About this Event
Building the Next Generation of British Imams and Spiritual Leaders
As part of our commitment to the progress and development of the British Muslim community, Almanaar/MCHC Trust is proud to play a leading role in shaping the future of Islamic leadership in the UK and the West. In a diverse, multi-faith, and multicultural society like London, the need for well-prepared local British Imams and spiritual leaders is paramount.
To meet this need, we are delighted to announce a groundbreaking initiative with the AlManar Centre as part of their endowment programme partnering up with the Cambridge Muslim College (CMC), led by Shaykh Dr. Abdal Hakim Murad (Dr. Timothy Winter), to fund and sponsor three students—including female candidates—to complete the accredited BA programme at the college. These graduates will return to the AlManaar Centre to serve the community, equipped with both a deep understanding of Islamic tradition and the tools to engage with the modern world.
This initiative is the first of its kind in the UK and possibly the entire Western world. This partnership with CMC aims to set a new standard for mosques and faith institutions by producing local religious leaders with a strong grasp of the communities they serve. It is our hope that these graduates will become positive ambassadors of their faith, city, and country.
*About Shaykh Dr. Abdal Hakim Murad*
Dr. Timothy Winter, also known as Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad, is a prominent scholar and the Shaykh Zayed Lecturer in Islamic Studies at the Faculty of Divinity, University of Cambridge. He is also the Dean of the Cambridge Muslim College, which is globally recognised for its educational programmes, qualifications, and research in Islam. Dr. Winter’s expertise spans a wide range of areas, including Muslim-Christian relations, Sufism, and computerised hadith databases. His education includes studies at Cambridge, SOAS (University of London), and Al Azhar University in Cairo. Among his accolades, he received the Pilkington Teaching Prize in 2003 and the King Abdullah I Prize for Islamic Thought in 2007. He has published extensively, directed the Sunna Project, and remains a leading figure in interfaith dialogue. Recognized as one of the world’s leading Muslim academic theologians by The Muslim 500, Dr. Winter is also a familiar voice on BBC Radio 4’s Thought for the Day.
Our students at Cambridge Muslim College will have the opportunity to benefit from Dr. Winter’s vast knowledge, guidance, and vision, ensuring they are well-prepared to serve the community with wisdom and insight.
Other speakers:
[Cllr] Councillor Kasim Ali - Chairman of Almanaar Board of Trustees
Paul Williams [Blogging Theology Academy - www.bloggingtheologyacademy.com ] is host of the Blogging Theology channel, one of the world's most popular YouTube channels discussing comparative religion by introducing some academic and scholarly content to the subject matter, especially concerning the Abrahamic faiths Judaism, Christianity and Islam. He is a blogger and bibliophile based in London and the South of France.
Host Master of Ceremonies [MC]: Kristiane Backer [ www.kristianebacker.com ] is an award winning TV presenter, journalist, speaker, author and voice-over artist based in London with a pan-European career. As a former TV presenter on MTV Europe she interviewed many high profile guests including, world leaders, major artists, musicians and Hollywood stars. Her best-selling publication “From MTV to Mecca” charts her life to Islam and currently she engaged in intercultural and interfaith dialogue, New Muslim Converts projects and was nominated Global Ambassador for the Exploring Islam Foundation.
*Updates on the Endowment Project*
The event will also include important updates on Almanaar’s existing endowment project, highlighting progress made and future plans to further support our community. These updates will showcase how your ongoing support is helping to build sustainable initiatives that benefit generations to come.
*Join Us for a Landmark Event*
We invite you to celebrate this historic milestone for the British Muslim community with an inspiring evening of reflection and a three-course dinner. Shaykh Dr. Abdal Hakim Murad and other esteemed guests will share their thoughts on the importance of building a new generation of Imams and spiritual leaders. Together, through the spirit of sadaqah jariyah (ongoing charity), we can ensure a brighter future for Almanaar’s community and beyond.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Al Manaar | The Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre, 244 Acklam Road, London, United Kingdom
GBP 40.00 to GBP 375.00
