Reading is a city located 40 miles west of London and lies along the River Thames. It has a population of around 200,000. According to available information, there are several active mosques and Islamic centres in Reading, although their exact number fluctuates. One prominent Shia centre in the city is the Zainabiya Centre, which hosts Friday prayers.

The Imam of this centre believes that Reading is often overlooked due to its proximity to London, as many local Muslims travel to London to attend religious gatherings during special occasions.

Hujjat al-Islam Sheikh Hashem Hosseini is one of the youngest Friday prayer leaders in the UK and serves part-time at this Shia centre. Due to his young age, we asked him more about youth-related topics so we could better understand the challenges faced by Muslim youth in Reading and the broader Muslim community.

1. Could you please describe the Friday prayers in Reading and your own Friday prayer service in terms of both quantity and quality?

Zainabiya is a Shia community based in Reading, dedicated to promoting the values of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family. Its mission is to provide cultural, religious, and social services to the Shia residents of Reading. In Reading, Friday prayers are generally held in Urdu and English.

The number of Shia mosques and centres in Reading varies, but most Shia residents attend the Zainabiya Centre. I am honoured to serve here two days a week, including Thursdays and Fridays.

2. As one of the younger Imams, what are the concerns of Muslim youth in the West?

Today, the attitudes and behaviours of youth in Western societies are quite different. Some participate in cultural activities—though not many—but most are hesitant to express their issues openly. However, once you engage them in conversation, you find many untold stories and hidden concerns. The key to addressing their problems is spending time with them and listening. I’ve tried to speak with some individually and others in groups to better understand their struggles.

In these conversations, I’ve noticed that the biggest challenge youth face is social isolation. Due to loneliness and lack of community interaction, they often don’t plan for their personal future and become more vulnerable to social problems in Western society. I believe that one of the primary roles of religious centres is to create spaces for such interaction and to raise awareness about the consequences of isolation.

Of course, loneliness is a widespread social problem in the West, not limited to youth, but we are specifically discussing young Muslims who are more involved with modern technology and digital media, which often leads them to waste much of their lives.

Unfortunately, many of these youth don’t know how to pave a path toward professional or academic success. The root of this issue is a lack of passion, excitement, and motivation, which they fail to renew due to being disconnected from community life. According to psychologists and experts, a lack of clarity about life goals and absence of a personal development plan are major reasons for this.

However, during religious occasions like Muharram, Safar, or Ramadan, these same youth often show increased motivation and participate actively in religious events. This indicates that they do possess the potential for greatness and can contribute meaningfully to their faith and community. Even though many youths today fall victim to modern technologies and social issues, the spiritual energy they gain during these events must be nurtured and preserved. Preachers—especially the younger ones—can help these youth stay on the right path, find purpose, and even become influential members of society.

3. What’s the most impactful experience you’ve had in connecting with the younger generation in your role?

One of the most effective methods is organizing cultural camps and recreational outings. Sports activities are especially engaging for youth. When it comes to religious content, the topic of the Mahdi (Messianic saviour in Shia Islam) is particularly appealing to them. In my conversations with youth, I’ve noticed that many of them are deeply interested in this subject. This thirst for understanding shows a profound spiritual connection between the youth and the Imam of the Age.

The clearer the goal becomes for them, the more they can define their own direction in life, and the stronger their motivation and capabilities become. I believe that young people—whether in the East or the West—are naturally drawn to the concept of the Mahdi, because it fills an intellectual and spiritual void and can even resolve their personal struggles.

As Imam al-Mahdi (AJ) said in a narration:

“And increase your supplication for the hastening of the reappearance, for indeed, that is your relief.”

Through this hadith, we can link the youth’s yearning for guidance and success to the awaited saviour, offering them a clear roadmap and a vision for their lives that can attract and inspire them.

4. Your father is also an Imam. Did he encourage you to study in the seminary, or was there another reason behind your decision?

Naturally, the influence of a father or elders plays a role in shaping one’s path, and even friends can have a significant impact. I clearly remember my father once took me to the house of a devout friend—who is now a renowned doctor in the UK. This respected man spent an hour explaining why I should pursue a professional career and perhaps go to the seminary later.

Despite all the opinions and the fact that my friends were applying to universities, my heart was always set on joining the seminary in Qom. Another reason may have been the regular visits of scholars to our home, thanks to my father’s presence in the community.

5. What are the consequences of remaining silent in the face of oppression?

This is a command from the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (AS): one must always stand against oppressors and support the oppressed.

This isn’t just a religious duty—it’s a human obligation. History has repeatedly shown us that silence in the face of oppression leads to the loss of great individuals. Karbala is the greatest example of this. Whenever societies have chosen silence for the sake of security, they failed to realize that such silence encourages oppressors to continue their tyranny—and soon, their own turn comes.

Moreover, our communities need to understand that silence and indifference toward injustice not only cost us our heroes but also diminish the blessings in our lives—such as spiritual values, divine grace, and even family bonds. Those who remain indifferent to injustice suffer losses in this world and in the Hereafter.