About
This observation, shared by Tasneem Bhindarwala at our last event on ‘The social contribution of British Muslims‘, reminds us of the importance of speaking to religious groups in the United Kingdom, and not just speaking about them.
We talked to representatives from Britain’s different Muslim communities about their shared and differing experiences of living in Britain as a Muslim.
Watch
The panel
Taheer Jiwanji
Chartered Civil Engineer
Taher is a member of the Dawoodi Bohra community residing in London. Born in London in the 1970’s, Taher grew up in Wembley. He attended Imperial College London to complete a Masters in Civil Engineering; now a Chartered Civil engineer, Taher has worked in the private sector for the last 25 years on numerous engineering projects both locally and internationally, including the Aquatics Centre for London 2012 Olympics and major infrastructure projects such as Crossrail. Throughout his professional career he has intertwined his faith and practices which are integral to his day to day life.
Salma Khanam
Founder of Aishah Help; Sunni Muslim
Salma is an experienced charity director and highly skilled Health Coach with a proven track record in nutrition, medicine, prevention, volunteer management, and public speaking. Salma holds an MA in Social Work and a BSc in Bioscience (Nutrition). Recognised for expertise in dietetics, child welfare, and public health, demonstrating a passion for social causes and making a positive impact through strategic leadership and diverse skills.
Abdurahman Sayed
CEO of Al-Manaar (The Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre); Sunni Muslim
Abduhraman has been the CEO of Al-Manaar (The Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre) since 2017, and played a leading role in intra- and inter-faith and VCS networks, promoting community cohesion, shared values and mutual understanding. He has also been instrumental in the delivery of joint initiatives to support the homeless, survivors of Grenfell fire, and those considered clinically vulnerable during the Covid-19 lockdown. A joint recipient of the prestigious “Pride of Britain” Award in 2017 for supporting Grenfell Tower fire survivors and the bereaved, Abdurahman is a member of the London Partnership Panel and the London Fire Brigade’s Advisory Panel.
Safeer Zartasht
Head producer, Voice of Islam; Ahmadiyya Muslim
Safeer is a faith leader and spokesperson for the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, Kent. He works as a presenter and head producer at Voice of Islam UK radio station. Safeer studied comparative religions specialising in Islamic studies and is working on interfaith engagement and anti radicalisation.