My multi faith working in Medway

By Shaffiq Din

Shaffiq Din was part of the exodus from Idi Amin's Uganda

Born in East Africa, I came to England in 1972. My family and I were part of the Idi Amin exodus. Gillingham has been our home for over 33 years.

When we first arrived there were many issues to deal with including language difficulties, finding somewhere to live and finding employment. We began establishing ourselves and contributing to the community, as we are asked to do in Islam.

I went to Junior school and secondary school in Gillingham. Then on to college and University. After my studies I then began working for a Pharmaceutical organization in Kent and then into IT in the City. After some years here in senior management roles I became non-executive director at an Information Security organization based in London. This role gave me some free time (finally!) and I began getting involved with the local community.

My sister introduced me to Rainer, an organization working with under-supported young people and we both undertook training and began mentoring. This proved to be very rewarding.

A very valuable group of people who do so much to promote better relationships and understanding between different Faith groups in Medway are MIFA, the Medway Interfaith Action group. Some of the more mature Muslim representatives were in need of rest after many years of service and needed someone with a fresh perspective to step in.

MIFA have been involved with projects such as the 6th Form Conference (delivering, amongst other things, workshops highlighting topics such as how Islam views Terrorism,) Holocaust Memorial Day and Week of Prayer for World Peace. I am joint Vice Chair along with my very good friend Canon Alan Amos, who some of you may know as Chaplain at the Medway Maritime Hospital. In the current climate developing understanding relationships between people is so important and using the context of Faith to do it is, I believe, a very good route to take. I would urge anyone who is interested in contributing to get in touch!

For many years my family and I have been attending the Mosque in Canterbury Street, Gillingham. This has been run by the Kent Muslim Welfare Association since around 1967! There are many activities including teaching and Youth Group work. My younger brother is currently learning The Holy Qur'an by heart, taught by the Imam of the Mosque. I am the webmaster for the KMWA

Kent Muslim Welfare Association

When a distinguished member of this community was going to leave Medway, he asked me to come with him to the local Prison for a Diversity Evening. The event went down a storm! Soon afterwards I was asked to take over as the Imam (Spiritual leader of the Muslim Community) at Rochester Youth Offenders Institute. I now work as part of the Chaplaincy team. This is one of the most fulfilling roles I have ever undertaken!

The Muslim community in Medway are contributing to the economy and social fabric in many ways. We are commonly known as business people, creating jobs and providing services. My generation have excelled in the professional sector.

As you can see, my Faith plays a major part in my life. Not only in my activities and how I contribute to society in general and locally but in also in a personal day to day spiritual way. Of-course, none of this would have been possible without the guidance, help and support of my parents.