell your products, or grow a service-based platform, your content should reflect that purpose. You need to market your message with intention, aligning every post with the outcomes you’re working toward.

I’m still learning every day, experimenting with what works and what doesn’t. But one thing has remained constant: consistency is my best friend. It’s the trust-builder, the momentum-keeper, and the bridge between who I am and the community I’m cultivating.

What I love most about the people who follow me is their unwavering support. They recognize my credibility, they know the depth of my work ethic, and they see the heart behind my advocacy. And because of that, the relationship is mutual—it’s built on authenticity, not just aesthetics.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ashakabirou.com
• Instagram: @life_with_rai
• Facebook: Asha Kabirou
• Linkedin: Asha Kabirou
• Other: TikTok: @Life with Rai

Image Credits

Photos: RuRu Photography & JustShoot Photography