Muslim Women's Experiences of Academia in the UK by

University chaplaincy signpost

FR9084 — 2023-05-10 15:26:40 UTC

I had found that when I began practicing my religion in university as a visible Muslim woman, I felt drawn and welcomed to the multi-faith chaplaincy space, moreso than the area of the university dedicated to people of my own faith. This has always troubled me because I didn't know where I belonged and why I felt this way.

Muslim Prayer Mat

FR9084 — 2023-05-10 15:43:17 UTC

The purpose of this image is to symbolise the Muslim area/prayer room of my own university which I have experienced as being exclusive and unwelcoming to not only non-Muslims, but Muslims like myself too. When I first started practicing and praying at my university, I genuinely had no idea where the Muslim prayer room was. There were no signs, signposts, boards, directions, or even posters stuck on doors which would indicate to me that this is a Muslim prayer room. After speaking to my friend, she took me to the prayer room which was in the corner of the campus, with a security lock instilled within it and little welcome from the outside. Once I stepped inside, however, I was overcome with encouraging and benevolent Islamic quotes and adorable decorations and facilities, yet it didn't feel at all like home. There was actually a sign inside the room that said "Remember not to judge others by the way they dress or the way they act or the speech they say. Everyone is on their own journey"- something along the lines of this. I thought to myself, skeptically, well this is charming because the aura this space emitted was probably one of the most judgemental ones I had ever come across throughout the university. I knew finally that this is why I was so drawn to the multi-faith chaplaincy room after all.

View of London from Waterloo Bridge just outside my campus

FR9084 — 2023-05-10 15:51:44 UTC

This symbolizes the world of opportunity which I feel so appreciative of. This is a highly rose-tinted view of the capitalist system in the UK. Whilst I have hopes of changing the capitalist system, my loved ones hope that I should at least be on the better end of it.

I would say that I nurtured this idea of trying to deconstruct capitalism through my time at university. Before my time at university, I was also hopeful, like my friends and family, to climb up the capitalist ladder. I will say, however, that the culture embedded in university is one that is very capitalist anyways. So essentially I am using a capitalist institution to hopefully one day overcome capitalism. I do think sometimes that perhaps my degree is futile. I am studying social sciences and it's very much anti-capitalist, anti-racist, inclusive, etc but I feel like it's so far removed from the real world. One day I will need to go out into the real world and very much take part in this capitalist system of finding a job, paying taxes, finding housing etc which is so counterintuitive to what I'm learning about so far. It feels almost insulting because I feel like capitalism and the capitalist system is a leviathan that is allowing me to learn all these things about how to defeat it for its own entertainment. And the whole time I thought I am an active changemaker but in reality, I am passive and simply participating in its entertainment like everyone else. So my perception of the university is one that is mixed. I feel incredibly grateful to be here sometimes but I also feel quite defeated by the fact that none of this is for me or my benefit, I'm serving a wider system.

As a Muslim woman, the problems with this just pile on. Particularly if you feel as though you don't belong in a space like academia. I feel as though sometimes I am an Uncle Tom because I can only mimic a sense of belonging and be educated and progressive, intelligent, and successful in the university. But to what extent? Am I not still at the bottom of the barrel in the social hierarchy?

Beauty is the Splendour of the True

HS1942 — 2023-05-16 11:47:23 UTC

Grand buildings such as the main campus building of UCL remind me of the beauty of Allah (swt): as the Hadith goes "God is Beautiful and loves beauty". Architecture of this quality is like a foreshadowing of the beatific vision, which we hope to enjoy in paradise inshAllah.

Conscientious Objector Memorial, Tavistock Square

HS1942 — 2023-05-16 12:05:39 UTC

This plaque sits in a park I walk through every day on my way to my department. It says "To all those who have established and are maintaining the right to refuse to kill. Their foresight and courage give us hope". It was dedicated on 15 May 1994.

Through war and colonization, Western countries have dehumanized Muslim populations for centuries. This has been a point of pride for them and a celebration of their national identity. That these beliefs are so pervasive has made Muslims such as myself feel as though we are excluded from the humanism that the West prides itself with. This memorial serves as a reminder that there are pockets of people who recognize our humanity and refuse to participate in crimes against it.

Tokenism, Anthropology Department

HS1942 — 2023-05-16 12:37:44 UTC

On the walls of the anthropology department, there are pictures of non-white, non-Western people. I worry that this is tokenising, 'tokenism' being the practice of making only a performative effort at inclusion. Anthropology has a history of being a tool of empire. Today, anthropologists believe that they have overcome this prejudice and see their subjects of study on their own terms - but I think this confidence is misguided. The other is still studied in respect of parochial Western interests and concerns.

Idol Worship, Student Center

HS1942 — 2023-05-16 13:54:25 UTC

The preserved skeleton of Jeremy Bentham can be found in the student center, dressed in his own clothes. Bentham was an 18th century English philosopher, known for founding modern utilitarianism. Whilst this may be common knowledge to spectators, they may not know that Bentham claimed he was inspired by an angel in a dream shortly before the publication of his seminal work. This angel handed him a book which he had been writing by the quill of a phoenix. In this dream, Bentham viewed himself as a creator of a sect and a person of great sanctity. His publication famously argued for the replacement of religious laws with the secular principles of utilitarianism. The book, according to the angel, had "the true flavour of the fruit of the tree of knowledge". This display reminds me that no matter how god-less the people of Britain appear to be, if you look closely you will see their religion.

Alienation, University Bar

HS1942 — 2023-05-16 14:15:43 UTC

When a practising Muslim is told that their peers are meeting at the pub, they may be overcome by a few emotions. Principally, they may feel alienated by their peers. A central belief in Islam is that alcohol is prohibited from consumption. Muslims who reside in Muslim-majority countries do not traditionally plan their outings around alcohol. We are not accustomed to seeing it in the streets and we strongly associate it with weak will and poor decision-making. It therefore may come as a shock to see how large of a role it plays in British social life. At around close of day, the streets are filled with people holding a pint. As the night approaches, and especially on weekends, the sight of drunken men and women slurring their words and tripping on their own feet becomes common. We can imagine how, if this had been the other way around, the British would have called us barbarians and uncivilized - but the world we live in is their world, and so we remain strangers in it.

Conscientious Objectors, Tavistock Square

HS1942 — 2023-05-16 14:19:07 UTC

By coincidence, when I went to take a picture of the conscientious objectors memorial in Tavistock Square, they were holding the national ceremony for International Conscientious Objectors' Day.

Islamophobia: A Call to Action

HS1942 — 2023-05-22 15:48:16 UTC

This email was sent to all members of Islamic Society (ISoc) at my university, arguing in favour of disaffiliating from the National Union of Students (NUS). The previous NUS president, a Muslim woman, was removed for publicly supporting Palestine. This shows that we will never be treated as equals, for two reasons: The first is that we will never be seen as worthy of being defended, even as our people are being ethnically cleansed in an apartheid state. The second is that our place in these countries is fragile. We risk being ostracised, like the NUS president, for speaking against these crimes.

Inclusivity?

2023-05-25 21:32:48 UTC

I chose the 'Upside Down Globe' on campus as the main focal point of my photographs and took many of the shots from this point. My reason for this was that ever since I saw the globe just over a year ago and spotting my country on the list it made me feel at home and represented. However, the more time I spend at the university, it makes me wonder whether the globe is there to symbolise inclusivity or to display its worldwide "prestige"? The main theme of the courses provided at the university are based around equality, unity, diversity, cultural inclusion and creating social change. However, I can't help but feel as if it is all a façade, especially since only 'certain type' of people with a 'certain type' of socioeconomic status are able to study here. Therefore I ask, is this really about inclusivity?

Freedom.

2023-05-25 21:41:43 UTC

My favourite part of campus is not actually a part of campus but is the public park beside it. There is no better feeling than lying down on the grass with the sun shining on your face (if the weather allows it of course). I feel as though it is rare to have these moments of freedom in a capitalistic world where every amount of joy has a price-tag attached to it. In my own interpretation, Islam is about freedom, joy, loving yourself and others and helping each other. The parks of London remind me of that, it is one of the few public spaces where everyone is equal and free.

It’s all in the details

SO1966 — 2023-05-30 16:35:50 UTC

The politest graffiti you might find – captures the uncertainty of the university experience - where you are not always sure if your perspective is completely accurate, but there may be a message to glean from it nonetheless.

GroupWork

SO1966 — 2023-05-30 16:37:03 UTC

Every student's dreaded word: group work.

However, through my experience, I have grown to appreciate the benefits of collaboration, including learning to navigate different personalities and relinquishing control.

Pockets of Sunshine

SO1966 — 2023-05-30 16:38:02 UTC

Between classes, I steal moments to interact with the nature around my campus- here is a very rare interaction with a squirrel on his lunch break !!

Journeys and reflections

SO1966 — 2023-05-30 16:39:09 UTC

I often find myself caught up in the rush of everyday academic life, with little time to pause and reflect. But during the long journeys around London, I am afforded a rare opportunity to stop and look at my reflection, and contemplate my existence. It is in these moments that I am reminded of my identity as a student , a woman and Muslima/ Hijabi.

Time for Salaht!

SO1966 — 2023-05-30 16:42:11 UTC

My favorite place on campus is the prayer room, which not only allows me to complete my obligatory prayers, but also provides me with a moment to disconnect and rejuvenate. I have the opportunity to meet other people of my faith and connect with those of other faiths who believe in a higher power.

Learner (Plate)

SO1966 — 2023-05-30 16:43:37 UTC

Being in academia can feel like learning to ride a motorcycle; you may not be fully prepared to operate such a powerful machine, but the world doesn't know or wait for you to catch up as you develop your skills and knowledge.

Into the Jungle

SO1966 — 2023-05-30 16:45:14 UTC

Surrounded by the bricks and mortar of a university building with a long and questionable history, stepping outside into pockets of nature surrounded by towering structures can provide a sense of relief from the void within.

A walk in the park

LX6586 — 2023-06-02 21:30:06 UTC

This park has been the perfect place for me to just go and have a nice walk on days I feel I just need fresh air! Being constantly productive is not realistic. I believe in breaks whenever needed. If I am tired, overwhelmed, stressed, pressured or struggling with writer’s block, I head to this park. It can be very calming.

Distant within the community

LX6586 — 2023-06-02 21:30:43 UTC

A praying mat in the Campus prayer room. This campus has less people attending the prayer room, so I feel better going here. However, when I go to the other campus, where they have a bigger, busier prayer rooms, I don’t feel as comfortable and relaxed there. I feel like I am being judged for the way I dress maybe. I am not sure; it is just a feeling I get from all the looks.

Double agent

LX6586 — 2023-06-02 21:31:52 UTC

During my studies, I feel overwhelmed with the whole experience of being a student and a mother to two children. This experience helped me realize how important it is to ask for help, to breath and to have very good multitasking skills! Resilience is key!

Representation

LX6586 — 2023-06-02 21:32:24 UTC

Being a Muslim woman of colour is what sparked the focus of my study and my topic. I wanted to give a voice for people who are forgotten most of the time, under researched and underrepresented. They deserve it.

My Cozy Corner

2025-01-20 23:52:38 UTC

One of my current favourite places is my little work corner by the window in my home. It’s more than just a desk; it’s where my day comes alive. The window beside me feels like a canvas of the world, always changing, always inspiring.

From here, I can see the sky in all its moods. I watch as clouds drift lazily, as rain taps gently against the glass, as snowflakes dance silently, or as sunlight pours in, painting my desk with its golden warmth. It’s a front-row seat to the beauty of nature, a reminder of life’s simple wonders.

Through this window, I glimpse the neighbourhood. Strangers pass by each carrying their own stories. Trees sway in the breeze and sometimes, I just sit and lose myself in these little moments.

This corner is my sanctuary. The calm it offers sharpens my focus, yet its beauty keeps me grounded. It’s where my thoughts flow freely, where I feel connected to both me and the world outside.

Riverfront Retreat

2025-01-20 23:55:28 UTC

One of my favourite places at university is a bench by the Thames. The view of the glowing domes reflecting on the water feels magical, and the gentle sound of the river calms my mind.Whenever I’m stressed or need to think, I come here. It’s a place where the world feels quieter, and my thoughts become clearer. The peacefulness refreshes me, like a deep breath for my soul.

Social Netball

sanshur2 — 2025-02-19 18:57:36 UTC

Every week, I take part in social netball with a group of Muslim women, and it’s something I really look forward to. It’s a chance to stay active, have fun, and connect with others who share similar experiences. Playing a sport, I love in such a supportive environment makes a huge difference, it’s not just about the game, but also about the friendships and sense of community that come with it. These sessions give me a break from the pressures of university life and help me feel a real sense of belonging.

Akhdar After Salah

sanshur2 — 2025-02-19 19:19:24 UTC

This is in the prayer room at my university, and they have placed a Akhdar banner at the front of the prayer room. A lot of time we are rushing between lectures and chasing to finish daily tasks. I love taking a moment to read this banner and read the translation of these Akhdar’s to help implement them after I finish praying salah.

Flowers of strength

sanshur2 — 2025-02-19 19:21:58 UTC

Whilst walking through my local park, I noticed the vast stretches of soil and mud surrounding me. The ground seemed dull and lifeless, covered in dry leaves and twigs. But amidst all of this, I spotted a small cluster of delicate purple flowers pushing through the earth. Though tiny, their colour shone brightly, visible even from a distance.

I reflected on how this moment resonated with my experience as a Muslim woman. In a world that often feels unwelcoming or difficult to navigate, I strive to remain strong and visible, just like these flowers. Despite challenges, my identity and faith shine through, a quiet but undeniable presence in the landscape around me.

Unity in Diversity: Celebrating Ramadan Together at University"

2025-02-20 00:55:38 UTC

Celebrating Ramadan at university was a truly special experience, bringing together students from diverse backgrounds to share in the spirit of unity and faith. With different societies, including the Islamic Society, coming together, we had the chance to break our fast as a community, fostering a sense of belonging and togetherness. The highlight was praying together, creating a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere that reflected the beauty of diversity and inclusivity on campus.

Empowered and confident

2025-02-20 00:56:58 UTC

I captured this moment while giving a presentation at university, fully covered and wearing a mask. It’s a reminder that true confidence comes from within, not from how we dress. In a space of knowledge and growth, no one judges based on attire—only on ideas, effort, and determination. This freedom to express myself without fear makes me even more empowered.

Forgotten corridors, often the most convenient place to pray in the PhD office

meliketoprak21 — 2025-02-21 11:36:52 UTC

Prayer is a deeply personal and private moment. While I can comfortably pray in the presence of my office colleagues, who are understanding and view it as an ordinary practice, I often choose this quiet corridor instead. It’s a space I’ve observed being used several times a day, allowing me to pray without the need to inform colleagues or check if the meeting room is available. Yet, I can’t deny the fact that I always feel a sense of urgency, fearing judgment if someone sees me and does not make sense of what I'm performing.

The loneliness of the PhD

meliketoprak21 — 2025-02-21 11:46:57 UTC

This photo represents the image I have seen the most in the past 3 years.

Coming to the UK from a Muslim country for my PhD, I was struck by how isolating the PhD journey can be. Unlike the vibrant and informal streets of my home, the monotony of the UCL estates, the perpetually grey and rainy weather, our window constantly streaked with rain, and the bare tree in the background… don’t exactly make it easier to feel at home here. 🙂

Loneliness in the wilderness

meliketoprak21 — 2025-02-21 11:56:20 UTC

The hiking club is one of the societies I dream of being a dedicated member of - but that’s easier said than done. Many hikes often end with pub socials where I don’t quite feel like myself, and during long hikes, I’m usually the only one trying to pray during the first and only break. If I’m lucky, I find a secluded spot in the wilderness, away from people’s gaze. This photo was taken during one of our hikes in Windermere, where I had to pray at the first opportunity as quickly as possible to rejoin the group.

Little things

2025-02-21 17:27:12 UTC

A student left this on my desk before my teaching session. It reminded me that students have an impact on me just as much as I have an impact on them. The little things mean a lot (although 4 chocolates is very generous!)

Peace

2025-02-21 17:29:24 UTC

Students often approach me in the prayer room for support. These moments feel like a safe space for them - away from the classroom and the norms and cultural expectations surrounding university.

During a long day on campus, I appreciate being able to take a quiet moment to pray. I choose to pray at the front of the prayer room as this is my exact view - I don't have to worry about what is happening around me. It helps me to focus and forget everything that I've been thinking about during the day.

Connections

2025-02-21 17:34:03 UTC

Every time I see a Palestine flag on campus, or in public, it reminds me that there are other people who think like me and feel like I do.

What Happened to the Sea?

busrabasakci20 — 2025-02-22 23:04:15 UTC

This spot was my sanctuary, a place to escape stress. That changed the day I took this picture. After cycling from London for hours, through rain, we arrived at the coast expecting to swim. Instead, we found no sea. I suppose I'll have to find a new refuge.

Flat-V

busrabasakci20 — 2025-02-22 23:20:55 UTC

My friends from the dormitory are truly one of my greatest gifts of uni. Sharing life with diverse individuals from different cultures, religions and fields of study was an incredible experience. This photo always fills me with a deep sense of nostalgia and hope.

a picture of dedication

busrabasakci20 — 2025-02-22 23:37:54 UTC

This captured moment is from last Ramadan. I was so tired of my experiments all day and night. It is one of the pictures of my dedication.

My Fairy-tale Corner

busrabasakci20 — 2025-02-23 00:29:11 UTC

One of my favourite things is the view from the window in front of my desk. This view, which looks like it came out of a fairy tale or a historical series, gives meaning to the unbearable greyness of London. I like to sit at my desk and look at this view for a long time and think about the past, the future and the present. This quiet contemplation both relaxes me and enhances my long-term focus.

Islamophobia deterrent

busrabasakci20 — 2025-02-23 01:10:07 UTC

A flatmate of mine bought this racket to prove that hijabi girls could not be successful in any sport. He came from an Islamophobic family. And he had strong beliefs that Muslims were unsuccessful, uneducated and clueless people. One day, he was very surprised when one of my hijabi friends told him about my success in table tennis. "I bet you're not that good," he said, and the next day, he came with two rackets. Although he was also very good, I beat him. Although we played many matches, he could not beat me. After long observations, he said that Muslims were not the people he was told they were. I have been growing with tolerance, but I wasn't much interested in others. He has helped me to learn various things from different religions and cultural backgrounds. However, table tennis was the first thing as an ice-broker between us. Now we are very good friends. However, her family still gets scared when they see a girl wearing a hijab next to their child. But we are not monsters :)

Sunday routine

busrabasakci20 — 2025-02-23 01:19:52 UTC

Sundays are usually for a run or walk, then a relaxing read in Hampstead Heath Park, accompanied by a scone and tea. Raspberry-white chocolate is my favourite scone, and needless to say, my tea of choice is an Earl Grey with milk.

New paper is loading

busrabasakci20 — 2025-02-23 01:27:16 UTC

This photo is a memory from my first article that I wrote with a group of Muslim researcher.

Tevekkul

busrabasakci20 — 2025-02-23 02:27:09 UTC

Working with DNA and RNA feels like practising tevekkül. The sheer complexity of these, the most minor structural units of life, often prompts profound reflection. You can execute the same steps accurately yet still encounter different results. Therefore, the best thing that can be done is to do everything you can, take all the proper steps and then wait for the result from Allah.

Ever after garden

saadiquahzarreen111 — 2025-02-27 20:54:34 UTC

Growing up, I always loved the idea of being a Disney princess and having my own fairytale romance. This is the closest I’ve gotten to that. Last December, I went to the Ever after Garden in London, to get out of the rut you experience when away from home as an international student.

In a field of thousand glowing white roses, I stood like that 12 year old girl, I used to know. Only dreaming and reaching out, to hold one magical wish. My culture mocks this dream of mine, so I dare not share it with anyone. Truth be told, education was only an excuse. What I really wanted was the freedom to escape into a magical land full of possibilities, unchained by the shackles of a doubtful society that berates me for my courage.

Alas, I couldn’t be tamed.

When a distant dream calls

saadiquahzarreen111 — 2025-02-27 20:56:41 UTC

I was returning back from an important event. The weight of my future and its impending uncertainties loomed over my shoulders, hung in despair. And then, I saw the Shard – which at least to me is a symbol of London’s grand life, across a gloomy horizon. With its luminous top, as I gazed at it, longingly, almost as if a distant dream called upon me. Did it give me hope? I dare not answer. But, it did straighten up my shoulders and added a brisk air to my walk.

Birds of stone don’t fly

saadiquahzarreen111 — 2025-02-27 20:59:21 UTC

Against the backdrop of a poster of the sun rising upon central London, sits a bird made of stone. The air is damp from the incessant showers and the ferns stab the poor beast. And in this bird, I find a story resonating with my soul. While I am no bird of stone, I too, cannot fly, as much as I might long to. At the moment, I find myself stoned in place by my circumstances and responsibilities. I feel the pressure of getting a job and paying back my education loan

Lest, my desire for freedom is stalwart and patiently I await the day, the sunlight hits my weary eyes.

Farewell mein beste, Goodbye mi amiga…

saadiquahzarreen111 — 2025-02-27 21:01:09 UTC

I met a friend one last time before she moved back to germany, her home. We talked for hours at the cafe and sip after sip, my lipstick stained the rim of the cup. The parting gift was a cute drawing she made of me with a few earnest words of encouragement written at the back. This wasn’t my first goodbye for many of my other good friends had also left, in more or less a similar fashion. The irony is, the best thing about studying at an international college is also what makes it the worst – all your friends belong to different cultures so you get to learn and grow with them, but then they all go back to their lands and you remain lost for the longest while, wondering, what’s next.

I grow despite…

saadiquahzarreen111 — 2025-02-27 21:04:11 UTC

Unbeknownst to my past self that thought London was her escape to a better life, I have encountered much strain upon my arrival to this strange land. And I am humbled by the prospect of growing and learning amongst others, who like me, have ventured into this city looking to make a worthy living. There are limitations still from where I stand, but I keep on growing little by little, trusting that life will take me where I am meant to be. This baby plant, is me. Sometimes the soil feels barren to the eye. But much of my roots go deeper than they will ever know.

kaameromer — 2025-03-12 02:52:58 UTC

This picture holds a weight I never knew I’d carry. As a Muslim girl stepping into the heart of a foreign country, the walls of the classroom felt colder than I expected — the quiet hum of conversations I couldn’t quite join, the polite smiles that didn’t reach the eyes. The feeling of alienation wrapped itself around me, a quiet echo of not belonging. And yet, there were moments — fleeting but sharp — of warmth. The presence of certain faces, the quiet comfort of shared spaces, the reassurance that maybe I wasn’t as alone as I felt.

And then there’s the quote on the board — about political language, about the way lies are polished into truth and violence is dressed in civility. I had never thought about these things before, never really cared to see the cracks beneath the surface. But now, studying global public health, the weight of injustice presses in from all sides. I see the patterns — how systems are built to oppress, how language smooths over brutality until it seems acceptable. It’s unsettling, this awakening. The discomfort of knowing too much — of seeing through the veil — and wondering how to hold that knowledge without being consumed by it.

This journey is more than an education; it’s a reckoning. A quiet undoing and remaking. And somehow, despite the unfamiliarity, I’m finding a strange kind of belonging.

Acknowledgement

aahmed196 — 2025-04-08 12:40:44 UTC

Walking into university and this is the first thing I see; feeling proud to study in a place where I am accepted. Being understood in your environment is a great feeling.