The Islamic Council of Scholars
We are honoured to announce the formation of the Islamic Council of Scholars, established to serve as an advisory and consultative body under the Islamic Board of the Council of European Jamaats (CoEJ).
We are honoured to announce the formation of the Islamic Council of Scholars, established to serve as an advisory and consultative body under the Islamic Board of the Council of European Jamaats (CoEJ). The Council brings together respected scholars whose knowledge and guidance will support informed decision-making, uphold Islamic principles, and strengthen the religious and spiritual foundations of CoEJ and its member Jamaats.
Below, we introduce the scholars who will serve on this Council.
Maulana Zeeshan Haider is the Minister of Religion for the Muslim Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat (MSIJ) of Essex. With a diverse educational background that includes a Bachelor of Arts from Subharti University Meerut and advanced Hawza studies up to Darse- Kharij from Syria, he brings both administrative skill and deep religious knowledge to his leadership. Previously serving communities in Mauritius, Kenya, and Tanzania, Maulana Zeeshan is a multilingual orator (English, Urdu, Arabic, and Persian) who has lectured internationally. He is deeply committed to youth empowerment, matrimonial counselling, and fostering interfaith harmony.
Safdar Razi Amir Ali Master is a religious and academic advisor specializing in Islamic Studies with a diverse educational background. He holds an M.A. in the Religious Roots of Europe from the University of Lund and a B.Sc. in Zoology and Chemistry from the University of Qatar, alongside several qualifications in Islamic studies and respiratory therapy. He has dedicated himself to long-standing service within the community. Currently, he serves in multiple leadership and educational capacities: he is the founder and director of THE MASTER (AI-MOULA) Shia Islamic Global Online Education (2024–present) and the Al-Wali Shia Islamic Community Center in Portugal (since 2023). Since 2021, he has also worked as a full-time manager and curriculum consultant at MASOOMIN-Sweden and as an instructor for the E-Hawza program with The World Federation. His work is characterised by a commitment to interfaith dialogue, promoting peaceful interpretations of Islamic texts, and building harmonious relationships across diverse global communities.
Shaykh Nuru Mohammed is the Resident Imam at Al-Abbas Islamic Centre in Birmingham, UK, a role he has held since 2016. He previously served as an Imam in South Africa and Kenya and was a visiting lecturer in Islamic theology at Tangaza University College, Nairobi. Shaykh Nuru holds a BA in Islamic Philosophy and Mysticism, an MA in Islamic Studies, and an Advanced Diploma in Counselling and Psychology, and is also a qualified Civil and Commercial Mediator. He has been recognized for his contributions to the UK Muslim community, including being named the UK’s Most Impactful Imam (2021) and Religious Advocate of the Year (2024), and runner-up for the same award in 2025. Beyond his religious leadership, Shaykh Nuru is actively involved in civic and educational initiatives, serving on Birmingham City Council’s SACRE, as a National Trustee of Citizens UK, a school governor, and previously as Co-Chair of Citizens UK West Midlands.
Shaykh Mustafa Jaffer pursued Islamic studies in Tehran, and also earned his masters degree in Arabic-English Translation and Interpretation from Edinburgh, Scotland. He has also led Hajj groups for the past 20 years and has delivered lectures to Muslim communities across six continents. He is a respected Islamic scholar known for his commitment to religious education, community guidance, and the promotion of Islamic values within contemporary society. He has been actively involved in supporting communities through teaching, advisory roles, and engagement with faith-based institutions, contributing thoughtful scholarly insight on matters affecting Muslims in Europe. His work reflects a balanced approach grounded in the teachings of the Ahlul Bayt (a.s) and an awareness of the social and spiritual needs of modern communities. He also served as a President of the largest community in Europe for three terms.