Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad

Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad is an English academic, theologian, and Islamic scholar known for his advocacy of Islamic neo-traditionalism. He has contributed extensively to fields such as Islamic theology, modernity, and Anglo-Muslim relations, alongside translating various Islamic texts. Shaykh Abdal holds several prestigious positions, including being the Founder and Dean of the Cambridge Muslim College, Aziz Foundation Professor of Islamic Studies at both Cambridge Muslim College and Ebrahim College, Director of Studies (Theology and Religious Studies) at Wolfson College, and the Shaykh Zayed Lecturer of Islamic Studies at the University of Cambridge. Notably, he initiated the Cambridge Mosque Project, which resulted in the construction of the Cambridge Central Mosque, the first purpose-built eco-mosque in Europe.

Shaykh Abdal’s academic journey began with a double-first in Arabic from Pembroke College, Cambridge, followed by studies at Al Azhar University in Cairo and private study with scholars in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. He holds a PhD from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and has authored numerous works on Islamic theology, Muslim-Christian relations, and political theology in Turkish. Additionally, Shaykh Abdal has been actively involved in training British imams through the Cambridge Muslim College, directing projects like the Anglo-Muslim Fellowship for Eastern Europe and the Sunna Project.

Regarding his views, Murad has critiqued the term “Islamophobia” while addressing rising hostility towards Islam in Europe. He condemns extremism and suicide bombing, emphasizing the importance of adhering to classical Islamic teachings. He has also expressed criticism of Western foreign policy and Saudi Arabia’s Wahhabi ideology. Murad’s contributions have earned him recognition, including awards like the Pilkington Teaching Prize and the King Abdullah I Prize for Islamic Thought. He continues to influence academia and public discourse through his writings, teaching, and advocacy for interfaith understanding.