chairman
Name : Molana Manzoor Ahmed Shakir
Background :: Molana Manzoor Ahmed Shakir, is a highly respected Islamic scholar and passionate educator recognised for his unwavering commitment to community development. With his extensive knowledge and expertise in education and Islamic studies, Mr. Shakir has dedicated his life to propagating education, youth empowerment and holistic community development.
Education and Training
Mr. Shakir’s passion for learning and teaching emerged early in his life. From his childhood to adulthood, Mr. Shakir was educated in a the most prestigious and renowned Islamic institutions across the Muslim world, specializing in Quranic exegesis, Hadith (Prophetic traditions), Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), and Islamic history. He studied under eminent scholars, mastering various schools of thought within Islam. Mr. Shakir demonstrated particular passion for understanding human behaviour, the family unit, parenting, childhood, and its impact on the long-term education,
attainment and opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Therefore, Mr. Shakir also extensively studied and researched counselling, childhood and behaviour psychology, and social development. As a young student, in South Africa, under the close counsel of the great Ahmed Deedat, Mr. Shakir also spent his early career in missionary work across the globe. His extensive travels, research and studies encompass his time spent in South Africa in Namibia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Angola, Malawi, Mauritius, Tanzania and Zambia. Mr. Shakir also extensively travelled, studied and research across the Arabian Peninsula, including Iraq, Kuwait, Saudia Arabia, Yemen, Jordan, Oman, United Arab Emirates, further travelling to Palestine, Turkey, Iran, Albania, Bosnia and Spain to further conduct his studies.
Mr. Shakir completed his further, higher Education and training in England, and continues to develop his research and studies. With a commitment to preserving and spreading Islamic knowledge, Mr. Shakir has dedicated decades to teaching. He served as a lecturer at prestigious Universities and colleges, and regularly conducts seminars, lectures, and classes at educational centres. His teaching style emphasizes critical thinking, contextual understanding, and the application of Islamic principles in contemporary life.
Mission
As Mr. Shakir continued his higher education in England, in 2001, The Oldham Riots took place. The violent riots signified the need for a community organisation that bridges marginalised and segregated communities, to provide a platform that propagates peace and harmony through dialogue and understanding. As an active community member, this deeply moved and impacted Mr. Shakir, igniting the passion to continue his work for education and community development. Thus, Mr. Shakir founded the charity ‘Iqra Education and Welfare Trust’. Through this vision a plethora of projects were developed, rooted in the community’s best interests.
The Iqra Education and Welfare Trust (IEWT) is a non-profit organization committed to providing holistic educational opportunities and welfare services to underprivileged communities. With a strong dedication to fostering education, empowerment, and community development, the Trust operates with the mission of transforming lives through knowledge and support.
EDUCATIONAL FOCUS
Iqra Education and Welfare Trust places education at the forefront of its mission. It works tirelessly to establish schools, educational centres, and learning programs in marginalized areas, ensuring access to quality education for children and adults alike. Their approach includes a comprehensive curriculum that not only covers academic subjects but also emphasizes practical skills and holistic, personal development.
Khadijah Education Centre was established by Mr. Shakir in 2003 with the intention to provide an educational centre for women and young children. Khadijah Centre was the first institution of its kind dedicated to the development and empowerment of women in a predominantly BAME community. Khadijah centre expanded shortly after, opening its doors to male youth with the intention to provide this group with a community centre to prevent anti-social behaviour impacting the area. Khadijah centre educates 500 pupils at a given time, ranging from ages 4-70. Khadijah centre has immense experience in working with the community, by establishing-
- Women’s only classes for Islamic education and personal development
- Male classes for Islamic education and personal development
- Classes for children aged 4-17 for Islamic education and personal development
Islamic diploma courses for pupils aged 18 and above - Football club
- Karate club
- Sewing club
- IT lessons for adults
- ESOL for adults
- Weekend supplementary school
- Evening supplementary school
- Islamic education classes for older adults
- SCOUTS/ Beavers
- Sports and enrichment club
Mr. Shakir also established Sapience Girls Academy (SGA) in 2022. His mission is to cultivate a nurturing and empowering educational environment rooted in Islamic principles. SGA strives to provide comprehensive academic excellence while fostering spiritual growth, moral integrity, and leadership skills. Through a blend of rigorous academics, ethical teachings, and a supportive community, SGA aims to inspire our students to become confident, compassionate, and globallyminded individuals who contribute positively to society. The school’s vision is to be a beacon of educational excellence. SGA spires to create a dynamic learning community that empowers young women to excel academically, spiritually, and morally. Through innovative teaching methods, a rich Islamic heritage, and a nurturing environment, SGA aims to produce confident, compassionate, and globally-aware leaders who positively impact the world whilst upholding their Islamic values.