Muna Mahamed
Muna is a Londoner of Somali origin is the second born of four siblings. She graduated with a BSc in Social Policy and Government from the London School of Economics and Political Science. She is currently working for BAA Heathrow and in her previous capacity she worked for a national NGO, Faith Regent Foundation, as a Research Assistant. In the near future Muna hopes to undertake an MSc in Development Studies at the School of African And Oriental Studies.
Muna enjoys travelling and one of her greatest achievements includes climbing the Atlas Mountains in Fatima City, Morocco. Muna has a natural knack for discussing religion and politics and is often seen conversing with stranger and beginning the conversation with ‘Do you believe in God?’
One of her favourite quotes is by the 13th century Persian poet, Rumi, who said “be not content with stories of those who went before you, go forth and create your own story”. With this in mind Muna hopes to create her own story by utilising the tools that Allah (SWT) has blessed her with and ultimately aspires by pursue a career in International Development thus helping those most in need fisabililah.
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Yasmine Messaoudi
Yasmine Messaoudi is a Psychology BSc student at Royal Holloway University of London. A passionate lover of London city (her birthplace), Yasmine is also very much in tune with her half French, and half Algerian ethnic background.
Some of her pastimes include sketching and painting and training in the Japanese martial art Jujitsu, for which she trainers for 3 times a week at her local club in North London. She also enjoys “a good piece of Literature” and is fiercely passionate about languages [of which she speaks four: English; French; Spanish; Arabic.
Yasmine has worked as a teacher, contributed to a book on Parenting, and has had experience in various media roles. She is somebody who is forever conscious of how precious life is, and strongly believes it is of huge importance that we put our lives to good use.
Everyday we are constantly reminded of how easily life is given, and how quickly it can be taken away (Qur’an 30:19) – and so making the most of it is of paramount importance. To this effect, Yasmine wishes to pursue a career in Psychology so that she can go about life being of assistance to an array of people as well as benefiting society as a whole.
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Magda Ali
Magda Ali is currently attaining a BA in Journalism and Economics at the City University London. She works as a part-time journalist for Vault Publishing and also works as a freelance writer for Emel Magazine.
In her spare time she loves to read and write and is inspired by words. Her future aspirations for the most part subsist around the field of Journalism and hopes that one day she is able to use her aspirations as a tool for change.
Magda does not want to be a product of her environment, but wants her environment to be a product of her. Magda loves and lives Islam. Her favourite quote derived from the Qur'an is "Allah will never change the condition of a person until they change that which is within themselves." She continually strives for change and has been deeply influence by Malcolm X and his lasting legacy.
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Hoda Yahya Elsoudani
Hoda Yahya Elsoudani was raised in Britain for the majority of her life. Hoda completed a degree in Psychology and criminology combined at London South bank University with the intention of understanding and helping young people on a deeper level.
Having worked as a presenter for several years, both on screen and as a researcher, she has gathered a range of experiences that would help her expand setting awareness in the Social, political and the religious fields in the west. Hoda has been passionate about making a difference globally through documentary making she intends to dedicate her professional life as an active Muslimah.
Based on her love and involvement in the media, Hoda recognises the power that the media has in all its forms to break down barriers and stereotypes that need to be challenged and addressed especially here in the west. Thus she aims to inspire and encourage young Muslim women who want to pursue a career within the media.
On a lighter note, exercise is a number one priority in Hoda's life as well as constantly perfecting, teaching and nurturing the physical, psychological and spiritual being.
Hoda's inspirational Surah which she believes describes beautifully how Man should live is in Surah al-Asr. “By time! Surely the human being is at loss. Except for those who have faith and do righteous deeds and exhort one another to truth and exhort one another to patience.”
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Suraya Tegally
Described at school as ‘inquisitive’ and ‘artistic’, Suraya is a History graduate from King’s College London and is currently completing her professional qualifications to become a Solicitor. She is actively involved in human rights work and has written articles on Diego Garcia and the slave trade for Islam Magazine.
Suraya has many interests ranging from the arts, literature and languages and has a passion for history, discovering her cultural roots and learning more about the history of the Islamic civilization.
She enjoys exploring different cultures through her travels and hopes that the Muslim community can grow to fully appreciate the diverse cultural backgrounds of all Muslims to unite as one Ummah. ‘And hold fast, all together, by the Rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah’s favour on you’ (Surah Al-Imran, 103).
She takes time out to give back to the community through her dawah and charity work and hopes Hayaat will inspire the Muslim youth to take an active role in their communities and be proud of their heritage bee'ithnillah.
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Ruhana Ali
Ruhana, originally from Luton, graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Sciences in 2007 with a BSc degree in Social Policy, Criminal Justice and Psychology. She has just finished working as the Education and Welfare Officer of the Students' Union representing 9,000 students and campaigning on their behalf to get the university to invest a recurrent 2 million pounds to improve the quailty of teaching.
She is a keen activist and will always look for a challenge. She is passionate about the community and is currently working as an organiser with London Citizens campaigning for safer streets in East London. Her previous jobs have included childrens' tv presenting, journalism, and teaching. In her spare time she enjoys experiencing the random and new; from strange cuisine to extreme sport. She is bubbly and confident and loves socialising, acquiring knowledge and spreading her infectious love for the deen with others.
Ghandi once said "be the change you want to see in the world" taking this as inspiration, Ruhana hopes to use the faculties and blessings that Allah (swt) has given her to make a difference in people's lives for His sake even in the form of a smile. It is important that young muslim women feel comfortable and confident about themselves and their abilities to make change for themselves irrespective of "perceived barriers". She hopes that her activities will inspire others to chase after their dreams, tying their camels whilst placing their trust in Allah (swt).
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