Jamelia Hashi

BA HISTORY, ST ANNE'S COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD

My name is Jamelia, and I am a history student at the University of Oxford. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to both grow as an individual and to contribute to my community through charity work.

The study of history is something that should not be taken for granted nor overlooked, I have always loved engaging in conversations about the past and how said conversations can provide a brighter outlook on the present. I have just finished modules on the History of Britain from 1900 to present exploring the transformations Britain has undergone culturally, socially, politically, and economically. I have also completed a module on African history since 1800 which gave me valuable insight into the long-term effects of colonialism and the slave trade as well as allowing me to observe new, interesting geopolitical interests in Africa.

I look forward to supporting such an amazing organisation, working to help bridge any barriers individuals face in their lives In shaa Allah.

Mohammed Yahya Mahmed Sidyot

MA ISLAMIC STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK

I am very keen to further my education through opportunities granted by Allah! I have been interested in reading, researching, and understanding education since my early years. I really enjoy exploring and opening my worldview in different settings. I have begun my journey by studying in a traditional seminary for several years, I hope to only further increase this through this opportunity at Warwick. My sole purpose through this is to develop a personality which will be able to give back to the Muslim community in the United Kingdom.

Sheikh Scholar 2023

BM BCh MEDICINE, ST ANNE'S COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD

During my time volunteering in my local area to build connections between local communities, I was inspired by the important role of healthcare in communities and was drawn to pursue a degree in Medicine. I am now keen to develop my skillset at university to better support those around me. I would also like to continue improving outreach and access to higher education, understanding the important role it had for me having grown up in an area of low progression to higher education.

I look forward to taking this incredible opportunity to facilitate my personal growth, and to work on COSARAF’s objectives which really resonate with me.

Isma Kouser

BA (HONS) ISLAMIC STUDIES, CAMBRIDGE MUSLIM COLLEGE

Soon after securing a place at University to study English Literature, Isma was presented with what appeared to be a one off opportunity to study the Islamic Sciences. Following her gut, she decided to take the latter route of education. Dissatisfied with the approach and methods employed at boarding school, Isma left in search of another seminary which would allow scope for intellectual and creative growth. She finally completed her course at a local Institute, developing a passion for the science of Tajweed whilst taking inspiration from practical teaching methods under the tutelage of Sheikh Muhammad al-Ghurbani.
Alongside her studies, Isma taught at an evening madrasa where she found purpose and joy in her role within the education sector.

Isma is currently studying a BA in Islamic Studies at the Cambridge Muslim College. She travelled to Marrakech to study Arabic prior to the commencement of the academic program, an enriching experience of witnessing a lived Islam in the Moroccan world. Isma aspires to contribute to the educational needs of Britain’s growing Muslim community. Whether through the medium of teaching or writing, Isma hopes to cultivate a sense of confidence and belonging to young Muslims living in the UK today.

Muhammed Abdur Rahman

MA ISLAMIC EDUCATION, UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK

At present, I am coming to the end of my academic journey at university as I am working on my dissertation, the final milestone of my Masters in Islamic Education for the remaining few months. I am also serving as a Muslim Chaplain and Imam in the prison service providing pastoral and religious support to people of all faiths and none, with a specific focus towards supporting the religious needs of Muslims in prison, through activities such as Friday prayers and Islamic education, whilst assisting towards their resettlement and rehabilitation goals.

I am aiming to begin formal Islamic education classes at the prison to provide a contextual and relevant teaching and learning of Islam, drawing on the knowledge and skills I have so far gained from my master’s in the hopes that it will bring about a positive mature faith-based transformation. I am passionate about education and want to share the knowledge I have gained with others.

I am indebted to the COSARAF Foundation, as they have made my aspiration of higher education a reality for me as I would not have pursued my master’s till completion, because of financial worries had it not been for COSARAF’s generous scholarship, and words cannot express my immense gratitude towards them

Shawaz Ahmad

MA INTERNATIONAL JOURNALISM

Thanks to the generous support of the COSARAF foundation, I was able to pursue my MA course in International Journalism at City University. The degree enabled me to gain specialized knowledge and skills in my field that have been essential in my career. Moreover, the foundation provided me with the opportunity to gain professional experience by securing a six-month internship in the newsroom at the Daily Mirror. During my time there, I worked on stories related to Ramadan and helped to promote better representation of Muslims in the media. It was a great opportunity to contribute to making a positive impact in the field.

The scholarship has allowed me to continue to pursue my aspirations of becoming a journalist specializing in foreign news. I am currently working as a freelance journalist and taking on broadcast assistant shifts at Times Radio.

I have also been assigned a mentor by the Foundation who is helping me advance my career in journalism. With their guidance, I am gaining valuable insights and advice on navigating the industry and building a successful career. The foundation’s continued support has been invaluable to me, and I am grateful for the opportunities they have provided and will continue to work towards bettering the representation of Muslims in the UK newsroom, as well as globally.

Danyaal Abdul

BSc MATERIAL SCIENCE

I’m Danyaal I’m from the north west of England and a first-gen state school educated student. I’m currently studying Materials Science at St Anne’s College.

Minahil Mujahid

BM BCh MEDICINE, ST ANNE'S COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD

‘Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah makes easy for him a path to paradise’ (Sahih Muslim 2699). Travelling to seek knowledge has never been an alien concept to Minahil, whose parents ventured across the world, moving from place to place, to learn. So, although unexpected, it was not strange for her to end up all the way in Oxford.

For her intercalation, Minahil focused on applying Western scientific methods to elucidate the actions of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and has presented her work at several national conferences. She is interested in critiquing the modern approach to medicine and healthcare and believes there is a great knowledge to be gained from bridging the gap between modern and traditional.

Minahil is currently undertaking part-time traditional Islamic studies at the Al-Salam Institute as she believes there is a great benefit to be derived from interdisciplinary training. Knowledge of Islamic sciences, Traditional medicine and Western medicine contributes to a more holistic understanding of each subject; it allows questioning of normative perspectives and approaches to application, especially of science. She is hoping to pursue further studies in these areas after the completion of her Medical degree.

During her time at university, Minahil pioneered a series on ‘Islam and women’ which would exclusively host female speakers on topics including Leadership and identity politics. This was partly a reaction to the stark lack of (and unawareness of existing) Muslim women leaders and role models at university and, more especially, in the North East. She is looking forward to gaining valuable skills through COSARAF’s leadership programme and internship opportunities in order to work towards addressing these gaps.

Minahil’s ongoing aim is to bring the 3 spheres of her life, intellectual, spiritual and practical, into harmony so that by bettering herself she may better serve her community.

Sheikh Scholar 2022

BM BCh MEDICINE, ST ANNE'S COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD

Experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic fuelled my interest in medical sciences and pursuing a career in healthcare, which has led me to where I am now, studying Medicine at Oxford. I was heavily inspired by the healthcare workers and educators around me, who taught me the importance of perseverance and self-confidence.

Coming from a small, comprehensive state school in a relatively deprived town, I came to realise the value of a tight-knit community. A large portion of my time in school involved working with young people to encourage them to further engage in their community, whether it was within school or locally. A huge goal of mine is to break down the barriers to higher education, such as socio-economic status. Education is indeed the most powerful weapon, and the constitution of education that one receives should not limit their future potential.

I am incredibly excited to be working with a charity that shares the same vision that I do. With the brilliant opportunity that the COSARAF Foundation has provided me, I strive to help maintain and grow the warm community in my hometown while encouraging fellow young people to realise their capability and prevent large hurdles get in the way of applying to higher education.

Mohammed Makda

Graduated 2021: MA ISLAMIC STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK

I would not have had the chance to attend university had it not been for the COSARAF Foundation. My education, from young till now, culminated in being admitted into the Master’s course in Islāmic Education at Warwick, from which I have benefitted greatly. Personally, I have two areas that I have studied: Islām and education, having completed seven years in a traditional, whilst simultaneously completing a Diploma in Education and Training. My Master’s is the natural merging of both fields, with a focus in Education from the Islāmic perspective.

With my university education, I aim to help Muslim educational settings raise the bar in the services they provide. I feel my background in traditional Islāmic sciences, aided massively by my academic credentials will allow me to help Muslim educators in the face of modern-day challenges. This would not have been possible without the charitable support and benefaction of the COSARAF foundation, for which I am eternally grateful, and in helping me achieve certain educational milestones, I hope the foundation will be raising the bar for young Muslims everywhere.

Salma Ouaguira Abir

MA INTERNATIONAL JOURNALISM

Growing up I always knew I wanted to become a journalist. But I didn’t know how. I knew it was a competitive field and harder for people who come from underrepresented backgrounds like me. I am the first one in my family to graduate from university and get a Masters degree. I didn’t have journalists to look up to who looked like me. I knew it was going to be a challenging career as I had no connections in the media sector. But I focused on developing my journalistic skills and left the rest to God.

The scholarship came at a perfect moment in my life. I had just finished my undergrad and my dream of becoming a journalist was uncertain. Thanks to the scholarship I was able to specialise in International Journalism and improve my journalistic skills at the hands of the best professionals. I was able to gain confidence

My time during the internship at The Sun has been extremely rewarding. I work closely with the editors as a copytaster. This entails reading first-hand all the stories that will go to the newspaper the next day. I get to understand in depth how everything works and benefit from the experience of my colleagues.

I am currently finishing my Masters degree in International Journalism at City, University of London. I had to interrupt my studies due to long-term illness. I am still working for The Sun at the news desk. The good news is that my contract has been renewed for another year and in the upcoming months I will be moved to the Online News desk to become a full-time news reporter. I am making the most of my current job position and working hard to finish my masters.

I feel prepared and confident to embark on my next journey as a news writer.

I want to thank Cosaraf & Randeree for their support. The scholarship has meant more than an opportunity for me. It is a cut across many constraints in a very competitive and underrepresented field. Thank you for giving me the chance to show what I am capable of. Muslim women like me just need someone who can open a door to show our full potential. I wish to become a role model to other Muslim women wanting to get into journalism and be the inspiration I didn’t have growing up.

Ali Anis

BM BCh MEDICINE, ST ANNE'S COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD

Studying medicine at a world-leading institution over the past five years has been one of the most academically and mentally challenging experiences of my life thus far.

However, support from the COSARAF foundation has ensured that I have had the best possible chance to excel by allowing me to prioritise my studies and other passions without worrying extensively about my finances. I will forever be grateful to COSARAF, in particular, for relieving an inner conflict regarding taking out an interest-based student loan. I hope that in my future career as a doctor ان شاء الله (if God wills), I will be able to repay this favour upon me by serving my community.

Shayma Bakht

Graduated 2020: MA JOURNALISM, CITY UNIVERSITY

It has been a whirlwind of a year but I am so grateful to have been named the Young Journalist of the Year at the Press Awards for my undercover work at The Times, which looked into predators who were abusing the Homes for Ukraine scheme to prey on female refugees. The win was completely unexpected but it feels incredibly validating after years of hard work trying to break into the industry as a freelancer, and especially as a Muslim journalist. I am so grateful to the COSARAF foundation for supporting my Masters, which I use everyday. Without it, I would not have been able to have got the job I did or to have had the incredible opportunities to write stories that shed light on issues affecting the communities I care about the most.

The award also comes along with an exciting prize fund to take a foreign trip to a destination of my choice so I am working on ideas for that now. Since joining The Times, I have been able to work on stories about Muslim students having to give up dreams of going to university without a sharia-compliant funding system, attacks on mosque worshippers in the UK, migrants from Asia and Africa being trafficked in the Middle East and issues in Afghanistan and Lebanon. I hope to continue to use this once-in-a-lifetime gift from the foundation to make the news landscape a more inclusive and fair environment, and I hope to make the donors proud by writing stories that will hopefully make a difference.

Hafsa Zadran

Graduated 2020: MA ISLAMIC STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK

After successfully completing a comprehensive study of Islamic theology at a Dar-u- Uloom (Islamic seminary), Hafsa began to teach Islamic sciences. The quest for learning is a fundamental factor in Islamic education. This is why along with the teaching, Hafsa’s goal after graduating was to continue studying to acquire advance knowledge and understanding of the background literature in the area of Islamic education and professional practice.

Hafsa commented…‘I was aware that I lacked important teaching skills, like being a good leader and leading by influence. As a result, I became interested in the University of Warwick’s Islamic Education course but found myself faced with the financial challenges of perusing this further development in my career.

However, the COSARAF foundation funding my degree was a dream come true. It meant that I was able to attain the education I really needed and massively reduced the risk of me dropping out.

I worked hard in my postgraduate study surrounded by a focused and tenacious group of like-minded individuals with a shared interest in bettering Islamic education for young Muslims in the UK.

Thanks to the contribution of the scholarship, I was able to complete my degree with a distinction and gained a variety of skills, that will continue to serve me as an educator for years to come.

Today, I strive hard to continue learning and teaching, to make the Darul Uloom experience an even better one for those in my care. This scholarship has made a significant contribution to my personal and professional development. It opened the doors for me to higher education that I previously didn’t have access to, and as a result, has empowered me to provide every one of my students with the education they deserve.’

Momodou M Touray

Graduated 2020: MA INTERNATIONAL JOURNALISM, CITY UNIVERSITY

Momodou Musa Touray completed his MA in International Journalism at City, University of London in June 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

After graduation, Momodou spent six months internship with the Daily Mirror. He worked on several high-profile stories including a scoop on England’s goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

Momodou joined the financial planning publication Money Marketing in June 2021 as a reporter covering the UK retail investment and financial services sector. His specialist area is platform, protection, and pensions.

Momodou has excelled in his career as a financial journalist receiving recognition from his peers and the industry.

In July 2022, he was nominated for the Rising Star and Protection Journalist of the Year at the Headlinemoney Awards.

In September 2022, he achieved success as Runner-Up in the Best Platform Journalist Category at the Schroders UK Platform Awards.

The annual awards celebrate the very best of platforms and technology in retail investment and financial planning.

In February 2023, Momodou was promoted to senior reporter at Money Marketing publication.

Nighat Shaheen

Graduated 2020: MA ISLAMIC STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK

The scholarship supported me to return to the world of work after some major health issues requiring me to consider changing my career from teaching.  It allowed me to build my confidence in my abilities again by returning to education which in turn enabled me to explore work outside my previous area of expertise and start to build a career which has a major impact on young people in my community.

My role within the civil service involves working with vulnerable young people and am looking to transfer to department for education

Yaqub Muslim Eneborg

Graduated 2019: BA (HONS) ISLAMIC STUDIES, CAMBRIDGE MUSLIM COLLEGE

Yaqub is an aspiring theologian currently studying for a BA (Hons) in Islamic Studies at Cambridge Muslim College. He has previously studied Arabic at Stockholm University, and worked as a personal care assistant.