Tragedy leaves more than grief in its wake, because it also exposes the values, failures and instincts of the society that responds to it. In Southampton, that loss was the life of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old student with a future ahead of him, a son and a friend whose murder in December 2025 created profoundContinue reading “Henry Novak: How the Mainstreamed Far Right Turns Tragedy into Division”
Author Archives: Hifsa Haroon-Iqbal OBE DL MPhil
The Day of Arafat: A Day of Mercy, Memory and Meaning
As millions of Muslims mark the Day of Arafat before Eid tomorrow, Hajj offers more than ritual. It tells an ancient story of Abraham, Hagar and Ishmael, a story shared across faiths and rooted in sacrifice, perseverance and mercy. At the heart of it lies a powerful truth: millions still honour the struggle of a woman searching for water for her child.
Preventing Progress: Why the New Independent Commissioner Faces an Identity Crisis
The post explores the new Prevent Commissioner’s role, calling for visible independence and a move away from confusing Whitehall jargon. It highlights the importance of addressing the ‘Mainstreamed Far-Right’ and argues that lasting community safety is built on faith literacy, trust, and real engagement rather than just top-down policy.
The Long River: Why Exams are Just One Step Toward Your Future
If you are sitting exams right now, whether they are GCSEs, A-levels, university assessments, end-of-year papers, coursework deadlines or finals, I want you to pause for a moment and hear this clearly: I know this season can feel heavy. Exam halls can feel painfully quiet, clocks can seem louder than usual and every paper canContinue reading “The Long River: Why Exams are Just One Step Toward Your Future”
Walking Together in a Time of Fear
Yesterday evening, I joined a peace and faith walk in Birmingham following the horrific attack in Golders Green. Organised by the Lord Mayor, the walk ended at Singers Hill Synagogue and brought together people of different faiths and none in a shared stand against hatred and division. I was asked to speak and reflected onContinue reading “Walking Together in a Time of Fear”
Standing Together: Why Hatred Must Have No Home in Our Communities
Sickened by the attack in Golders Green. We must confront the rise in antisemitism and the dangerous “us vs them” rhetoric that fuels division and hatred. There can be no place for hate in our society. A threat to one community is a threat to us all and words alone are no longer enough. It’s time for meaningful action.
Reclaiming the Flag: who does England belong to?
The flag of St George is increasingly being used as a tool of intimidation rather than celebration, signalling division and exclusion rather than unity. But who does the flag belong to? This St George’s Day, we’re reclaiming the flag as a symbol of belonging, shared identity and common humanity, A flag that belongs to all of us, regardless of race, religion, colour or creed.
Ramadan Reflections 2026
Ramadan Reflections: A Daily Pause
Throughout Ramadan, I’ll be sharing short daily videos, a few minutes of reflection on faith, discipline, gratitude and integrity.
Ramadan is not simply about fasting from food. It is about recalibrating the heart, sharpening the conscience and showing up in the world with greater purpose.
Whether you observe the month or are simply curious, I invite you to come pause with me.
Ramadan, Moonsighting and the Annual Divide
Reflecting on the annual moon-sighting debate and how it continues to divide Muslim communities over the start and end of Ramadan and Eid. It questions why, in an age of science and global connection, greater unity has not been achieved and highlights the significance of Ramadan coinciding with Lent and Purim, ending with a call for understanding, coherence and interfaith harmony.
Misogyny, Power and Moral Failure
A reflection on the growing conversation around misogyny what it is how it operates and why it is not an abstract idea. The piece explores how misogyny becomes embedded in culture, community leadership and faith settings and how slander, false accusation and the silencing of capable women cause deep moral harm. It calls for integrity, accountability and a return to ethical principles that uphold women’s dignity.
Soulful Spaces 