Tharik Hussain


Tharik Hussain is a Bangladeshi-born, British-Muslim, travel writer, journalist and broadcaster, specialising in the Muslim heritage of the West and Muslim travel.

Early life

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

Education

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.

Media career

Hussain began his media career as a news reporter, before developing his specialism through his travels exploring Europe's forgotten Muslim heritage.
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. 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. The BBC World Service has commissioned Hussain for a follow up in 2017.
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. Hussain is a regular contributor to the travel sections of Arab News and My Salaam.
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.

Teaching

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

Awards and nominations

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

Personal life

Hussain lives with his family in London, England.