This week, we attended an old Friday prayer service led by a young Imam. Hojjat al-Islam Mohammad Kazem Maroufi, the youngest Friday prayer leader in England, is a guest on the Friday bulletin. He has implemented effective strategies to attract young people, which could serve as a model for any centre or mosque. Sports is one of his key attractions and techniques for drawing youth to Friday prayers and cultural activities.

1- As a new generation of Friday imams in England, how would you describe your Friday prayers in terms of quantity and quality?

Hussaini Islamic Mission was purchased in 1982 (I was not even born then), and it is the only Shia centre within the vicinity. Hence, no other Juma congregations are held in the borough of Hounslow. I have been informed that Juma prayers have regularly been performed here ever since its establishment.

Since childhood, I have observed that Friday prayers have attracted and garnered large crowds. To this day, its importance hasn’t faded whatsoever, with Mumineen persistently flocking in large numbers for this prayer. Our centre can easily accommodate up to 200 people and is at full capacity on most days. People of all background attend the prayer with Pakistanis/Indians forming a majority, there is also a healthy presence of Afghan community who often conduct their own events in our centre.

“I have used cricket, table tennis, and billiards to engage young people. For the elderly, I have my own special methods. For example, for an older gentleman who felt shy, I arranged private Quran lessons for him.”

2- You are expected to establish good relationships with both the traditional, elderly demographic and the youth in the community. Where do you find the challenges in this?

There is no doubt that there is an expectation from the speaker to form a sound connection with the youth as well as the venerable aged. Forming a dynamic and vibrant relationship is challenging as it sometimes requires me to informally engage with some youths through fist punching and participating in sport activities of their interest thereby expressing similar passions and enthusiasm. This helps to connect and form a greater bond. We are planning to form a cricket team, having already brought its gear. An easy-going and approachable attitude is crucial in building strong relations. Recently an elderly person without any inhibition asked me to teach him Quran privately, it was shyness which had prevented him to learn earlier.

On a rare occasion someone opposed the lenient and soft approach with which youths were dealt with because he preferred to discipline them with sternness and telling off. It was a challenge to convince him that this is not the way of Islam, nonetheless through politeness and civility we succeeded.

3- Considering that the number of young people and women attending Friday prayers is naturally lower than that of the elderly, how do you address topics that meet their needs?

Yes, since the youth are immersed in their academic pursuit and can’t commit themselves in large numbers except during a holiday, It necessitates that they are compensated for and events tailored for them are conducted separately. Aside from Saturday and Sunday school which caters for children of all ages, we have Thursday night programs which are specifically designed for the youth. It is more of a discussion circle in which questions are asked and answered adequately. I believe at least one day should be dedicated to dialogues as opposed to monologues.

On occasions, esteemed speakers are invited as per the suggestions of the youth to speak on a given topic. Recently we covered topics such as “preservation of Islamic faith in the face of western cultural allure”, “educational challenges faced by the youth” and “parental support is finding suitable spouses for youths” etc.

We have also held ladies only sessions lead by female scholars fortnightly.

4- For young people who are unable to attend Friday prayers, how do you communicate the content of the sermon to them?

Well, today we are in the age of lectures and sermons being telecasted live and recorded hence even if there is a low turnout on the part of youngsters and women, they are encouraged to listen to them at their convenience. The majority of those who attend Juma are neither elderly nor young. It’s mostly middle-aged men. Therefore, I try to address topics whereby they understand their responsibilities towards their children and spouses. I have spoken extensively on reciprocal and mutual rights of spouses. Once, an elderly lady expressed her gratitude to me, stating that “your lectures in Juma have changed the attitude of my son in law towards my daughter Alhamdolillah”. I make it a point that they relay everything to their spouses and children. I have also spoken on “fortification of family dynamics”, it is the job of the speaker to cleverly incorporate subjects which meet the need of all parties concerned and listeners feel obliged to transmit to others.

“A woman who prays said, ‘Your sermons at Friday prayers have changed my son-in-law’s behavior toward my daughter.'”

5- How successful have you been in using Friday prayers as a platform to encourage cooperation, collaboration, and support for those in need? Please provide an example.

The primary goal of Friday sermons is to keep up to date with the news and affairs of the Muslims all around the world. The welfare and unity of Muslims is of paramount importance in Islam. Imam Reza’s (as) daily routine after Fajr prayer was to sit with the people who gathered around his house, he would begin his day listening to the problems and issues of the people and then work on its resolutions in whatever capacity he could. Lessening the burdens and providing relief to people was Masoomeen’s greatest occupation.

Following their footsteps I have encouraged people to donate generously. Post Juma, a group us discuss, strategies and evaluate how we can help those Shia Muslims providing relief to whom is extremely challenging such as the oppressed Shias of Parachinar. Every Juma there is a briefing of the progressions made and how we can improve further.

Recently, we managed to accumulate large amounts of money and clothes in aid for the devastated people of Lebanon and Gaza.

6- What creativity and innovation have you introduced in this role?

To add more appeal to Thursday night programs, I suggested that we add some recreational activities for the youth hence a snooker and table tennis tables have been added to our center so that after the program the youth can afford some relaxation and enjoyment which is essential in forming long-lasting friendships with each other. We have more youth involved in the management which has led to the formation of “the youth society”. I have also encouraged the youth to acquaint themselves with “Fourteen” which is an organization aimed at bringing the youth and their families together in a halal environment for recreational outdoor/indoor activities.