Top Muslim leader visits Mount St Mary's College

Zara Mohammed speaks at Mount St Mary's

Zara Mohammed, former leader of the Muslim Council of Britain, visited Mount St Mary's College in Spinkhill, Derbyshire, on Wednesday, 9 April, to speak to the students.

Dr Mohammed was elected Secretary General of the MCB - an umbrella organisation for mosques and Muslim associations across the UK - in 2021, not only the first woman to hold that post, but also the youngest person, at just 29, and the first Scot - Zara being born and raised in Glasgow. She stood down after completing her second term in January 2025.

She spoke to the Sixth Form about her experience of being a Muslim and a young faith leader, and also covered topics such as the importance of interfaith dialogue, common misconceptions about Muslims, including the role of women in Islam, her experience of dealing with the media, and what it takes to be a leader. Zara also led a session with pupils from Years 7 and 8, telling something of her own story and answering their questions about Islam and her own experience of faith leadership.

Father Peter Scally SJ, priest-in-residence at Mount St Mary's, said: "Zara is an incredibly engaging person who takes an interest in the people she meets and is ready to share her own remarkable story. Our students were fascinated - as well as entertained and educated - by her wealth of experience and her insights into leadership, communication, and being a young person of faith in the modern world. Her visit helped to show us how Christians and Muslims can work together to make the world a better place."

Mount St Mary's College is a Catholic boarding and day school, established by the Jesuits in 1842. It aims to fulfil the Jesuit educational vision of caring for the whole person in order to produce "men and women for others" - grateful, generous, learned and wise young people of conscience and compassion.

LINK

Mount St Mary's College - www.msmcollege.com/