Shapla Begum   Registrar

Shapla Begum is a highly accomplished individual with a diverse background in business management, education, and community service. She holds an MSc in Business Management from Queen Mary University, where she honed her skills in strategic planning, organizational leadership, and problem-solving. Additionally, Shapla obtained a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Arts, which provided her with a creative and interdisciplinary perspective in her professional endeavours.

With an extensive range of experience, Shapla has made significant contributions in various fields. She has worked as a consultant, leveraging her expertise to guide organisations towards effective decision-making and sustainable growth.

Beyond her professional achievements, Shapla’s commitment to the community shines through her extensive involvement with numerous Muslim groups and organisations. She has dedicated her time and skills to volunteer work, actively contributing to the betterment of society. As Registrar at the Muslim Law (Shariah) Council UK, Shapla utilises her expertise to ensure efficient and ethical processes, helping individuals access the council’s services with professionalism and compassion.

Nazamah Akhtar Family Law Solicitor

Nazamah Akhtar graduated from Portsmouth University with LLB (Hons) and completed her LPC at The College of Law.

She qualified as a solicitor in 2017 and has been practicing exclusively in Family Law. Her services included advising on divorce, financial matters, prenuptial agreements, private Children Act matters, various cohabitation disputes and separation.

Nazamah takes a pragmatic approach with clients, recognising the importance of resolving matters in the most cost-effective way and encourages a conciliatory outcome to each case where possible.

Nazamah is a member of Resolution, and complies with the Resolution Code of Conduct for Family Solicitors,

She is currently practicing as a family solicitor at Fitz Solicitors in Datchet, and is happy to engage with clients over the telephone, via Zoom, at the Sharia Council office or at the Fitz Solicitors office in Datchet.

Nazamah can be contacted on 01753 592000 or via email at nazamah@fiitz-legal.com.

Shahanara Begum   Relationship Counsellor

Shahanara Begum is an experienced and compassionate counsellor and psychotherapist, specialising in person-centred, CBT, gestalt, and existential approaches. With a strong background in family and couple mediation, she is also a skilled group facilitator.

Her diverse training includes working with secondary schools and supporting survivors of domestic violence. Whether working with individuals or couples, she provides a safe and supportive environment for those facing anxiety, stress, and depression. In addition, she conducts engaging workshops focusing on effective communication and conflict resolution for groups.

Moreover, she has developed and successfully implemented empowering programs specifically tailored for survivors of domestic violence, including two impactful workshops for Aanchal Women’s Aid.

For more information on her services: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/shahanara-begum-ilford-eng/416604

Nadir Khan   Remote Psychotherapist

Nadir is a Muslim Family & Systemic Psychotherapist and Islamic Psychotherapist in private practice and co facilitator of the DWP religion and spirituality group with the Association of Family Therapy (AFT). He was also co-founder of the ‘Communities of Practice’ initiative at the Institute of Family therapy where his MSc research was on the systemic training of Muslim leaders and Imams in South London which was published in the Journal of Family Therapy and Family Context magazine. He is currently a doctoral student at the University of Bedfordshire where he is exploring the relationship between Islamic mysticism and systemic theory and practice.

His clinical expertise and experience includes working as a family therapist for the NHS, Social Services and Community Mental Health services. In his private practice he offers a unique Islamic approach to systemic, family and couples therapy catering for those who seek to understand themselves and their relationships through the lens of their religious beliefs, spiritual experience and cultural environment.
Website: https://nadirkhantherapy.com/

Farjana Rahman   Family and Immigration Law Advisor 

Farjana Rahman obtained her Undergraduate degree in Law from the University of Westminster. Her strong interest and passion for the field emerged when she began working at a law firm specializing in Immigration and Asylum. This led her to complete the necessary qualifications, including the Office of Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC), to become a qualified Immigration lawyer.

In addition to her professional work, Farjana finds fulfillment in volunteering. She has served as a caseworker at charitable organizations, providing essential services to marginalized individuals in our society. She has also worked as an Immigration advisor in the charity sector, dealing with various immigration matters such as refugees and asylum seekers.

Currently, Farjana serves as a Family Law Advisor at the London Black Women Project charity, dedicated to supporting women experiencing domestic violence, and as an advisor in Family and Immigration Law for the Muslim Law (Shariah) Council UK.

To contact: farjana@shariahcouncil.org