Ihsan Mentorship Scheme

Our Previous Speakers

We invite influential Muslims to inspire our students to walk in their path and serve this ummah.

Sheikha Fatima Barkatulla MA

Fatima Barkatulla is a British ‘Alimah (Islamic scholar), author, and host of the IlmFeed Podcast.

She earned a Master’s degree in Islamic Law with Distinction from the SOAS Law School, University of London, receiving the Doreen Hinchcliffe Memorial Prize for Best Student in Islamic Law. Additionally, she has a postgraduate diploma in English Law.

She graduated with in Classical Islamic Law at the Alimiyyah Programme at Ebrahim College seminary, along with obtaining the Licence in Islamic Scholarship from Al-Salam Institute.

Sheikha Fatima has made remarkable contributions through her extensive scholarship, leadership positions, and impactful community service.

For more: https://www.instagram.com/fatima_barkatulla/?hl=en

Omar Esa

Omar Esa is a renowned, chart-topping international nasheed artist known for using solely his voice in all his nasheeds.

He achieved success in mainstream pop music before choosing to realign his artistic path with faith and purpose.

Currently, he boasts over 46,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and 928,000 subscribers on YouTube.

Omar shared insights with our students on the importance of doing what is right by Allah and trusting Him with the outcomes. His journey embodies profound tawakkul and love for Allah.

Check out Omar Esa's work: https://www.youtube.com/@OmarEsa

Sheikh Professor Amin Abdul Aziz

Sheikh Professor Amin Abdul Aziz is a retired senior professor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam, student of renowned scholars in Makkah and government advisor in South East Asia.

Professor Amin reached a senior position at Universiti Bruenei Darussalam working in the Institute of Policy Studies.

He was trained in traditional Islamic knowledge and holds a Masters in Islamic Studies from the Graduate School of Islamic and Social Sciences, Virginia, USA.

He was awarded the Abdullah ibn Abbas Award for Excellence in Shari’ah Sciences from the same university.

Sheikh's academic work: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Amin-Abdul-Aziz

Zeyneb Iqbal BA, MA, Msc (Oxon)

Zeyneb Iqbal is an award-winning Islamic architect and designer working at the intersection of cultural heritage, sustainable urban development, and community engagement.

Her recent work includes the INTBAU Qatar Conference at the Earthna Summit 2025, the INTBAU Qatar Winter School 2024, Shah Jahan Mosque Visitor Centre Design in Surrey, and the Gallery Renovation in West Yorkshire. Zeyneb collaborates with institutions and communities to deliver research, workshops, exhibitions, and advisory support.

Zeyneb left Turkey to pursue her studies due to the hijab ban. She shared her incredible journey with our students, and what she learnt along the way!

See her work: https://zeynepiqbal.com/

Atheeq Akbar MSc (Oxon)

Atheeq Akbar serves as the Vice President of Commercial Finance at Asda, bringing extensive senior leadership experience from Deloitte, Etihad Airways, Tesco, and Morrisons.

He earned his MSc from the esteemed University of Oxford and has distinguished himself as one of the youngest finance managers in history.

Atheeq shared insights on upholding your principles in environments that may seem unfamiliar and how to achieve high levels of competence and success.

Connect with Atheeq on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/atheeq-akbar-a5432617