More than 80 delegates came together for what organisers hailed as a “landmark moment” for young Muslims across the city.
The first Muslim Youth Summit, hosted by the Leeds Muslim Youth Forum (LMYF), took place at Weetwood Conference Hall last month, offering a platform for dialogue on issues ranging from social cohesion to faith-based leadership.
LMYF co-founder Dr Hanif Malik OBE reflected on the forum’s two-decade journey.
“This forum was established to support our youth in developing their potential and taking up leadership roles in their communities,” he said.
The event featured keynote addresses from two trailblazers. Dr Hany El Banna OBE, founder of Islamic Relief, urged attendees to centre prophetic values while tackling modern challenges.
Meanwhile, Safiya Saeed, the first Black Muslim woman to serve as Lord Mayor of Sheffield, shared her story of resilience and stressed the need for young people to take ownership of community initiatives.
Workshops throughout the day explored topics including crime, the role of mosques, prophetic values, and belonging.
Facilitators included community activist Wahida Shafi DL and former Deputy Chief Constable Mabs Hussain.
One of the summit’s most striking moments came from the LMYF Youth Ambassadors, who delivered spoken word performances and a passionate call to action. Their words, organisers said, gave voice to the hopes and frustrations of a new generation of Muslim leaders.
The event was planned with significant input from young people who had completed LMYF’s leadership programme.
Project worker Zara Nasir said: “Now more than ever, it’s vital that we listen directly to young people and respond to their needs. We need to recognise the skillsets they bring and be more inclusive of them in community life.”
Following the success of the summit, organisers are now seeking funding to make it an annual fixture in the city’s calendar.
