Dr Safaruk Chowdhury
Senior Adviser
Research Scholar in Islamic theology and philosophy, Ibn Rushd Centre of Excellence for Islamic Research. Safaruk Chowdhury studied Philosophy at Kings College London completing it with the accompanying Associate of Kings College (AKC) award. He then traveled to Cairo to study the traditional Islamic Studies curricula at al-Azhar University. He returned to the UK to complete his MA at the School of Oriental and African Studies with distinction. His doctoral dissertation was on the eminent Sufi hagiographer and theoretician Abu ‘Abd al-Rahman al-Sulami (d. 412/1021) published as A Sufi Apologist of Nishapur: The Life and Thought of Abu ‘Abd al-Rahman al-Sulami (Sheffield: Equinox Publishing, 2019).
Chowdhury’s research interests, in addition to Sufism at the moment, are in paraconsistent logic, metaphysics, ethics, and epistemology with keen interest in how these subjects were articulated and discussed within the Islamic intellectual tradition – especially within kalam theology. His most recent book is entitled Islamic Theology and the Problem of Evil (New York and Cairo: AUC Press, 2021) which is the first work in Islamic Studies to treat the topic within the analytic theology approach. Chowdhury is currently lead researcher on the project Beyond Foundationalism: New Horizons in Muslim Analytic Theology funded under a John Templeton Foundation grant award in association with Cambridge Muslim College and Aziz Foundation. Chowdhury runs the Islamic Analytic Theology website and his academic work can be found on his Academia.edu page.
Dr Ali Ahmed Shuaib
Moderator / Facilitators
Dr Ali Ahmed-Shuaib serves as Director of Policy and Communication at the Centre for Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (cames.org.uk). He works as a Consultant in General Practice and Associate Specialist in Otolaryngology, He has also developed a passion for Lifestyle Medicine and Medical Education. Over the last three decades, he has developed a keen interest in international relations, de-colonial studies, secular liberalism and its impact on modern society and particularly looking at the evolution of society through diverging world viewpoints.
This has led him to pursue an LLM in International legal studies from the University of East London. His thesis was titled “Political Islam and the West – Collision, Conquest or Convergence ?” His writings include “Establishing the authority without authoritarianism – a quest for accountable governance within Islamic political discourse” and “Democratising Islam- Imposing the Demos on the Divine ?”. He also completed postgraduate studies in Medical Education from the University of Cambridge. Dr Shuaib also lends his expertise as a board executive for various health charities and also advises entrepreneurial startups.
Muhammad S. Ahmed
Dialogue Research & Content Strategist
A history, theology, and anthropology enthusiast with an engineering and technical background. He also enjoys delving into comparative beliefs and is passionate about having meaningful dialogue with influencers to solve the big and challenging questions humanity and, in particular, Muslims are grappling with in our world today. Currently works in Tech Service Management.
Kamal Hussain
Design and Marketing Consultant
A strategic and detail-driven design consultant, he crafts intelligent, purposeful solutions across digital and print. His portfolio includes collaborations with leading names such as Tesco, Arsenal, Shell, and the NHS, as well as respected charities including The Prince’s Trust and local councils. His work spans corporate, start-up, and non-profit sectors.
With a refined eye for aesthetics and a strong grounding in functionality, his approach ensures every element serves intent. His expertise covers branding, typography, user experience, and the shifting dynamics of digital and social media.
Technically adept in website and CMS design, print production, typesetting, and pre-press processes, he manages projects end-to-end—translating briefs into clear, effective outcomes. Whether leading independently or working within creative teams, he brings clarity, precision, and forward-thinking insight to every project.
Abul Qasem
Program Coordinator
Program coordinator with over 20 years of experience driving strategic planning and delivering impactful educational and cultural initiatives. Led the development of key community events such as Islamic Mela and Eid in the Park, and played a central role in designing curriculum and managing weekend school operations. Provides strategic insight through active involvement on mosque management committees and advisory boards across various sectors. Founder of The Great Debate, creating platforms for dialogue and engagement between diverse communities and wider society.