The news
On Saturday 26th July, the COSARAF Foundation proudly hosted its first-ever Scholars’ Lunch in the elegant surroundings of the private Clubroom at Christopher’s in Covent Garden. The special event brought together current scholars, alumni, trustees, and partners to mark five years of the Sheikh Family Scholarships Programme, which supports high-achieving Muslim students across the UK. Among the distinguished guests were representatives from St Anne’s College, University of Oxford, Downing College, University of Cambridge, and the Founder of Cambridge Muslim College. Scholars in attendance hailed from a range of prestigious institutions, all united by the transformative impact of the COSARAF scholarships.
The gathering was opened by Tashmina Hoque, Director of the COSARAF Foundation, who warmly welcomed guests and shared her joy at seeing so many bright scholars and alumni together in one place. “It is truly heart-warming to witness the journeys of these outstanding individuals, many of whom are now making meaningful contributions to their communities and professions,” she said.
Yusuf Sheikh, Lead Trustee, provided a moving account of the programme’s origins and the values that continue to guide it. He highlighted the Foundation’s belief in long-term, sustainable change through education, noting that while immediate needs like food programmes are vital, empowering future leaders can yield far-reaching, generational impact. Scholarships range from £10,000 per year for postgraduate students to £40,000 across four years for undergraduates.
One of the most inspiring moments of the afternoon came from Shayma Bakht, an award-winning journalist for The Times and former Sheikh MA Scholar. She reflected on her journey into journalism, describing the scholarship as “fate,” and crediting it for enabling her to pursue a career she once thought out of reach.
Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad, Founder of Cambridge Muslim College, shared powerful reflections on the significance of education in Islam and the historical legacy of Islamic scholarship. His words resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the spiritual and intellectual dimensions of the Foundation’s mission.
Professor Don Porcelli, Vice-Principal of St Anne’s College, praised the programme’s impact at Oxford. He noted how it has alleviated financial pressures on students, allowing them to thrive academically and engage more fully in university life — becoming role models and improving access for others.
Throughout the lunch, scholars from Oxford, Warwick, and other institutions shared their personal stories. One now works as a doctor in the very hospital where he was born. Another, an engineer, credited the Foundation with believing in his potential. Others spoke of their work researching flood solutions in Pakistan and supporting asylum seekers as Muslim chaplains.
The event concluded with heartfelt closing remarks from Farouq Sheikh, Trustee and co-founder of the COSARAF Foundation. Reflecting on the family’s own journey—from arriving in the UK as young children with a single mother, to building a business without the benefit of support programmes—he shared how these experiences inspired the creation of the Scholarships Programme. “We wanted to ensure that other young Muslims facing financial hardship were not denied the opportunity to access world-class education,” he said.
Farouq reminded guests of the family’s guiding values: humility and ambition. “When led by both,” he said, “there are no limits to what one can achieve.”
The Scholars’ Lunch was a powerful testament to the impact of the Sheikh Family Scholarships Programme. While the Foundation offers the support, it is the scholars themselves who are driving change — and their journeys are just beginning.
