The news
The COSARAF Foundation was delighted to visit Cambridge last week to strengthen partnerships and meet with current and future scholars supported through the Sheikh Family Scholarship Programme.
The visit began at Downing College, University of Cambridge, where the delegation, including Trustee Farouq Sheikh, his son Zak Sheikh, Director Tashmina Hoque, Imam and Scholar Abid Khan, and Finance Lead Sheeam Hussain, were warmly welcomed by the College team.
Set within the College’s beautiful and historic grounds, the group were hosted by the Master of Downing College, Mr. Graham Virgo KC (Hon), at the Master’s Lodge, where they discussed the ongoing partnership between the College and the Foundation. The visit was followed by an engaging lunch with Dr Kamran Yunus, who leads on the relationship with the Foundation, along with the newly appointed Sheikh Family Scholar for 2025/26 and several current students.
The conversations were inspiring and insightful, providing an opportunity to hear directly from students about their studies, aspirations, and the transformative impact of the scholarship support.
Following the College visit, the delegation attended Jummah prayers at Cambridge Central Mosque, a landmark project to which the COSARAF Foundation was also proud to contribute funding. The team were pleased to see the mosque thriving as a centre of worship, learning, and community life.
In the afternoon, the delegation met with Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad at the Cambridge Muslim College. They were given a tour of the college’s impressive, “tardis-like” facilities, which combine traditional Islamic scholarship with modern educational excellence.
Discussions focused on plans for the future, including how best to support and nurture the next generation of Muslim scholars and leaders, ways to ensure sustainable funding for the College, and innovative ideas around the development of Waqf (Islamic endowment) to secure long-term growth.
The visit was a reminder of the shared vision between COSARAF and its partners — to empower individuals through education, nurture future leaders, and strengthen communities through knowledge and faith.
The COSARAF team were deeply appreciative of the warm hospitality shown by everyone at Downing College, Cambridge Central Mosque, and Cambridge Muslim College, and look forward to returning to Cambridge in the near future to continue this important and inspiring collaboration.
