This page is dedicated to all the brilliant brothers and sisters that we have in that UK that are dedicating their time and efforts in the effort of Da’wah and Tarbiyyah. This is your portal to say a big thank you for all their hard work and for you to share their lives/works/efforts with us and the rest of the world.
You can put anyone you like in here so long as they are based in the UK and working in the UK. They can be Imams, Mawlanas, Shaykhs, Teachers, or even students of sacred knowledge working in the community.
These are our Heroes and our Shining Stars. Don’t worry if you don’t know much about the person in terms of life and biography, if you feel that they had had an impact on your life and deserve to be mentioned here, then feel free to do so.
Please use the comments box below to make your statements. Please include in the description:
1) Name of Shaykh
2) Geographic Area/Base
3) Speciality Field
4) How he has benefited you or touched your life
May Allah bless you all and bless all our Shuyukh and Teachers.
Was Salaam
Jashim
I would like to contribute Shaykh Haytham Tamim to this page. I have benefited from his courses and feel that he is a wonderful teacher. His technique is great and his humility when he teaches is outstanding. His contribution in the field of education will be remembered for years to come. May Allah bless him and increase him in his efforts. A big thank you to Shaykh Haytham Tamim and keep up the good work. A short biography can be found at the website of his utrujj foundation (www.utrujj.com):
‘Shaykh Haytham Tamim is the senior lecturer and scholar and has studied Islamic law for over 16 years. His academic background includes accreditation in interpretation and sciences of the Qur’an, Prophetic sayings (hadith) and jurisprudence (fiqh) from scholars of As-Sham. As well as verifying over 20 books, his specialities include comparative jurisprudence, principles of jurisprudence (usool ul fiqh) and hadith. He served as a lecturer of comparative jurisprudence for many years at the Islamic University of Beirut. He has also served as lecturer of hadith and the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him) (seerah) at the Azhar Lubnan Academy, Lebanon He provides counselling and independent consultancy services for Muslim and non-Muslim organisations both in person and via the internet. He has appeared on both Islam Channel and Shari’ah TV channel. He has been a guest speaker on Islamic radio stations throughout the UK responding to questions on Islamic law and living Islam in the modern context.’
Amongst others Shayk Abu Ahmed is top in my list (since spent more time with him), his Nasseha, lectures, teaching touches my heart, being with him make my Imaan very high.
May Allah reward him, and he his always in my Dua’s.
Can you give a bit more information on who shaykh Abu Ahmad is, what area he operates in, and what is his field. Jazak Allahu Khair
Shaykh Muhammad Imdad Hussain Pirzada – Founder of Jamia Al-Karam in Retford, Nottinghamshire (UK) – an inspirational speaker, prolific writer and a great teacher!
His Tafseer Imdad-ul-Karam is absolutely amazing and so easy to understand!
His website: http://www.mihpirzada.com
I would like to mention Allama Rasul Baksh Sa’idi from Birmingham. He is a brilliant scholar and teacher who has been educating ulama in Pakistan and the UK for the last 20-odd years. His specialities are Arabic grammar, logic and tafsir.
He has been of service to the Muslim community in the UK for many years, and now teaches from his own Dar al-Ulum, the FR Institute. http://www.frinstitute.co.uk This institute offers courses such as the Salam school (a children’s madrassa emphasising a rounded Islamic education), the Path to Salvation (one of the only integrated fard ayn course for lay people in the UK), counselling services, and a full Dars Nizami syllabus for men and women.
He places a great degree of emphasis on the importance of education at every level, from childhood through to advanced studies. Many young scholars have graduated at his hands, moved on to higher studies in the Middle East, and then returned to study even more advanced works with him! Alhamdulillah.
He is unassuming, ever helpful, humble and friendly in person, despite (or perhaps because of) his great learning and piety. He connects well with young people, not only the devout, but those from ‘the wrong side of the tracks’ as well. Allah bless him and give him many more years of good health, and the best in the hereafter.
I would also like to add Shaykh Hasan Ali to the list. I have found his lectures to be very inspirational and his contribution in the field of education are exemplary. Here is a short bio:
Sheikh Hasan Ali was born and brought up in the West Midlands of England and his early years were spent in secular education in state schools. At the age of fourteen he embarked upon studying Islamic sciences at traditional boarding schools in the UK. First he memorised the Qur’an during GCSE studies and then began to learn the Arabic language together with many other sciences (known as the Dars Nizami).
In 1997, after nine years of studying in boarding schools and graduating with an Aalimiyyah (MA Islamic Studies) he became the Imam of London Islamic Cultural Society in North London. Here, he served the community for several years by holding several classes in addition to the duties of an Imam. These classes consisted of Tafseer, Hadith, Arabic, Tajweed etc and were taught to all age groups.
Sheikh Hasan also set up a weekend Islamic School at this mosque better known as the LICS Maktab. To this date he is still actively involved in teaching and running the school. The school currently has 10 members of staff and 150 students (between the age of 4-18) who are taught Tajweed, Fiqh, Islamic General Knowledge, Aqeedah and Arabic. The Sheikh is currently authoring a syllabus for weekend Islamic schools.
Between 2000 and 2003 he was the Imam, Head of Islamic Studies and Head of Arabic Studies and a member of the school’s Senior Management Team at Yusuf Islam’s Brondesbury College for Boys in Kilburn, North London. The Sheikh, here, devised an entire Syllabus for this secondary school and also contributed largely to the gapping of the physical and spiritual life of both staff and students.
In March 2003, together with other educationalists, he set up the Ebrahim Community College in East London where he is serving as the Director of Human Resources and teaching on a part-time basis. He is also conducting an MA in Educational Psychology at the Institute of Education, University of London. Furthermore, he is the Senior Religious Advisor for Media4insight and we would like to take the opportunity here to thank the Sheikh for his invaluable time and his intuitive vision.
His upbringing in the UK combined with his knowledge of Islamic sciences and day-to-day interaction with Muslims in various fields makes him a unique and inspiring lecturer. He focuses on real issues concerning the Ummah and through his lectures wants people to make a change in their lives for their benefit and the benefit of the society around them. He wants Muslims to advance in all aspects of their lives and be models as individuals in society, in their homes and at their workplace. He has lectured on a wide range of inspiring and relevant topics.
I feel limiting my post to one Shaykh would be unjust of me, as I love them all dearly.
Shaykh Abdul Aziz Ahmed stated at a gathering in Bradford that it is not him being a good teacher that we benefit but rather through our sincere intentions!
1) Shaykh Saad al-Attas
2) Yorkshire
3) Imam al-Ghazali’s Ihya.
4) To know that am sat in the company, of an inheritor of the Prophet (peace be upon him) through knowledge, and through lineage.
The clarity in the message of the Shaykh appeals greatly to me!
Bio—-
Abu Shu`ayb Sa`d Peters al-`Attas, a South African with roots extending to
Yemen. He is a grandson of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace).
He graduated from the Shari`a institute run by the Tahdhib wa Ta`lim
endowment. He was in the four year, accelerated program. His studies there
included the following:
* Arabic (nahu, sarf, balagha, adab, insha)
* Quran (memorization, tajwid, tafsir, ayat al-ahkam, `ulum al-quran, usul
al-tafsir)
* Hadith (memorization, commentary, mustalah al-hadith, takhrij, rijal,
ahadith al-ahkam)
* `Aqidah
* Fiqh (Shafi`i and some comparitive)
* Usul al-Fiqh
* Tarbiyyah
* Sira (fiqh al-sira, sirat of the Khulifa al-Rashidin)
* Mantiq
* Khitaba
Some of the more important books read during that time include:
* Ibn Hisham’s Shudhur al-Dhahab and one year from Mughni al-Labib
* Shadhr al-`Arf
* al-Balagha al-Wadhiha
* Zakiriya al-Ansari’s commentary on the Jazariyya
* Half of the Jalalayn, al-Sabuni’s tafsir in Ayat al-Ahkam
* Dr. Nur al-Din `Itr’s `Ulum al-Qur’an
* al-Nawawi’s Irshad Tulab al-Haqa’id
* `Umdat al-Ahkam with its commentary Ihkam al-Ahkam
* al-Sawi `ala al-Jauhara, Dr. al-Buti’s book on contemporary paradigms
* `Umdat al-Salik, Kifayat al-Akhiyar
* al-Mahalli `Ala al-Waraqat, Dr. al-Zuhayli’s al-Wajiz, half of al-Luma`
and Muftah al-Usul
* Mukhtasar Minhaj al-Qasidin
* Nur al-Yaqin, Itmam al-Wafa, Fiqh al-Sira
* Dhawabit al-Ma`rifah
His graduation thesis involved an extensive commentary on the hadiths
concerning al-amr bi-l-ma`ruf wa al-nahi `an al-munkar. He defended his
thesis and passed his oral examinations in `aqidah and fiqh, conducted by
Shaykh `Abd al-`Aziz al-Khatib, the imam of Jami` al-Darwishiya and
director of the school.
Outside of this institute Sa`d concentrated on Shafi`i fiqh. He read with
Shaykh Hussayn Darawish for three years. During that time he completed
Zakariya al-Ansari’s Tuhfat al-Tulab with most of al-Sharqawi’s marginal
notes. He also complete nearly the first third of the same author’s Fath
al-Wahhab with additional notes from al-Bujayrami’s marginal notes. While
doing this he also read al-Shirazi’s al-Tanbih with al-Suyuti’s commentary,
Sharh al-Yaqut al-Nafis, portions of al-Suyuti’s al-Ashbah wa al-Natha’ir,
I`yanat al-Talibin, and others.
His concentration on the Shafi`i madhhab allowed him to dive below the
surface of simply learning rulings [ahkam] and descend into the depths of
understanding the madhhab itself [fiqh].
He has taught Shafi`i fiqh, `aqidah, hadith, hadith, and tafsir.
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1) Shaykh Ibrahim Osi Efa
2) Liverpool, UK
3) Unknown
4) By bringing into existance organisations such as Starlatch Press that has published great books like “Instruction of the Student : The Method of Learning (Imam al-Zarnuji)”
Bio—–
Ibrahim was born and raised in Liverpool, England. He was blessed with the opportunity to study several classical disciplines at the hands of some of the holders of the tradition such as Murabit al-Haj, al-Habib Umar b. Hafiz and Shaikh Hassan al-Hindi. Initially studying for three years in Syria and Mauritania, Ibrahim was then blessed with the opportunity to spend over six years in the illuminated city of Tarim, Hadramaut where he studied under the qualified hands of teachers such as al-Habib Kazim al-Saqqaf, al-Habib Ali al-Jifri and al-Shaikh Umar Husain al-Khatib.
He was one of the founders of several Islamic initiatives including the Ibn Abbas Institute, Starlatch Press, Badr Language Institute and the Greensville Trust. He currently resides in Liverpool, England with his wife and two children.
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1) Shaykh Abdul Aziz
2) Glasgow, UK
3) Unknown
4) By giving direction and purpose to my life (sorry I wish not to elaborate) and helping those who are blind pursue knowledge!
Teaching me not to overlook minorities!
Bio—-
Abdal Aziz Ahmed was born and educated in Nottingham. He has travelled to Tunisa, Hijaz, Yemen, Turkey and East Africa for Islamic Studies and has received Islamic teaching licences from various scholars.
He has studied under Al-Habib Ahmed Mashur, Al Haddad (Jeddah), Shaykh Abdul Rahman Al Khitamy (Kenya), Fethullah Gulen (Turkey), Abdul Qsim Bin Zein (Qairnawan, Tunisia), and has also spent 10 years as a student with Shaykh Mahmud Galal, a lecturer at Al Azhar University, Egypt.
Abdal Aziz has translated Al Risalah Al Jamiah [Essentials of Islam] by Ahmed Bin Zein Al Habashi, edited some books from Riali Al Nur and various speeches of Fethullah Gulen.
He travels the world as an invited speaker to various events, delivering lectures and educatonal talks.
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There are many more Shuyukh and the reasons are endless.. May Allah make us people of Shukr and from those He has blessed with the company of the Shuyukh Allahumma Ameen
I would like to nominate Hajji Abdas Samad Clarke from the Norwhich Mosque. We know he is a Unique and Hidden Gem already, so nothing wrong with publicising this
Also are Hajji Abdal Haqq Bewley. Both white converts to Islam and pinnacles of scholarly behaviour and amal
I have so many to name. InshaAllah I won’t leave anybody out.
(1)
Sheikh Yusuf ibn Sulaiman Motala
Bury, Gt Manchester
Sheikhul Hadith and founder of Darul Uloom Al Arabia Al Islamia
Taught me Qur’aan translation, Sahih Bukhari and others
(2)
Mufti Shabbir Ahmad
Blackburn / Bury
Iftaa / Hadith
Taught me, amongst other things, Qur’aan translation, Mishkat, Jaami of Imaam Tirmizi
(3)
Sheikh Abdur Raheem Limbada
Bolton / Bury
Hadith / Tafseer
Taught me Tafseer, Sahih of Imaam Muslim, Mishkat
(4)
Mufti Ebrahim Raja
Blackburn / Bury
Fiqh / Hadith / Tafseer
Taught me Tafseer, Fiqh
(5)
Maulana Bilal
Bury
Fiqh / Hadith
Taught me fiqh, hadith
(6)
Sheikh Imran Miah
Bury
Arabic Language
Taught me Arabic Language
(7)
Sheikh Muhammad Deedat
Preston / Bury
Librarian
Has an amazing zeal for books
Thank you all for your contributions. Here is my next ‘Shining Star’ Sidi Abdul Hakim Murad:
Abdal Hakim Murad graduated from Cambridge University with a double-first in Arabic in 1983. He then lived in Cairo for three years, studying Islam under traditional teachers at Al-Azhar, one of the oldest universities in the world. He went on to reside for three years in Jeddah, where he administered a commercial translation office and maintained close contact with Habib Ahmad Mashhur al-Haddad and other ulama from Hadramaut, Yemen.
In 1989, Shaikh Abdal Hakim returned to England and spent two years at the University of London learning Turkish and Farsi. Since 1992 he has been a doctoral student at Oxford University, specializing in the religious life of the early Ottoman Empire. He is currently Secretary of the Muslim Academic Trust (London) and Director of the Sunna Project at the Centre of Middle Eastern Studies at Cambridge University, which issues the first-ever scholarly Arabic editions of the major Hadith collections.
Shaikh Abdal Hakim is the translator of a number of works, including two volumes from Imam al-Ghazali’s Ihya Ulum al-Din. He gives durus and halaqas from time to time and taught the works of Imam al-Ghazali at the Winter 1995 Deen Intensive Program in New Haven, CT. He appears frequently on BBC Radio and writes occasionally for a number of publications, including The Independent; Q-News International, Britain’s premier Muslim Magazine; and Seasons, the semiacademic journal of Zaytuna Institute.
Source: http://www.masud.co.uk
There are many gems and shining stars in the UK who can be mentioned but I’ll just suffice with one Shaykh for now. His writing and lectures have inspired many in the UK and abroad. He is renowned for his balanced approach and being very impartial when it comes to controversial issues that divide many. He is none other than our beloved Shaykh Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari. Here’s his brief bio taken from the Darul Iftaa website:
Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari is a young traditionally trained scholar who studied in different parts of the world. Born in Leicester, UK and raised under the guidance of his illustrious father, Shaykh Mawlana Adam, he started learning about Islam from a very young age and memorized the Qur’an at a very tender age of nine. He initially studied the Arabic Language and various other traditional Islamic Sciences at Darul Uloom, Bury, UK, under many Shaykhs notably, Shaykh Muhammad Yusuf Motala (may Allah preserve him) and received authorizations (ijazas) in various books including the six major books of Hadith. He also took part in a one year course of specialization in the science of giving legal verdicts (Iftaa).
After graduating from the Darul Uloom, he travelled to Karachi, Pakistan, where he studied under one of the greatest living scholars, Justice (Rtd) Shaykh Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani (may Allah preserve him) and others. Later, he travelled to Damascus, Syria, where he increased in experience and knowledge by studying under the great Ulama there and received authorization (ijaza) from Shaykh Abd al-Razzaq al-Halabi, Shaykh Dr. Abd al-Latif Farfur al-Hasani and others.
His works include: The Issue of Shares, Simplified Rules of Zakat and Birth Control & Abortion in Islam. He has also published Shaykh Zakariyya Kandahlawi’s Wujub I’fa’ al-Lihya (The obligation of growing a beard) and Shaykh Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri’s Mabahith fi Aqa’id Ahl al-Sunna (Discussions in the beliefs of the Ahl al-Sunna), both with critical analysis and footnotes in Arabic. He is also widely known for his detailed and well-researched fiqh related articles on Sunnipath website (www.sunnipath.com). All his articles written for Sunnipath can also be found at http://www.daruliftaa.com.
He presently resides in Leicester, UK, where he is a teacher of various traditional Islamic sciences at Jamiah Uloom al-Qur’an, and helps people with their queries and problems at the Institute of Islamic Jurisprudence (Darul Iftaa, http://www.daruliftaa.com).
salaam –
A hidden GEM in UK is Sayyid Shaykh Zahid Hussaina
An Honourable Man he is from the most Honourable of Family of Al Habib Al Mustafa (Best of Peace and Blessings be upon him and his beloved Family)
An aged scholar still actively teaches originally from Notts moved to B’ham and teaches 3 days in Manchester (Qadria Jilinia Centre, Longsight, Manchester)
Insha’Allah shaykh works will be online soon –
Jazka’Allah Khair
Abid
Shaykh Babikir Ahmed Babikir, lives in North West London, and is Imam of Islamia School. He is a jewel that shines and gives light, love and hope to those around him. One cannot help but be touched by his kindness, wisdom and time for others. He is loved by every child that meets him and he takes time to talk to them and play innocent games with them. When he speaks, he speaks from his heart and with real wisdom. I have learnt so much from his talks but more from just watching him and how he is with others. May Allah bless him and increase him. Ameen.
Qari Hafiz Muhammad Asim
A brilliant 29 year old scholar and Imam, currently Imam of Makkah Masjid in Leeds. He is a lawyer by day, and leads the daily prayers and Juma prayer working around his job.
He is carrying on the excellent work done by his late esteemed father, Qari Hafiz Fateh Muhammad (may Allah have mercy on his soul), who taught in Leeds for over 20 years.
Born in Sialkot in Pakistan, Hafiz Asim memorised the Holy Qur’an from his father at a very early age, He came to England with his brother Qari Hafiz Muhammad Qasim at the age of 12, and completed his secular studies at Leeds University.
He is a true inspiration for the youth of Leeds, and teaches the Holy Qur’an, and holds weekly Seerah classes. His sermons are delivered in Urdu and English, and he has hosted numerous high profile events at the masjid involving esteemed shuyukh such as Shaykh Hamza, Imam Zaid, Shaykh Habib Ali Jiffri, Shaykh Abdul Hakim and many others.
He is an active member of the community, and is on-call for advice virtually 24 hours a day! We pray that Allah Ta’ala increases both him and his brother in knowledge, and enables the Muslims of Leeds to benefit from them for years to come.
http://www.makkahmasjid.co.uk
Sallam. I have so many, but i will begin with this person first: Masud Khan. The creator of http://www.masud.co.uk
Where would we all be without this wonderful site? This individual has helped so many knowledge seekers by providing us with articles written by wonderful Shayukh such as Shaykh Abdal-Hakim Murad, Shaykh Nuh Keller and ofcourse…Shaykh Hamza Yusuf. Brother Masud has done so much for the Muslim community in Britain and abroad. Masha Allah he is very humble. May Allah continually bless him and shower His mercy upon him. Ameen.
Next Up … Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq:
Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq was born in Gujarat, India in 1971. He came to the UK at the age of three, to join his father Moulana Muhammad Gora sahib who was serving as an Imam and religious leader for the Muslim community in Leicester, UK.
His father, himself renowned for his piety and learning, began his son’s religious instruction at a very young age. By the age of ten the Shaykh had memorised the entire Quran, and also completed the study of a number of books in various Islamic topics. When he was thirteen he enrolled at Darul Uloom al Arabiyyah al Islamiyyah, Bury, UK, (the first and most prestigious Muslim seminary in the West) and graduated six years later, in early 1991. In Darul Uloom the Shaykh undertook an intensive study of many Islamic topics including Arabic, Quranic tafseer, hadeeth and fiqh under traditionally qualified scholars. His eminent and erudite teachers from whom he has ijazah in various Islamic sciences include Shaykh Yusuf Motala and the late Shaykh Islamul Haq. He also has ijazah in hadeeth from the late Mufti Mahmood Hasan Gangohi and the famous Muhaddith, Shaykh Yunus of Saharanpur, India.
Until 2003 the Shaykh served as the honorary principal of Madinatul Uloom al Islamiyyah, Kidderminster, UK (a branch of Darul Uloom, Bury, UK) where he had also been head teacher since 1992. Since graduation he has selflessly devoted himself to the work of deen and remained actively involved in dawah and teaching. He has taught and commented on many classical Islamic works and has lectured extensively on a range of topics including Quranic tafseer, hadeeth, aqeedah and fiqh. He has also travelled widely teaching and lecturing in various countries in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America. Many of his inspirational sermons and lectures are recorded and are widely available. He has also authored two books, ‘The Salah of a Believer in the Quran and Sunnah’ and ‘The Causes of Disunity’.
Shaykh’s extensive knowledge, command of both Arabic and English, together with his natural ability and eloquence in conveying the words of Allah سبحانه و تعالى and His Rasul صلى الله عليه و سلم have moved the hearts of many and continue to do so.
Taken from the Kawthar Academy website
Shaykh Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf
Shaykh Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf Mangera has been studying the traditional Islamic sciences and writing scholarly works for most of his life. He completed the bulk of his studies at Darul Uloom Bury, North England, where he memorized the Qur’an by the age of fifteen and thereafter went on to complete a rigorous, six-year Shari‘a program. He graduated from this program with authentic certifications (ijaza) in numerous Islamic disciplines, including Arabic, Islamic jurisprudence, and hadith (with particular emphasis on the six canonical collections of hadith (Sihah Sitta) and the Muwattas of Imam Malik and Imam Muhammad. His teachers at Darul Uloom Bury included Shaykh Yusuf Motala and other students of Shaykh al-Hadith Mawlana Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhlawi.
Upon graduation, he traveled to South Africa, where he attended Madrasah Zakariyyah part-time to gain specialized training in answering legal questions (ifta’) under Mufti Rada al-Haq. While in South Africa, he also completed a Bachelor or Arts (with honors) in Islamic Studies at Rand Afrikaans University, Johannesburg, under the supervision of Professor Abdul Rahman I. Doi.
He then traveled to Syria, where he received a second certification in Qur’anic recitation and memorization, this time from Shaykh ‘Abd al-Razzaq al-Halabi, who possessed a short, unbroken chain of transmission (sanad) to the Messenger of Allah (upon him be peace). Additionally, he received a certification from Shaykh Adib Kallas after reading Mulla ‘Ali al-Qari’s Sharh al-Fiqh al-Akbar and attending lectures on other classical texts of Islamic creed (‘aqida).
After his trip to Syria, he traveled to Saharanpur, India, where he received a formal authorization to issue legal rulings (fatawa), which required a close study of part or all of a number of classical jurisprudential texts, including, among others, Ibn Nujaym’s Al-Ashbah wa ’l-naza’ir and ‘Allama Haskafi’s Al-Durr al-mukhtar (along with its gloss, Radd al-muhtar, by ‘Allama Ibn ‘Abidin al-Shami). During this time, Shaykh Abdur-Rahman also attended classes on the principles of hadith (usul al-hadith), studying ‘Allama Lakhnawi’s Al-Raf ‘ wa ’l-takmil fi ’l-jarh wa ’l-ta’dil and parts of Imam Suyuti’s Tadrib al-rawi.
Shaykh Abdur-Rahman attained additional certifications in hadith from such great scholars as Shaykh Muhaddith Habib al-Rahman al-A‘zami (through his student Shaykh Mufti Zayn al-‘Abidin), Shaykh Abu ’l-Hasan ‘Ali Nadwi, and Shaykh Muhammad al-‘Awwama. May Allah continue to bless those of his teachers who are still alive and have mercy on those who have passed on to the next.
To date, Shaykh Abdur-Rahman has authored the highly popular Fiqh al-Imam: Key Proofs in Hanafi Fiqh (1996) and co-authored Reflections of Pearls (1995). He also published Provisions for the Seekers (1996), a translation and commentary of the Arabic work Zad al-Talibin, a collection of short hadiths compiled by Mawlana ‘Ashiq Ilahi from ‘Allama Tibrizi’s Mishkat al-Masabih. This work has recently been revised and republished in an extended edition. His latest published work is Prayers for Forgiveness: Seeking Spiritual Enlightenment through Sincere Supplication (2004), a translation of Al-Istighfarat al-Munqidha min al-Nar, a collection of seventy prayers for forgiveness of Imam Hasan al-Basri. Additionally, Shaykh Abdur-Rahman has completed an unpublished translation of Imam Abu Hanifa’s Al-Fiqh al-Akbar, along with its commentary, written by ‘Allama Maghnisawi, with notes from Mulla ‘Ali al-Qari’s larger commentary (to be published soon).
He presently serves as Imam of a southern California masjid and continues to work on scholarly publications through White Thread Press. Some of his fatawa can be found at http://www.sunnipath.com and some of his lectures at http://www.zamzamacademy.com and http://www.al-rashad.com.
Source: http://www.whitethreadpress.com
The sheikh that i take to be my hazrat, my role model would definately have to be Sheikh Mufti muhammad ibn adam! His gentle character and absoloutely wonderful manner is an example for us all! His inspiring talks leave us all flabbergasted and amazed! May allah give him all the happiness in the world and give him a very long life inshallah!
Imam Muhammad Shahid Raza Na’eemi
Imam Muhammad Shahid Raza Na’eemi has completed his BSc in Chemistry and Biology as well as his MA in Islamic Studies. He is at present the Head Imam at Leicester Central Mosque. He is also the Registrar at the Muslim Law (Shari’a) Council UK; the Director of Imams and Mosques Councils UK; the Head of the Department of Imams Training and Inter-Faith Relations at the Muslim College, London; the President of the World Islamic Mission (Europe) and Founder Member (Trustee) of the British Muslim Forum.
A truly inspirational speaker and a dear friend and colleague… May Allah protect him and make us benefit through him!
Assalamu alay kum
Our UK scholars should be treated with utmost respect and appreciation for they have sacraficed their lives for the sake of Islam and are facing tough challenges of guiding others to this message in the context of modern living.
I have appreciation for all scholars and believe they are all walking gems of wisdom but the scholar I have the greatest affiliation to and respect for is Shaykh Haytham Tamim from Utrujj foundation.
He encompasses all Muslims and Non Muslims and has a very special outlook to this religion. Furthermore, he is practially applying what he preaches, as the old english saying goes, practice what you preach. A pratical application of the sunnah has profound imprints on your heart. Alhamdulillah, we are blessed and we should sieze the opportunity of seeking and obtaining this knowledge from this scholar which has been provided on our door step
May Allah bless him and all the scholars who are indeed shinging stars-they maybe hidden but they are out there to be discovered and thats where our responsibility as knowledge seekers lies.
may Allah give us the opening to benefit from Shaykh Haytham Tamim and all others who are close to Allah and follow his religion
Bismillah,
Wa’alaikum’Assalam wa’Rahmatullahi wa’Barakatuh
They say that “A Good teacher deserves an apple” but dear Shaykh Haytham Tamim, you deserve the whole tree Masha’Allah.
This poem is dedicated to our respected Shaykh Haytham Tamim (from the Utrujj Foundation) Insha’Allah. I guess my comments are based within it Bi’idhnillah:
MY SHAYKH MY TEACHER
You plant the seeds of knowledge with patience and concern, And your efforts all bear fruit as your students grow and learn.
I’ve seen you watching humbly as each student’s knowledge grows,
Unfolding every moment like the petals of a rose.
Your classes are a blessing as the angels do attend,
Your words are filled with wisdom something we ought to apprehend.
As you speak you are disseminating precious gems, jewels and pearls,
For your courage and dedication, truly inspires us all.
You seem to possess a unique nature, one that is so serene and calm;
I’ve realized that you relate this to our beloved Alayhis sallatu wassalam.
Your smile is like the radiant moon, and your speech is ever so mild,
For we appreciate your character, just like a father towards his child.
We are privileged to be in your company, you’re such an enlightening educator;
May Allah bless you always, my dear Shaykh, my mentor, my teacher!
wrote on: 23/05/07
Author: Anonymous
May Allah bless and preserve our Shayookhs and allow them to be in the blessed company of Alayhis sallatu wassalam on Yaum Al-Qiyyamah Ameen ya Rabb al-Alamin.
Thank you all for your comments. To date I have now a list of over 25 shaykh’s … Jazak Allahu Khair for your help and keep the tributes coming in.
Was Salaam
Sallams. I have four more so here it goes…
1. Omar Tufail-The creator of http://www.deenport.com & http://www.waobooks.co.uk. He is the admin and creator of these wonderful sites. DP provides us with daily Islamic and non-Islamic news. Healthy (and sometimes not so healthy) debates occur on this site. Basically many, including myself have learnt quite a lot from this blessed site, Alhamdulillah. He has, i believe, contributed a lot to the traditional Islam dawa. WAO Books is a in Islamic book store which sells a vast amount of Islamic books.
2. Fuad Nahdi-founding editor of Q News, and a freelance journalist.
He was born in Mombasa, Kenya, and graduated in economics in Nairobi. He came to the UK in 1983 with a Reuters fellowship. He then graduated in journalism from City University and started his career, working in many media companies: International Islamic News Agency, Associate Press, Los Angeles Times, the Guardian and the BBC. In 1989 he married Humera Khan.
As well as extensive media work, Fuad Nahdi was also the presenter of “September 11 – Through Muslim Eyes” – broadcast on Channel 4 on Friday 6 September 2002.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuad_Nahdi
3. Fareena Alam-Fareena Alam (born 1978 in London) is Editor of Q News, a leading British Muslim Magazine.
In 2005, she was named Media Professional of the Year by Islamic Relief. In 2006, she was named Media Professional of the Year at the Asian Women of Achievement Awards.
Fareena is an established journalist. She is the only female, and possibly the youngest, Editor of a major Muslim current affairs publication, Q News, Britain’s leading Muslim magazine. She is a freelance contributor to British and international newspapers. Her recent work includes the cover story for Newsweek International (worldwide except Asia).
Fareena is of Bangladeshi Chittagonian parentage and she grew up in Singapore. During this time she was elected as the vice-president and then president of the United Nations Students’ Association, National University of Singapore, for which she organised a six month awareness campaign called ‘The Children of Bangladesh.’ The campaign highlighted the plight of the street children and she then took the campaign a stage further by leading a student delegation of twenty to carry out relief work in Bangladesh for three weeks in 1998.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fareena_Alam
4. Yahya Birt-Yahya Birt (born 1968) is currently the director of The City Circle. He also works as researcher at The Islamic Foundation in Leicestershire. His focus includes academic and policy work, journalism and book reviews, chiefly on British Muslims. He is also son of the ex-Director General of the BBC, Sir John Birt.[1]
He is a member of Islamica Magazine’s Editorial Board He is also a regular contributor to Q News, the British Muslim magazine.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yahya_Birt
Aside from my mother, who wept in Qiyam for years before i took some interest in Islam (not in any particular order):
1) My aunty down south (i don’t think she would be pleased if i gave her name).
She is in her late 30s and has given her life in the service of Asian (not just Muslim) women who suffer from domestic violence. Despite constant threats, including death threats, she fights for these women’s rights day and night. Has turned many “dead end” marriages around and saved a lot of women in a lot of trouble. She recently moved into a base which caters for Asian women, including the elderly, and organises trips, socials, tea parties etc.
A real inspiration!
2) Molana Sulaiman Hafaji and Molana Abdur-Rahman
Two young graduate from Darul-Ulum, Halcombe Brook, who run a Muslim Fostering Project in London (and i believe Yorkshire). Many young Muslims have found a Muslim family and a warm home due to their efforts.
3) Aqeel (Richard) Burton – no, not the actor.
A revert, ex-boxer who works as a social worker for Muslims. Many Muslims who are either seeking refuge in the UK, unemployed, bankrupt, divorced, in prison etc have found light at the end of the tunnel due to Aqeel’s work. He also, outside of work, has set up a brilliant revert network, seeing to their needs – with regards to deen and dunya, as well as stepping up the dawah in the community.
4) Sheikh Awadalla Yusuf
A great Shafi’ scholar living in the West. Rector of the Open School for Arabic and Islamic Studies, currently teaches (every day) Fiqh (shafi/hanafi), Hadith (shama’il, mustalaha & araba’in), Tajweed (many different levels), Arabic as well as “Day Studies” (various topics, taught in many locations). Involved in a lot of community work, interfaith, schools, universities, prisons, reverts, medical ethics etc. Many have taken and continue to take immense benefit from this wali.
As-salamu alaykum.
Both shining star and hidden gem, our shaykh: Shaykh Muhammad Saqib Iqbal Shaami.
Born in a religious family, and memorized the Quran in less than a year. From childhood, he stayed in the company of scholars and sufis. Studied in Pakistan and Syria, after graduation in Law from a UK university.
Has bagfuls of Ijaza in many disciplines.
Is a Shaykh of the Chisti order (was muqaddam/khalifa of the late Shaykh Al-Hadith Manzur Ahmad Faizi)
Has cured many young people from vices, from drug abuse, from illness.
Has karamaat and believed to be a wali by his muridin (is particularly known for jinn-issues).
Has a phenomenal memory of hadith.
Is one of the best speakers in Arabic, Urdu, and English I have ever heard.
And take this: Has publically debated in Medina al-Munawwira leading Wahhabi scholars on issues of aqaid, including the senior-most Abu Bakr al-Jazairi who called him ‘a dog of [Shaykh] Abdul Qadir [al-Jilani, r.a.]‘
Writes elegant poetry (madih/naat) in Urdu and Persian.
Teaches ulum al-din every day and rests little.
A true heir of the Prophet…..
I would like to suggest Shaykh Abdullah Yaseen Muhammad who is based in Cardiff (Wales). He is originally from Sudan and is a Shaykh of the Qadiri tariqa and also holds a Phd in Psychology from the University of Liverpool.
The Shaykh currently conducts study/zikr circles in Cardiff, Newport and Swansea aswell as being involved in many social welfare projects for the community throughout Wales.
* Zafar Iqbal (Deenporter)
Sheikh Atabek Shukurov Nasafi began his religious studies in his native Uzbekistan at the young age of ten under local scholars such as Sheikh Sayyid Karim Namangany and Sheikh Mohammed Jaan, under whose guidance he began to memorise the Qur’an.
He completed his studies at the age of 21 in various subjects including Arabic Language, Hadith, Fiqh, Tafsir, Tajwid at Madrasa Abul Qasim and Jamia Islamia in Uzbekistan.
In 1998 he moved to Damascus for higher studies with some of the finest scholars of our time. He enrolled on a four year ‘al-Ijaza al-Alimiyya’ programme at the Takhassus Institute which is affiliated to al-Azhar University, Egypt. During this time his studies included: Sharh Ibn Aqeel with Sh. Atiyya, Sharh Fiqh al-Akbar with Sh. Adeeb al-Kallas, Lubab with Sh. Abdullah Rabiah, Aqida with Sh. Saeed Ramadan al-Buti, Risala Qushariyya with Sh. Abdul Fatah Bizm, Hadith with Sh. Sadiq Darwish, Da’wa with Sh. Tawfiq al-Buti.
Whilst continuing his studies at the institute he also focused on intensive private lessons with Sheikh Muhammed Adnan Darwish and covered Fath Bab al-Inaya and the Mu’atta Imam Malik. He also studied Shudhoor al-Dhab, Sharh Qatar al-Nida, Thufatal Mureed, and Mukhtasar al-Bukhari with Sheikh Rushdi al-Qalam.
He graduated in 2003 after spending the final year at al-Azhar University and was given certification by the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy.
He moved to Keighley in September 2006, with his family, as a Resident Scholar at the Abu Zahra Foundation.
Courtesy of Abu Zahra Foundation Website
SHAIKH SBU AMAAR YASIR QADHI
[...] http://drjash.wordpress.com/hidden-gems-and-shining-stars-in-the-uk/ [...]
I would like to add Shaykh Akram Nadwi to the list insha Allah:
Mohammad Akram Nadwi is an Islamic scholar. He is from the Indian city of Jaunpur. Shaykh Mohammad Akram Nadwi studied and taught Shari’a at the prestigious Nadwatul ‘Ulama (India). He is a Muhaddith who has specialised in ‘Ilm ul Rijal or the study of the narrators of Hadith. He has Ijaza (licenses) from numerous scholars including Shaykh Abul Hasan Ali Al-Nadwi, Shaykh Abdul-Fattah Abu Ghuddah and Shaykh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi. He has a doctorate in Arabic Language from Lucknow University, India, and has authored and translated over 20 titles on Fiqh, Qur’an and Hadith including his monumental 40 volume work on the lives of female scholars of Hadith. As a leading scholar steeped in traditional Islamic learning and in modern academia, Shaykh Akram is currently a research fellow at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, Oxford.
Assalamualykum
We would just like to nominate our shaykh,ustaadh,freind for we feel for us his the best.
Shaykh Nagib Khan (Bristo, uk)
Despite being so young our shaykh is truely gifted and just in the last 4 years has acheived great results which only allah can truely reward him for.
- He has broght life to the most dead and difficult,back ward muslim community in uk,of Bristol. Where people of one mosque could not stand people of another mosque due to jahiliyah ,alhamdulillah now all mosques are sitting and working together and now even have a mosque council. Brothers are going to all mosques.
He is an all rounder mashallah and also initiated radio ramadhan in bristol, has set up the first quran academy in the south west, has published the first quran memorisation guide in english, has had effect on thousands of muslim sisters who have adopted the hijaab and have changed their lives for the better,has helped muslims in prisons,hospitals and schools.Has helped change many things for the better in the mosques….. Also has helped raise thousands of pounds for many islamic/charity organisations. He never stops.
He is a qualified pilot (ppl) but despite the option of making a career and money has left all that to serve the deen of Allah swt. 24/7 the sheikh is their for you!!!!!!. He works well with all in the community elders youngsters the youth, sisters, new muslims, non muslims goverment bodies ,you name it he’s done it .
At the same time he is the most funniest imam ever. The most humble person we have ever met.
The list goes on but to us he is our shaykh.
(Oyeh he does not know about this ,and if he finds out then !!!!!!!) May ALLAH BLESS HIM.
OYEH his best line is JUS CHILL OUT,MAN ALLAHS WID U ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!
We need more of people like this to unite the Ummah.
Salaam,
I have found some information on sister Humera Khan which I feel deserves a posting here:
A British Muslim of Pakistani descent, Humera Khan has long served as a leading activist and educator for the Muslim community in the UK. Co-founder of the An-Nisa Society, a Muslim family association operating in Britain, Khan has worked on issues ranging from race relations to social services. As an activist for women’s issues, Humera has also been featured in the media as a moderate Muslim voice on issues ranging from sexual health to faith. In consultation with the government, Humera has been chosen to serve on various interfaith working groups affecting the Muslim community, including the Cantle Commission following 9/11, the Forced Marriage Working Group, and the post-7/7 Preventing Extremism Together taskforce. Khan also helped create Q News Magazine, “Britain’s leading Muslim magazine, providing outside-the-box analysis of current affairs, culture, ideas and spirituality.” Today, she serves as Contributing Editor for the magazine.
Personal Website (including list of articles):
http://www.humerakhan.com/index.html
One of our greatest Gems in the UK that seemed to have got missed out in the list is Professor Tariq Ramadan. He is a brilliant academic and a wonderful scholar to learn from. The following is a short snippet taken from his website http://www.tariqramadan.com:
Professor Tariq Ramadan holds MA in Philosophy and French literature and PhD in Arabic and Islamic Studies from the University of Geneva. In Cairo, Egypt he received one-on-one intensive training in classic Islamic scholarship from Al-Azhar University scholars.
Tariq Ramadan has resigned from the post of Professor of Islamic Studies at Notre Dame University (Classic Department) and Luce Professor at the Kroc Institute (Religion Conflict and Peacebuilding).
Tariq Ramadan is Professor of Islamic Studies. He is currently Senior Research Fellow St Antony’s College (Oxford), Doshisha University (Kyoto, Japan) and at the Lokahi Foundation (London).
He is a Visiting Professor (in charge of the chair : Identity and Citizenship) at Erasmus University (Holland)
Through his writings and lectures he has contributed substantially to the debate on the issues of Muslims in the West and Islamic revival in the Muslim world. He is active both at the academic and grassroots levels lecturing extensively throughout the world on social justice and dialogue between civilizations.
Professor Tariq Ramadan is currently President of the European think tank: European Muslim Network (EMN) in Brussels.
Shaykh Muhammad Habib-ur-Rahman Mahbubi.
The founder of Suffa-tul-Islam, Bradford, simply a brilliant scholar and blessed with alot of Wisedom. The honourable Shaykh is also a very influential teacher of Tasawuf.
Salam,
I’d like to say that Brother Sjaad is Mashallah one of the best teachers around!
He teaches the Path to Salvation course at FR Institute in Birmingham.
One of the things that we all love is his story time! We benefit greatly from them. He inspires us all!
May Allah (swt) increase him in knowledge and Iman, and keep him and his family under His protection and guidance. Ameen.
Allah Hafiz
:O All those Teachers you mentioned at Darul Uloom Bury were all of my Fathers good friends and colleagues whilst he studied at Darul Uloom 20-26 years ago when the Institute opened.
Anyway I would like to mention my best teacher that i have ever had out of all the teachers that i have got, Mufti Rafiullah Sahb, he was a great kind honourable person. He was a great hafiz with great tilaawat of the quran, i admired his recitation. He had given me so many tips because i am doing the hifz course.
If anyone here studied at Darul Uloom Bury can they please tell me if they knew Moulana Arif Raja.
I s this boarding school only for indians or pakistans i am somali would you think they will let me in
Sacdiya,
Which boarding school are you referring to ? If it’s Darul Ulum Bury then it’s a boys boarding school and I am sure they accomodate students from all races insha Allah.
Was Salam
Jashim
I want to go to jamiah islamiah
is it for only boys
the life and times of Hazrat Maulana Pir Mohammad Saleem Hashmi Naqshbandi Fakir Sahib (rha) 1939-1996
An emminent scholar who helped to bridge knoweldge and wisdom of the islamic infrastruture in the UK .Served All spiritual guides (Zinda Pir Sahib, Qundala Pir Sahib, Tangra Sharif Pir Sahib, Pir Maroof Sahib, Pir Sufi Abdullah Sahib etc..). Guided and illumintated all uk.
The Biographical webiste is updated continuosly as it marks the infancy of early Islam in the UK.
Diginitaries include his emminence Maulana Pir Abdul Wahab Siddique Sahib (rha), Pir Karam Shah Sahib, Mualana Bosatn Qadri Sahib, Mualana Noorani Sahib
Imam Khalid Hussain Abdulla
Imam Khalid from Leicester…
Memorised the Qura’an at the age of 14yrs and went on to study sacred sciences at the feet of Scholars from both the UK and abroad, mainly Zanzibar, where he took private studies in Uloom particularly relating to the Ba ‘alawi minhaaj in East Africa.
Born in Leicester in 1978 he studied both secular and religious studies from a very young age, and still considers himself to be a student of the deen!!!
He became the an Imam and Khateeb at the new established Masjid Tajdar E Madina in Leicester in 2004, but started as an Imam, Khateeb, Mudaris and advisor to the local community at the age of 22.
He has taught many of our youth in Leicester sacred sciences of the deen and continues to do so, though he considers himself unworthy of teaching the deen. He is well known both in the UK, East Africa, Middle East and Asia for his love of Mawlid and Nasheeds. He is widlely known in the UK for his brilliant Mawlid gatherings, Duff playing techniques and good realtions with the youth.
Trully inspirational, humble and always smiling and saying Alhamdullillah!!! As commented on YouTube whilst doing Mawlid… “Imam Khalid brings life to gatherings”
His videos can be viewed on YouTube and his articles on the Mawlid have also been published in Illumination magazine.
He continues to inspire the local community and is loved by many, even though he is a child with children, a leader amongst men and a true lover of the Ummah.
Allah bless him and protect him and all of our Shuyookh!!
(I am currently a guest at his house and enjoying his hospitality and writing this article!!! He wont be pleased when he finds out im doing this… but hes worth it!!)
Ibrahim Eisa
Al-salam alaykum,
I’d like to mention:
1) Shaykh ‘Abdullah b. Yusuf al-Judai’
2) Leeds [teaches in Leeds Grand Mosque on Saturdays; originally from Basra]
3) Muhaddith – his knowledge of hadith, rijal, ‘ilal, etc, is considered extraordinary by many senior muhaddithin of our time. He has around forty works, either original writings or critical editions of classical works. All in Arabic, which is is first language, and the only language in which he teaches. The level of his classes is relatively advanced. He teaches the ‘ulum al-ala’, i.e. the tools needed to access the islamic sciences. These tools are: Grammar, Rhetoric, ‘Ulum al-Qur’an, Usul al-Fiqh, and ‘Ulum al-Hadith.
Anyone who is interested in studying with him can email me at usaama01@hotmail.com. If you have a good level of Arabic, I’d strongly recommend it.
Sallam alaykum.
Shaykh Idris Watts.
Bradford.
Shaykh Idris Watts accepted Islam in 1998 when studying a four year degree at Leeds University in Arabic Studies. Afterwards, he moved to Fez; Morocco in 2001 to study at the Qarawiyyin University for the next four years, focussing on Arabic Language, studying Ajarumiya, Alfiyah, Lamiyah al-Af’al with the likes of the well renowned Grammarian of Morocco Shaykh Abdel Hayy al-Amrawi.
Shaykh Idris also focussed on Maliki Fiqh, studying parts of Ibn Ashir, al-’Asamiyyah, and ar-Risalah with various teachers in the Qarawiyyin. He also learnt from many Shaykhs of the Alawi Darqawi Order throughout Morocco eventually taking bay’ah with the renowned Alawi Darqawi Shaykh of Morocco Shaykh al-Buzidi Bujrafi, my God preserve him.
http://www.abuzahra.org/cms/content/view/17/69/
Here are the `ulema of the U.K:
Shaykh Saqib Iqbal Shami
Shaykh Ramadan Qadiri
Shaykh Muhammad al-Yazdani al-Misbahi
Shaykh Arshad Misbahi
Shaykh Muhammad Shahid Rida al-Na`imi
Shaykh Idris Watts
Shaykh Atabek Shukrov Nasafi
Shaykh Muhammad Imdad Husayn Pirzada
Shaykh Munawwar `Ateeq Rizwi
Shaykh BaBikr Ahmad BaBikr
Shaykh `AbdAllah Muhammad Yasin al-Qadiri
Shaykh Muhammad Habib-ur-Rahman Mahbubi
Shaykh `Allama Rasul Baksh Sa`idi
Shaykh `AbdAllah Ateeq Naqshbandi
Shaykh `Abdal Qadir Jilani al-Husayni al-Naqshbandi
Shaykh Sayyid Zahid Husayn Ridwi
Qari Hafiz Muhammad `Aasim
Shaykh Hanif Haqqani
Shaykh Dr. `Abdal Hakim Murad Winters
Shaykh Dr. Zille `Umar Qadiri
Assalamu Alaykum
Shaikh Hafiz Tahir.
Mashallah, since connecting with the respected shaikh I have recieved alot of help/support.
Many have taken his guidance and seen Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam, to my own first hand knowledge the quickest Ziyara through shaikh Tahirs guidance was within 3days after his advice! Alhamdulillah.
He is known to spend time devoted to help those with problems and does hidmat work on a daily basis. With Allahs blessing it is believed that he can connect to Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam & have a 1-1 coversation – Alhamdulillah.
Assalamu Alaykum
Having done a short course with the Shaykh recently, I wanted to put his bio up on here:
Imam Muhammad al-Yazdani Raza al-Misbahi
Imam Muhammad al-Yazdani Raza al-Misbahi grew up in Rochdale, United Kingdom, received initial teaching in the classical Islamic Sciences from his father, Shaykh Muhammad Isma’il al-Misbahi. Then continued his studies at Jamia Al-Karam where he studied under Shaykh Muhammad Imdad Hussain Pirzada and Abu’l-In’am ‘Allama ‘Abd al-Bari. After Jamia Al-Karam, he travelled to India for higher education at the well-known Sunni Institution recognized throughout India, al-Jami’a al-Ashrafiyya in Mubarakpur.
After this he returned to the United Kingdom and completed his BA (Hon) in Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Manchester between 1994-98. As part of this course he was sent to Egypt to undergo intensive Arabic Studies at the Alexandria University. He has also completed MA (Hon) in Islamic Studies from SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies, London).
Currently he is dedicating his time at the Brent Mosque where he has been promoted as Imam, and where he continues to carry out his duties to illuminate the area with his lectures and Counselling Services. He has served as the second Executive Director of Abu Hanifah Institute from 2000-2001 and is currently a senior advisor to Abu Hanifah Institute. In addition, he is also a lecturer in Islamic Studies and Arabic at the Brondesbury College for boys. He also hosts the weekly IslamiQA programme on the Islam Channel.
Muhammad Afifi al-Akiti was born in Malaysia and was educated from a young age in the classical Islamic sciences at scholastic madrasas of East Java with a long tradition in Shafi’i jurisprudence. Among the best known authorities with whom he studied were the jurists, theologians and Sufis: Imam al-Fadani, Shaykh Ibn Mahfuz al-Hajini, and Habib ‘Aydarus al-Habshi. He has travelled widely; and in addition to the specific licenses to teach (ijazas) from his systematic training, he has also received general ijazas from teachers beyond his homeland, especially in Morocco and the Middle East. Shaykh Afifi is presently a Research Fellow in Islamic Theology at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies and teaches at Oxford University. His doctoral thesis investigates a newly discovered medieval manuscript of an advanced theological work by Islam’s greatest theologian, Imam al-Ghazali
Ibrahim Eisa
Yâ Sayyidi !!! Allâh will always give to one’s heart what he is searching for, and it is with a lot lot lot of emotions that I read your presentation of our Beloved Shaykh Khalid ! May Allâh bless him and may He bless his wife ! Âmîn !
Yes, this Shaykh is really a gift from Allâh, and sitting in his class is as if we were somewhere else.. a pure and peacefully place !
Yâ Allâhu ! Yâ Allâh !!!!
May Allâh blessss all of you !
Thanks a lot Sayyidi !
Wassalam !