Meet the Committee 19-20
Asalaamualaykum, Peace be upon you!
President
Burhan Waheed
4th year Medicine
| Assalamualykum,
Welcome to Imperial and congratulations for getting into one of the best universities in the world. It is said that if you can get into Imperial you can lift Mjolnir. University at times can be extremely overwhelming. The main thing to remember when the problem sheets or coursework gets too much is what our ultimate goal is. To attain Allah’s mercy and enter Paradise. Allah has stated in the Glorious Quran “ Allah does not burden a soul beyond that which it can bare”. So whenever we are struggling we should reach out to Allah and realise that we can achieve what we set out to. Be confident in yourself and have self belief. Sometimes we need time to wind down and just relax. The ISoc is a great platform to connect with your fellow brothers and sisters and just have a good time with good company whilst gaining reward from Allah swt. As the incoming President my role is to serve the Muslim community so if you ever want to reach out for a chat or have any concerns then please don’t hesitate to do so. |
Head Sister
Nadiya Hussain
4th year Medicine
| AssalamuAlaykum Wa Rahmatullahi wa barakatuh! Welcome to Imperial 🙂
One of the best things about being here is that there are opportunities left, right and centre. And, every opportunity that you’re presented with, is golden. Every second gone is one you’ll never get back, and your time at Imperial is an experience that’s also time-limited. Value each of these things just as you’d value a rare gem. However… You did just get into one of the best universities in the world, and that does mean there is hard work and effort that needs to be put in. As humans, we’re pretty bad at being able to balance things in proportion (usually, but if you’re a pro – hats off to you!) and it means we may lose our grounding at times. So, three pieces of advice that were given to me which i will now share with you are as follows: 1. Spread goodness to those around you and feel at peace knowing that Allah SWT has got your back! Smiles at Imperial can be rare during deadline/exam season, and the sharing of resources can be limited at times. Be the person who’ll be known as the one whose character is golden, and be selfless in helping others succeed too – your performance here was decreed and written a very long time ago, so no one will steal your spot! Which leads me onto my next point.. 2. Always think about how to leave a legacy for those who come after you, and make dua in abundance for them. Believe it or not, you are a minority. Why? Because you’re one of the very few Muslims in the world who: are fortunate to have an education, in university, doing a STEM subject, at one of the best universities internationally. And, if you’re doing a course where the number of Muslims are also a minority, take this opportunity to reap in the rewards and be a torchbearer for people in future years by creating resources for them, or making your resources accessible to them. 3. Keep your private acts of worship consistent, and give yourself goals to measure yourself against. This goes back to the times where we may become overwhelmed with work and forget our purpose. “Know that the most beloved deed to Allah is that which is performed regularly even if it is small.” (Sahih Bukhari, Muslim) May Allah put barakah in your time here and allow you to be a beacon of light for others, and grant you succeess in this life and the hereafter! And, please don’t hesitate to drop me a message or say hi if you spot me. |
VP – Outreach and Welfare
Shifa Bangi
4th year Medicine
Salaam guys, I’m Shifa, your Vice President of Outreach and Welfare.
The ISoc will inevitably become your home away from home. As a fresher, I felt a little intimidated by ISoc. I guess I was worried they would be really cliquey and I wouldn’t be accepted into the crowd. Alhamdulillah, I could not have been more wrong. Whether you’re looking for advice or just a chat, the ISoc is a group of people who will welcome you as family.
My best advice would be to make the most of your time at university. You have been blessed with security and the privilege of studying at Imperial. Use this time for your personal growth. Use it to serve Allah. As broke students, we have a lot of time to offer and very little cash. The Imperial Muslim Volunteer’s Network (IMVN) is just one of the many ways you can get involved. IMVN offers volunteering opportunities through which you give your time as charity to help those who most need it, while having lots of fun ofcourse.
It’s also incredibly important to make sure to put yourself and your mental health first. Uni can be an incredibly stressful time both academically and socially. Try to branch out of your comfort zone but don’t put too much pressure on yourself in either aspect. I AM is a platform for the ISoc’s wellbeing initiatives with handy tips and workshops for maintaining your wellbeing.
Finally, the ISoc cannot function without YOU, it’s community. Get involved in any way no matter how big or small – from attending events to volunteering to joining a subcommittee – and build some of the strongest friendships.
shifa.bangi16@imperial.ac.uk
VP – Campaigns
Saleem Raza
3rd year Materials and Nuclear Engineering
Assalāmu ‘alaykum.
Firstly I’d like to reiterate what others have said, by congratulating you on getting into Imperial. Your time here will be challenging but there are so many opportunities for you to grow. The Imperial muslim community is full of some truly amazing people. People who you can learn from and will bring the best out of you. The Islamic society is a community which is here to support you.
AIt is also important to stay connected with your family whilst at university. Whether living at home or living out, it is easy to become isolated from them so make sure to maintain frequent communication and show them your compassionate side.
Campaigns Manager – Sisters
Simran Mahmud
3rd year Medicine
| Salam everyone, I’m Simran. Along with Huzefa, I’ll be helping the campaign heads run three ISoc campaigns throughout the year Fresher’s Fortnight, Charity Week and Discover Islam Week.
My top tip for coming to Imperial would definitely be to get involved in as much as you can! Uni will fly before your eyes and these are opportunities you won’t find elsewhere! With that said make sure you sign up and get involved in as many campaigns throughout your time at imperial! (this is the first of a lot more shameless promo) |
simran.mahmud17@imperial.ac.uk
Campaigns Manager – Brothers
Huzefa Qamar
3rd year Medicine
| Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi wa barakātuhu.
I’m Huzefa and I will be serving as one of the Campaigns Manager this year. There is no doubt in the fact that starting university can be a daunting time. Looking back at my first day, I had a myriad of concerns about whether I will find fellow like-minded individuals, fit in and contribute to university life. Fast forward three years and I find myself a part of a muslim community like no other. A brotherhood like nothing I could fathom. And most importantly, a place where I can learn, grow and give back. Campaigns are the heart of this connection with your fellow brothers/sisters and ultimately with our Lord, and part of my role is to ensure that these campaigns bring us all closer together and attain the mercy that is the pleasure of Allah SWT. So join us on this journey and get involved in everything the ISoc has to offer! Your time at university will be over in the blink of an eye, and as a wise friend of mine once said: “if all you achieve after leaving Imperial is a world-class degree, then have you really achieved anything at all?” May we all be amongst those who benefit in both this world, and the Ākhirah. Ameen |
huzefa.qamar17@imperial.ac.uk
Outreach Officer
Haris Akter
Medicine
| Assalaam Alaykum, big mubarak on getting into one of the best universities in the world! InshaAllah, the best is yet to come!
I’m your outreach officer this year. That means I will be, alongside my brilliant team, trying to provide to you a platform whereby you can be a voice for the voiceless and a help to the helpless! |
mohammed.javed16@imperial.ac.uk
Welfare Officer
A’yunie Anwar
3rd year Medicine
| Assalamu’alaikum all! My name is Ayunie, your Welfare Officer for this year InshaaAllah. I think you can tell from the name – but my role is essentially to spearhead the ISoc welfare and wellbeing initiatives! |
qurratul.qhaireel-anwar15@imperial.ac.uk
Treasurer
Usama Momani
2nd year Medicine
| I’m Usama, I’m a second year medic and insh’Allah will be responsible for ISoc finances this year.
For many of us what comes next is gonna feel like an insurmountable challenge and to be honest that’s a fair description – It should probably be Imperial’s tagline instead of whatever latin nonsense they have now. But the truth is we’ve joined a family, and there are people littered around campus who are absolute diamonds. Ready to help, support, and just be there for you. It’s a sentiment that’s been echoed from the first day. That somehow through this journey – seemingly out of nowhere – someone across the library from you puts on a superhero mask and helps you through something. Or there’s a late-night session with an older year that is like a breath of fresh air. Or an email you get sent that just about gives you enough of a clue to start a daunting task. This is not so much advice, but reassurance. This year will be tough, and if it isn’t you probably aren’t doing it right . But connect with people, give back, be there for your fellow man/woman and you’ll be having more of a (proverbial) party than Jamie Vardy. |
Secretary – Communications
Mariyam Hussain
Assalaamualaykum to you all!
Firstly, a MASSIVE congratulations for making it to Imperial! May Allah SWT bless you all with the most success in the Dunya & Aakhirah.
As secretary of communications, I will be sending/receiving emails and keeping you up to date with all things ISoc through our weekly newsletter. Please, feel free to send me an e-mail/stop me for a chat, I’d be happy to help iA!
Secondly, Uni will undoubtedly come with its ups and downs. But you will get through it iA (we’re living proof!), make lots of du’aa and reach out to those around you, guaranteed, there is always someone to help. I remember reading something that really helped me shape my perspective when finding things difficult. Whether it was the huge backlog of lectures I had to revise or the stressful write-ups – I replaced the word “have” with “get”, e.g. instead of saying I HAVE to study, I’d say I GET to study. It would remind me how blessed I am to be in this position as many do not get such a privilege.
And lastly…DEFINITELY get involved in ISoc! Volunteer, come to the events and have fun without having to compromise your values. The sisterhood (and brotherhood) is amazing here, I’ve met absolute gems of sisters here who welcomed me with so much warmth and are always there to turn to. I’m sure you’ll experience nothing less!
mariyam.hussain18@imperial.ac.uk
Secretary – Logistics
Mariam Jallow
2nd year Biology
| I’m Mariam Jallow a second year biology student and this year I will be responsible for organising prayer room access as well as room bookings for the ISOC.
Coming into uni can be a daunting experience and there may be occasions when you feel overwhelmed. My advice in times like that would be to know that you are not alone in how you feel; there will always be people who understand what you’re going through. Try to surround yourself with people you feel comfortable with who can support you through the good times as well as the not so good times, chances are they won’t be too hard to find at Imperial. |
mariam.jallow18@imperial.ac.uk
Events & Logistics Officer
Faiz Salim
2nd year Chemical Engineering
| This year I’ll be the one setting up before events and clearing up after.
Yet as with all other committee members, I constantly find myself reviewing and analysing the way ISoc is run to make sure we’re doing things properly and with good reason. With coming to uni, it is common to be afraid and as a result close yourself off – something I have done plenty of. However, the version of you that is afraid is not the true you so my advice is to get out of your comfort zone, get to know as many people as you can, try out new activities and push yourself in ways you’ve never even considered before. Trust me, you’ll change so much for the better, even if things don’t go to plan. ISoc is a great place to achieve this. |
faiz.salim18@imperial.ac.uk
Publicity Manager
Noor Ali
Assalamualaikum all!
I’m Noor and I’ll be the one behind the countless ISoc facebook, instagram and twitter posts that you won’t be able to get enough of this year! If you ever dm any of our accounts, it’ll be me responding with way too many emojis but a lot of ISoc love too 💚.
Everyone definitely has their highs and lows throughout university, whether it’s to do with academics, social life or even iman, none of us can escape it. It’s always worth remembering that Allah (swt) has brought you to this point in your life for a reason and that with hardship comes ease. May your time here at Imperial be blessed with every kind of success and may our ISoc be able to support you through the tough times and halal party with you through the fun times (and trust me there’ll be a lot of those inshallah 🎉).
Last word of advice? Follow @imperial.isoc to keep up with the latest and greatest events we have in store for you! 😉
noor.ali18@imperial.ac.uk
General Committee – Brothers
Nasr Ricardo
3rd year Civil Engineering
| Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah!!!
I’m Nasr (from Cardiff) and I’m one of the two General Committee officers this year. That means I’m flexible in what I can provide. What exactly will my role entail? Only time will tell !! I am very excited to be a part of the committee this year. I don’t actually see the ISoc as being a society in the typical sense, because it shouldn’t be any type of club or clique; rather I see it as the administrative & organisational arm of the vibrant Muslim community that is found at Imperial. The purpose of the ISoc is simply to facilitate, for any individual, male or female, younger or older, the performance of their duties as a Muslim. Whenceuntoforth: if you want to ask about anything, whether it’s religion, living in London, living as a student, or anything else, just get in contact with anyone from the committee, online or in real life, and we will help you out. A word of warning: studying at ICL can become very difficult & stressful at times, especially for someone in a new city, with no family, and with letters coming into your mailbox from the TV licensing authority asking for your money (I don’t watch TV, stop asking me every year). Try your best to prepare for the highs and lows, the days of ataraxy and the twelve-to-six elbows that will come. What is important, in sha Allah, is to prepare an action plan of whom and where to turn to in times of trouble: maybe it’s calling a parent or relative; speaking to or dining with a friend; turning to the remembrance of Allah – anything good that will ease your distress. I strongly advise you to think about such a plan. Something excellent about the Muslim community at Imperial is how easy it is to become good friends with total strangers, no matter how many years between you, or how many miles between your homelands. Alhamdulillah. You gotta love it. Friendships; Emotions; Tears; Laughter; Knowledge; Action; Goodness & Compassion; Sincerity & Passion: If you like any of these things, you will find them in Imperial’s Muslim community, in sha Allah. |
nasr.ricardo@imperial.ac.uk
General Committee – Sisters
Faghia Mehmood
2nd year Biological Sciences
| As part of gen com, I’ll be hanging around here, there and everywhere. Feel free to hit me up for a chat – or some bubble tea 😉 – if you see me.
ISoc is a family that opens its arms to all sorts of people from every background and lifestyle. The diverse nature of this community as well as the warmth and dedication of those in it make being a part of ISoc such a privilege. Although I haven’t been here nearly long enough, I have felt the love and support that this community provides. And I have no doubt that this will be felt by anyone who joins. |
faghia.mehmood18@imperial.ac.uk