Most Impactful Alimah Shortlist 2024

Fatima is a highly respected senior Alima, born in the UK in the 1960s, who has dedicated over four decades to serving her community both locally and internationally. After completing her Alimiyyah studies in the 1980s at a Darul Uloom in India, she returned to Leicester, becoming the first Alima in the region.

Following her marriage to Molana Ilyas, Imam of Leytonstone Mosque, she began teaching young girls and women, and became the first Alima in London. She has been a guiding force for Alimiyyah students, as well as for the wider community, through her interfaith work and pastoral care. Fatima’s dedication to interfaith engagement is evident in her role as a community chaplain, where she has voluntarily supported people of all faiths and none, with compassion and respect, regardless of creed, colour, nationality, or gender.

Her gentle and loving approach has touched the hearts of many, including non-Muslim leaders, and her daawah work has led to some accepting Islam. Fatima’s pastoral care extends to some of the most vulnerable in society, including Muslims in care homes, hospices, and prisons. She provides end-of-life prayers for those with no family or friends, and she supports reverts and Muslim youth, guiding them as future leaders.

With an impressive 43 years of voluntary service, Fatima’s contributions have been recognized at the highest levels. She was recently awarded a Medal from the House of Lords and is the only Muslim or Asian woman on the British Citizens Award Roll of Honour for 2024. She has also been honoured with a British heritage blue plaque for her exceptional voluntary work in the community. Her selflessness has earned her the admiration of many, with the homeless shelter she managed lovingly referring to her as “Mother Theresa.” As a former governor for the Northeast London NHS Trust, Fatima has also been a tireless advocate for mental health and has given a voice to the voiceless, particularly supporting carers facing difficult challenges.

Her leadership extends beyond her pastoral duties, serving on multiple boards as a trustee and continuing to guide her community as an Alima and Muftia, after completing further studies in London. Fatima’s humility and dedication to her community have led her to shy away from public recognition and voting processes, but her achievements and impact are undeniable. She continues to inspire through her work, supporting the elderly, the homeless, and countless others, and her legacy as a compassionate leader is one that will endure for generations to come.