Tharik Hussain

Hussain was born in Golapganj Upazila, Sylhet District,[1] Bangladesh, and grew up in Tower Hamlets, London, England.[2]

Hussain attended Raine's Foundation School and Newham Sixth Form College, before graduating from Middlesex University with a bachelor's degree in Media and Cultural Studies with Journalism. He trained as a Lecturer of Further Education with Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills at the University of Greenwich and holds a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies from Birkbeck, University of London, University of London.[3]

Hussain began his media career as a news reporter, before developing his specialism through his travels exploring Europe's forgotten Muslim heritage.[2]

Between 2001 and 2006, Hussain held the roles of journalist at Eastern Eye, chief editor at bi-lingual, local newspaper, Stepney Voice and Copyeditor at Saudi Gazette. Since 2014, he has been freelancing as a journalist, travel writer and broadcaster.

In January 2016, Hussain became a destination guide writer for Lonely Planet, working on the first-ever Hajj Guide in the fifth edition of the Oman, UAE and Arabian Peninsula travel guide.[4] Shortly after, Hussain left for America to record his two part radio documentary for the BBC World Service called, America's Mosques, a story of integration, which tells the story of Islam in America through some of its mosques, both old and new . During his travels, Hussain visited two of the country's oldest mosques and spent time with the American-Bangladeshi community.[1] The BBC World Service has commissioned Hussain for a follow up in 2017.[4]

In July 2016, an exhibition of Hussain's travel photography called Don't Forget About Us; a Journey Through Europe's Muslim Heritage at the London Muslim Centre was London's first on Europe's Muslim heritage.[2][5] Hussain is a regular contributor to the travel sections of Arab News and My Salaam.[1]

Hussain is currently working on his first travel book about a summer road trip with his family across the Balkans in search of the region's forgotten Muslim heritage.[4][1]

During his teaching career, spanning twelve-years, Hussain taught English in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and Sociology and Media Studies in London and Essex, England.[1]

In June 2016, Hussain's documentary America's Mosques won an award for the World's Best Religious Program at the New York Festivals (NYFF) Radio Programs Awards.[2] In November, it was also shortlisted for the Radio Creative Feature award at the Association for International Broadcasters Awards.[1]

Hussain lives with his family in London, England.[1]

• British Bangladeshi
• List of British Bangladeshis
• List of Muslim writers and poets

• Tharik Hussain's website