The Future of Muslim Civil Society
The Policy Minaret Presents:
The Future of Muslim Civil Society: Building Institutional Infrastructure
About the Panel*
In the west, Muslim civil society stands at a critical juncture. While we have more institutional presence than ever before, including national advocacy bodies, charitable organizations, research institutes, professional networks, and independent media platforms, fundamental questions remain about our collective capacity, coordination, and strategic vision.
This panel brings together leaders from across the Muslim institutional landscape to conduct an honest assessment of where we are and chart a course for where we need to be.
We'll explore three essential questions:
Capacity: What institutional infrastructure actually exists within Muslim civil society? What capabilities do we currently possess, and what critical gaps remain unfilled? How do we build the organizational strength needed to serve our communities effectively?
Coordination: Where are we duplicating efforts and wasting precious resources? Which crucial areas are falling through the cracks because no one has taken ownership? What would meaningful strategic coordination actually look like in practice?
Vision: What are we building toward? What should Muslim civil society in the west look like in ten years? What fundamental changes are needed to get there, and who is responsible for driving that transformation?
This conversation is essential for anyone invested in the institutional development of Muslim communities in the west and beyond.
The Panelists
Imam Tom Facchine – Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research
Imam Tom serves as Director of Research and Educator at Yaqeen Institute, one of the leading Islamic research organizations providing accessible scholarship to English-speaking audiences worldwide. With a background in Islamic sciences and contemporary thought, he brings the perspective of how academic research and accessible Islamic scholarship can inform and strengthen community institutions.
Dr. Sohail Hanif – National Zakat Foundation
As a leader at National Zakat Foundation, one of the UK's largest Muslim charitable organizations, Shaykh Sohail brings frontline experience in service delivery and poverty alleviation within Muslim communities. NZF's model of collecting and distributing zakat according to Islamic principles while meeting modern regulatory standards represents a crucial intersection of religious obligation and institutional capacity.
Umer Sulaiman – Wahed & National Waqf Fund
Umer brings a unique dual perspective on Islamic finance and endowment structures through his work with Wahed, a halal investment platform, and the National Waqf Fund. His insight into how financial infrastructure and wealth can be strategically leveraged to build sustainable institutions addresses an often-overlooked dimension of civil society development.
Dr. Wajid Akhtar – Muslim Council of Britain
Representing the MCB, Britain's largest Muslim umbrella organization, Dr. Wajid Akhtar brings the perspective of national advocacy and representation. The MCB's role in coordinating between hundreds of member organizations and engaging with government and media provides crucial insight into the challenges and opportunities of collective Muslim representation.
Lucy Bushill-Matthews – Shepa, Equi, NZF
Lucy is the founder of Shepa, a governance consultancy supporting Muslim charities in the UK to lead with clarity, purpose, and integrity. She is an Associate of Equi, a UK policy think tank drawing on Muslim insight. Lucy was previously Chief Operating Officer at the National Zakat Foundation. She is also an author, and regular broadcaster on BBC Radio 2. Lucy is on the Faculty of Faith in Leadership, equipping senior faith leaders across the Abrahamic traditions.
...and a special guest to be announced on the day
Join us for an essential conversation about building the institutions our communities deserve.
Ideal for: Muslim civil society professionals • Policy makers • Researchers • Funders • Community leaders • Muslim Students interested in institutional development
*Venue generously sponsored by MRN and STEM Muslims