Building Unity and Leadership: An Interview with Hojjat al-Islam Shobeiri on the Role of Friday Prayers and Community Strength

In Nottingham, England, we had the opportunity to visit the Al-Zahra Foundation, an important social and spiritual hub for the Muslim community. Our guest for this week’s Friday Bulletin is Hojjat al-Islam Shobeiri, the Friday prayer leader of the centre. We would like to extend our best wishes to him on his recent return from Umrah, and may his acts of worship be accepted. To begin, we ask:

1. Why is Friday prayer important?

Friday prayer is often referred to as the “Hajj of the needy” because of its great significance, particularly for those who may not have the means to perform the pilgrimage. Friday itself is considered a blessed and chosen day of the week, often referred to as the “promised day,” which is associated with the anticipated reappearance of the Imam of our time.

2. Can you introduce the Al-Zahra Foundation, which serves as the Friday prayer centre in Nottingham?

The Al-Zahra Foundation in Nottingham is unique in the UK as it is a fully multicultural organisation. I like to describe it as a bouquet of flowers, with each flower representing a different country or nation. While our community may be small in size, it possesses many significant qualities that set it apart.

3. Could you describe the Friday prayer in terms of attendance and quality?

Friday prayers have been held at the Al-Zahra Foundation since its establishment. Typically, 50 to 60 people attend the Jumu’ah prayer, although this number can vary during holidays. We have a good number of women attending, and as our centre is located close to Nottingham University, many students also participate. While the majority of attendees are middle-aged, during the holidays we welcome more young students, usually between 10 to 20 participants.

Our community includes followers of the two main Maraji of the Muslim Ummah, Imam Khamenei and Ayatullah al-Udhma Sistani (may Allah protect them). The Al-Zahra Foundation is also the only Shia centre in Nottingham, which adds to its importance. In the past, we faced challenges similar to those in other communities, with concerns about division. However, through the efforts of the Ulama and community leaders, we were able to maintain unity.

Our Friday prayers begin promptly with the Adhan, and we aim to conclude the Khutbas, Jumu’ah prayer, and Asr prayer within one hour. Since many of our attendees are from the working class, it is crucial to respect their time. The Ahadith advise that the Imam of the Jumu’ah should be mindful of the most vulnerable members of the community, which is why we strive to keep the sermons concise and focused. This allows worshippers to complete their obligatory prayers and return to work without unnecessary delay.

4. How are the sermons delivered, and how do you prepare for them?

Both of our Friday Khutbas are delivered in English, with a few sentences occasionally spoken in Urdu for inclusivity. During the first Khutba, I always focus on Tafseer (Qur’anic exegesis). I select one verse from a specific Surah each week and explain it in detail. It is important to mention that this practice was inspired by Hujjatul Islam Agha Qaraati, who visited IEC Houston during my time in the United States. I had the honour of hosting him, and he advised me to incorporate Qur’anic Tafseer into the first Khutba. He also recommended his Tafseer-e-Noor, which I have followed for many years. This has been greatly beneficial for both myself and the audience.

I typically spend two to three hours preparing for the Jumu’ah prayer, studying and staying up to date with current events, which I address in the second Khutba. It is essential that the Imam of the Jumu’ah remains well-informed about local and global issues, especially those affecting the Muslim Ummah, in order to guide the community effectively.

Friday should be a day of spiritual reflection, and the Imam must prepare mentally, physically, and spiritually for this important role. I have learnt from Imam Khomeini (R.A) that he would cancel all personal meetings on Fridays to focus on the remembrance of Allah and maintain a spiritual state. Similarly, Ayatullah Khamenei has said that he still spends at least three hours preparing for Jumu’ah prayers. May Allah bless all Ulama, so they can continue to speak the truth, as the Friday Khutba is not just advice but a platform to make the community aware of current challenges and to connect them with the broader Muslim Ummah.

5. Do you have any practical examples of success at your centre that could serve as a model for other centres?

The Imam of the Jumu’ah must serve as a role model for the community. In the Ahadith, it is said that the words of a scholar who does not practise what they preach are like writing on water. Imam Sadiq (a.s) has said: “Surely a scholar who does not act upon their knowledge, their advice will slip from the heart just as rainwater slips off a rock.”

An Imam should be a true leader, someone who is the most practising among the people and displays a well-disciplined lifestyle. Practising Taqwa (God-consciousness) means living a balanced life according to the will of Allah (SWT).

In my experience, being organised and disciplined in both personal and social life plays a vital role in becoming a role model. One of the common issues in communities is a lack of discipline, leading to late starts for programmes or prayers. However, if the Imam of the Jumu’ah demonstrates leadership by being organised and punctual, this can inspire the community to do the same. Personally, I have never changed my practice of starting on time, even if the attendees are late. I believe the people should adjust to this discipline rather than expecting the leader to change their routine.

A great example of organisation is seen in the lives of leaders like Imam Khomeini and Ayatullah Khamenei. When Imam Khomeini was in Najaf, the people of the city would set their watches based on his punctuality. Similarly, the Imam of the Jumu’ah should lead by example, being well-organised in both personal and public life.

Another practice I have found beneficial is maintaining a personal relationship with the community. I regularly organise one-on-one visits with families, which allows me to understand their concerns and gain feedback on my work. These visits also provide an opportunity to offer guidance and counselling, helping resolve day-to-day issues and family problems. This close relationship between the Alim and the community can be a key factor in the success of both the scholar and the centre.

An Alim must stay engaged with the community and be well-aware of its affairs. If a leader becomes disconnected, they will be unable to effectively guide the people. It is also important to foster strong relationships with the youth, encouraging their active involvement in community matters. Unfortunately, many communities still rely on elderly leaders, but it is crucial to involve the younger generation, as they are the future of any organisation.