In this week’s Friday bulletin, we once again turned to a young Friday Imam — and this time, our view of him changed significantly before and after the interview.

Hujjat al-Islam Mirza Noorul Hasan, Friday Imam of Woking near London, gave us responses that were refreshingly youth-centred. While one might expect that from a young Imam, his insights also offer valuable lessons for fellow Friday leaders — especially young ones — wherever they may be.

1 – Please tell us about your background in Friday prayers and introduce the one you currently lead.

I’ve been delivering Friday prayers since 2006, having served in cities such as Nairobi (Kenya), Arusha (Tanzania), Stockholm (Sweden), Leeds, Glasgow, and currently in Woking, UK.

This journey has been long and full of blessings. Although I sometimes deliver sermons in Urdu or other languages, I primarily give Friday sermons in English.

Thanks to God, the Friday prayer in Woking has attracted a well-educated and thoughtful audience. I’ve aimed to keep the sermons dynamic and connected to real-life issues—covering social, political, religious, theological themes, especially those concerning the current state of Shi’a communities, Islamic history, jurisprudence, and responses to doubts and misinformation.

One of the standout features of Friday prayer in Woking is its appeal to young people, as it has become a space for open, transparent, and enriching dialogue.

The key to success has been sincere connection with the audience, clear language, and honest presentation of the teachings of Ahl al-Bayt (A.S.).

“Friday prayer must align with the needs of the younger generation in the West.”

2 – What do you think are the keyways to strengthen Friday prayer in this country, and what methods have you used?

To strengthen Friday prayer in Western societies—particularly in the UK—I’ve always emphasized a few key principles that I believe we must all take seriously:

2.1 – Transforming Friday prayer into a centre of identity and thought.

Friday prayer should go beyond worship; it must become a space for analysis, answering doubts, and building Islamic identity for the youth.

2.2 – Choosing relevant and practical topics.

In my sermons, I consistently address contemporary social, intellectual, theological, and political issues, especially those impacting immigrants, youth, and students living in the West.

2.3 – Building a team and collective work around Friday prayer.

By forming youth groups, media teams, advisory boards, and organizing side activities like Q&A sessions, Friday prayer becomes a vibrant institution.

2.4 – Active presence in digital space.

By sharing summaries of sermons, short clips, or even infographic posters, we reach a much wider audience with the content of Friday prayer.

2.5 – Consistency, organization, and personal rapport.

Friday prayer should be reliable, consistent, and on time. The audience should feel that this is a serious and inspiring weekly commitment.

In short, Friday prayer must align with the needs of the younger generation in the West: using simple language, delivering deep content, creating a welcoming environment, and offering a clear sense of identity.

“My personal experience shows that working alone has limitations; the future lies in structured and goal-oriented teamwork.”

3 – How much can creating a council of Friday Imams help strengthen Friday prayer in the UK and Europe?

Establishing a central committee or network of Friday Imams is a very important step toward coordination, synergy, and the elevation of Friday prayer’s status in Europe. Such a structure can:

3.1 – Develop shared and updated sermon topics and content

3.2 – Provide accurate and practical responses to current theological and social doubts

3.3 – Offer training and capacity-building opportunities for Friday Imams

3.4 – Identify and mentor a new generation of preachers

3.5 – Establish stronger communication among Friday leaders

3.6 – Build relations with civil institutions, media, and government entities

3.7 – Strengthen Shi’a unity and promote a coherent image of rational and compassionate Islam

In my experience, individual efforts—while valuable—are limited. The future lies in collaborative, structured, and strategic work.

“The longevity of a Friday Imam in the West depends on his sincerity, knowledge, strategy, and smart engagement.”

4 – What kind of innovative approaches should a Friday Imam take today in order to remain relevant and lasting?

To remain impactful and lasting in Western societies, a Friday Imam must:

4.1 – Develop a new communicative style with the younger generation; not just lecturing but engaging in genuine dialogue.
4.2 – Be visibly active in public life—such as in media, universities, and civil institutions.
4.3 – Transform Friday prayer from a ritual pulpit to a “platform for civilizational development”.
4.4 – Provide sharp analysis, responses to doubts, and practical solutions for social issues in sermons.
4.5 – Institutionalize youth involvement through Q&A, education, and advisory roles.
4.6 – Speak with honesty and courage, but also with wisdom and balance.
4.7 – Cultivate future leaders from among the youth in the congregation.
4.8 – Be a role model through personal behaviour, modest lifestyle, and respectful demeanour.

So, in my view, the lasting impact of a Friday Imam in the West depends on sincerity, scholarly depth, strategic thinking, and intelligent outreach.

5 – What qualities define a successful Friday Imam in your opinion?

A successful Friday Imam is someone who:

5.1 – Has situational awareness, understanding the real needs of his audience.

5.2 – Embodies sincerity and ethics in both speech and conduct.

5.3 – Is knowledgeable in jurisprudence, Qur’an, theology, history, and contemporary doubts.

5.4 – Is approachable and genuinely connected to the people.

5.5 – Has courage to speak the truth but does so wisely and moderately.

5.6 – Is creative in delivering sermons, using examples, stories, humour, and variety.

5.7 – Is media-literate and shares his message through digital platforms as well.

5.8 – Mentors the next generation, knowing that a lasting Imam builds successors.

5.9 – Leads by personal example in humility, appearance, and etiquette.

These are insights I’ve come to believe in over many years of leading Friday prayers around the world.

In conclusion, while some of these points may sound familiar, I firmly believe the following practical tips can greatly enhance the appeal of Friday prayer in the West:

• Using youth-friendly language and relevant everyday topics
• Addressing the challenges of the younger Muslim generation in the West
• Creating space for Q&A after the sermons
• Using social media to share key sermon highlights
• Linking religious teachings to real-life concerns—such as work, family, identity, and politics