We are pleased to share that Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad, Dean of Cambridge Muslim College, recently visited Jamia Al-Karam in Eaton, Nottinghamshire, as part of their Distinguished Lecture Series. During his visit, Shaykh Abdal Hakim delivered a pertinent lecture titled ‘Travelling Home and the Rise of Islamophobia’.
In his address, Shaykh Abdal Hakim explored the growing challenges Muslims face in contemporary society, with a particular focus on the rise of Islamophobia. While acknowledging these difficulties, he presented a message of balance and optimism, stressing the importance of spiritual resilience, ethical clarity, and a commitment to prophetic character. His lecture offered both critique and hope, offering pathways for Muslim leaders and communities to navigate these pressing issues.
During the lecture, Shaykh Abdal Hakim also discussed the objectives of our Contextual Islamic Studies and Leadership (CISL) programme, emphasising the importance of equipping Muslim leaders with the intellectual and spiritual tools to address modern-day challenges, such as Islamophobia, while staying true to Islamic values. Just as his lecture modelled a thoughtful and balanced approach to contemporary issues, the CISL programme aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders who are not only well-versed in Islamic knowledge but are also able to engage with the world around them in an informed, ethical, and proactive way.
Following the lecture, Shaykh Abdal Hakim joined senior lecturers at Jamia Al-Karam for a private lunch, providing an invaluable opportunity for further exchange of ideas and reflection. Later in the afternoon, he shared tea and engaged in a reflective conversation with the Founder and Principal of Jamia Al-Karam, Shaykh Muhammad Imdad Hussain Pirzada. This meeting continued a longstanding relationship between the two scholars, grounded in mutual respect and a shared vision for serving the British Muslim community with current wisdom.
This visit marked an important moment in the ongoing collaboration between Cambridge Muslim College and Jamia Al-Karam, reinforcing our shared commitment to fostering excellence in scholarship, leadership, and proactive engagement with the challenges facing Muslim communities.
We look forward to continuing this collaboration and to the continued growth of the CISL programme as it empowers leaders to contribute meaningfully to both our local and global Muslim communities.
To learn more about our flagship Contextual Islamic Studies and Leadership (CISL) programme and how it equips future leaders, visit: https://www.cambridgemuslimcollege.ac.uk/programmes/cislprogramme/
