Fostering Unity and Spirituality: Insights from Hujjat al-Islam Abrar Hussaini

In this week’s Friday bulletin, we visited a relatively new Friday prayer service in one of the regional towns near London. High Wycombe, a small town, is home to a Shia Friday prayer congregation. Hujjat al-Islam Abrar Hussaini, the Friday Imam of the Imam Ali Centre, the only Shia centre in the town, has extensive experience leading such services across various towns in the UK. He shared his insights with us:

Q1. Could you describe your Friday prayer leadership in terms of both quantity and quality?

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا نُودِيَ لِلصَّلَاةِ مِن يَوْمِ الْجُمُعَةِ فَاسْعَوْا إِلَىٰ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَذَرُوا الْبَيْعَ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ الجمعة

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Kind.

“O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for prayer on the day of Jumu’ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.” (Surah Al-Jumu’ah: 9)

Alhamdulillah, I have had the privilege of leading Friday prayers at various centers across the UK. For the past two years, I have served as the Friday Imam at the Imam Ali Centre in High Wycombe. Although the community is small, it is diverse, and the atmosphere is spiritually uplifting. I deliver the khutbahs in both English and Urdu to ensure they are accessible and impactful for all attendees. The Friday congregation acts as a crucial weekly reminder of our duty to remain in the remembrance of Allah (SWT), while also promoting brotherhood and unity within the community.

Q2. Could you provide more information about High Wycombe, its migrants, Shia population, and the Friday prayers in this regional town?

The Imam Ali Centre in High Wycombe was established in the early 2000s to serve the needs of the local Shia Muslim community. High Wycombe’s Shia population is estimated to be around 1,000, with the centre acting as a spiritual and cultural hub for them. Located about 30 miles (48 km) from London, the town has attracted Shia migrants primarily from Pakistan and Middle Eastern backgrounds. While High Wycombe is more known for its historical sites and shopping districts, it also hosts Buckinghamshire New University, adding to the town’s diversity. Over the years, the centre has had several clerics providing religious leadership and hosting important events like Ashura and Ramadan.

Q3. Have you achieved any noticeable success in your Friday prayers that worshippers have appreciated?

Alhamdulillah, our Friday gatherings have been well-received and productive. We address relevant topics that resonate with the community’s needs, and after the prayer, we hold an informal question-and-answer session over tea. This open dialogue encourages greater participation and engagement, allowing community members to share their thoughts and concerns. It has evolved into a practical forum where people feel heard and supported

Q4. What issues are most commonly discussed during your sessions with worshippers, and what are your solutions? Do the youth also participate? What concerns do they raise?

As a cleric, I address the challenges faced by Muslim youth in the UK by following the teachings of the Ahlulbayt (pbut): 

1- Providing relevant religious education

Like Imam Ali (AS), I teach Islam in a way that helps youth connect their faith to modern challenges, showing them how Islam strengthens them.

2- Fostering open dialogue

Inspired by Imam Hasan (AS) and Imam Husayn (AS), I create safe spaces for youth to express their concerns, following the Ahlulbayt’s (pbut) example of compassion and listening.

3- Encouraging community involvement

Just as the Prophet (PBUH) empowered youth, I promote involvement in community activities, helping them feel a strong sense of identity.

4- Offering mentorship and counselling

Following Imam Zayn al-Abidin’s (AS) care for people’s well-being, I provide mentorship, helping youth with personal struggles through an Islamic approach.

By applying these principles, I aim to guide youth in balancing their faith with modern life, helping them thrive spiritually and socially.

Q5. If you have encountered any challenges, please describe them and share the solutions you’ve implemented.

One ongoing challenge at the centre is the lower participation of women due to a lack of suitable facilities. Currently, the women’s congregation is on the upper floor, but the project to enhance their participation has been delayed, possibly due to budgetary constraints. The organizers are actively working on a solution to better integrate the women’s congregation into the main prayer space.

Q6. As a Friday Imam, how often do you engage with your audience through virtual platforms?

Yes, we have effectively utilized virtual platforms. For instance, we conducted a Qur’an recitation and Tajweed course via Zoom, which was well-received by families. During the holy month of Ramadan, we also incorporated a projector and internet resources into the Layali al-Qadr programs, particularly for the three nights. This integration added a profound, spiritually uplifting experience for participants, allowing us to reach a broader audience.

Q7. Do you interact with your audience through social media platforms?

At the Imam Ali Centre, we use Instagram and YouTube to stream live speeches for those who are unable to attend in person. This approach allows us to reach a wider audience and makes it easier for people to access important discussions and teachings from anywhere. By utilizing these platforms, we ensure that everyone can benefit from the knowledge shared, regardless of their circumstances.