Qasim Rashad was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. Qasim obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dillard University in New Orleans, LA. While attending school in New Orleans, Qasim developed an appreciation for both the performance and visual arts. New Orleans’ rich tapestry of old world Southern gentile, Afro-Creole and Euro artistic influences made a great impression and resonates in him to this day. In 1991 the 1st of Ramadan Qasim embraced Islam and two years later made his first of two Pilgrimages to Mecca, Saudi Arabia known as the Hajj. Currently, Qasim owns a small technology company, Final Mile Technologies, and volunteers countless hours in his beloved community UMM. As Amir of one of the most dynamic Islamic communities in the city of Philadelphia, which was founded by one of his mentors Brother Kenny Gamble of Philadelphia International Records, Qasim volunteers countless hours to help in the growth and development of the young vibrant jamaat. ​ He puts his talent for oration to good use as a live host and commentator on radio for the only black talk radio platform in Philadelphia, W.U.R.D. 900AM, on Saturdays. Qasim is also a co-owner of Nur Media a small production group dedicated to developing, producing, and supporting media projects with positive images. More recently, Nur Media organize and hosted the Philadelphia premier of the film Deen-Tight by director Mustafa Davis, which received International, accolades in the Muslim world. Nur Media also hosted Qasim Basir the writer & director of the movie Mooz-lum starring Nia Long, Evan Ross and Danny Glover for the film’s Philly premier. Nur Media has produced a dynamic documentary hit “Ask A Muslim”.