I am a Faith Leader, motivational speaker and author, and I hold the distinction of being the first female Muslim to serve as Chaplaincy Team Lead in NHS England. My work has been widely recognised for breaking down cultural and institutional barriers, and for advancing inclusion and diversity within healthcare and wider public life. Alongside my professional role, I am currently completing a PhD, with my research focusing on the under‑utilisation of palliative care within the Muslim community, addressing a critical gap in culturally responsive healthcare provision.
As an Alimah by training, I draw upon my theological scholarship to support the holistic development of Muslims within wider society. My work seeks not only to empower individuals spiritually and socially, but also to ensure meaningful representation, inclusion and opportunity at every level. Through my senior appointment, I have helped set a national benchmark and have been recognised as a woman in British history, with a clear commitment to paving the way for future generations of Muslim women to aspire to leadership roles across faith, healthcare and civic life.
My impact has been acknowledged through numerous awards, including being named among the 50 Most Influential Muslims in Europe and the UK by the Equality X Awards 2025, Religious Advocate of the Year at the British Muslim Awards 2025, Chaplain of the Year at the British Muslim Health Awards 2025, and Social Inclusion Group of the Year at the British Muslim Awards 2024. I was recognised as a Trailblazer on the Northern Power List 2024, received the Exceptional Contribution to Society award at the British Citizen Awards 2023, and was named Religious Advocate of the Year at the British Muslim Awards in both 2022 and 2023. I have also been recognised nationally and globally as an Inspirational Woman by the She Inspires Awards 2022, named Most Impactful Alimah at the Beacon Mosque Awards 2021, We Are the Rising Stars Champion at the WATC Awards 2021, Diversity Champion and Role Model by WorldSkills UK 2021, Leading Lights of the Year at the British Muslim Awards 2020, and Diversity Champion at the Kirklees Inclusion and Diversity Awards 2020, among others.
Beyond my professional and academic achievements, I work extensively with local communities in education and in challenging misconceptions about Islam. I have collaborated with the Prince’s Trust and contributed to the MOSAIC programme, supporting the development and education of British Muslim scholars. More recently, I worked with MEND and British Muslim TV during Islamophobia Awareness Month to raise awareness of anti‑Muslim hatred and its wider societal impact.
Education and youth development remain central to my work. I run madrassah classes for students aged four to 25, alongside a dedicated youth programme for teenagers that combines Islamic learning with careers guidance and mentoring. As a result of this work, several students have secured placements with the West Yorkshire Mayor’s Office, while others have joined NHS Cadets through St John Ambulance. I also deliver Religious Education sessions in primary and secondary schools, contributing to greater understanding and cultural cohesion. In addition, I run an educational YouTube channel with a national and international audience, offering teachings rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah that aim to instil a love of Allah and provide accessible explanations of Islamic rulings; the channel has amassed over 100,000 views.
Interfaith engagement forms an integral part of my annual work. I participate consistently in Interfaith Week, organise ‘Visit My Mosque’ days in collaboration with the Muslim Council of Britain, and take part in scriptural reasoning events alongside Jewish and Christian faith leaders, fostering dialogue, mutual respect and shared understanding.
I am widely regarded as an inspirational woman who leads with compassion, scholarship and integrity, encouraging others to serve their communities and strive for excellence. A firm believer in climbing the ladder and holding it up for others, I embody the values of leadership, service and inclusion, with an unwavering dedication to social good and meaningful change. Through my work, I aim to leave a lasting legacy and to eradicate myths pertaining to Islam.