The Principal
Shaykh Faiz ul Aqtab Siddiqi
Shaykh Faiz ul Aqtab Siddiqi Naqshbandi Hijazi hails from a family that enjoys a historic position for its services to the cause of the Ahle Sunnah wal Jam’ah and Islam. He is the eldest son of the late Shaykh Allama Muhammed Abdul Wahab Siddiqi and the grandson of Shaykh Maulana Muhammad Umar Icharvi. His family lineage as well as his spiritual teachings trace back to the Prophet through Sayyidina Abu Bakr Siddique (ra).
He is the Principal and founding Trustee of Hijaz College Islamic University (HCIU) in Warwickshire and resides at the campus. Shaykh Faiz has dedicated his life’s work to HCIU and the mission of Hijaz Community Trust and currently lectures on the Science of Hadith at the College.
As the President General of the International Muslims Organisation (IMO) he is working for the religious and social betterment of Muslims globally and has established offices in 23 countries worldwide. This work includes the setting up of schools, mosques and social centres across the globe to serve the Ummah. An Islamic Centre constructed in Toronto under the auspices of the IMO cost five million dollars to build and is the largest centre of its kind in Canada and North America. Similarly as President of IMO, he commissioned the construction of the largest mosque in Holland, built at a cost of seven million Guilders. All funds have been generated from the generous donations of the public free of state funding.
He is head of the Naqshbandi Hijazi Sufi Order, which was led by his father the late Shaykh Mohammed Abdul Wahab Siddiqi and traces back to the Prophet through Sayyidena Abu Bakr Siddique. The order (silsila) has a following of thousands and mureeds are trained to discipline their minds, bodies and souls in seeking Allah. The Shaykh offers spiritual guidance in this regard to all those that seek, from the Blessed Seat situated at Hijaz College on most Sundays.
Shaykh Faiz ul Aqtab Saheb is currently dedicating his efforts in designing a social regeneration model for the Muslim youth, known as Hijaz Community, to serve as a means to empower the muslim identity of the individual and nurture their love and reverence for their Prophet pbuh. Also as part of this societal rehabilitation programme is the development of a strategy of da’wah work to take the true meaning of Islam to the wider community.
Shaykh Faiz ul Aqtab Saheb is the National Convener of the Muslim Action Committee (MAC), which was responsible for articulating a response to the derogatory cartoons of the Holy Prophet pbuh published in 2006. The Committee consisted of over 500 scholars from all backgrounds of religious learning and created a platform for thousands of Muslims in the UK to voice their concern at a civilised and peaceful demonstration in Trafalgar Square London.
In campaigning for the principle of Global Civility the Muslim Action Committee has since been involved in responding to the provocative remarks made by the Pope in autumn 2006. Over the years Shaykh Faiz ul Aqtab has earned the respect of the Muslim community in the UK and overseas as a loyal and uncompromising voice for Ahle Sunnah wal Jam’ah and Islam.
By profession Shaykh Faiz ul Aqtab Siddiqi is a Barrister at law in England and Wales and a member of Lincoln’s Inn, currently practicing commercial law and conflicts of law. His practice is limited to 3 days per month which he finds is sufficient to meet his material needs and he devotes the rest of his time to his work for Islam.
Over the years the Shaykh has;
- Conducted several TV/radio debates on Classical Islamic thought as well as on many contemporary issues and has represented the Muslim community in the British, European as well as international media.
- Delivered inspiring lectures at numerous conferences across the world in order to spread the message of Islam in an articulate and effective manner to Muslims and non Muslims.
- Written in many journals on the contemporary dilemmas facing the Muslim Ummah. He is currently writing various books on reinvigorating the beliefs of current Muslims in their faith and love for Allah the Exalted.
- Provided his service to guiding a multitude of young people in both outwardly forms of worship as well as the inner disciplining of the soul.