Muhammed Abdur Rahman
“Since receiving the scholarship and completing my MA in Islamic Education at the University of Warwick, my journey has developed in ways I could not have imagined when I first began my studies.
The scholarship enabled me to pursue an opportunity that would have been difficult to achieve without financial support, and the knowledge and confidence I gained through my studies continue to shape my work today.
Since graduating, I have continued serving as a Muslim Chaplain and Imam within the Prison Service, providing pastoral care, religious guidance and Islamic education to individuals facing some of life’s most challenging circumstances. This work has strengthened my belief that faith, education and compassionate support can play an important role in helping people rebuild their lives and move forward positively.
I have also had the privilege of working closely with asylum seekers and refugees, supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds who are navigating complex challenges and rebuilding their futures. These experiences have been both humbling and rewarding, and have reinforced my commitment to serving and empowering others.
One of the most exciting recent developments in my journey has been being offered a position as a Mental Health Chaplain with Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, which I will be starting shortly. This role will allow me to continue supporting people through difficult periods in their lives while expanding my work within mental health and spiritual care.
Alongside my chaplaincy work, I have also invested time in developing skills outside my traditional field through professional sales training and practical experience in high-ticket sales. Learning how to build rapport, develop meaningful relationships and communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds has given me a new perspective and strengthened skills that are valuable across all areas of my work.
Looking back, I am most proud of the opportunities I have had to serve others and contribute positively to different communities. From supporting individuals in prison and working with asylum seekers and refugees to moving into mental health chaplaincy, each experience has allowed me to grow personally and professionally while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
The support I received from COSARAF did far more than help me to complete a degree; it provided a foundation from which many new opportunities emerged. I remain deeply grateful for that investment and hope to continue using the knowledge, skills and opportunities I have been given to serve others and create a positive impact in the communities around me.”
