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2025-03-31-accounts

Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies An institution for the advanced study of Islam and the Muslim world

Audited Accounts

2024 / 25

OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Consolidated Financial Statements

for the year ended

31st March 2025

OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Charity number 293072

Trustees during the year HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal (Chairman) HRH Sultan Nazrin Shah (Vice-Chair) HE Dr Abdullah Gul HH Dr Shaikh Mohammed Sabah Al Salem Al-Sabah HE Sheikha Hind Bint Hamad Al - Thani HE Sultan Muhammad Saad Abubakar Rt Hon Dominic Grieve KC Tan Sri Datuk Zarinah Anwar Professor Catherine Swales Mr Khalid Alireza Professor Rashid Naim Sir Martin Donnelly KCB CMG HRH Prince Faisal bin Salman (from 20[th] March 2025) Mr Robert Hannigan (from 31[st] May 2025) Secretary to the Board of Trustees Dr Farhan Ahmad Nizami

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OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Registered Office

Charity registration number Solicitors Bankers

Auditors Investment advisors/brokers

Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Marston Road Oxford OX3 0EE 293072 Blake Morgan LLP Seacourt Tower West Way Oxford OX2 0FB Barclays Bank Plc P.O. Box 858 Oxford OX2 0XP NatWest Bank Plc 43 Cornmarket Street Oxford OX1 3HA Wenn Townsend Chartered Accountants 30 St Giles Oxford OX1 3LE Allianz Global Investors Europe 155 Bishopsgate London EC2M 3AD Julius Baer International Ltd. 1 St Martin’s Le Grand London EC1A 4AS CCLA Senator House 85 Queen Victoria Street London EC4V 4ET Cazenove Capital Schroder & Co Limited 1 London Wall Place London EC2Y 5AU

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OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st March 2025

The Trustees have pleasure in submitting the report and the accounts for the year ended 31st March 2025.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Details of the Trustees, Secretary to the Board of Trustees and Director, registered office address, and particulars of the charity's professional advisers are given on the previous two pages.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Organisational structure

The Trustees have ultimate responsibility for all aspects of the work of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, its academic, financial, investment policy and strategic direction. They have delegated the dayto-day management of the Centre to its Director, who operates through his departmental heads. The coordination of the work of the Centre is the responsibility of the Director.

The Trustees maintain contact with the Charity through the Director and the system of committees detailed in the Annual Report.

The Centre’s relationship with its subsidiaries is also detailed in the Annual Report.

Key Management Personnel

The Charity's Trustees and the senior management team comprises the key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing, controlling and running of the charity on a day-to-day basis. All Trustees give of their time freely and no Trustees received remuneration for their role in the year. The pay of the senior staff made up of the Director, Centre Coordinator, Home Bursar, Investment Bursar and Deputy Registrar is reviewed annually and increased in accordance with the cost of living increment agreed more widely in Oxford.

Governing Document

The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies is governed in accordance with the Royal Charter granted on 20th April 2012 and the Statutes made under the Charter. It is registered as a charity number 293072, and is considered to have no liability to taxation on its income.

Trustees Induction and Training

Trustees are appointed by election in accordance with the Royal Charter and Statutes, serve for a term of five years and are eligible for re-election at the end of that period. The University of Oxford may nominate for election two of the Trustees (out of the maximum total of fourteen) and Trustees thus appointed also serve for a five-year term.

The election of Trustees is preceded by consultation to ensure they are aware of the aims and objectives of the charity and their responsibilities.

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

The Trustees have assessed and continue to reassess the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Charity, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate the charity's exposure to the major risks. Professional advice has been taken on all aspects of security, fire, and health and safety at the Centre's building. The Security, Fire, Health and

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OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st March 2025

Safety Policies are documented and reviewed annually. Training is provided as required. The Lodge is permanently manned. Staff are aware of safety procedures and a serious incident reporting procedure and register is in place. The Centre's IT system is managed securely and with necessary infrastructure safeguards in place. Insurances and preventative maintenance contracts are appropriate and fully up to date.

Related Parties

The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies owns four subsidiary companies namely Oxcis Limited, Oxford Endeavours Limited, Oxford Real Estate Limited and Oxford Islamic Finance Limited.

Consolidated accounts

For the financial period under review, consolidated accounts have been prepared to include the results of the wholly owned subsidiary companies of the Charity.

OBJECTIVES, ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE CHARITY

The sole purpose of the charity is to promote an understanding of Islam and the Islamic World, in accordance with the Royal Charter. The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Trust's aims and objectives and in planning future activities.

The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies is an academic institution which, by means of the pursuit of excellence in its teaching, research and publication, aims to promote a more informed understanding of the Islamic World. During the year under review the Centre maintained its teaching, research, publishing and outreach activities. The charity will continue to invest in assets that maximise capital growth and yield satisfactory income to fund development of the Centre. A more in-depth review of the above is covered in the main Annual Report.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The financial position of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies is set out on pages 11 to 30 and the Trustees consider that satisfactory progress is being made towards the attainment of the charity's objectives. The performance of the investments portfolio and the results of the subsidiary companies are regarded as satisfactory.

Fund raising standards information

During the year under review the charity did not raise any funds directly from the public nor did it use professional fundraisers or involve commercial participants for the purposes of fund raising.

Investment powers and policy

The investment objective, as agreed by the Trustees, is to achieve sufficient capital and income growth, which over the long term will maintain the real value of the assets. The Trustees continue to review their Investment Policy which holds separate portfolios for the Investment and Reserves Funds. On completion of the building project, the funds were rebalanced to reflect the level of reserves the Trustees felt were necessary to protect the Charity’s ongoing commitments. There are no specific restrictions on investments other than that they should be suitable for the Charity.

The Trustees appoint professional managers to manage investments on behalf of the charity. The activities of the investment managers are appraised periodically in terms of performance and compliance

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OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st March 2025

with their respective mandates which include social, environmental and ethical considerations. A list of investment managers in place are included on the information page.

Reserves policy

The policy of the Trustees is to use income funds to support the objects of the charity and also to accumulate the operating surpluses and necessary fixed assets, to build up a financial reserve of a sum equivalent to not more than nine months of general fund operating costs. The level of all reserves is monitored and reviewed by the Trustees at least once a year.

Total consolidated funds held at the year end were £215,606,870 (2024: £217,544,236). This included endowed funds of £105,392,622, and restricted funds of £106,335,371. After deducting these from the total, unrestricted funds held were thus in surplus at the year-end by £3,878,877. Of this £2,068,166 was held as fixed assets, and £1,100,032 designated for specific future use as detailed in note 14, leaving c£700k as free reserves in the general fund at the year-end date. The Trustees aim to maintain reserves of not more than nine months expenditure c £3.8m. The trustees remain mindful that further substantial funds will therefore need to be raised in the future to attain sufficient free reserves and operating surplus position in the general fund.

FUTURE PLANS

The immediate goal of the charity is to mobilise benefactions in order to endow its operational costs and expand its academic activities in support of its overall objectives.

Trustees' responsibilities statement

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and

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OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st March 2025

dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Auditors

A resolution will be proposed to re-appoint the auditors at the forthcoming Annual Trustees meeting.

Signed on behalf of the Trustees on: 17[th] July 2025

Trustee Trustee

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OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Independent Auditors’ Report for the year ended 31st March 2025

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Charity (the ‘parent charity’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘group’) for the year ended 31st March 2025 which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities, the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Charity Balance Sheet, the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group and parent charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group’s or parent charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the trustees’ annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material

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OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Independent Auditors’ Report for the year ended 31st March 2025

inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves.

If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 6, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the group’s and parent charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the group or the parent charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 151 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with regulations made under section 154 of that Act.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

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OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Independent Auditors’ Report for the year ended 31st March 2025

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Wenn Townsend, Statutory Auditor Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors 30 St Giles Oxford

17[th] July 2025

Wenn Townsend is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

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OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31st March 2025

Note
Income From:
Donations and gifts
Charitable Activities
5
Investment income
6
Total income
Expenditure as:
Cost of raising funds
Costs of raising voluntary income
Investment management fees
Development
Trust administration
CharitableActivities
Centre
Fellowships &
Scholarships
Publications
Conferences & Events
Total expenditure
7
Net income / (expenses)
for the year before transfers
Transfer between funds
14
( Losses ) / Gains on
investment assets:
9
Net movement in funds in year
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
14		 General and
designated
funds
£
Restricted
funds
£
Endowment
funds
£
Total Funds
2025
£
Total Funds
2024
£
655,801
2,500,000
2,275,300
5,431,101
1,239,870
430,931
-
-
430,931
428,103
10,953
914
2,368,364
2,380,231
2,412,389
1,097,685
2,500,914
4,643,664
8,242,263
4,080,362
1,668
-
-
1,668
1,815
-
-
190,771
190,771
211,314
91,550
-
-
91,550
58,449
49,335
-
-
49,335
28,231
142,553
-
190,771
333,324
299,809
3,591,170
2,067,145
-
5,658,315
4,426,977
1,919,255
-
-
1,919,255
1,551,396
121,436
-
-
121,436
91,005
84,681
-
-
84,681
41,472
5,716,542
2,067,145
-
7,783,687
6,110,850
5,859,095
2,067,145
190,771
8,117,011
6,410,660
(4,761,410)
433,769
4,452,893
125,252
(2,330,298)
2,368,364
-
(2,368,364)
-
-
-
-
(2,062,618)
(2,062,618)
11,697,971
(2,393,046)
433,769
21,911
(1,937,366)
9,367,673
6,271,923
105,901,602 105,370,711
217,544,236
208,176,563
3,878,877
106,335,371 105,392,622
215,606,870
217,544,236

Detailed comparative information is shown in Note 19. None of the trust's activities were acquired or discontinued during the above financial year. There are no other recognised gains or losses in the above financial year.

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OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Consolidated Balance Sheet at 31st March 2025

Note General and
designated
funds
£
Restricted
funds
£
Endowment
funds
£
Total Funds
2025
£		 General and
designated
funds
£
Restricted
funds
£
Endowment
funds
£
Total Funds
2025
£		 General and
designated
funds
£
Restricted
funds
£
Endowment
funds
£
Total Funds
2025
£		 General and
designated
funds
£
Restricted
funds
£
Endowment
funds
£
Total Funds
2025
£		 Total Funds
2024
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 8 2,068,166 103,659,715 5,618,393 111,346,274 114,053,064
Investments 9 1,438,793 2,500,000 98,809,341 102,748,134 102,042,766
3,506,959 106,159,715 104,427,734 214,094,408 216,095,830
Current assets
Debtors 10
365,093		 17,723 250,606 633,422 970,739
Cash at bank 616,169 202,647 964,575 1,783,391 1,336,430
981,262 220,370 1,215,181 2,416,813 2,307,169
Creditors
Amounts falling due
within one year		 11
(609,344)		 (44,714) (250,293) (904,351) (858,763)
Net current assets / (liabilities) 371,918 175,656 964,888 1,512,462 1,448,406
Provision for liabilities & charges
Pension scheme liability 12
-		 - - - -
Net assets 3,878,877 106,335,371 105,392,622 215,606,870 217,544,236
Funds 14
3,878,877		 106,335,371 105,392,622 215,606,870 217,544,236

Approved by the Board of Trustees on : 17[th] July 2025

Signed on its behalf by:

Trustee Trustee

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OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Charity Balance Sheet at 31st March 2025

General and
designated Restricted Endowment Total Funds Total Funds
Note
funds		 funds funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 8 1,900,346 104,336,645 5,618,393 111,855,384 114,590,671
Investments 9 1,707,368 2,600,000 91,219,931 95,527,299 94,552,848
3,607,714 106,936,645 96,838,324 207,382,683 209,143,519
Current assets
Debtors 10 360,826 7,317 3,543,835 3,911,978 4,270,633
Cash at bank 288,974 - - 288,974 850,012
649,800 7,317 3,543,835 4,200,952 5,120,645
Creditors
Amounts falling due
within one year 11 (609,344) - - (609,344) (649,459)
Net current assets 40,456 7,317 3,543,835 3,591,608 4,471,186
Provision for liabilities and charges
Pension scheme liability
12		 - - - - -
Net assets 3,648,170 106,943,962 100,382,159 210,974,291 213,614,705
Funds 3,648,170 106,943,962 100,382,159 210,974,291 213,614,705
Approved by the Board of Trustees on : 17thJuly 2025

Signed on its behalf by:

Trustee Trustee

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OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Consolidated Cashflow statement for the year ended 31st March 2025

2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Net cash flow from operating activities 308,482 (3,858,250)
Returns on investments and servicing of finance 2,380,231 2,412,389
Capital expenditure and financial investment
Payments to acquire investments (5,345,640) (2,641,638)
Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets (1,946,112) (704,006)
Receipts from sale of investments 5,050,000 4,178,992
Net movement in cashflows attributable to
endowment fund investments 190,771 211,314
(2,050,981) 1,044,662
Net cash flow before financing 637,732 (401,199)
Financing
Net movement in cashflows attributable to (190,771) (211,314)
to endowment fund assets
(190,771) (211,314)
Increase / (Decrease) in cash in the year 446,961 (612,514)
Reconciliation of net incoming resources to net cashflow from operating activities
2025 2024
Net Incoming resources 125,252 (2,330,298)
Decrease / (Increase) in debtors 337,317 (241,931)
(Decrease) / Increase in creditors 45,588 (1,080,895)
Depreciation 2,180,556 2,207,262
Investment income (2,380,231) (2,412,389)
Net cash flow from operating activities 308,482 (3,858,250)
Analysis of changes in net cash resources
At 1st April Cashflow
At		 31st March
2024 2025
Cash at bank and net cash £1,336,430 446,961 £1,783,391

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1 Accounting policies

OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ended 31st March 2025

The Centre is a Charitable Trust registered in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is given in the charity information page of these financial statements.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.

a) Accounting convention

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity.

b) Income recognition

Donated facilities and donated professional services are recognised in income at their fair value when their economic benefit is probable, it can be measured reliably and the charity has control over the item. Fair value is determined on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity. For example, the amount the charity would be willing to pay in the open market for such facilities and services. A corresponding amount is recognised in expenditure.

No amount is included in the financial statements for volunteer time in line with the SORP. Further detail is given in the Trustees' Annual Report.

For legacies, entitlement is the earlier of the charity being notified of an impending distribution or the legacy being received. At this point income is recognised. On occasion legacies will be notified to the charity however it is not possible to measure the amount expected to be distributed. On these occasions, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed. Investment income is earned through holding assets for investment purposes such as shares and property. It includes dividends, interest and rent. Where it is not practicable to identify investment management costs incurred within a scheme with reasonable accuracy the investment income is reported net of these costs. It is included when the amount can be measured reliably.

Interest income is recognised using the effective interest method and dividend and rent income is recognised as the charity's right to receive payment is established.

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OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ended 31st March 2025

Accounting policies (continued)

c) Donations

Benefactions for endowment, research grants and donations for earmarked purposes are allocated to appropriate funds and similarly related expenditure is charged directly to these funds. Donated goods and services are included at cost or fair value at the time of donation. All donations are taken into account when receivable.

d) Depreciation

Depreciation of buildings and fixed assets is calculated using rates and bases which are appropriate to the useful lives of the assets and their residual values and were as follows:

Freehold land and buildings Nil Centre building 2% Straight line Furniture and equipment 15% Reducing balance Computers 33.33% Straight line

Freehold property is shown at cost less depreciation.

The Trustees carry out an annual assessment of the properties to consider any indication of impairment.

The leasehold property used in the charity's operations is depreciated evenly over the remaining life of the lease. Leasehold property held for investment is not depreciated, but included at market value.

e) Taxation

As a registered charity, the Charity is exempt within the meaning of schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 and is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes.

Irrecoverable VAT is included in the cost of those items to which it relates.

f) Tangible Fixed Assets

Tangible fixed assets costing over £500 are capitalised.

Leasing rentals payable under operating leases are charged against income on a straight line basis over the lease term.

g) Realised and unrealised gains and losses

On the sale of investments, realised gains and losses are accounted for in the appropriate funds. At the year end all investments held are valued at fair value and unrealised gains and losses on revaluation are recognised in the appropriate funds.

h) Foreign currencies

Assets denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Exchange gains and losses are written off to revenue in the year and arise purely from normal currency conversion transactions.

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OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ended 31st March 2025

Accounting policies (continued)

i) Investments

Quoted investments are valued at their fair value.

Investment properties are valued at fair value. Any aggregate surplus is recognised in the appropriate Funds.

No depreciation is provided in respect of the freehold investment property; the trustees consider the accounting policy results in the accounts giving a true and fair view.

j) Investment income

Dividend income is accounted for on the basis of the dividends received.

k) Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised when a liability is incurred at the transaction price.

Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. The Trustees consider that all the expenditure is charitable expenditure in accordance with the objects of the charity as laid down within the Trust Deed. All costs have been directly attributed to one of the functional categories of resources expended in the Statement of Financial Activities.

l) Grants payable or receivable

Grants payable or receivable are recognised in the accounts as and when they become due for payment or receipt. Income is deferred when sums are received in advance for the accounting period to which they relate. Where they are recognised in the financial statements, gifts in kind or donated services are included at fair value on the date of receipt.

m) Group Financial Statements

These financial statements consolidate the results of the Charity and its subsidiary undertakings on a line by line basis. A separate statement of financial activities for the charity is not presented because the Charity has taken advantage of the provisions of paragraph 397 of the SORP. The charity balance sheet is presented as part of the financial statements.

n) Pension costs

The Centre participates in the Universities Superannuation Scheme ("the USS") and the University of Oxford Staff Pension Scheme ("the OSPS") on behalf of its staff. Both schemes are contributory defined benefit schemes (i.e. they provide benefits based on length of service and pensionable salary). The assets of USS and OSPS are each held in separate trustee administered funds.

Both schemes are multi-employer schemes and the Centre is unable to identify its share of the underlying assets and liabilities of each scheme on a consistent and reasonable basis. Therefore, as required by FRS 102, the Centre accounts for the schemes as if they were defined contribution schemes.

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OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ended 31st March 2025

Accounting policies (continued)

Both schemes have in previous years put in place agreements for additional contributions to fund their past service deficits. In accordance with the provisions of FRS 102, when required, the Centre has recognised a liability for the future contributions that it estimates will be payable as a result of these deficit funding agreements, although as at the 2025 year end any liability for any such contributions is deemed trivial and thus reduced to nil.

o) Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which the Trustees are free to use in accordance with the charitable objects.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the Trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the benefactor. Endowment funds represent capital donations held by the charity. Income derived from these funds is credited to the general and designated funds.

p) Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The Trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the Centre to be able to continue as a going concern.

q) Critical accounting judgements

FRS 102 makes the distinction between a group plan and a multi-employer scheme. A group plan consists of a collection of entities under common control typically with a sponsoring employer.

A multi-employer scheme is a scheme for entities not under common control and represents (typically) an industry-wide scheme such as that provided by USS and OSPS. The accounting for a multi-employer scheme where the employer has entered into an agreement with the scheme that determines how the employer will fund a deficit results in the recognition of a liability for the contributions payable that arise from the agreement (to the extent that they relate to the deficit) and the resulting expense is recognised in income or expenditure. The Trustees are satisfied that the schemes provided by USS and OSPS meet the definition of a multi-employer scheme and has therefore recognised the discounted fair value of the contractual contributions under the funding plan in existence at the date of approving the financial statements, albeit this liability figure is deemed nil at the 2025 year end. Full details are provided in note 15 to the accounts.

r) Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year include:

i) property valuations - with professional valuations obtained periodically, in the interim periods management and trustees review and consider whether any impairment is required to functional property, or revaluation to investment property. Total property assets at the year end were c£136m (2024: £136m).

18

OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ended 31st March 2025

Accounting policies (continued)

The cost of routine corrective maintenance is charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period it is incurred.

t) Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the Centre has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the obligation.

v) Impairment

w) Leases

Rentals payable and receivable under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

2025 2024
£ £
Wages and salaries 2,082,191 1,951,102
Social security costs 208,860 194,028
Pension costs 224,927 261,161
Defined benefit schemes - Pension provision - (857,000)
Consultancy, Recruitment and agency costs etc. 181,982 129,165
2,697,960 1,678,456

There were no outstanding or prepaid pension contributions at 31st March 2025 (2024: Nil).

The trustees received no remuneration during the year. A professional indemnity insurance of £7,130 (2024: £6,366) was paid in respect of the Trustees.

During the year no trustees were reimbursed for travel related costs (2024: £4,624).

Under the University scale A20 two employees are paid the professorial rate of £79,245 (2024: three at £77,312).

2 Staff costs comprise

19

3 Average number of employees

OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ended 31st March 2025

Another employee was paid at this rate from April-June 2024 inclusive during the current financial year.

In addition one employee also receives a distinction award £93,962 (2024: £91,670), Schedule I allowance £26,730 (2024 £26,078) and contributions to the pension fund of £29,084 (2024: £37,822).

The total remuneration paid to the key management personnel in the year was £547,468 (2024: £562,714).

The average number of employees of the Centre excluding Trustees on a full time equivalent basis was as follows.

ws.
2025 2024
Centre 46 34
Teaching and research 13 13
Projects 2 2
Publications 2 2
Development 3 2
66 53

4

Net income

This is stated after charging

Auditors remuneration:
Audit services
Other services
Depreciation		 2025
2024
£
£
35,500
34,050
54,122
10,462
2,180,556
2,207,262

5 Charitable Activities

Centre
Rental income
Other		 2025
£
2024
£
237,963
176,797
192,968
251,306
430,931
428,103

Investment income

Listed securities
Bank deposits
Rental Income		 2025
2024
£
£
1,240,220
1,346,599
26,665
27,225
1,113,346
1,038,565
2,380,231
2,412,389

6

20

OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ended 31st March 2025

7 Total expenditure

Centre:
Staff costs
Travel and communications
Properties & equipment running costs
Depreciation and amortisation
Legal Fees and charges
Guest expenses and common table
Administrative costs
Investment portfolio management fees:
Fellowships, scholarships and teaching:
Fellowships and Scholarships
Library costs
Seminars expenses
Publication:
Staff costs
Other costs
Cost of generating voluntary income
Video, newsletters and brochures
Conferences and special events:
Venues, travel and other costs
Development:
Staff costs
Travel
Administrative costs
Calendar
Trust administration:
Travel
Administrative costs
Total		 2025
2024
General and
designated
funds
Restricted
funds
Endowment
funds
£
£
1,534,413
-
-
1,534,413
555,460
27,192
-
-
27,192
27,376
1,459,952
-
-
1,459,952
1,345,468
113,411
2,067,145
-
2,180,556
2,207,262
315,246
-
315,246
117,082
107,779
-
-
107,779
97,587
33,177
-
-
33,177
76,743
3,591,170
2,067,145
-
5,658,315
4,426,977
-
-
190,771
190,771
211,314
-
-
190,771
190,771
211,314
1,780,212
-
-
1,780,212
1,384,628
136,046
-
-
136,046
164,859
2,997
-
-
2,997
1,909
1,919,255
-
-
1,919,255
1,551,396
110,830
-
-
110,830
84,685
10,606
-
-
10,606
6,320
121,436
-
-
121,436
91,005
1,668
-
-
1,668
1,815
84,681
-
-
84,681
41,472
84,681
-
-
84,681
41,472
63,522
-
-
63,522
38,520
19,257
-
-
19,257
10,305
2,219
-
-
2,219
4,547
6,552
-
-
6,552
5,077
91,550
-
-
91,550
58,449
-
-
-
-
-
49,335
-
-
49,335
28,231
49,335
-
-
49,335
28,231
5,859,095
2,067,145
190,771
8,117,011
6,410,660

21

OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ended 31st March 2025

Total expenditure (continued)

Total
£		 1,668 190,771 91,550 283,989 5,658,315 1,919,255 121,436 84,681 7,783,687 49,335 49,335 8,117,011 6,410,660
Other
costs		 1,668 190,771 - 192,439 140,956 - 10,606 84,681 236,243 49,335 49,335 478,017 463,482
Fellowships
and
Scholarsips		 - - - - - 1,919,255 - - 1,919,255 - - 1,919,255 1,551,396
Professional
fees and
charges		 - - - - 315,246 - - - 315,246 - - 315,246 117,082
Depreciation - - - - 2,180,556 - - - 2,180,556 - - 2,180,556 2,207,262
Properties &
Equipment
running		 costs - - - - 1,459,952 - - - 1,459,952 - - 1,459,952 1,345,468
Travel &
communications		 - - - - 27,192 - - - 27,192 - - 27,192 27,376
Staff
Costs		 - - 91,550 91,550 1,534,413 - 110,830 - 1,645,243 - - 1,736,793 698,594
Expenditure analysis Cost of raising funds Cost of raising voluntary income Investment portfolio management fees Development Charitable activities Centre Fellowships and Scholarships (to individuals) Publications Conferences Governance costs Trust administration Total expenditure year ended 31st March 2025 Total expenditure year ended 31st March 2024

22

OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ended 31st March 2025

8 Fixed assets

Group cost:
At 1st April 2024
Additions
Transfers to investment
property
At 31st March 2025
Depreciation & Amortisation:
At 1st April 2024
Charge for year
At 31st March 2025
Net book value
At 31st March 2025
At 31st March 2024		 Freehold
Land and
Buildings
Assets
Under
Construction
Residential
Properties
Furniture
and
Equipment
Total
£
2,207,977
4,454,851
120,041,878
112,746,058
632,992
-
1,839,354
-
106,758
1,946,112
-
(2,472,346)
-
-
(2,472,346)
112,746,058
-
2,207,977
4,561,609
119,515,644
-
(3,921,669)
(5,988,814)
(2,067,145)
-
(2,067,145)
-
-
(113,411)
(2,180,556)
(4,134,290)
-
-
(4,035,080)
(8,169,370)
108,611,768
-
2,207,977
526,529
111,346,274
110,678,913
632,992
2,207,977
533,182
114,053,064
Charity cost:
At 1st April 2024
Additions
Transfers to investment
property
At 31st March 2025
Depreciation & Amortisation:
At 1st April 2024
Charge for year
At 31st March 2025
Net book value
At 31st March 2025
At 31st March 2024		 Freehold
Land and
Buildings
Assets
Under
Construction
Residential
Properties
Furniture
and
Equipment
Total
£
2,209,314
4,441,605
120,585,474
113,273,066
661,489
-
2,079,940
-
106,758
2,186,698
-
(2,741,429)
-
-
(2,741,429)
113,273,066
-
2,209,314
4,548,363
120,030,743
-
(3,927,658)
(5,994,803)
(2,067,145)
-
(2,067,145)
-
-
(113,411)
(2,180,556)
(4,134,290)
-
-
(4,041,069)
(8,175,359)
109,138,776
-
2,209,314
507,294
111,855,384
111,205,921
661,489
2,209,314
513,947
114,590,671

23

OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ended 31st March 2025

9 Investments

Group
Market value
As at 1st April 2024
Additions and transfers in
Disposals
Increase in market value
As at 31st March 2025		 Investment Portfolio
Investment
Cash reserves
Quoted
Investments
Total
£
Investment
Properties
Total
£
1,040,755
78,604,584
79,645,339
22,397,427
102,042,766
757,670
4,569,970
5,327,640
2,490,346
7,817,986
-
(5,050,000)
(5,050,000)
-
(5,050,000)
-
(2,062,618)
(2,062,618)
-
(2,062,618)
1,798,425
76,061,936
77,860,361
24,887,773
102,748,134

Market value of :

UK quoted investments as at 31st March 2025 26,032,344 Overseas quoted investments as at 31st March 2025 50,029,592

Investment properties was valued at 31st March, 2025 on the basis of an Open Market Valuation by the Trustees. The cost of the Investment properties was £21,468,098.

Charity
Market value
As at 1st April 2024
Additions and transfers in
Disposals
Increase in market value
As at 31st March 2025		 Investment Portfolio
Investment
Cash
reserves
Quoted
Investments
Unquoted
Investments
(Subsidiary
Companies)
Total
£
Investment
Properties
Total
£
1,040,755
78,604,584
1,726,434
81,371,773
13,181,074
94,552,847
757,671
4,569,970
-
5,327,641
2,759,429
8,087,070
-
(5,050,000)
-
(5,050,000)
-
(5,050,000)
-
(2,062,618)
-
(2,062,618)
-
(2,062,618)
1,798,426
76,061,936
1,726,434
79,586,796
15,940,503
95,527,299

For details concerning the subsidiary companies see note 17.

Market value of :

value of :
UK quoted investments as at 31st March 2025 26,032,344
Overseas quoted investments as at 31st March 2025 50,029,592

Investment properties was valued at 31st March, 2025 on the basis of an Open Market Valuation by the Trustees. The cost of the Investment properties was £12,875,338.

24

OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ended 31st March 2025

10
Debtors
Group
Charity
2025
£
2024
£
2025
£
2024
£
Accounts receivable
402,239
444,314
149,440
244,533
Prepayments and accrued income
213,460
505,622
213,460
505,622
Other taxes and social security
17,723
20,803
-
-
Amounts due from subsidiary
undertakings
-
-
3,549,078
3,520,478
633,422
970,739
3,911,978
4,270,633
11
Liabilities
Amounts falling due within one year
2025
£
2024
£
2025
£
2024
£
Accounts payable
356,866
395,070
308,944
392,842
Accruals and deferred income
371,912
306,350
198,071
161,813
Other taxes and social security
175,573
157,343
102,329
94,804
904,351
858,763
609,344
649,459
12
Provision for liabilities and charges
2025
£
2024
£
2025
£
2024
£
At start of year
-
-
-
-
(Credit)/Charged in the Statement of
Financial Activities
-
-
-
-
At end of year
-
-
-
-		 Group
Charity
2025
£
2024
£
2025
£
2024
£
402,239
444,314
149,440
244,533
213,460
505,622
213,460
505,622
17,723
20,803
-
-
-
-
3,549,078
3,520,478		 Group
Charity
2025
£
2024
£
2025
£
2024
£
402,239
444,314
149,440
244,533
213,460
505,622
213,460
505,622
17,723
20,803
-
-
-
-
3,549,078
3,520,478
633,422
970,739
3,911,978		 4,270,633
2025
£
2024
£
2025
£
356,866
395,070
308,944
371,912
306,350
198,071
175,573
157,343
102,329		 2024
£
392,842
161,813
94,804
904,351
858,763
609,344		 649,459
2024
£
-
-
-
-
-		 -

The above provision previously related to USS and OSPS Pension deficits - see note 15.

13
Deferred income
Balance as at 1stApril 2023
Amount realised to incoming resources
Amount deferred in year
Balance as at 31stMarch 2024		 2025
£
2024
£
179,729
172,818
(179,729)
(172,818)
167,541
179,729
167,541
179,729

Deferred income relates to property rental income received in advance at the year end date.

25

OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ended 31st March 2025

14 Movements in Trust Funds Movements in Trust Funds
Balance at Balance at
1st April
2024		 Incoming
Resources		 Expenditure Gains &
Losses		 Transfers 31st March
2025
£ £
Endowmentfunds
Fellowship & Scholarship funds 105,370,711 4,643,664
(190,771)		 (2,062,618) (2,368,364) 105,392,622
105,370,711 4,643,664
(190,771)		 (2,062,618) (2,368,364) 105,392,622
General and designated funds
General funds 483,797 1,097,685
(5,859,095)		 - 4,988,292
710,679
Designated Fixed asset fund 2,608,154 -
-		 - (539,988)
2,068,166
Designated Marston road
development fund 3,179,972 -
-		 - (2,079,940) 1,100,032
6,271,923 1,097,685
(5,859,095)		 - 2,368,364
3,878,877
Restricted funds
Building fund 105,901,602 914
(2,067,145)		 - - 103,835,371
Other restricted funds - 2,500,000
-		 - -
2,500,000
105,901,602 2,500,914
(2,067,145)		 - - 106,335,371
Total funds 217,544,234 8,242,263
(8,117,011)		 (2,062,618) - 215,606,870

Total funds of the charity at the balance sheet date are £210,974,291 (2024: £213,614,705). The difference in the consolidated funds is due to the effect of the subsidiary undertakings results and is reflected in the General Funds. The general funds were in surplus at the year-end by £3,648,170.

Comparative Movement in Trust funds for the year ended 31st March 2024

Endowment funds
Fellowship & Scholarship funds
General and designated funds
General funds
Designated Fixed asset fund
Designated Building
maintenance fund
Designated Marston road
development fund
Restricted funds
Building fund
Total funds		 Balance at
1st April
2023
£
Incoming
ResourcesExpenditure Gains &
Losses
Transfers
Balance at
31st March
2024
£
93,858,677
2,424,933
(211,314) 11,697,971 (2,399,557) 105,370,711
93,858,677
2,424,933
(211,314) 11,697,971 (2,399,557) 105,370,711
12,444
1,453,998
(4,132,200)
-
3,149,557
483,799
1,988,126
620,028
2,608,154
750,000
-
-
-
(750,000)
-
3,600,000
200,000
-
-
(620,028)
3,179,972
6,350,570
1,653,998
(4,132,200)
-
2,399,557
6,271,925
107,967,316
1,431
(2,067,145)
-
- 105,901,602
107,967,316
1,431
(2,067,145)
-
- 105,901,602
208,176,563
4,080,362
(6,410,660) 11,697,971
- 217,544,236

26

OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ended 31st March 2025

15 Pension commitments

Universities Superannuation Scheme (“USS”)

The pension charge for the year includes a charge of £104,162 (2024: credit of £365,722) in relation to the USS. This represents contributions of £104,162 payable to the USS, with no change in the deficit funding liability between the opening and closing balance sheet dates in the current year (2024: decreased by £500,000).

The 2023 actuarial valuation was finalised in December 2023, reporting assets of £73.1bn and liabilities of £65.7bn leaving a technical surplus of £7.4bn. As of 1st January 2024 therefore, reduced contribution rates were agreed and announced for the scheme. As a result, from this date contribution rates were reduced from 9.8% to 6.1% for employees, and from 21.1% to 14.5% for employers – which also included a substantial reduction in the level of deficit funding contributions required.

In line with FRS 102 paragraph 28.11A, the Centre no longer requires a provision at the March 2025 balance sheet date (2024: £nil) for the present value of the estimated future deficit funding element of the contributions payable under the agreement in place at year end. In determining the level of this provision it has been assumed that the Charity will continue to have a constant level of employee participation in this scheme and that the relevant earnings of these employees will increase in line with the actuary’s projected long-term salary rate increases.

A copy of the full actuarial valuation report and other further details on the scheme are available on the USS website www.uss.co.uk.

Oxford Staff Pension Scheme ("OSPS”)

The pension charge for the year includes a charge of £114,543 (2024 credit of £240,449) in relation to the OSPS. This represents contributions of £114,543 payable to the OSPS with no change in the deficit funding liability between the opening and closing balance sheet dates in the current year (2023: decrease of £357,000).

The 2022 actuarial valuation of the scheme was finalised during the prior accounting year, and reported that the total assets of the scheme were £961mn, with total liabilities of £914mn – meaning a funding surplus of £47mn and a funding level of 105%. As a result of this, the level of deficit funding contributions has been substantially reduced. The next triennial valuation is due with an effective date of 31 March 2025.

In line with FRS 102 paragraph 28.11A, the Centre no longer requires a provision at the March 2025 balance sheet date for the present value of the estimated future deficit funding element of the contributions payable under this agreement. In determining the level of this provision it has been assumed that the Centre will continue to have a constant level of employee participation in this scheme and that the relevant earnings of these employees will increase in line with the actuary’s projected long-term salary rate increases.

A copy of the full actuarial valuation report and other further details on the scheme are available on the University of Oxford website http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/finance/epp/pensions/schemes/osps/

27

OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ended 31st March 2025

16 Financial commitments

At 31st March 2025, the charity had total commitments under non cancellable operating leases as detailed below:

Operating leases which expire after more than 5 years
Operating leases which expire between 2 to 5 years
Capital Commitments at 31st March, 2025 were:
Approved and Contracted		 Land and buildings
2025
2024
-
-
-
-
-
-

17 Subsidiary undertakings

The unlisted investments are two wholly owned subsidiaries, Oxcis Limited and Oxford Endeavours Limited. Oxford Endeavours Limited wholly owns two subsidiaries Oxford Real Estate Limited and Oxford Islamic Finance Limited. All of these companies are registered in England.

At the start of the year a loan of £3.42m was outstanding from Oxford Real Estate Limited, a Gift Aid donation of distributable profits is to be made to the Trust post year end. The outstanding loan at 31st March 2025 was £3,543,834. This amount is unsecured, repayable on demand and carries interest at 2%.

The results, net assets and principal activity of the companies are as follows:

Profit /
Income Expenditure
(Loss)
for the		 Assets Liabilities Funds
year
Oxcis Limited 2,047,616 (1,854,626)
192,990		 220,370 (52,031)
168,339
Design & build services
Oxford Endeavours Limited 2,179 (1,902)
277		 1,408,622 (2,222)
1,406,400
Holding company
Oxford Real Estate Limited 865,840 (116,292)
749,548		 10,747,586 (3,792,327) 6,955,259
Property investment &
management
Oxford Islamic Finance Ltd The company had no financial activity during the year and was dormant.

18 The Charity’s own financial information

2025 2024
£ £
Gross Income 7,443,803 4,009,682
Net incoming resources (577,796) (2,302,203)
Gains / ( Losses ) on investments (2,062,618) 11,697,971

28

OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ended 31st March 2025

19 Comparative Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31st March 2024

General and
designated Restricted Endowment Total Funds
Note funds funds funds 2024
£ £ £ £
Income From:
Donations and gifts 1,214,494 - 25,376 1,239,870
Charitable Activities 5 428,103 - - 428,103
Investment income 6 11,401 1,431 2,399,557 2,412,389
Total income 1,653,998 1,431 2,424,933 4,080,362
Expenditure as:
Cost of raising funds
Costs of raising voluntary income 1,815 - - 1,815
Investment management fees - - 211,314 211,314
Development 58,449 - - 58,449
Trust administration 28,231 - - 28,231
88,495 - 211,314 299,809
Charitable Activities
Centre 2,359,832 2,067,145 - 4,426,977
Fellowships and Scholarships 1,551,396 - - 1,551,396
Publications 91,005 - - 91,005
Conferences & Events 41,472 - - 41,472
4,043,705 2,067,145 - 6,110,850
Total expenditure 7 4,132,200 2,067,145 211,314 6,410,660
Net income / (expenses) (2,478,202) (2,065,714) 2,213,619 (2,330,298)
for the year before transfers
Transfer between funds 2,399,557 - (2,399,557) -
Gains / ( Losses ) on investment assets: - - 11,697,971 11,697,971
Net movement in funds in year (78,645) (2,065,714) 11,512,034 9,367,673
Total funds brought forward 6,350,570 107,967,316 93,858,677 208,176,563
Total funds carried forward 14 6,271,925 105,901,602 105,370,711 217,544,236

29

OXFORD CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ended 31st March 2025

20 Comparative Consolidated Balance Sheet for the year ended 31st March 2024

General and Endowment Total Funds
Note designated
funds
£		 Restricted
funds
£		 funds
£		 2024
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 8 2,608,154 105,826,517 5,618,393 114,053,064
Investments 9 2,845,079 - 99,197,687 102,042,766
5,453,233 105,826,517 104,816,080 216,095,830
Current assets
Debtors 10 577,064 20,804 372,871 970,739
Cash at bank 850,014 57,081 429,335 1,336,430
1,427,078 77,885 802,206 2,307,169
Creditors
Amounts
falling due
within one year		 11 (608,387) (2,800) (247,576) (858,763)
Net current assets / 818,691 75,085 554,630 1,448,406
(liabilities)
Provision for liabilities and charges
Pension scheme 12 - - - -
liability
Net assets 6,271,925 105,901,602 105,370,711 217,544,236
Funds 14 6,271,925 105,901,602 105,370,711 217,544,236

21 Related party transactions

There were no related party transactions except those with Charity's subsidiaries which are covered in note 17.

22 Approval of accounts

These accounts were approved at a meeting of the Trustees on the 17[th] July 2025.

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Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Marston Road, Oxford OX3 0EE, United Kingdom Telephone: 44 1865 278730 Fax: 44 1865 248942 Email: islamic.studies@oxcis.ac.uk Incorporated by Royal Charter Registered Charity No: 293072

Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies

An institution for the advanced study of Islam and the Muslim world

Annual Report 2024/25

CONTENTS

Introduction 5
Chapter 1: Teaching 8
Chapter 2: Seminars 13
Chapter 4: Lectures & Roundtables 18
Chapter 5: Publications 25
Chapter 6: Research 28
Chapter 7: Visiting Fellowships 38
Chapter 8: Scholarships & Exhibitions 45
Chapter 9: The Young Muslim Leadership Programme 50
Chapter 10: External Relations 52
Chapter 11: Outreach 54
Chapter 12: The Mosque 57
Chapter 13: The Library 59
Chapter 14: The Gardens 63
Chapter 15: Governance 65
Chapter 16: Membership of the Centre 72

INTRODUCTION

The coming year marks the 40[th] anniversary of the Centre – an occasion for reflection, celebration and renewed commitment. As I write these lines, I am reminded of the very first report that I had penned in the summer of 1986 in much modest surroundings. From the early days in a wooden hut on St Cross Road to its present permanent home on Marston Road, the Centre has benefitted immensely from the steadfast support, friendship and generosity of many well-wishers. It is with profound gratitude that I pay tribute to each and every one of them – the founding trustees, benefactors, and colleagues – who, over these four decades, have shaped the Centre into a respected academic institution at Oxford.

The Centre stands as a testament to those ideals upon which it was founded: the advancement of learning and scholarship about Islam and the Muslim world, and the promotion of dialogue and understanding between cultures and civilisations. These principles have guided our path thus far and will continue to inspire our work in the future.

During the year under review, the Centre’s academic life has continued to flourish. New colleagues have joined the Fellowship, expanding the Centre’s multi-disciplinary range: Dr Mohammed Ali Allehbi in early Islamic history and Dr Fouzia Farooq in the history of medieval South Asia. In the coming year, Professor Sir Paul Collier and Professor Robert Hillenbrand will join us as Anniversary Fellows. We are on course to making appointments that will further strengthen our scholarly capacities: a Curator to join the Library team and expedite the cataloguing of our manuscript collections; a Fellow in the History of Islamic Art and Material Culture to oversee the Exhibition Gallery; and a Fellow in Islamic Financial Markets to broaden our research and teaching in an area of increasing global significance.

The Centre’s Visiting Fellowship Programme continues to flourish. Since its inception, it has hosted over 430 scholars from more than 60 countries. This past year alone, we welcomed 24 Visiting Fellows, who greatly valued the opportunity to carry out research at a multidisciplinary institution.

The Centre’s Journal of Islamic Studies , now in its 35th year of publication by Oxford University Press, is internationally recognised as a leading forum for inter-disciplinary research on Islamic civilisation. We record our sincere appreciation to Dr Jamil Qureshi who retired this summer for decades of dedicated editorial service. Dr Maria Shmygol, from the National University of Ireland Galway, has joined us as our new Publications and Special Projects Officer.

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The year saw the publication by World Scientific Publishing of an edited volume on Disruptive Technologies and Muslim Societies , co-edited by Professor Shahid Jameel and Sir David Clary of the Centre. The volume contains contributions from a wide range of authors, including several former Visiting Fellows. The publication of Dr Moin Nizami’s monograph, on Haji Imdadullah (Oxford University Press) is imminent. It promises to shed fresh light on a central figure in nineteenth-century South Asian Islamic thought.

The Centre’s contribution to teaching across the University has grown. Centre Fellows were associated with Faculties of History; Theology and Religion; Asian and Middle Eastern Studies; Department of International Development; and the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies. Arabic language instruction continued and short courses on Islam, Faith, and Culture , Islamic Finance , and Economic Development were also offered.

The Centre’s distinguished lecture series and seminars continue to attract eminent speakers across disciplines from around the world. This year we welcomed Sheikh Mohammed Maamoun El Kacimi (Rector of the Great Mosque of Algiers), Dr Tawfig Al-Rabiah (Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Mr Miguel Moratinos (United Nations UnderSecretary-General and High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations), and Professor Philippe Sands KC (University College, London). The annual Keith Griffin Lecture was delivered by Sir Paul Collier, Professor of Economics and Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, on A New Economics for Neglected Places . The Sultan Azlan Shah Lecture was delivered by the Rt Hon Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury, former President of the Supreme Court, on Threats to the Rule of Law . The Centre’s seminar series continues to cover a range of disciplines, featuring distinguished speakers such as Sir John Jenkins (Former UK Ambassador to Saudi Arabia), Sir Peter Gross (former Lord Justice of Appeal), and Dame Rosalind Marsden (former European Union Special Representative for Sudan). The Centre was honoured to receive visits from The Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP, Deputy Prime Minister of the UK, and Lord Hague of Richmond, Chancellor of the University of Oxford.

The Centre’s project on Science, Technology and Environment in Muslim Societies has developed a partnership with the Frederick S. Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future at Boston University, United States. This collaboration explores the moral dimensions of climate action and the role of faith-based values in promoting positive environmental behaviour. Under the auspices of this partnership, a second roundtable was organised at Boston University on 19–20 September 2024 (the first having taken place earlier in the year). British Academy funding has been secured for a conference on Faith and Climate Change . It will bring to the Centre leading scholars, policymakers, and faith leaders.

The Centre’s Young Muslim Leadership Programme, now in its twentieth year, once again gathered a talented and diverse group of participants from across the UK and from a variety of career backgrounds, including the civil service, medicine, law and business. We are grateful to the speakers at the Programme who generously shared their insights and experience. They

6

included, among others, Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP, Michael Binyon OBE, Professor Sariya Cheruvallill-Contractor, Mr Kawsar Zaman, Alderman of the City of London, and Rt Hon Dominic Grieve KC.

The Centre’s Library collection has grown and it attracts an increasing number of readers. Significant progress has been made in cataloguing special holdings.

A major highlight of the year has been the launch of an exhibition on Lines of Faith: Astronomy and the Art of the Astrolabe in the Islamic World , developed in partnership with Oxford’s History of Science Museum. The exhibition has been accompanied by public lectures, workshops, and guided tours, bringing the wonders of Islamic scientific heritage to new audiences. The appeal of the exhibition has been significantly enhanced by the addition of several valuable manuscripts on astrolabes, which have been loaned to the Centre by the Qatar National Library.

The Centre’s Mosque attracts worshippers from across Oxford and beyond. For Ramadan and Eid prayers it operated at full capacity. Its educational and outreach activities have also continued to grow.

The Centre has established new pathways for future local, national, and international cooperation. It has signed memoranda of understanding with The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities (TORCH), the Center for Islamic Civilization (Tashkent, Uzbekistan), and the Islamic University of Madina Munawwara (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). Discussions for institutional collaboration continue with Umm al-Qura University, Makka Mukarrama.

To mark the 40[th] Anniversary a number of commemorative activities are underway. In addition to the establishment of two Anniversary Fellowships, the Chevening Fellowships programme has been enhanced and some special events are planned in the Gulf and Southeast Asia. Our coat of arms, recently granted by the College of Arms in London, has also been unveiled.

The 40[th] anniversary celebrations will begin with a Royal visit from our Patron. For over three decades His Majesty King Charles III has provided great encouragement and support to the Centre. To honour his longstanding patronage, the Centre is establishing the King Charles III Programme for Inter-civilizational Understanding and Dialogue. The programme will be housed in a dedicated part of our building which has been named after the Patron.

The Centre's progress over the past four decades is a cause for optimism and hope for the future. I am confident that, with the guidance of its Trustees and the dedication of its Fellows and staff, the Centre will long continue to promote good scholarship and foster mutual understanding at home and abroad.

Farhan Nizami Director

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Chapter One

TEACHING

T he and contemporary Muslim societies through the following Fellowships: Centre continues to promote multi-disciplinary study of the culture and civilisation of Islam

The King Charles III Fellowship The Nelson Mandela Fellowship The Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Fellowship The King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Fellowship

The Kuwait Fellowship The King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Fellowship The Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Fellowship The Albukhary Foundation Fellowship The Sultan Qaboos bin Said Fellowship The Globe Fellowship The Tun Abdul Razak Fellowship The Mohamed Noah Fellowship The Sultan Azlan Shah Fellowship The Sultan Nazrin Shah Fellowship The Hamad bin Jassim Research Fellowship The Azman Hashim Fellowship The Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi Fellowship The Salahuddin Abdul Jawad Research Fellowship The Tun Mahathir Mohamad Research Fellowship The Xenel (Turkey) Research Fellowship

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The following held Fellowships at the Centre during the year:

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ARABIC LECTOR

Mrs Sara Youssef, BA (Al-Azhar), MA (AUC) Kuwait Lector in Arabic

TEACHING IN OXFORD UNIVERSITY FACULTIES

Fellows have been associated with the following Faculties and Departments of the University of Oxford:

Faculty of History Faculty of Theology and Religion Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Oxford Department of International Development (QEH) Oxford School of Global and Area Studies (OSGA)

THE CENTRE AND OXFORD COLLEGES

Fellows have membership of the following Colleges:

Green Templeton Professor Shahid Jameel Lady Margaret Hall Professor Adeel Malik Linacre Dr Asma Mustafa Magdalen Sir David Clary; Dr Farhan Nizami Mansfield Baroness Hale of Richmond Pembroke Professor Muhammad Meki Worcester Dr Afifi al-Akiti

CENTRE’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE UNIVERSITY

During the year under review the Centre maintained and extended its contribution to the academic life of the University in the following ways:

  1. Teaching: Centre Fellows lectured and gave tutorials to students studying for MPhil, MSc, MSt and DPhil degrees at the University. From October 2024, an optional course for MPhil studies on Themes in Contemporary Muslim Societies was offered through Oxford School of Global and Area Studies (OSGA) by Professor Adeel Malik. A core module on Microeconomic Theory for MSc in Economics for Development was taught by Professor Muhammad Meki. In the Faculty of Theology and Religion, Dr Afifi Al-Akiti and Dr Muhammad Sami continued to teach at graduate and undergraduate levels.

  2. Seminars and conferences: Oxford academics participated in the Centre’s termly seminar series and conferences.

  3. Visiting Fellowships: Resident Visiting Fellows of the Centre contributed to the academic life at Oxford.

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  1. Scholarships and Exhibitions: During the year under review, the Centre provided 20 full scholarships and 10 exhibitions to students studying for Oxford degrees. At the time of writing, 9 scholarships and 7 exhibitions have been offered for the next academic year.

  2. Library: The Library remained open throughout the academic year and was accessed by over a thousand Bodleian card holders.

  3. Mosque: The Centre’s Mosque regularly welcomed Muslim members of the University. The Mosque also organises an annual Freshers’ Dinner. As a member of the University’s Chaplaincy Forum, the Imam met termly with other chaplains to discuss student pastoral care and welfare needs.

COURSES AT THE CENTRE

Beyond the regular teaching by Fellows in the different Faculties and Departments of the University of Oxford, the following courses, open to all, were organised at the Centre.

Qur’anic Arabic

Regular classes for the study of Qur’anic recitation (tajwid) were provided by Shaykh Muhammad Sahil.

Essentials of Islamic Worship

Regular classes for practical introductions to Islamic worship were provided by Shaykh Muhammad Sahil.

Modern Standard Arabic

Regular classes at beginner and intermediate levels were taught by Mrs Sara Youssef.

Astrolabe Study Day

This study day with Dr Taha Arslan, Dr Stephen Johnston and Dr Silke Ackermann was a hands-on accompaniment to the exhibition on Lines of Faith: Astronomy and the Art of Astrolabe in the Islamic World . It provided an opportunity to learn how the astrolabe embodies science, religion, art and craft in one exquisite object.

The Abjad Numerals

In association with the Lines of Faith exhibition, artist and scholar Joumana Medlej led a workshop on the abjad numeral system.

Islam: Faith and Culture

An introductory course on Islam as a way of life, religion and culture, and its impact on Muslim individuals and societies was taught by Dr Afifi al-Akiti and Dr Muhammad Sami.

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Islamic Finance and Economic Development

This two-day course, taught by Professor Muhammad Meki, focused on the role of Islamic finance in fostering financial inclusion and economic development.

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Chapter Two

SEMINARS

The following Centre Seminars and Fellows’ Seminars were delivered during the academic year 2024–25.

Michaelmas Term 2024

Centre Seminars

Dr Timothy Cooper (Cambridge University)

Moral Atmospheres: Islam and Media in a Marketplace

Sir John Jenkins (Formerly UK Ambassador to Saudi Arabia)

History and the Modern Middle East: Do Policy Makers need a Sense of the Past?

Sir Peter Gross (Former Lord Justice of Appeal)

English Judges in Muslim Countries: Synergies and Sensitivities in Promoting the Rule of Law

Professor Tomáš Halik (Charles University, Prague)

Engaging with the Contemporary World: A Multi-Religious Perspective

Fellows’ Seminars

Professor Adil Najam (Boston University)

Islam and Climate Change: Can Faith Influence Better Climate Behaviour?

Professor Lu Xia (Xiamen University)

Reunification Road: A Comparative Study on Vietnam, Germany and Yemen

Dr Hakime Yasar (Izmir Katip Celebi University)

Majaz (Figurative Language) in Action: Exploring Majaz in Islamic Law Through Practical Examples

Dr Ziyaad Mahomed (INCEIF)

Sustainable and Responsible Investment Sukuk: Lessons from Khazanah Sukuk Ihsan

Dr Marion Breteau (American University of Kuwait)

Connectivity and Migration in the Gulf States: A Study of TikTok Affordances among Foreign Domestic Workers

Dr Sarah Hopkyns (University of St Andrews)

Muslim Students’ Identities and Belonging in English-Medium Multilingual University Settings

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Dr Zilola Khalilova (Institute of Oriental Studies, Uzbek Academy of the Sciences) The Landscape of Islamic Education in 20th Century Uzbekistan

Economics & Human Development Stream

Dr Ali Cheema (LUMS)

Norms and Gender Inequality: Pathways and Limitations to Change in a Muslim Context

Professor Dominic Rohner (HEC Lausanne)

The Peace Formula: Breaking the Conflict Trap

Project on Science, Technology and Environment in Muslim Societies

Dr Murad Banaji (Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford) COVID-19 in India: Epidemic, Inequality and Propaganda

Dr Suzanne Bartington (University of Birmingham) Air Quality in Oxford: Past, Present and Future

Hilary Term 2025

Centre Seminars

Professor Scott Williamson (University of Oxford) Monarchy and Mass Politics in the Middle East

Mr Simon Anholt (Anholt & Co.) The Sun Sets in the West: The Battle for Soft Power in a Multipolar World

Dr Taha Arslan (Istanbul Medeniyet University) Mirror of the Universe: The Evolution of the Astrolabe

Professor Kamaldeep Bhui (University of Oxford) Social, Cultural and Political Determinants of Riots

Dr Adnan Khan (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) Economic Diversification, State Fragility, and Development in Muslim Societies

Professor Azfar Moin (University of Texas, Austin) Coinage of Mughal South Asia and the Muslim Chain of Being

Professor Frank Griffel (University of Oxford) How to Study Arabic and Islamic Philosophy? Once Again about al-Ghazali and Descartes

Dame Rosalind Marsden (The Royal Institute of International Affairs) Reflections on the War in Sudan

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Fellows’ Seminars

Dr Adelbert Finch (Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies) Exploring Shaikh Ibrāhīm Niasse’s Bestowal as an Alternative Theory of Knowledge and Being and the Possibility of a New ‘Phenomenology’ of Religion

Professor Maged Shebaita (Tashkent State University of Law) The Interaction between General Principles of Islamic Law and Transnational Law in Contractual Dispute Resolution

Dr Hayati Ismail (Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia) Enhancing Holistic Development: A Framework for Nurturing Gifted and Talented Muslim Students

Dr Imran Hashmi (University of Oxford) Building Digital Twins of the Two Holy Mosques for Complex Problem Solving and Sustainable Development

Dr Tahir Yildiz (Türkiye Diyanet Vakfı)

The Logic of Founding Authority in Islamic Political Thought: Islamic Understanding of Sovereignty

Dr Fatima Kadic (University of Sarajevo) Neither of the East nor of the West: Tree Motif on the Prayer Rug/Sajjada

Dr Mohammed Allehbi (Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies) (with contributions from Dr Ziyaad Mahomed, Professor Maged Shebaita and Dr Tahir Yildiz)

Reforming Justice in Early Islamic History — Reflections from Text and Context Perspectives

Dr Idris Bedirhanoglu (Dicle University)

The Hidden Key Reasons Behind the Failure of Historical Masonry Structures in the Recent February 6 Earthquake in East Turkey

Chevening Alumni Seminar

Dr Kholoud Al-Ajarma (University of Edinburgh)

Mecca in Morocco: Studying the Socio-Cultural Embeddedness of Pilgrimage in Muslim Everyday Life

Humanities Stream

Dr Abbas Panakkal (University of St Andrews) Musaliar King: Decolonial Historiography of Malabar Resistance

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Trinity Term 2025

Centre Seminars

Professor Sevket Pamuk (Bogaziçi University)

Political Economy and Economic Institutions of the Ottoman Empire in Comparative Perspective

Professor Christophe Jaffrelot (Kings College London) Beyond Castes and Regions: The Socio-Economic Decline of Muslims in Contemporary India

Mr Jon Wilks (Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies) The State of the World and the UK’s Place in It

Dr Michael Callen (London School of Economics) Building State Capacity in Fragile States

Professor Blain Auer (University of Lausanne) The Origins of Perso-Islamic Courts and Empires in India

Professor Anoush Ehteshami (Durham University) Iran’s Crisis of Governance

Professor Chouki El Hamel (Arizona State University) Black Morocco: The Silenced Ancestry

Fellows’ Seminars

Dr Yusuf Oldac (Hong Kong Lingnan University) Global Knowledge Production and the Muslim World: A Focus on Social Sciences and Humanities

Dr Sabba Mirza (University of South Denmark) The Danish Criminal Code: Criminalising Retention in Muslim-only Marriages: Symbolic Policy or a Legal Reality?

Dr Alexandra Cotofana (Zayed University) Atmospheric Epistemologies: Competing Knowledge-making Practices and Cloud Seeding in the UAE

Dr Muhammad Naseem (Zayed University) Decarbonization, Eudaimonia, and Faith: Emerging Trends in Pro-Climate Behavioural Design

Dr Nagihan Dogan (Hacettepe University) ‘Ahd Ardashīr’: A ‘Bestseller’ of Medieval Arabic Literature

Dr Ayesha AlKetbi (Zayed University)

The Humanities of Donating Human Organs and Tissues in Islamic Jurisprudence

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Dr Chouki El Hamel (Arizona State University) Unshackling the Past: Slavery, Marronage, and the Fight for Freedom in Morocco (18[th] and 20[th] Centuries)

Dr Vincent Biondo (California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt) Islam, Charity, and the State

Economics & Human Development Stream

Professor Mushfiq Mobarak (Yale University) Unpacking the 2024 Student Revolution in Bangladesh

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Chapter Three

LECTURES & ROUNDTABLES

The Centre’s Distinguished Visiting Lecturer Programme continues to bring leading public figures to Oxford to speak on major issues of current concern. During the year under review, the following lectures were given:

Mr Miguel Ángel Moratinos (Under-Secretary-General, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations)

The Role of the UNAOC in a Multipolar World

Professor Philippe Sands (University College, London)

On Genocide: Then and Now

Lord Neuberger (Former President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom) Threats to the Rule of Law Sultan Azlan Shah Lecture

Professor Sir Paul Collier (University of Oxford) Left Behind: A New Economics for Neglected Places Keith Griffin Lecture

During the year under review, the Centre organised a number of roundtables:

  1. Roundtable with the Securities Commission Malaysia on Restoring Humanity in Finance

The 15[th] annual SC–OCIS Roundtable on Islamic Finance took place on 7–8 September 2024 at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS), co-hosted by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC). This year’s theme, Restoring Humanity in Finance , brought together academics, practitioners, and policymakers to explore how finance can be reoriented to better serve society and its moral foundations.

The opening session featured remarks by Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi, Executive Chairman of the Securities Commission Malaysia, and Dr Farhan Nizami. A special address was delivered by HRH Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, Sultan of Perak, who underscored the critical need for businesses to take responsibility for their societal and environmental impacts.

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The keynote presentation was delivered by Professor Mihir A Desai of the Harvard Business School, who argued that restoring a human dimension to finance requires a return to its moral and philosophical roots. Drawing from his book, The Wisdom of Finance , Professor Desai made the case that finance—defined as the management of resources over time—has always involved trust, uncertainty and stewardship, and therefore already carries an inherent moral character. He cautioned against viewing finance purely through spreadsheets and models, advocating instead for the reintroduction of the humanities—especially storytelling and ethical reasoning—into financial thought and education.

In a compelling critique of the current financial system, Professor Desai urged greater attention to demand-side issues, highlighting how public misunderstanding and short-term thinking drive unhealthy financial behaviours. He called for better financial education that fosters long-term thinking and responsible savings and investment practices. The session also included responses by Dr Azrul Azlan Iskandar Mirza (Securities Commission Malaysia) and Mr Omar Shaikh (Global Ethical Finance Initiative), who reflected on the practical implications of Professor Desai’s arguments for Islamic finance and ethical financial reform.

Later sessions explored a range of timely topics, including the integration of Maqasid al-Shariah (the higher objectives of Islamic law) in financial institution practices, the role of Islamic social finance in addressing global equity challenges, and the need to develop robust methodologies for measuring outcomes of sustainable and impact-driven finance. Presentations highlighted practical efforts to embed values-based frameworks in finance, featuring speakers from institutions such as CIMB Islamic, Standard Chartered Saadiq, and the Securities and Exchange Board of India.

The conference concluded with a synthesis of recommendations by the session rapporteurs and closing remarks by Professor Muhammad Meki, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Fellow in Islamic Finance at the Centre, who chaired the final session. The discussions throughout reaffirmed the conference’s central message: for finance to truly serve humanity, it must be grounded in ethics, long-term stewardship, and a deep sense of shared responsibility.

2. Roundtable with Boston University on Faith and Climate Change

The Centre and the Pardee Center for the Longer-Range Future at Boston University, USA, are collaborating in a future-oriented, interdisciplinary, and structured research initiative to explore the moral dimensions of climate action and the possible role of faith-based values in encouraging positive environmental and climate behaviours, particularly in the context of Islam and Muslim societies. As part of this initiative, the first roundtable was held on 27–28 May 2024 at the Centre and was reported in the 2023–24 Annual Report. The second roundtable was held in Boston, USA on 19–20 September 2024.

The roundtables explored dimensions of a possible research agenda on faith and climate change, with particular reference to Islam and Muslim societies. They brought together scholars, environmentalists and policy experts from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds to discuss the theme with focus on science, policy and behaviour. They identified a set of key research questions that will form the core of a research inquiry into faith and climate change.

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The ideas emerging from during these roundtables formed the basis of a successful funding bid to the British Academy for a conference on Climate, Health and Faith – Understanding Science, Building Trust , which is scheduled to take place at the Centre on 18–19 October 2025.

  1. Roundtable on Sacred Spaces, Seamless Journeys: Transforming the Pilgrim Experience

The Centre hosted a visit from His Excellency Dr Tawfig Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for a roundtable on Sacred Spaces, Seamless Journeys: Transforming the Pilgrim Experience . The keynote focused on Saudi Arabia’s enduring commitment to upholding faith, innovation, and service, with the aim of enriching the experiences of pilgrims undertaking Hajj and Umrah.

In his address, His Excellency reflected on the challenges and opportunities presented by a fastchanging world, highlighting the importance of harnessing modern technology and digital innovation in support of the Ministry’s mission. He shared insights into the Ministry’s extensive international cooperation with over 80 countries in the development of the Electronic Hajj Pathway, designed to coordinate the pilgrimage process more efficiently. He also highlighted the role of the Nusuk Hajj Platform, which enables pilgrims from 126 countries to book and manage their journeys, alongside the use of artificial intelligence and smart cards to enhance and streamline the pilgrim experience.

The roundtable took place in the context of ongoing discussions about a potential collaborative research programme, focused on exploring possibilities for an increasingly ‘greener’ Hajj, between the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Islamic University of Madina Munawwara, and the Centre. The President of the Islamic University was also present on this occasion. Discussions focused on a wide range of pressing issues such as healthcare provision, disease control, the adoption of renewable energy sources during Hajj, and educational initiatives for pilgrims. The roundtable was attended by Centre Fellows and Visiting Academics, alongside senior academics from the University as well as policymakers.

  1. Roundtable on Emir Abd El-Kader

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Maamoun El Kacimi, Rector of the Great Mosque of Algiers, led a roundtable on the life and legacy of Emir Abd El-Kader, the nineteenth-century Algerian leader who led the struggle against the French colonial invasion of Algiers. His Excellency gave a graphic account of Emir Abd El-Kader’s life, highlighting his qualities as a fearless and tireless leader.

He emphasised Emir Abd El-Kader’s unwavering commitment to shared human values, particularly his protection of people from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds. Equally notable was the Emir’s dedication to the pursuit of peace. The discussion following the lecture underscored that, for Emir Abd El-Kader, peace remained a deeply personal and continually renewed commitment throughout his life.

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5. GRADUATE COLLOQUIA

The Centre continued its programme of Graduate Colloquia designed to encourage students reading for degrees at Oxford to share their ideas and directions of research with colleagues.

During Michaelmas Term, the following presentations were made at the Colloquium:

Mr Jacob Williams, Exhibitioner , Green Templeton College, reading for DPhil in Politics Has Liberalism Failed? Religious Freedom and the Post-Liberal Challenge

Mr Irfan Sarhindi, Exhibitioner , Wolfson College, reading for DPhil in Education Learning Islam in a Digitalised Indonesia: Making Sense of Diverse Conception and Heterogenous Space

Ms Tabina Manzoor, Somerville College, reading for MSc in Water Science, Policy and Management

Freshwater Springs in Kashmir: From Inventory to Water Quality Analysis

Mr Muhammed Zeyn, Exhibitioner , Somerville College, reading for DPhil in Migration Studies

Exploring the Role of Social Media on Migrant Communities

Ms Nosheen Basharat, Lady Margaret Hall, reading for DPhil in Education Religion and Education in the Middle East: A Comparative and International Study

During Hilary Term, the following presentations were made at the Colloquium:

Mr Yusuf Ahmed, Wolfson College, reading for DPhil in Education

Tadabbur (Qur’anic Contemplation): Towards a Primordial Pedagogy to Rediscover the ‘Moral Seriousness’ of Education

Ms Rawan Alfuraih, Keble College, reading for DPhil in Anthropology

The Epic of Najd: Rebirth of Bodies in the New Environment of Saudi Arabian Urbanisation

Ms Joana C McCloy, Wadham College, reading for DPhil in Politics

How Civil Resistance Fails: The Trajectories of Resistance in the Syrian Arab Spring

Ms Zuhaira Islam, OCIS Scholar , St Antony’s College, reading for MPhil in Modern South Asian Studies

Deoband in Transit: Exploring the Influence of the Darul-Uloom on British Muslim Communities

Ms Sefika Trampa, OCIS Academic Visitor , Istanbul University, reading for PhD in Islamic History

From Antiquity to Islam: The Socio-Cultural Heritage of the Nabataeans

Mr Bilal Moin, Reuben College, reading for MPhil in Economics State Splitting and Economic Development

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Mr Ata Adam, OCIS Scholar , Somerville College, reading for DPhil in Wind and Marine Energy Systems and Structures

Advancing Wind Power by Understanding Wind Turbine Wake Dynamics

  1. CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS ATTENDED BY CENTRE FELLOWS

Dr Asma Mustafa

Dr Mohammed Allehbi

Professor Adeel Malik

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Professor Shahid Jameel

Dr Muhammad Meki

23

Dr Muhammad Sami

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Chapter Four

PUBLICATIONS

The Civilization Centre’s publications include 1) series; and 3) publications by individual Centre Fellows and members. Journal of Islamic Studies ; 2) the Makers of Muslim

1 THE JOURNAL OF ISLAMIC STUDIES

The Journal , published for the Centre by Oxford University Press since 1990, places the study of Islam and Muslim societies in global context.

Volume 35, Number 3, September 2024

Articles:

Pedro Jiménez-Castillo, with José L. Simón García and José Mª Moreno Narganes, The Rural Mosque Uncovered in the Andalusi Village of La Graja (Eleventh Century CE)

Arjun Nair, Poetry and Sufi Commentary: A Case of/for Religious Reading in Premodern Sufism

Gianni Izzo, Grief and Loss in Shīʿī Thought: Zayn al-Dīn al-ʿĀmilī’s (d. 1559) Musakkin al-Fuʾād

The Book Review section contained 17 reviews.

Volume 36, Number 1, January 2025

Articles:

Tareq Moqbel, The Apodotic Wāw in Qurʾānic Arabic

Han Hsien Liew, ‘The Caliphate will last for thirty years’: Polemic and Political Thought in the Afterlife of a Prophetic Ḥadīth

Joas Wagemakers, How do you Solve a Problem like Jāhiliyya ? The Struggle over Sayyid Quṭb’s Legacy among Jordanian Muslim Brothers

The Book Review section contained 15 reviews.

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Volume 36, Number 2, May 2025

Articles:

Nurullah Ardıç and Mustafa Macit Karagözoğlu, Genre Analysis and Religious Texts: A Methodological Model of Ḥadīth Commentary

Ali Ahmad Hussein, An Ancient Arabian War (Ḥarb al-Basūs) as Reflected in Classical Arabic Poetry

Marc Czarnuszewicz, New Insights into Sistani Intellectual Culture under the Saffarids

The Book Review section contained 15 reviews.

Moin Ahmad Nizami, Haji Imdadullah , Oxford University Press, (2025).

Forthcoming titles

Mustansir Mir, Mawdudi

Shahid Jameel and David C. Clary, (eds.), Disruptive Technologies and Muslim Societies – From AI and Education to Food and Fintech , World Scientific Publishing (2025).

Articles

Mohammed Allehbi and Caferro William, ‘‘They are like your Arabs’: Giovanni Villani on Ibn Khaldun’s Tunis (The Ḥafṣid Civil War)’, Renaissance Quarterly (2025)

Adeel Malik and Maya Tudor, ‘Pakistan's Coming Crisis’, Journal of Democracy , 35(3): 69-83 (2024)

Adeel Malik, Rinchan Ali Mirza, and Faiz-ur-Rehman, ‘Frontier Rule and Conflict’, CSAE Working Paper 2025/1, Department of Economics, University of Oxford, 2025.

Adeel Malik, Ali Al-Saffar and Abeer Elshennawy, ‘The Political Economy of Energy Transitions in MENA’, Policy Research Report 60, Economic Research Forum, Cairo, Egypt, (2025).

Moin A. Nizami, ‘Connecting Law and Sufism: Religious Discourse in Pre-modern South Asia’, in S. Pahuja, Shaun McVeigh, and Adil H. Khan (eds.), Law, Culture and the Humanities (forthcoming).

Muhammad Meki, Jing Cai, Simon Quinn, Erica Field, Cynthia Kinnan, Jonathan Morduch, Jonathan de Quidt, and Farah Said, ‘Dynamic Literature Review: Microfinance’, VoxDevLit , (2025).

Muhammad Meki, Simon Quinn, Francesco Cordaro, Marcel Fafchamps, Colin Mayer and Kate Roll, ‘Better Financial Contracts Can Unlock Business Growth in Kenya’, VoxDevLit , (2025).

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Muhammad Meki, ‘Finance for Small-form Growth: Towards Flexibility and Innovation,’ Ideas for India , (2025).

Muhammad Sami, ‘Muṣṭafā Ṣabrī on Waḥdat al-Wuǧūd and its Philosophical Origins’, Arabica , 71, 4–5, (2024).

Muhammad Sami, ‘Human Understanding and God-talk in Jāmī and Beyond’, Open Theology (forthcoming).

Muhammad Sami, ‘One Being, Simple Essence, Very Personal God’, in Zoheir Esmail (ed.), Waḥdat al-Wujūd , AMI Press, Birmingham. (forthcoming)

Shahid Jameel, ‘India must show leadership on the pandemic accord’, Nature India , 3 May 2024.

Book reviews and Encyclopaedia entries

Moin A. Nizami, ‘Saiyid Ahmad of Rae Bareli’ in Natana DeLong-Bas (ed.), Oxford Bibliographies , New York: Oxford University Press, 2025.

Moin A. Nizami, review of Regional History of Medieval India: Society, Culture, and Economy , (ed.) Yaqub Ali Khan, English Historical Review (forthcoming).

Muhammad Sami, review of Janne Mattila (ed.), The Eudaimonist Ethics of Alfarabi and Avicenna, Brill. (forthcoming)

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Chapter Five

RESEARCH

The aim has been to develop a more strategic approach within and between different streams of research. The following five live projects represent the Centre’s ongoing contributions through these streams.

The Atlas documents and offers a visual representation of the spread of social and intellectual movements across the Muslim world. It highlights connections, continuities and discontinuities across regions and time periods, and explains how individuals and ideas moved between Muslim societies, and the scholarly and religious movements they inspired. This information is presented using maps, charts and tables, accompanied by textual commentary. Maps illustrate the geographical and spatial diffusion of intellectual networks, revealing their expansion or contraction across regions; charts and tables trace these patterns over time and across generations; while the accompanying text highlights key themes and explains the main findings revealed through these visual representations.

The Project intends to examine the Muslim world in five volumes, with each volume focused on a different region. These include: i) The Arabian Peninsula, Southwest Asia, the Nile Valley and the Red Sea; ii) West-Central Asia, Inner Eurasia, Western China; iii) North Africa, the Western Mediterranean, Saharan and West Africa; iv) South Asia; and v) Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean. The Atlas project is under the direction of Dr Farhan Nizami.

The volume on South Asia, which is nearing completion, has been supported by the Leverhulme Trust (UK), the Faisal Islamic Bank, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, and the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS). It sets the template

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for other volumes and defines the method, procedures, and analyses that can be applied to the historical geography of Islam in other major regions.

The South Asia volume describes the region’s first contacts with Islam through trade and military incursions. It maps out the settlement patterns, overlapping pilgrimage and trade routes, and the eventual establishment and growth of Muslim polities such as the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. Against this political and economic backdrop, it charts the spread of Sufi and scholarly networks, emergence of teaching centres, development of curricula, migration patterns, and the different means for the transmission of learning. The volume comprises 23 chapters consisting of 162 maps, 142 charts, and 109 tables, for which data has been drawn from a variety of historical sources (such as local histories, biographical dictionaries, chronicles, and other materials) that have been verified, collated, and interpreted. The accompanying text of about 180,000 words aims to tie the themes together and explain the key findings.

The South Asia volume is currently being supported by a grant from KFAS, which has enabled the Centre to build a dedicated research team. The primary focus remains on the completion of the written text. Dr Moin Ahmad Nizami is leading the identification of key themes emerging from the maps and charts and is developing the accompanying narrative. He is supported in this process by Dr David Damrel (University of South Carolina Upstate), who serves as a consultant on the Project.

Concurrently, work is underway to verify and standardise endnotes, ensuring they accurately reflect the numerous revisions made to maps and charts over time. Dr Fouzia Farooq Ahmed (Quaid-i Azam University), who joined the team as a Research Fellow in January 2025, is focusing on the last chapters and ensuring that the data is accurately represented on the maps and charts. In May 2025, Dr Ikramul Haque (MANU University, Hyderabad) joined the project as a Visiting Fellow. Dr Alex Kent remains involved as a cartographer.

2 ISLAMIC FINANCE

The Islamic Finance Unit at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) advances a distinctive programme of research and engagement at the intersection of theory and practice in contemporary Islamic finance. Through its hybrid-format seminar series, the Unit has convened scholars and practitioners from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, South Asia, and North America, facilitating critical dialogue on both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of Islamic financial practice.

The Unit operates within the Centre’s broader research agenda, which seeks to promote a deeper understanding of Islamic economics as a vehicle for socio-economic development within Muslim and wider communities globally. This work is supported through sustained collaboration with international financial institutions, notably the Securities Commission Malaysia. Since 2012, the Unit’s Visiting Fellowship programme has provided a platform for one or two specialist scholars each year to pursue advanced research at Oxford.

The 15[th] SC–OCIS Roundtable, convened at the Centre on 7–8 September 2024, examined finance as a field inherently concerned with the ethical stewardship of capital. The proceedings highlighted

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the need to restore finance’s moral foundations through the reintegration of the humanities and the reassertion of ethical frameworks. Discussions addressed the incorporation of maqāṣid al-sharīʿah in financial practice, the evaluation of sustainable finance outcomes, and the role of Islamic social finance in responding to pressing global challenges—reflecting the Unit’s sustained interest in the normative development of the field.

This year’s seminar series showcased a diverse range of research-led contributions. Dr Ziyaad Mahomed (SC–OCIS Visiting Fellow) reflected on Malaysia’s inaugural social impact bond for education, addressing challenges in instrument design, simplifying key performance indicators, and aligning investment structures with mission-oriented capital, drawing on his extensive advisory experience within the Islamic financial sector, including his role at HSBC Amanah.

Dr Kashif Malik presented findings from a microfinance initiative providing rickshaw financing to female entrepreneurs in Pakistan, highlighting early evidence of enhanced economic mobility and the critical importance of gender-sensitive programme design in Islamic microfinance.

Dr Maged Shebaita examined the limited recognition of Islamic legal principles within English financial jurisprudence, arguing that prevalent mischaracterisations of Sharia as solely religious have hindered its integration, and proposed codifying Islamic commercial law to facilitate application in transnational dispute resolution frameworks.

Dr Mohd Edil Abd El Shakor analysed dividend policy anomalies among Shariah -compliant firms in the United States, assessing the effectiveness of dividend-based investment strategies for Islamic investors.

Lastly, Abdulkader Thomas conducted a macro-level exploration of zakat allocation, reconsidering classical beneficiary categories in light of contemporary socio-economic realities. Drawing on Malaysian practice and models used by Islamic Relief, his discussion emphasised the need for maqāṣid -oriented flexibility in structuring zakat frameworks.

The Unit’s work is anchored by the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Fellowship in Islamic Finance and the Globe Fellowship in the Economies of Muslim Societies. It has been further enhanced by the recent establishment of the Sultan Nazrin Shah Fellowship in Islamic Finance, with the inaugural selection process currently underway. The SC–OCIS Visiting Fellowship continues to attract scholars of distinction for advanced research residencies at Oxford. Current and future work seeks to advance both quantitative and qualitative assessments of social finance instruments. The seminar series remains integral to the Unit’s objectives: to provide a global forum for critical engagement with Islamic finance, to contribute to the development of the field in the UK and Europe, and to promote innovative approaches that enhance the role of finance in serving the public good.

3 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT IN MUSLIM SOCIETIES

Muslims comprise roughly a quarter of the world population and account for a similar share of global GDP. However, countries with significant Muslim populations are situated in geographic regions that make them particularly vulnerable to disrupted weather patterns and persistent

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insecurity of water and food resources. Their economic realities and potential vary widely: the poorest peoples are also the most vulnerable to environmental degradation, climate unpredictability, and their effects on public health and political stability. At the same time, technological advances such as those in information-processing applications, the manipulation of plant and animal genomes, and others are disrupting, partly even uprooting, traditional socioeconomic relations. However, the values and responsibilities embedded in those relations are the essential resources humans use to anticipate and adapt to the challenges they face.

The project on ‘Science, Technology and Environment in Muslim Societies’ studies the ongoing efforts in a range of Muslim-majority countries to meet the challenges, covering several areas of science and its technological applications. The project gathers information and promotes research that recognises the challenges and proposes practicable steps to meet them in ways that are sustainable, equitable and socially acceptable. This goal requires understanding the religious and cultural norms in play, with an appreciation of their power to inform and motivate efforts to adapt and, beyond mere survival, effectively negotiate challenges and opportunities.

The long-term goal of the project is to facilitate the establishment of a collaborative network across Islamic countries that uses science to address local and global challenges, and as a vehicle to unite people. At the same time, it hopes to provide key tools for the necessary exploration of the philosophies and values that identify permitted social adjustments and underpin the engagement of societies with existing and new technologies.

In the past year, the programme has pursued its aims through a range of collaborative activities, research outputs, and public engagement.

A significant initiative has been the Centre’s partnership with the Pardee Center for the LongerRange Future at Boston University. This joint endeavour focuses on exploring the moral dimensions of climate action, with particular attention to the role of faith-based values in promoting positive environmental behaviours in Muslim societies. Two roundtables were convened as part of this initiative: the first at Oxford (27–28 May 2024) and the second at Boston University (19–20 September 2024). Each roundtable brought together around 15 invited scholars and practitioners for in-depth, interactive discussions, alongside public panel sessions exploring the contours of a future research agenda on faith, ethics, and climate action.

The seminar programme addressed diverse themes at the intersection of science, technology, and society. On 22 October 2024, Dr Murad Banaji (University of Oxford) delivered a seminar titled COVID-19 in India: Epidemic, Inequality, and Propaganda . Drawing on critical analysis of official statistics, survey data, and epidemiological models, Dr Banaji examined the interplay of uneven disease surveillance, structural inequality, and disinformation in shaping the pandemic’s course and public understanding in India.

On 26 November 2024, Dr Suzanne Bartington (University of Birmingham) presented Air Quality in Oxford: Past, Present and Future . Reporting on the OxAria study—a multidisciplinary collaboration involving the Universities of Birmingham and Oxford, Oxfordshire local authorities,

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and Ricardo Plc—Dr Bartington reviewed trends in air pollution, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on urban air quality, and the potential for policy interventions to mitigate health risks.

The Programme’s research outputs included the publication of an edited volume, Disruptive Technologies and Muslim Societies , which examines the complex impacts of technological innovation on social structures, ethical norms, and economic realities in Muslim-majority contexts.

These activities reflect the programme’s commitment to fostering dialogue, advancing research, and promoting collaboration on issues of shared global significance.

4 ECONOMIC AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Muslim societies today face a complex array of economic and social challenges. Many grapple with poverty and low literacy, while others have suffered severe setbacks in human development due to conflict. Even relatively wealthier Muslim nations face the ongoing challenge of sustaining high levels of social entitlements for their populations. A pronounced youth bulge and demographic shifts are reshaping these societies, contributing to rising unemployment and the risk of social unrest. Many Muslim economies struggle with low productivity and limited integration into the global economy. Resource-rich countries, in particular, confront the urgent need to diversify away from heavy dependence on hydrocarbons. Compounding these challenges, several Muslim countries remain among the most conflict-prone in the world.

In response to these pressing issues, the Centre’s Economic and Human Development (EHD) research cluster aims to support innovative, empirically grounded, and holistic research across a broad spectrum of relevant topics. Serving as a key platform for academic and policy-oriented initiatives, the EHD Cluster brings together complementary expertise through two distinguished fellowships: the Globe Fellowship in Economies of Muslim Societies, held by Professor Adeel Malik, and the Sultan Hassan Bolkiah Fellowship in Islamic Finance, held by Professor Muhammad Meki.

The EHD Research Stream supports a vibrant teaching and research agenda. It offers two flagship graduate-level courses—‘The Political Economy of the Middle East’ and ‘Microfinance, Entrepreneurship, and Development’—which attract students from a range of faculties across Oxford. Coordinators of this research stream are also supervising a diverse cohort of M.Phil. and D.Phil. students conducting advanced research on topics including: Sovereign Wealth Funds in the GCC; Institutional constraints to industrial upgrading in Bangladesh and Turkey; Foreign aid and inequality in post-conflict societies; The political economy of irrigation in British Punjab; Business-state relations in Lebanon; Agriculture and civil conflict in Sudan; The Gulf’s evolving economic diplomacy; Islam and economic development in Nigeria; and Determinants of technology adoption in Asia.

To foster academic dialogue, the EHD Cluster regularly hosts seminars and roundtables open to both the university community and the wider public. These events highlight the Centre’s expanding research footprint in the field of Muslim economic studies, encourage interdisciplinary

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collaboration with other institutions in Oxford and beyond, and broaden the Centre’s professional network.

The following events were organised during the last academic year:

On Algeria’s 70 years of independence, a two-day international conference on ‘Challenges of Economic Reform and Development’ was jointly organised with Sciences-Po, Lille, France. Thirty esteemed scholars participated in the conference. Scholars presented papers on a variety of themes, including economic diversification, energy transition, prospects for private sector development, industrial policy, and management of natural resources. Dr Rabah Arezki, former Chief Economist of the World Bank, delivered the keynote speech.

A roundtable on ‘The Peace Formula: Breaking the Conflict Trap’ discussed latest research on conflict resolution and its relevance for Muslim societies. It was led by Professor Dominic Rohner, co-director of the Department of Economics and professor of economics at HEC Lausanne on Wednesday 2 October. This well-attended roundtable fostered constructive discussion on the different pathways out of conflict. The discussion drew on global experiences and explored their relevance for conflict-prone Muslim societies.

The EHD organised a special seminar by Professor Ali Cheema, Vice-Chancellor of the Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan on ‘Norms and Gender Inequality: Pathways and Limitations to Change in a Muslim Context’. Professor Cheema offered a synthesis of a portfolio of research projects focusing on gender and development in the context of Pakistan. Based on experimental evidence from the field, Professor Cheema discussed how policy interventions can change gender attitudes towards female participation in economic, civic, and political activities. A robust discussion ensued on how the evidence from Pakistan might or might not be relevant for other Muslim contexts.

Professor Mushfiq Mobarak of Yale University’s Department of Economics delivered an engaging talk on ‘Unpacking the 2024 Student Revolution in Bangladesh’. Drawing on his research on natural disasters and political change, Professor Cheema highlighted how major ecological shocks (e.g. floods) can trigger grievances especially in the face of weak public policy response. He also discussed the role of youth demographics and civic activism in Bangladesh. The discussion also focused on broader relevance for understanding youth and political engagement in Muslim societies. The lecture was co-hosted with the Department of Economics at Oxford University.

5 MUSLIMS IN BRITAIN

Muslims represent the largest and fastest-growing minority community in Britain, with significant potential to contribute positively across all areas of national life. Yet, public discourse and media narratives too often remain shaped by negative portrayals that focus disproportionately on extremism and radicalisation, rather than the goodwill, civic engagement, and achievements of the vast majority.

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The Muslims in Britain programme at the Centre builds on a longstanding record of research, dialogue, and public engagement. Its aspiration remains to extend this legacy by generating research that informs policy, fosters intercultural understanding, and supports the full and equal participation of Muslims in British society. The programme has historically prioritised research that advances understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing British Muslims, while also addressing broader European contexts. Notable outputs include Dr Asma Mustafa’s publications on identity, political participation, and Muslims in the military; Professor Mark Halstead’s work on ‘Muslim futures’ and its policy implications in Western Europe; and Professor Alison Shaw’s study of cousin marriage in the British Pakistani community. Several projects have benefited from funding by the UK Housing Corporation and the British Academy.

Alongside its research, the programme has convened seminars, workshops, and roundtables on key issues—from integration and citizenship to education and community cohesion, such as a roundtable in partnership with ISESCO that explored religious education curricula and the experiences of Muslim children in state schools.

Looking ahead, the programme is developing new research proposals and funding bids that reflect both the Centre’s strategic priorities and growing interest from partners and funders. The aim is to shape a coordinated research agenda that not only addresses the realities of Muslim communities today but also contributes to the wider strengthening of Britain’s social fabric.

6 RESEARCH BY CENTRE MEMBERS

DR AFIFI AL-AKITI has initiated a two-year collaborative research project titled Human Dignity Across the Islamic and Christian Traditions , in partnership with the Las Casas Institute for Social Justice, University of Oxford. Funded by the Spalding Memorial Educational Trust and the International Center for Law and Religious Studies, this project examines core theological concepts—such as divine nature, cosmology, and psychology—that shape understandings of human dignity in both faith traditions. The research aims to uncover how these shared theological foundations can inform contemporary ethical debates surrounding society and environmental responsibility.

Dr Al-Akiti curated rare Islamic scientific manuscripts for the exhibition on Lines of Faith: Astronomy and the Art of the Astrolabe in the Islamic World with Dr Stephen Johnston. The exhibition, organised in partnership with the History of Science Museum at Oxford, showcases medieval Islamic contributions to astronomy and scientific instrumentation, highlighting the ways in which religious observance and scientific knowledge coalesced in Islamic intellectual history. Manuscripts on display, including the earliest known copy of Rukn al-Din al-Amuli’s treatise on the astrolabe, are valuable primary sources for understanding how cosmological knowledge informed both religious practice and broader social structures.

DR MOHAMMAD ALI ALLEHBI examines the formation of criminal justice in late antiquity and medieval Islamic societies, focusing on how premodern criminal justice systems developed. His forthcoming book, The Making of Islamic Criminal Justice , builds on his doctoral dissertation and

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considers the broader implications of this legal evolution on early Islamic law, governance, and society. The study explores the institution of the shurṭa , the elite military corps responsible for criminal justice and policing in cities such as Baghdad, Cairo, and Cordoba between the eighth and twelfth centuries.

In addition to his monograph, Dr Allehbi is preparing a research article reviewing the current state of historical studies on the administration of criminal justice during the formative and classical Islamic periods. He has been invited to contribute a chapter to the forthcoming Cambridge Companion to Islamic Law , which will further disseminate his expertise in the field. Dr Allehbi is also co-authoring and co-editing a collaborative translation project of the ninth-century Arabic text Ādāb al-falāsifa (Ethics of the Philosophers), bringing this important work of Islamic intellectual history to wider audiences.

PROFESSOR SHAHID JAMEEL continues to lead research at the Centre on Science, Technology, and Environment in Muslim Societies , with a current focus on the intersection of climate change, public health, and food security. His work examines Muslim perceptions of climate change and the societal implications of environmental degradation, employing interdisciplinary methodologies to bridge scientific and socio-cultural analyses. A key strand of this project investigates the role of food systems in global greenhouse gas emissions, with particular attention to the technological feasibility, ethical dimensions, and cultural receptivity of alternative proteins as sustainable food sources. To ground this inquiry in empirical data, he is conducting an online survey to map Muslim attitudes toward climate change and dietary transitions.

Professor Jameel’s scholarly contributions extend to collaborative knowledge production, most notably as co-editor (with Professor Sir David Clary ) of the volume Disruptive Technologies and Muslim Societies (World Scientific Publishing, April 2025). This publication synthesises cuttingedge research on technology’s role in shaping Muslim-majority contexts, including a chapter by Professor Jameel analysing the impact of COVID-19 on education systems in Islamic countries. His work underscores the urgency of integrating scientific innovation with culturally attuned policy frameworks to address pressing global challenges.

PROFESSOR ADEEL MALIK is pursuing several research programmes on the political economy of Muslim societies, with a focus on historical institutional legacies and contemporary development challenges. His current work includes a major study, Irrigation and Inequality—funded by the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR) under its STEG Programme—which investigates the long-term developmental consequences of British-era Punjab’s vast irrigation infrastructure, the largest of its kind in the world. Employing granular settlement-level data and advanced empirical methods, the project analyses how differential exposure to canal irrigation shaped trajectories of agricultural productivity and land inequality. Preliminary findings, presented at an international conference at Harvard University, have generated significant scholarly engagement and are being refined for publication.

Alongside this, Professor Malik is preparing a journal article on frontier governance and conflict, informed by presentations at leading academic fora. His broader research portfolio

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extends to structural issues in Middle Eastern economies, where he examines themes such as trade and globalization, the resilience of infrastructure projects to economic and political shocks (with a regional focus on Saudi Arabia), and the dynamics of business-state relations. This interdisciplinary work underscores his commitment to bridging historical analysis with policy-relevant insights into the developmental constraints facing Muslim-majority societies.

PROFESSOR MUHAMMAD MEKI remains engaged in interdisciplinary research at the nexus of development economics, financial inclusion, and Islamic finance. His recent work foregrounds the potential of musharaka -based contracts to enhance economic outcomes for low-income entrepreneurs in developing countries, situating ethical risk-sharing principles within contemporary financial innovation. These efforts form part of a broad collaborative research agenda involving multiple international partners across diverse socioeconomic contexts.

In Iraq, a UN-funded initiative supporting over 700 SMEs through grants and business training has made significant progress. In Pakistan, with funding from the Gates Foundation, he is designing a study on asset-based financing aimed at empowering women in the transport sector, with implementation forthcoming. In India, a World Bank-backed project he leads uses big data to analyze how digital footprints are reshaping lending practices in low- and middle-income countries, with potential to expand financial access and develop innovative risk-sharing instruments for SMEs. Additionally, in Kenya, he has secured funding to investigate demand-side barriers to electric vehicle adoption, focusing on financial and infrastructure challenges.

DR ASMA MUSTAFA continues to engage in interdisciplinary research addressing social challenges related to racial inequality, public health, and identity, with a focus on the experiences of minority communities in Britain. She is co-investigator alongside Professor Anthony Heath (Centre for Social Investigation, Nuffield College) on the proposed project Understanding and Tackling Racial Discrimination in the Labour Market , which seeks to identify whether Black and Muslim groups face disproportionate bias in recruitment and to inform policy and employer interventions promoting racial equity.

Additionally, Dr Mustafa is a co-applicant on a multi-institutional grant proposal examining FaithBased Interventions and Health Inequalities , exploring the role of mosques as centres for community health promotion aimed at improving outcomes in deprived Muslim populations. She is also developing a new research proposal with Dr Lindsay Richards (University of Oxford) titled Exploring Cultural and Social Code-Switching Among Visibly Ethnic and Religious Minorities in the UK , which investigates how Black and Muslim individuals navigate professional and social environments requiring behavioural adaptation, and how visibility through religious and racial markers impacts belonging, recognition, exclusion, and wellbeing.

DR MOIN AHMAD NIZAMI continues to make significant contributions to the study of the social and intellectual history of Muslims in South Asia. His recent monograph, Haji Imdadullah , soonto-be-published by Oxford University Press as part of the Makers of Islamic Civilization Series , offers a nuanced exploration of how Islamic learning, expressed through deep personal piety and broader collective reform efforts, shaped Haji Imdadullah’s role as a pivotal religious and

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intellectual figure of his time. The work also highlights the crucial influence of migrant scholars in establishing and sustaining trans-Asian networks of knowledge, connecting diverse Muslim communities across regions through their extensive student circles.

Currently, Dr Nizami is focused on the Atlas Project , for which he is preparing the textual commentary, ensuring that the historical narratives align closely with the visual and quantitative elements presented. His scholarship in this area aims to deepen understanding of the spatial and social dynamics that have shaped Muslim societies in the region, providing a richer, more integrated perspective on their historical evolution.

DR MUHAMMAD SAMI specialises in Islamic philosophy, theology, and Sufism, with a focus on Sufi engagement with speculative philosophy and theology, particularly the works of Mulla ʿAbd al-Rahman Jami. His forthcoming contributions include a chapter on Sufism for the Oxford Handbook of Concepts in Indian Traditions , and his dissertation has been invited for review by Oxford University Press’s Theology and Religion Monograph Series .

Alongside these, Dr Sami is preparing several articles on the thought of Abu Hamid al-Ghazali and is developing an Islamic philosophical framework to engage critically with the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, exploring how classical theological insights can inform contemporary ethical debates in emerging technologies.

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Chapter Six

VISITING FELLOWSHIPS

T he Visiting Fellowships programme is a crucial element of the Centre’s commitment to establishing and sustaining external contacts with scholars and institutions, at national and international levels. These Fellowships enable scholars to undertake a period of independent study and research at Oxford.

Since its inception the programme has brought over 430 scholars from over 60 different countries to Oxford.

The academic specialisations of the Visiting Fellows span a wide range of disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, law, politics and international relations.

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VISITING FELLOWSHIPS

During the year under review, the following Visting Fellows were in residence:

Dr Idris Bedirhanoglu, MSc (Harran University), PhD (Istanbul Technical University) Dicle University Visiting Fellow

Dr Vincent Biondo, BA (UC San Diego), MA (San Diego State University), PhD (UC Santa Barbara)

California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt

Dr Nagihan Dogan, MA, PhD (Hacettepe University) Hacettepe University Visiting Fellow

Professor Chouki El Hamel, PhD (Sorbonne) Arizona State University Abdul Aziz al-Mutawa Visiting Fellow

Dr Imran Hashmi, BCS (UMT), MS, PhD (KTH-Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm) Computer Science Department, University of Oxford Visiting Fellow

Dr Hayati Ismail, B.Ed. TESL, M.Ed. TESL (UPM), PhD (Warwick) Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia Visiting Fellow

Dr Abubakr Muhammad, BSc (UET), MS, MS, PhD (Georgia Institute of Technology) Lahore University of Management Sciences STEMS Visiting Fellow

Dr Muhammad Naseem, BS (Agricultural University, Peshawar), MPhil (Punjab University), PhD (Wuerzburg) Zayed University Visiting Fellow

Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, ACCA, ICAEW, MIA Sultan bin Abdulaziz Visiting Fellow

Dr Hakim Yasar, MA (Dokuz Eylul University), PhD (Heythrop College, University of London) Izmir Katip Celebi University Visiting Fellow

The following elections have been made to date to Visiting Fellowships for 2025/26:

Dr Husamettin Simsir, BA (Bogazici), MA (Sanbanci), MA, PhD (University of Notre Dame) University of Notre Dame Visiting Fellow

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Dr Abdul Raoof Mir, MPhil (University of Hyderabad), PhD (JNU) Alliance University Visiting Fellow

Dr Raida Chbib, MA (Friedrich-Wilhelms University of Bonn), DPhil (Ruhr University Bochum) Goethe - University Frankfurt Visiting Fellow

Dr Aaron Ponce, BA (University of Miami), MA (University of Texas), JD (University of Wisconsin-Madison), PhD (Indiana University) Indiana University Visiting Fellow

Dr Ikramul Haque, BA, MA, MPhil (Jamia Millia Islamia), MPhil, PhD (JNU) Maulana Azad National Urdu University Atlas Visiting Fellow

Professor Sakariyau Alabi Aliyu, MA (University of Ilorin), PhD (Universiteit Leiden) Bayero University Visiting Fellow

Professor Hassan Khalilieh, BA (University of Haifa), MA, PhD (Princeton University) University of Haifa Visiting Fellow

Dr Elmoubashar Farag, MBBS (University of Gezira), PhD (Blue Nile Institute), PhD (Erasmus University) University of Gezira Visiting Fellow

A new category of Anniversary Fellowships has been created to mark the 40[th] Anniversary of the Centre, to which the following have been elected:

Professor Sir Paul Collier, DPhil (Oxon) University of Oxford Anniversary Fellow

Professor Robert Hillenbrand, DPhil (Oxon) University of Edinburgh Anniversary Fellow

OCIS–SC VISITING FELLOWSHIP IN ISLAMIC FINANCE

The following Visting Fellows were in residence during 2024/25:

Dr Ziyaad Mahomed, MBA (MANCOSA), CIFP (INCEIF), BBA (Anglia Ruskin), PhD (INCEIF) INCEIF University SC–OCIS Visiting Fellow in Islamic Finance

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Dr Nur Ain Shahrier, BSc (UIOWA), MEng, MSc, PhD (Cornell) Sunway University SC–OCIS Visiting Fellow in Islamic Finance

The following election has been made to the SC–OCIS Visiting Fellowship for 2025/26:

Dr Nazrul Hazizi Noordin, BCom (Lincoln, Christchurch), MSc (IIUM), PhD (INCEIF) IIUM Institute of Islamic Banking and Finance SC-OCIS Visiting Fellow in Islamic Finance

CHEVENING VISITING FELLOWSHIPS

During the year under review, the following Chevening Visiting Fellows were in residence at the Centre:

Ms Haironesah Domado, BSBA (Mindanao State), MA (Brandeis) Relief International Chevening Visiting Fellow ( Philippines )

Dr Alisher Jumagulov, BA (Tashkent Islamic University), MA, PhD (Tashkent State University of Law) Tashkent State University of Law & Tashkent State University of Economics Chevening Visiting Fellow ( Uzbekistan )

Dr Murat Kayalik, BA (Ankara), MA (Ankara), PhD (Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt) Ankara Sosyal Bilimler University Chevening Visiting Fellow ( Türkiye )

Dr Agus Salim, BA, MA (UIN Jakarta), Mag. (Monash), PhD (Melbourne) State Islamic University of Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi Chevening Visiting Fellow ( Indonesia )

The following elections have been made to Chevening Visiting Fellowships for 2025/26:

Ms Alaa Alshurafa, BA, MBA (Al Azhar, Gaza) Chevening Visiting Fellow ( Palestine )

Ms Nouhad Ghazi Awwad, BSc, MSc (AUB) Greenpeace MENA Chevening Visiting Fellow ( Lebanon )

Professor Dr Jülide Karakoç Bakiş, BA (Marmara), MA (Galatasaray), PhD (Ankara) Altinbas University Abdullah Gül Chevening Visiting Fellowship ( Türkiye )

Mr Cheong Say Lim, MBA (INSEAD Fontainebleau), MFP (Sunshine Coast) Saudi Venture Capital Investment Company Chevening Visiting Fellow ( Malaysia )

Mr Tijjani Mohammed Mukaddas, BSc Ed., M.Ed, PhD (Abuja) Chevening Visiting Fellow ( Nigeria )

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Mr Dilmurod Rajaboev, BA, LLM (TSUL) Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan Chevening Visiting Fellow ( Uzbekistan )

VISITING RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS

During the year under review, the following Visiting Research Fellows were in residence at the Centre:

Dr Ayesha Alketbi, MJur (Sharjah), PhD (Sharjah) Zayed University, UAE Visiting Research Fellow

Dr Marion Breteau, PhD (Aix-Marseille) American University, Kuwait Visiting Research Fellow

Dr Alexandra Cotofana, PhD (Indiana-Bloomington) Zayed University, UAE Visiting Research Fellow

Dr Adelbert Finch, BA (Zaytuna College), MA (Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology), PhD (Exeter) Visiting Research Fellow

Dr Sarah Hopkyns, BA, MA (Leicester), PhD (Leicester) University of St Andrews Visiting Research Fellow

Dr Fatima Kadic, BA, MA, PhD (Sarajevo) University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina Imam Bukhari Visiting Research Fellow

Dr Zilola Khalilova, BSc (Tashkent), MA (TSPU), MA (Adama Mickiewicza), PhD (Institute for Oriental Studies Uzbekistan), MPhil (IIUM) Uzbek Academy of the Sciences, Uzbekistan Imam Tirmizi Visiting Research Fellow

Dr Kashif Malik, MSc (Quaid-i-Azam), MS (LUMS), MA (Florida State), PhD (Florida State) LUMS, Pakistan Visiting Research Fellow

Dr Yusuf Oldac, BA (Bogazici), MSc (METU), DPhil (Oxon) Hong Kong Lingnan University Visiting Research Fellow

Dr Lu Xia, BA, MA (Wuhan), PhD (Fudan) Xiamen University, China Visiting Research Fellow

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The following elections have been made to date to Visiting Research Fellowships for 2025/26:

Dr Shakhzod Islamov, BA (Tashkent Islamic University), MA (Tashkent State Institute of Law) Imam Maturidi International Research Centre, Uzbekistan Visiting Research Fellow

Dr Mohammad Mozahidul Islam, MA (Jahangirnagar University), MA (University of Tsukuba), PhD (University of New South Wales) Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh Visiting Research Fellow

Dr Noha Hussein, MSc (Cairo University), DPhil (Nottingham Trent University) Visiting Research Fellow

ACADEMIC VISITORS

During the year under review, the following Academic Visitors were in residence:

Dr Erdal Harunoğulları, MSc, PhD (Sakarya University) Academic Visitor

Dr Beata Polok, LLM, PhD (Silesia) Dar Al Hekma University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Academic Visitor

Dr Sabba Mirza University of Southern Denmark Academic Visitor

Professor Maged Shebaita, PhD (TSUL), PhD (SOAS), LLM (UCL), PhD, LLM, LLB (Cairo) Tashkent State University of Law, Uzbekistan Academic Visitor

Ms Sefika Trampa, BA, MA (Istanbul) Istanbul University, Turkiye Academic Visitor

Dr Tahir Yıldız, MA, PhD (Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt) TDV İLKSAY, Turkiye Academic Visitor

The following will be in residence as Academic Visitor during 2025/26:

Dr Hasan Baig, MSc (Punjab), MA (Sargodha), MPhil, PhD (GC University, Faisalabad) Allama Iqbal Open University

Academic Visitor

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SARAWAK SABBATICAL PROGRAMME

Under an agreement with the Government of Sarawak, the Centre hosts one civil servant per term on a career development attachment. In the year under review, the following Academic Visitors were in residence under this programme:

Mr Wan Adzman b. Wan Abdul Rahman Sarawak Islamic Religious Department, Malaysia Sarawak Academic Visitor

Mr Zamri b. Mohamad Sarawak Government Communications Department, Malaysia Sarawak Academic Visitor

Mr Wan Jamaludin b. Wan Abdul Wahap Sarawak Academic Visitor

Selection of Sarawak Academic Visitors for the coming year will be in August.

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Chapter Seven

SCHOLARSHIPS

& EXHIBITIONS

Centre Scholarships serve those reading for a degree at the University of Oxford, and are administered in accordance with an Agreement with the University. The Programme’s primary purpose is to widen access to the university for students from Britain and overseas, and to encourage and support them to undertake studies that will be of benefit to Muslim communities and the wider societies to which they belong.

Scholarships are available to students reading for graduate and undergraduate degrees in the humanities, social sciences, and those areas of the mathematical, physical, and life sciences relevant to the needs of Muslim societies. Some scholarships are restricted to citizens of countries in Asia and Africa, as well as to British citizens from Muslim communities.

During the year under review, 20 Centre Scholarships were held by students reading for Oxford degrees in chemistry, economics, education, engineering, history, international relations, Islamic studies, law, materials science, philosophy and PPE.

The following Centre Scholars, resident during the year under review, expect to have completed their degree courses during the coming months:

Ms Tharanya Arumugam, reading for a Master of Public Policy (MPP) Merdeka Scholar St Anne’s College

Miss Salma Farah, reading for a BA in PPE Qatar Scholar Worcester College

Mr Syed Nadeem Hussain, reading for a DPhil in International Development JEF Scholar Wolfson College

Ms Itrisyia Dayini binti Kamarul, reading for an MPhil in Modern Middle Eastern Studies Merdeka Scholar St Antony’s College

Mrs Zuhaira Islam, reading for an MPhil in Modern South Asian Studies Saif Al Nahayan Scholar

St Antony’s College

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Ms Darshini Nadarajan, reading for a DPhil in Education Merdeka Scholar Kellogg College

Mr Muhamad Danial Nashri, reading for an MSc in Pharmacology Merdeka Scholar Green Templeton College

Ms Rola Sohob, reading for a Master of Public Policy (MPP) JEF Scholar Balliol College

Mr Yusuf Tayara, reading for a DPhil in History Noon Scholar Wolfson College

The following Centre Scholars were in residence in the year under review and will continue their studies during the coming academic year:

Mr Ali Ata Adam, reading for a DPhil in Wind and Marine Energy Systems and Structures

JEF Scholar Somerville College

Ms Audrey Au Yong, reading for a DPhil in Surgical Sciences Merdeka Scholar Reuben College

Mr Ahmed Dayyan, reading for a BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) Khalid Al Ibrahim Scholar New College

Miss Zaynah Alisha Hussain, reading for a BA in History Qatar Scholar Oriel College

Miss Hasina Ibrahim, reading for a BA in Geography Qatar Scholar St John’s College

Miss Mahnoor Kamran, reading for a BA in Geography Noon Scholar St John’s College

Mr Meng Lip Lim, reading for a DPhil in Engineering Science Merdeka Scholar St Hugh’s College

Mr Abdur-Rahman Mahmood, reading for a BA in History Noon Scholar Trinity College

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Ms Rabeah Adawiyah Abdul Razak, reading for a DPhil in Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics

Merdeka Scholar Green Templeton College

Mr Imtiaz Rahman, reading for an MChem in Chemistry Easa al Gurg Scholar Hertford College

Miss Suleqa Warsame, reading for a BA in Law (Jurisprudence) Qatar Scholar Trinity College

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED FOR THE COMING YEAR

At the time of writing, the following graduate scholarships have been awarded to students beginning their studies in academic year 2025/26:

Dr Loay Kanou, reading for an MSc in Health Service Improvement and Evaluation St Hilda’s College

JEF Scholar

Ms Sara Alisha bt Mohd Afandi, reading for an MPhil in Global Area Studies St Antony’s College Merdeka Scholar

Mr Nurul Izzah, reading for a DPhil in Education Lady Margaret Hall Merdeka Scholar

Mr Qi Chwen Ong, reading for a DPhil in Medical Sciences Green Templeton College Merdeka Scholar

Ms Irdina Syahirah Mohd Nadziruddin, reading for a DPhil in Clinical Medicine Magdalen College Merdeka Scholar

Mr Dhipan Raj Sundram, reading for an MBA in Business Administration St Hugh’s College Merdeka Scholar

Two undergraduate scholarships have been awarded to date, subject to satisfactory exam results:

Mr Mohammed Tanzil Ali, reading for a BA in Economics and Management St Hugh’s College Easa Al Gurg Scholar

Ms Aisha Hasan, reading for a BA in History Christ Church Saif Al Nahayyan Scholar

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EXHIBITIONERS

The following exhibitioners were in residence at the Centre in 2024/25:

Mr Motasem Abuzaid, reading for a DPhil in Politics St Antony’s College

Mr Saoud Al-Khuzaei, reading for a DPhil in Clinical Neurosciences Wadham College

Ms Alaa Baazaoui, reading for a DTP in Interdisciplinary Bioscience St John’s College

Mr Ahmed El-Wakil, reading for a DPhil in Asian & Middle Eastern Studies Regents Park

Ms Kayla Fraser, reading for a DPhil in Geography Christ Church

Mr Md Abir Hasan, reading for a DPhil in International Development Wolfson College

Mr Irfan Sarhindi, reading for a DPhil in Education Lady Margaret Hall

Mr Ahmed Azim Wazeer, reading for a DPhil in Politics St Antony’s College

Mr Jacob Williams, reading for a DPhil in Politics Green Templeton College

Mr Muhammad Zeyn, reading for a DPhil in Migration Studies Somerville College

At the time of writing, the following exhibitions have been awarded for 2025/26:

Ms Bana Alamad, reading for a DPhil in Genomic Studies & Statistics New College

Ms Yomna Gaafar, reading for a DPhil in International Development Kellogg College

Mr Ali Ahmed Khan, reading for an MPhil in Modern Middle East Studies Mansfield College

Ms Mariam Hibah Khayata, reading for an MPhil in Modern Middle East Studies St Antony’s College

Mr Kareem Mohamed, reading for a DPhil in Primary Health Care Green Templeton College

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Mr Ahmed Azim Wazeer, reading for a DPhil in Politics St Antony’s College

Mr Irfan Sarhindi, reading for a DPhil in Education Lady Margaret Hall

Subject areas of Centre Scholars and Exhibitioners 2024/25 and 2025/26

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Chapter Eighth

THE YOUNG MUSLIM LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME

The 19[th] Young Muslim Leadership Programme took place from 13–22 September 2024. This annual residential Programme was initially established as a joint initiative of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies and the then Prince’s Charities. The Programme is designed with three principal aims. First, to provide participants with a well-informed understanding of British social and political institutions and values, and to encourage active, positive contributions to public life. Second, to foster a confident sense of identity among participants in being both British and Muslim. Third, to strengthen the Centre’s growing network of YMLP alumni by connecting each new cohort with past participants.

The Programme is open to British Muslims aged between 21 and 30 who have demonstrated leadership potential in fields such as local or national government, commerce, media, the voluntary sector, and the arts.

This was another successful year of cultivating future leaders from across the UK through this Programme. This year’s cohort brought together an exceptional group of participants from various professional fields, including the Civil Service, medicine, law, management consultancy, and business.

Throughout the programme, participants engaged in thought-provoking seminars and discussions led by a distinguished roster of speakers from politics, academia, journalism, and public service. Notable contributors included The Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP; Michael Binyon OBE, Editorial Writer at The Times; Professor Sariya Cheruvallil-Contractor, Coventry University; Mr Kawsar Zaman, Alderman of the City of London; Mr Iqbal Khan, CEO of Fajr Capital; Professor Ron Geaves, Visiting Chair, Centre for the Study of Islam in the UK, Cardiff University; Professor Avi Shlaim FBA, Emeritus Professor of International Relations, University of Oxford; Professor Robert Hillenbrand FBA, Honorary Fellow, University of Edinburgh; Rt Hon Dominic Grieve KC, former Attorney General of the UK; and Mr Ibrahim Khan, co-founder of Islamicfinanceguru.com & Cure8 Capital.

Specialist sessions further enriched the programme. Professor Najib Rahman (Oxford Nuffield Department of Medicine) offered critical insights into leadership within the NHS. Jeffery Beere (Procurement Director at AkzoNobel) shared perspectives on ethics and values in management consultancy. Ehsan Masood (Editorials Editor and Bureau Chief for Africa & the Middle East at Nature) led a compelling session on Science, Innovation, and Sustainability .

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Centre Fellows played a central role in delivering core components of the programme. Jon Wilks CMG (former British Ambassador to Qatar, Yemen, Oman, and Iraq) addressed the complexities of foreign policy. Dr Basil Mustafa (Senior Associate Member of the Centre) led a workshop on values-based leadership. Dr Afifi al-Akiti (Kuwait Fellow in Islamic Studies) delivered a reflective seminar on The Mind, Body, and Soul of Islam , while Dr Asma Mustafa (Salahuddin Abdul Jawad Fellow in the Study of Muslims in Britain) led an in-depth session examining the challenges and policy landscape facing Muslims in Britain.

A highlight of the Programme was a curated day visit to London, where participants toured St Paul’s Cathedral, enjoyed lunch at the historic Guildhall, and visited the Supreme Court. The day offered participants first-hand exposure to the UK's institutional heritage and the values underpinning public service.

The programme continues to offer a unique platform for aspiring leaders to deepen their knowledge, broaden their networks, and engage meaningfully with the challenges and opportunities facing Muslim communities in contemporary Britain.

The following participants successfully completed the YMLP 2024:

Mr Khalid Abdullah, Miss Nusaiba Al-Azami, Mr Sam Alselwi, Mr Munsoor Ayub, Mr Hussain Azami, Miss Faryaal Aziz, Miss Sumayyah Barre, Miss Safiyah Bobat, Miss Naffisa Cham, Mr Ayoub El Azrak, Dr Siraj Farid, Mr Ahmed El-Mehdi Gueffaf, Mr Gen Kawasaki, Dr Mashuda Khandokar, Miss Rufa'a Masoud, Ms Tasnim Masuma, Mr Kareem Mohamed, Mr Ammar Qayyum, Miss Saima Rasool, Ms Maryah Saeed, Miss Zahra Shaikh, Miss Hannah Tayab, Miss Nabeeha Toufiq, Mr Jamil Tuki, Mr Ahmed Youssouf.

Held on Saturday, 21 September, the Alumni Day was a resounding success. Designed to inspire reflection and renew the commitment to leadership, the day brought together alumni from across the Programme’s history for a high-impact event featuring a distinguished line-up of speakers, including Zuber Issa CBE (businessman and former Co-CEO of EG Group); Lord Wajid Khan (Minister for Faith, Communities and Resettlement); Henrietta Szovati (Writer and Leadership Consultant); David Gleghorn (Sport and Business Mindset Expert); Iqbal Khan (CEO of Fajr Capital and former CEO of HSBC Amanah); Tasleema Alam (Artist, Designer, and Educator specialising in Islamic geometric and ornamental design); and Shakoor Ahmed (Businessman and CEO of MyLahore).

Their insights, drawn from diverse fields and personal leadership journeys, sparked dynamic discussions and provided participants with strategic and deeply personal perspectives on navigating leadership in complex, evolving environments. The day reaffirmed the strength of the alumni network and its potential to be a catalyst for positive change across sectors.

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Chapter Ten

EXTERNAL RELATIONS

T he Centre has continued to consolidate and enhance its extensive network of international links. During the year under review, distinguished visitors from many countries and international institutions were received at the Centre and briefed on its activities, with discussion of potential future collaboration high on the agenda. The Centre’s participation in international conferences and forums further deepened these links.

RELATIONS WITH FOREIGN DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS

The Centre hosted diplomatic representatives from a wide range of countries during the year, reflecting its broad international engagement. These included Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan.

The Director of the Centre was invited to serve as an international observer at Uzbekistan’s parliamentary elections held in October 2024.

ACADEMIC COLLABORATION WITH OVERSEAS INSTITUTIONS

The Centre signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Centre for Islamic Civilization in Tashkent and formalised the partnerships with the Imam Bukhari International Scientific Research Centre, the Imam Maturidi International Scientific Research Centre, and the International Scientific Research Center of Imam Termizi. A delegation from these institutions, headed by Dr Firdavs Abdukhalikov visited the Centre to discuss collaborative research. The delegation presented the Centre’s Library with fifty volumes from the Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan in the West Project , further enriching the Centre’s resources.

A senior delegation from the Islamic University of Madina Munawwara, led by its President, HE Dr Saleh Bin Ali Alagla, visited the Centre. The visit culminated with the establishment of a steering committee to oversee cooperative initiatives. In addition, Professor Wardah Alasmari and Dr Suhad Sonbul of Umm al-Qura University, Makka Mukarrama, visited the Centre, to explore potential areas for partnership.

The Centre’s Science, Technology and Environment in Muslim Societies Project has further expanded international collaboration. A partnership with the Frederick S. Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future at Boston University has enabled a joint research initiative exploring the moral dimensions of climate action and the role of faith-based values in encouraging positive environmental behaviours, particularly within Muslim societies.

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ACADEMIC CONTACTS WITH OVERSEAS INSTITUTIONS

The Visiting Fellowship and Scholarship Programmes remain central to the Centre’s international outreach. Since their inception, these programmes have enabled researchers and scholars from over sixty countries to spend time at the Centre, contributing to a rich and diverse intellectual environment.

Among the year’s highlights was a lecture by HE Mr Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. Mr Moratinos reflected on the founding of the UNAOC in 2005 and its ongoing mission to promote dialogue and mutual respect among nations. He emphasised the need to address the root causes of international tension and to prioritise the pursuit of peace as the foundation for true security.

The Centre also had the honour of hosting, among many eminent guests, HE Sheikh Mohammed Maamoun El Kacimi, Minister of State and Rector of the Great Mosque of Algiers, and Dr Tawfig Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Centre was represented at the Doha Forum, an influential platform that brings together global leaders, policymakers, and scholars to address pressing challenges in international affairs. This year’s forum focused on themes of diplomacy, development, and security, with particular emphasis on innovative solutions to complex global issues.

The Director participated in the Bahrain Conference for Islamic Dialogue, which convened leading scholars, religious figures, and policymakers from across the Muslim world. The conference aimed to strengthen interfaith and intrafaith understanding, promote the values of peace, tolerance, and coexistence, and address contemporary challenges facing Muslim communities.

ACADEMIC CONTACTS WITH UK INSTITUTIONS

Scholars from different UK universities, foundations and research institutions participated in the Centre’s activities and presented papers at seminars, conferences and workshops (see Chapters 2 and 4).

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Chapter Eleven

OUTREACH

The Centre plays an active role locally, nationally and internationally, in promoting dialogue and mutual understanding.

OUTREACH TO LOCAL PUBLIC: OPEN DOORS

Oxford Open Doors, organised by the Oxford Preservation Trust on 13–14 September 2024, is well-established feature in the Centre’s calendar. As in previous years, the tours were fully booked, and hundreds of visitors availed themselves of the opportunity to explore the Centre’s building and gardens. Fellows and staff served as guides, introducing visitors to the Centre’s architectural design and its academic role. Visitors greatly appreciated learning about the Centre’s academic and outreach work.

In addition to this annual event, the King Charles III Garden remains open to the public every Tuesday afternoon during the spring and summer months, offering a serene space for reflection and enjoyment. The garden continues to draw local residents and tourists alike, who value the opportunity to experience one of Oxford’s most peaceful and beautifully designed green spaces.

OXFORD LITERARY FESTIVAL

The Centre continues as a patron of the Oxford Literary Festival, reaffirming its support for public engagement with literature and culture.

OUTREACH TO SCHOOLS AND EDUCATORS

The Centre contributes actively to the University’s ongoing initiatives to widen access for students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented at Oxford. In the year under review, the Centre ran four Access Day events, offering prospective Oxford students of diverse Muslim heritages the chance to sample academic and collegiate life at Oxford and learn about the support provided through the Centre’s undergraduate scholarships.

In cooperation with Trinity College and Jesus College, the Centre hosted an access day for state school students of Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage. Another event, led by a Centre Scholar, focused on Year 12 British students of Somali heritage. These events were well-attended and offered tailored information sessions and opportunity for informal discussions with current students. Positive feedback highlighted the value of these initiatives in helping to demystify Oxford.

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The educational outreach programme run by the Centre’s Mosque has continued to welcome large numbers of school children. Over 175 school groups, from both primary and secondary levels, have visited the Mosque to date. Each visit offers structured and informative sessions. Pupil are introduced to Islamic faith, practice and culture in an accessible and engaging manner. The programme continues to generate enthusiastic feedback, with many teachers commenting on its positive contribution to pupils’ understanding of religious identity.

The Mosque also hosts annual visits by trainee teachers from the University’s Department of Education. These visits provide valuable first-hand learning opportunities for those preparing to teach Religious Education in schools.

OUTREACH TO THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY

The Centre’s Mosque remains open to all for the daily prayers, the weekly Friday prayer, and two Eid prayers, which draw large congregations. The Mosque has also welcomed visits and tours by national and international Muslim educational institutions, civic society organisations, and community groups, enabling shared reflection on faith, community service, and educational initiatives.

The Imam serves as a chaplain to Muslim students of the University of Oxford offering pastoral care, advice and support. He often hosts student societies at the Centre.

OUTREACH TO PARLIAMENTARIANS

The Centre has continued to foster strong and constructive engagement with members of both Houses of Parliament. Many parliamentarians have taken part in the Centre’s major lectures, conferences and, in particular, the Young Muslim Leadership Programme, where they shared insights from their experience and engaged in meaningful dialogue.

OUTREACH TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The Centre has actively worked with local civic leaders. The Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, the Lord Mayor of Oxford, as well as several County and City Councillors participated in Centre events and discussions. Further, the Centre has also hosted meetings of local civic societies, and sought other ways to positively contribute to the social and cultural life of the neighbourhood and City.

INTERFAITH DIALOGUE

The Centre has continued to engage in interfaith dialogue. In July last year, the Rt Revd Stephen Croft, Bishop of Oxford, visited the Centre for discussions on areas of shared concern and collaboration. In September, a number of vicars of local parish churches and other faith leaders convened at the Centre for a discussion on mutual cooperation and community engagement.

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The Centre was also pleased to serve as a venue for an international workshop of multifaith partnerships, held in collaboration with Multi-Faith Neighbors Network (MFNN) and the International Center for Law and Religion Studies (ICLRS). This event brought together lead practitioners and eminent scholars from different faith traditions to explore effective models for interfaith cooperation in addressing shared social and global challenges.

OUTREACH TO CIVIL SERVANTS AND POLICY MAKERS

The Centre has maintained close links with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and other departments across Whitehall. Senior civil servants and policymakers have participated in Centre activities, contributing to dialogue on issues at the intersection of policy, diplomacy and faith. The Centre remains committed to supporting informed and constructive engagement between policymakers and the academic community.

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Chapter Twelve

THE MOSQUE

O pen throughout the day for Centre members, the Mosque extends a warm welcome to students and members of the public for the five daily prayers. Friday congregational prayers draw a large and diverse gathering, often reaching full capacity. With the steady rise in attendance over recent years—further boosted by the phased introduction of residential facilities at the Centre—the number of regular worshippers is expected to continue to grow.

The Mosque life is guided by a dedicated team. Imam Ibrahim Mohammad Amin leads the daily prayers and oversees general affairs, supported by Imam Muhammad Sahil, who serves as the Mosque Assistant. Oversight and planning are conducted by the Mosque Committee, which meets quarterly to ensure the smooth running of services.

During the month of Ramadan, the Centre invites accomplished reciters of the Qur’an to lead the tarawih prayers. This year, Qari Muhammad Badrul Amin Bin Derome, from Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) in Perak, Malaysia, came for the month. Tarawih prayers remain consistently well-attended, drawing people from across Oxford. The Eid al-Fitr congregation filled the Mosque and all available associated spaces. The Mosque team worked closely with the Oxfordshire County Council to ensure smooth management of traffic.

The Mosque organises various educational courses. The long-running Qur’anic Arabic course, held over three terms, remains a firm favourite, complemented by a well-subscribed introductory course in Qur’anic recitation. A new addition this year, the modular course on Essentials of Islamic Worship, was well received. Covering core acts of Islamic worship— ṭahāra , ṣalāh , ṣawm , zakāh , and ḥajj —the course offers practical guidance. All course are taught by Imam Muhammad Sahil.

The Mosque’s engagement with schools through its educational outreach initiative continues to make a strong impact. Over 175 school visits have been hosted to date, offering primary and secondary students informative encounters with Islamic beliefs and practices. Led by Mrs Caroline O’Connor, an expert in school management, the programme has received consistently positive feedback. This year’s offering was enriched by the Centre’s astrolabe exhibition, particularly enhancing the experience for secondary school groups.

Beyond his duties within the Mosque, Imam Ibrahim is actively involved in university-wide outreach. He contributes to access programmes that encourage students from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds to consider applying to Oxford. His tours for visiting prospective students and their families are frequently noted as a highlight. He also hosts interactive sessions for Religious Studies and Philosophy teacher trainees.

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As part of the University’s Chaplaincy Forum, the Imam engages in termly discussions on student welfare alongside chaplains of other faiths. In this capacity, he has led numerous tours and interfaith discussions with student groups and chaplaincy colleagues. Additionally, he serves on the University’s Muslim Prayer Room Committee, which oversees the provision and management of this important facility.

Local residents and visitors to the Centre are regularly welcomed for guided tours of the Mosque. These offer insight into Islamic belief and practice and are an important part of the Centre’s commitment to open engagement and public understanding.

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Chapter Thirteen

THE LIBRARY

T he Centre’s Kuwait Library has continued to expand over the past academic year. Both the collection and number of readers has grown. Collaboration with partners from within Oxford and overseas has also increased.

The Collection

The Library’s collection stands at 53,178 catalogued items, of which over 60% are unique to the Centre and not available elsewhere in Oxford. It consists of 20,066 items in English, 17,606 in Arabic and 2,128 in Persian. The Urdu collection has also grown over the past year and now stands at 9,723 volumes.

Private collections continue to constitute a major part of the holdings. The Professor K. A. Nizami Collection with 11,235 items is fully searchable on SOLO, the University’s online catalogue. Since the inauguration of the Collection on 4 March 2024, requests of material in the Collection have significantly increased.

The cataloguing work on Shaikh ‘Abd al-Fattah Abu Ghuddah Collection continues, and 5,369 items have been catalogued to date. The collection is housed as a discrete collection in the Special Collections Room, and the catalogued items are available to readers upon request. Special attention is being paid to the many hand-written notes accompanying the collection, which are now being separately listed and annotated.

The work on the Library’s Urdu holdings has been completed. Nearly 10,000 catalogued titles are organised thematically according to the Library of Congress classification system and are now housed in a designated section of the Special Collections Room.

The Director of the Center for Islamic Civilization of Uzbekistan, Dr Firdavs Abdukhalikov, presented the Library with a full set of the 50-volume publication titled Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan in World Collections , and a facsimile of the Katta-Langar Qur’an. The donation included material on Uzbek art, history and culture, as well as publications of Imam Bukhari, Imam Tirmizi and Imam Maturidi Centers.

Staffing

Ms Wassilena Sekulova continues in her role as the Centre’s Librarian. Over the past year, in addition to her responsibilities overseeing the day-to-day management of the Library, she has focused on promoting the collection and enhancing the Library’s profile both within Oxford and internationally.

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Dr Nouri Muhammad serves as Library Assistant, with primary responsibility for the general upkeep of the Library space and the cataloguing of its collections.

Mr. Huzaifah Ismail, Library Assistant, successfully completed the cataloguing of the Library’s Urdu collection. He is currently the principal cataloguer for the Shaikh ‘Abd al-Fattah Abu Ghuddah Collection, including the associated ephemera.

Dr Moin Ahmad Nizami continues in his role as Fellow Librarian and Fellow Archivist.

Committees

The Library Management Committee meets once a Term to discuss management of the collections and reader services. The Library team also meets every Tuesday to discuss any outstanding issues and to report on the week’s work.

The Fellow Archivist and the Librarian are members of the Archive Committee which meets once every term. The Librarian continues to liaise with the Fellow Librarian and Archivist in managing the Library Archives, Private Papers, Manuscripts and Special Collections.

The Librarian attends committees run by the Bodleian Libraries including CLiPS-AMES (Committee on Library Provision and Strategy in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies), MELIBOX (Middle East Librarians Oxford), and the once-a-Term Cataloguers’ Forum. She is also an active member of the national branch of MELCom (Middle East Librarians Committee) and serves as the Secretary of MELCom International.

Cataloguing

From May 2024 to May 2025, 1,534 items have been catalogued. The Library continues its deduplication and weeding out exercise in order to free up space.

Special collections

The Library has received a generous donation from the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) for the preservation of Special Collections. This donation will support the cataloguing and detailed description of the Library’s manuscript holdings, as well as its private papers. A laboratory is being developed within the Library for the digitisation of manuscripts, archival materials, and selected rare books.

To inform the planning of the digitisation lab, the Librarian and the Fellow Librarian visited the digitisation units at Christ Church and St John’s College, as well as the Bodleian Libraries Digitization Centre. A suitable scanning machine and supplier has been identified. The evaluation and selection of the appropriate software infrastructure to support the lab’s functions is currently in progress.

To address the growing preservation and conservation needs of its Special Collections, particularly in preparation for forthcoming digitisation efforts, the Library is planning to extend

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its membership with the Oxford Conservation Consortium (OCC). Over recent years, the OCC has played an essential role in providing expert conservation work, ensuring the proper care and handling of the Library’s manuscript collection, and assisting with the preparation and installation of exhibitions.

Infrastructure

The Manuscript Room, known as the Timbuktu Room, houses 360 manuscripts in Arabic and Persian belonging to the Nizami Collection, and another six boxes of Arabic manuscripts from the Sheikh Abu Ghuddah collection, which are still to be processed. Work on the conservation of manuscripts is ongoing under the auspices of the Oxford Conservation Consortium (OCC). The manuscript collection is complemented by over 7,000 digital manuscripts donated to the Library by Professor Abdullah Al-Ghunaim, which are stored on a dedicated PC in the Timbuktu Room and are available for consultation by prior appointment.

The Nizami Collection also includes 260 coins. An initial identification of the coins and a handlist of the collection has been completed in cooperation with the Ashmolean Museum.

The Special Collections Reading Room has been equipped with reading spaces and will be open to researchers as a third reading room upon completion of the cataloguing of the Special Collections.

Readers

Reader numbers continue to grow steadily. The Library is open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm during Term and from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at other times. The number of Library readers has grown steadily with an average of 450 visits per Term.

Knowledge exchange and outreach

In January 2025, the Library hosted the 105[th] meeting of MELCom UK, which is the key forum for collaboration among librarians working with Middle Eastern and Islamic Collections. Librarians and curators from the British Library, British Museum, the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Exeter and Edinburgh, the Aga Khan Library and Al Furqan Foundation were in attendance. The discussions centred on strategic expansion of collections in times of technological advancements.

The Library is organising an exhibition in cooperation with the Qatar National Library, which runs from 15 June to 15 October 2025. It complements the Lines of Faith exhibition, organised in collaboration with the History of Science Museum, Oxford. The exhibition includes a curated selection of Islamic manuscripts focusing on the significance of the astrolabe and its legacy in the Islamic world. The displayed manuscripts from QNL’s Heritage Library shed light on the development and application of astronomical instruments in medieval Islamic societies. The works of scholars such as Abd al-Raḥman al-Sufi, Abu Ali al-Ḥasan al-Marrakushi, and Muwaqqit alMizzi, are on display. They demonstrate the precise calculations and astronomical observations used to determine prayer times and qibla direction.

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For a second consecutive year, in March 2025, the Library hosted the Oxford Architecture Study Day for students at the Oxford Brookes University Art History programme. During the session, the Librarian and the students engaged in discussions about the history, diversity and complexity of Islamic architecture, using selected architectural features within the Centre as case studies.

In May and June 2025, the Library was pleased to welcome several visits from The Arts Society Oxford (TASO), a local chapter of the international Arts Society network, which brings together over 90,000 members worldwide. During their visits, members explored the Centre’s architecture and engaged with the Library’s holdings on Islamic art and architecture.

The Library was represented at the 46[th] MELCom International Annual Conference held from 20 to 23 May 2025 at the Sorbonne Nouvelle in Paris. The Centre’s Librarian has been confirmed as a Secretary of MELCom International for the three-year term between 2026 and 2029. MELCom International is the largest and oldest organisation for librarians specialising in Middle Eastern and Islamic collections.

Library Lecture

The Library Lecture for the coming year is being planned to align with the Centre’s 40[th] anniversary.

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Chapter Thirteen

THE GARDENS

The gardens of the Centre comprise the King Charles III Garden , which reflects traditional Islamic Garden design, and incorporates a wildflower meadow, a Rose Garden and a Banked Knot Garden, all overlooked by a raised viewing platform. There are also Trustees’ and Fellows’ Gardens, accompanied by a number of planted courtyards, including the Yemen, Istanbul, and King Fahd Courtyards.

Garden Highlights

The walled Fellows’ Garden was at its most spectacular during spring and summer, with vibrant displays of roses, white lilies, red montbretias (Crocosmia sp.), hydrangeas, and a rich variety of variegated underplanting. As this garden is compact, the density of planting had begun to feel overwhelming. Over the winter, the Gardens Team successfully reduced this bulk while maintaining colour, form and seasonal interest.

Enhancing the Trustees’ Garden has been a priority. This year, the highly fragrant star jasmine ( Trachelospermum jasminoides ) flanking the entrance was at its peak, drawing frequent praise from visitors. In the borders, Acanthus spinosus (bear’s breeches) brought vertical structure, while Leycesteria formosa (Himalayan honeysuckle) added dramatic flowering among the backdrop shrubs. Summer saw the addition of more colour to the foreground with purple Salvia ‘Amistad’ (friendship sage) and yellow Rudbeckia fulgida (coneflower), both relocated from other parts of the garden. The new planting to the right of the gates leading into the King Charles III Garden also developed well, alongside a spectacularly flowering Pride of India tree ( Koelreuteria paniculata) .

The wildflower meadow in the King Charles III Garden underwent two spectacular flowering phases. In late spring, yellow cowslips ( Primula veris) offered a striking contrast to the blue Camassia quamash . From late July to early September, a second wave featured taller plants including blue cornflowers ( Centaurea cyanus) , Scabiosa caucasica , and vivid red carnations ( Dianthus caryophyllus) . This late display was unexpectedly enhanced by the appearance of tall teasels ( Dipsacus fullonum) on both sides of the meadow, a native UK species but new to this area.

Both autumn and winter brought continued interest. Despite being warmer and wetter than usual, the gardens strong seasonal colour — particularly the Prunus ‘Umineko’ (Japanese cherry ‘Snowgoose’) in the Trustees’ Garden and, in the Fellows’ Garden , ongoing blooms of montbretia ( Crocosmia aurea), hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) and roses continued well into November. The installation of irrigation hoses in the northern and western borders of the King Charles III Garden have encouraged vigorous growth of red-hot pokers/torch lilies ( Kniphofia uvaria) and, for the first time, flowering of the lily turf ( Liriope muscari) .

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Despite severe cold spells later in the winter, flowering continued, most notably Daphne odora in both the Daphne Garden and the King Fahd Courtyard. Frost brought its own stark beauty, particularly in early January when hoarfrost dramatically oak-leaved hydrangeas ( Hydrangea quercifolia ) and early hellebores ( Helleborus niger ) in the King Charles III Garden .

The Gardens Team

The Gardens Team had a productive year. As noted, the new irrigation systems in the western and northern borders of the King Charles III Garden have significantly improved plant performance . A similar system installed over winter in the main border of the Istanbul Courtyard is already enabling a broader and more colourful planting palette.

In managing the ongoing challenge of box blight — a major problem across the UK — the team has adopted a threefold strategy. First, removing non-essential box while preserving key design elements, such as the hedges of the Rose Garden. Second, successful substitution with Euonymus japonicus in the King Fahd Courtyard, which has already required trimming due to vigorous growth. Third, cutting back existing box to expose lower wood, enhancing airflow and treatment access. Whole temporarily unsightly, this has proven effective: by autumn, the central units of the Banked Knot Garden had shown healthy leaf growth.

Looking ahead, further replacement of box hedging is planned using Lonicera nitida (Wilson's honeysuckle), a robust alternative. Meanwhile, the new, larger planters on the Pergola Roof Garden are now complete. To ensure rapid pergola coverage in the harsh roof environment, robust climbers such as jasmine ( Jasminum officinale ), honeysuckle ( Lonicera periclymenum) and wisteria (W isteria sinensis ) were chosen over more exotic, less resilient species.

Garden Visits and Open Days

Public visits to the King Charles III Garden continue to grow during its regular Tuesday openings between 4:00pm and 6:00pm. The Centre also participates in the ‘Open Doors’ event in September, when the entire estate welcomes the public. In addition, numerous organised tours have been led by the Garden Master and colleagues — the most recent being a group of gardeners from Oxford Colleges.

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Chapter Fourteen

GOVERNANCE OF THE CENTRE

he Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies is incorporated by Royal Charter dated 20 April 2012 and T is a Registered Charity (No. 293072).

PATRON

His Majesty King Charles III

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

During the year under review, the following served as members of the Board of Trustees:

HRH PRINCE TURKI AL-FAISAL, Chair, King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, Riyadh (Chair)

HRH SULTAN NAZRIN SHAH, Sultan of Perak, Malaysia (Vice-Chair)

HE DR ABDULLAH GÜL, 11[th] President of the Republic of Türkiye

HH SHEIKH DR MOHAMMED AL-SABAH, Former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Kuwait

HE SHEIKHA HIND BINT HAMAD AL-THANI, Vice Chairperson and CEO, Qatar Foundation

HIS EMINENCE SULTAN MUHAMMAD SA’AD ABUBAKAR, Sultan of Sokoto, Nigeria

HRH PRINCE FAISAL BIN SALMAN, Special Advisor, HM King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabia

RT HON DOMINIC GRIEVE KC, former Attorney-General for England and Wales

MR KHALID ALIREZA, CEO, Xenel Industries Ltd, Saudi Arabia

TAN SRI DATUK ZARINAH ANWAR, Chairman of the Institute of Corporate Directors, Malaysia

SIR MARTIN DONNELLY KCB, former Permanent Secretary at the Department of International Trade, UK

PROFESSOR RASHID NAIM, Department of Political Science, George State University, USA

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DR CATHERINE SWALES, Director of Clinical Studies, Medical Science Division, University of Oxford, UK

MR ROBERT HANNIGAN, Warden, Wadham College, Oxford (from May 2025)

DR RAJA AL GURG, Chairperson and Managing Director, Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group UAE, (coopted to the Finance and Investment Committee)

HE SHEIKH DR MESHAAL JABER AL-SABAH, Director-General, Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority, (co-opted to the Strategy and Planning Committee)

DR BASIL MUSTAFA, (co-opted to the Finance and Investment Committee)

EMERITUS TRUSTEES

PROFESSOR KEITH B. GRIFFIN, Former President, Magdalen College, Oxford

HE MR M JUSUF KALLA, Former Vice President of Indonesia

DR ABDULLAH OMAR NASSEEF, Former President, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah

PEHIN ABDULAZIZ UMAR, Former Minister of Education, Brunei Darussalam

SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

DR FARHAN AHMAD NIZAMI, CBE, Fellow, Magdalen College, Oxford

The 41[st] meeting of the Board was held in Oxford on 14 September 2023.

COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD

Three sub-committees of the Board of Trustees oversee the academic, financial and strategic policies of the Centre and advise the Board accordingly.

THE ACADEMIC COMMITTEE

The Academic Committee is responsible for reviewing all aspects of the academic policy of the Centre, as determined by the Board of Trustees, and for making recommendations to the Board accordingly. The Committee is chaired by Rt Hon Dominic Grieve KC.

The 41[st] meeting of the Committee was held in Oxford on 9 April 2025.

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THE FINANCE AND INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

The Finance and Investment Committee is responsible for reviewing all aspects of the finance and investment policies of the Centre, and for making recommendations accordingly to the Board of Trustees. This Committee is chaired by HRH Prince Faisal bin Salman.

The 69[th] meeting of the Committee was held in Oxford on 9 April 2025.

THE STRATEGY AND PLANNING COMMITTEE

The Strategy and Planning Committee is responsible for reviewing all aspects of the strategic aims and policies of the Centre, and for making recommendations accordingly to the Board of Trustees. This Committee is chaired by HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani.

The 62[nd] meeting of the Committee was held in Oxford on 9 April 2025.

ADVISORY COMMITTEES

The advancement of the Centre’s activities at local, national and international levels is assisted by the following advisory committees.

STRATEGY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Strategy Advisory Committee advises on initiatives that strengthen the Centre’s resources and extend its positive impact on wider British society. The members of the Committee are:

HRH Prince Turki Al-Faisal (Chair)

The Rt Hon Sir Clive Alderton, KCVO

The Rt Hon Jack Straw

The Rt Revd and Rt Hon The Lord Williams of Oystermouth DD FBA

The Rt Hon Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers KG PC

The Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell MP

Dr Farhan Nizami, CBE

INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Committee sustains and expands the Centre’s global network of scholarly and institutional contacts. The members of the Committee are:

Dr Usman Bugaje Former Special Advisor to the President of Nigeria

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Professor François Burgat National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), France

Professor Rahma Al-Mahrooqi Minister of Higher Education, Sultanate of Oman

Professor Abdullah Yusuf Al-Ghunaim Chairman, Centre for Kuwait Studies

Sir Jeremy Greenstock Former UK Permanent Representative at the United Nations

Dr Carole Hillenbrand

Professor Emerita of Islamic History, University of Edinburgh and Professor of Islamic History, University of St Andrews

Mr Salman Khurshid Former Foreign Minister, India

Professor Bruce Lawrence Professor Emeritus, Duke University, USA

Dr Marty Natalegawa Former Foreign Minister, Indonesia

Dr Driss Oaouicha

Former Minister for Education and Scientific Research, Morocco

Dr Don Randel

Former President, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

Shaikh Mohamed Al-Thani Former Minister of Economy and Commerce, Qatar

Mr Sodiq Safoyev

First Deputy Chairman, Senate of Oliy Majlis, Uzbekistan

ACADEMIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Each Term, this Committee reviews and supports the Centre’s contribution to teaching and research. During the year under review, its members were:

Dr Farhan Nizami (Chair) Director, Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies

Dr Silke Ackermann Director, History of Science Museum

Professor Christopher Adam Oxford Department of International Development

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Professor Judith Buchanan Master, St Peter’s College

Professor Mark Edwards Chair, Faculty of Religion and Theology

Dame Helen Ghosh Master, Balliol College, Oxford (until January 2025)

Professor Roger Goodman Warden, St Antony’s College

Mr Robert Hannigan Warden, Wadham College

Professor Robert Iliffe History Faculty, Oxford University

Ms Kate Mavor Master, St Cross College, Oxford

Dinah Rose KC President, Magdalen College, Oxford

Professor Sir Aziz Sheikh OBE Head of Department, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences

INVESTMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE

This Committee is responsible for monitoring the performance of the Trust’s investment managers, ensuring compliance with their operating mandate, and making recommendations on the management of the Trust’s investments. During the year under review, its members were:

Dr Farhan Nizami (Chair) Director, Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies

Mr Adam Ebrahim CEO, OASIS Crescent

Professor Muhammad Meki Fellow in Islamic Finance, Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies

Mr Akber Moawalla Russell Wood Ltd

Dr Basil Mustafa Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies

Mr Yong Shen Bursar, Magdalen College, Oxford

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Mr Ziad Tayara Xenel Industries Ltd

Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar Chairman, Malaysia International Islamic Finance Centre (MIFC)

SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies continues to have sole ownership of the following subsidiary companies:

Oxford Endeavours Ltd has sole ownership of:

PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS

Solicitors

Blake Morgan LLP Seacourt Tower, West Way, Oxford

Bird & Bird 12 New Fetter Lane, London

Landmark Chambers 180 Fleet Street, London

Bankers and Investment Managers

Barclays Bank PLC P.O. Box 858, Oxford

National Westminster Bank PLC 43 Cornmarket Street, Oxford

Allianz Global Investors Europe 155 Bishopsgate, London

Julius Baer International Ltd 1 St Martin’s Le Grand, London

CCLA Investment Management Senator House, 85 Queen Victoria Street, London

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Cazenove Capital King Charles House, Park End Street, Oxford

Accountants and Auditors

Wenn Townsend Chartered Accountants, 30 St Giles, Oxford

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Chapter Fifteen

MEMBERSHIP OF THE CENTRE

DIRECTOR

Dr Farhan Ahmad Nizami, CBE, MA (AMU), MA, DPhil (Oxon); King Charles III Fellow, Magdalen College, Oxford; Emeritus Fellow of St Cross College; Member of the Faculty of History and the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, University of Oxford The King Charles III Fellow in the Study of the Islamic World

FELLOWS

The following held Fellowships at the Centre:

Dr Afifi al-Akiti, BA (Belfast), MA, MSt, DPhil (Oxon); Islamic Centre Lecturer in the Faculty of Theology, University of Oxford; Fellow of Worcester College, Oxford; Member of the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, University of Oxford Kuwait Fellow in Islamic Studies

Dr Mohammed Ali Allehbi, MA (Chicago), PhD (Vanderbilt) Mohammed Noah Research Fellow

Dr Fouzia Farooq Ahmed, BA (FG College for Women), MSc, MPhil, PhD (Quaid-eAzam University) Atlas Research Fellow

Maulana Ibrahim Amin

Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi Fellow ; Imam

Professor Sir David Clary, BSc (Sussex), PhD, ScD (Cantab); Honorary Fellow, Magdalen College, Oxford

King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Fellow

Professor Shahid Jameel, BSc (AMU), MSc (IIT Kanpur), PhD (Washington State); Research Fellow, Green Templeton College, Oxford Sultan Qaboos bin Said Fellow

Professor Adeel Malik, MPhil, DPhil (Oxon); Associate Professor and Islamic Centre Lecturer in the Economies of Muslim Societies, Department of International Development, University of Oxford; Senior Research Fellow, Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford

Globe Fellow in the Economies of Muslim Societies

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Professor Muhammad Meki, BSc (Warwick), PGDip (Cantab), MSc (LSE), MSc, DPhil (Oxon); Associate Professor and Islamic Centre Lecturer in Islamic Finance, Department of International Development, University of Oxford

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Fellow in Islamic Finance

Dr Asma Mustafa, BA (Reading), MPhil, DPhil (Oxon); Senior Research Fellow, Linacre College, Oxford

Salahuddin Abdul Jawad Fellow

Dr Adil Najam, Bsc (UET), S.M., PhD (MIT); President, WWF-International; Dean Emeritus and Professor of International Relations and Earth and the Environment, Pardee School of Global Studies, Boston University

Tun Mahathir Mohamad Fellow

Dr Moin Nizami, MA (AMU), PhD (Cantab); Member of the Faculty of History, University of Oxford

Tun Abdul Razak Fellow

Baroness Hale of Richmond, DBE, MA (Cantab); Honorary Fellow, Mansfield College, Oxford

Sultan Azlan Shah Fellow

Dr Muhammad Sami, MSc (Oxon), MA (AUC); Islamic Studies Lector, Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Oxford

Albukhary Foundation Fellow

ARABIC LECTOR

Mrs Sara Youssef, BA (Al-Azhar), MA (AUC)

Kuwait Lector in Arabic

SENIOR ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

The following were Senior Associate Members during the academic year 2023/24:

Dr David Browning, Emeritus Fellow, St Cross College, Oxford

Professor Hugh Dickinson, MA (Oxon), PhD, DSc (Birmingham) (Garden Master)

Lady Judith English, MA, MB, BChir (Cantab), MRCP, FRCPsych; Former Principal of St Hilda’s College, Oxford

Professor Carole Hillenbrand, CBE, FBA, FRSE, BA (Oxon), PhD (Edinburgh)

Dr Amir Lebdioui, PhD (Cambridge); Director, TIDE Centre, Oxford

Professor Paul Madden, FRS, FRSE, Former Provost, The Queen’s College, Oxford

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Dr Basil Mustafa, MSc (Leeds), PhD (Loughborough), MEd (Oxon)

Mr Jeremy Jones, MA (Cantab)

Mr Joss Saunders, MA (Oxon)

Mr Richard Makepeace CMG, MA (Oxon)

Professor Mohammad Talib, MA, PhD (Jamia Millia Islamia)

Mr Jon Wilks CMG, BSc, MA (Dunelm), MPhil (Oxon)

VISITING FELLOWS & ACADEMIC VISITORS

Please see chapter seven on Visiting Fellowships.

TRUST AND CENTRE ADMINISTRATION

Academic Advisor Professor Paul Madden

Governance Advisor Mr Joss Saunders, MA (Oxon)

Centre Coordinator

Professor Shahid Jameel, BSc (AMU), MSc (IIT Kanpur), PhD (Washington State)

Assistant Registrar

Mrs Sana Dogar, BSc (LUMS), Assoc CIPD

Human Resources Officer

Ms Caroline Jenkins, BA Hons (Lancaster), Assoc CIPD

Personal Assistant to the Director

Ms Daisy McEachen-Bramwell, BA (Sussex)

Secretaries in the Director's Office

Ms Karen Green Mrs Caroline Sutton

Development

Administrative Assistant

Mrs Nursyaiyerah Tarmizi, MA (Oxford Brookes)

Graduate Assistant

Ms Caroline Lansdown, MA (Exeter)

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Academic Office

Coordinator Visiting Fellowships

Professor Shahid Jameel, BSc (AMU), MSc (IIT Kanpur), PhD (Washington State)

Dean of Scholars

Dr Asma Mustafa, BA (Reading), MPhil, DPhil (Oxon)

Academic Administrator

Mr Paul Churchill, MA, M.Litt. (St Andrews)

Academic Officer Mrs Elizabeth Imlah

Publications

Publications Manager

Dr Jamil Qureshi, BA, MA, DPhil (Oxon) (until May 2025)

Publications & Special Projects Officer

Dr Maria Shmygol, BA, MA, PhD (University of Liverpool)

Library

Fellow Librarian

Dr Moin Nizami, MA (Aligarh), PhD (Cantab)

Librarian

Ms Wassilena Sekulova, MA, (Berlin)

Library Assistants

Dr Nouri Mohamed, PhD (Damascus) Mr Huzaifah Ismail, MA (SOAS)

Finance

Investment Bursar

Professor Mohammad Meki, BSc (Warwick), PGDip (Cantab), MSc (LSE), MSc, DPhil (Oxon)

Deputy Registrar (until July 2025)

Mr Richard Weyers, BA (Dunelm), MA (UCL)

Finance Manager (until April 2025)

Mr Ovais Ziauddin, DipFin (Thames Valley), FCCA

Finance Assistant

Ms Isra Zamurd, MAAT

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Mosque

Imam Maulana Ibrahim Amin Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi Fellow

Mosque Educational Visits Officer Ms Caroline O’Connor

Mosque Assistant Maulana Muhammad Sahil

Home Bursary

Home Bursar Mr Charles Howard, BSc Hons (Surrey) (from June 2025)

Bursary Administrator Ms Celia Lavington, BSc Hons (Brookes)

Bursary Secretary Ms Dinara Kaliyeva, BA (Birmingham), MSc (Brookes)

Gardens

Garden Master Professor Hugh Dickinson MA (Oxon), PhD, DSc (Birmingham)

Assistant Garden Master Mr Paul Churchill, MA, M.Litt. (St Andrews)

IT

IT Manager

Mr Dale Lloyd, BSc (Leeds)

Senior IT Officer Mr Ilias Kozadinos (until May 2025)

IT Officer

Mr Benjamin Davies (from May 2025)

Maintenance

Maintenance Manager Mr Mathew Bird (until November 2024) Mr Marcin Ciepielski

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Maintenance Technicians Mr Ethan Harris Mr Dean Potter

Housekeeping

Housekeeping Manager Mr Eldhose Alias, MSc (Northumbria University)

Scouts Mrs Zafreen Akhtar Mr Karim Ihadadene Mrs Lynda Msonthi Mrs Beebee Nazma Nanyock Mrs Perla Berkiova Mr Said Baidy Mrs Rufina Goncalves Mesquita Mr Jinu Jassil Thorakkattil Neeramkuzhiyil

Lodge

Senior Porter Mr Barry Green

Deputy Senior Porter Mr Liam Kearns (until July 2025)

Lodge Porters Mr Zouhir Hassein-Bey Mr Nasar Khan Mr Ronny Rajendran (until July 2025) Mr Bill Rivers Mr Ali Qaisar Mr Nasiru Sawadogo Mr Mourad Belkhira

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Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Marston Road, Oxford OX3 0EE United Kingdom Telephone: 44 1865 278730 Fax: 44 1865 248942 Email: islamic.studies@oxcis.ac.uk Incorporated by Royal Charter Registered Charity No: 293072