On 25th September 2024, the Islamic Society (ISOC) at the University of Buckingham hosted a highly successful and transformative event featuring the renowned speaker, The Sunnah Guy (Brother Shoaib). The talk, titled “Relationships, Religion & Resilience,” drew an impressive turnout, with around 40-50 attendees including first, second, and third-year medical students, law students, and members of the general public. The event proved to be a powerful and uplifting experience for all, setting the stage for more such beneficial gatherings in the future.
The Sunnah Guy, known for his ability to connect with young people and deliver Islamic teachings in a relatable manner, did not disappoint. He touched upon key aspects of youth, relationships, and the challenges faced by university students today. His insights into how faith can serve as a guiding force in overcoming the obstacles of modern life left a lasting impact on attendees, who were deeply engaged throughout the session.
Reflecting on the event, Fahmida Zahin, a first-year medical student, said:
“Recently, I attended the event organised by the ISOC where the key ideas of religion, relationships and resilience were highlighted in a different point of view by the Sunnah Guy. He touched upon the importance of these topics as a university student, and I found it superbly helpful and insightful. I hope they continue to have such events in the future as well!”
Brother Shoaib’s passionate delivery and deep understanding of the challenges young Muslims face in university resonated with attendees across the board. He seamlessly bridged the gap between theoretical teachings and practical application, making even the most complex subjects relatable and accessible.
“The recent ISOC event featuring The Sunnah Guy was a transformative experience,” remarked Faisal Khan, a second-year medical student. “The speaker’s message struck a deep chord, inspiring reflection and a more optimistic approach to daily life. His thoughtful responses to audience questions enriched the discussion, making it both enlightening and memorable. It was a spiritually uplifting gathering that left a lasting impression, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been part of it.”
The event was not only about the talk but also fostered meaningful connections between the students and the wider community. Attendees included medical and law students as well as members of the Buckingham community, all coming together to benefit from the evening’s discussions. The ISOC provided refreshments, creating a welcoming environment for all participants. Following the talk, a second session allowed attendees to engage in an open Q&A with Brother Shoaib, where they could clear their doubts and ask personalized questions.
“I recently attended a transformative lecture on youth, marriage, and university life challenges, particularly for young people in university,” said Arsalan Mir, a community member. “Delivered by the inspiring Sunnah Guy, the event exceeded my expectations in every way. His ability to connect with the audience was truly remarkable. He spoke with passion and authenticity, making complex subjects understandable and relatable. The Q&A session was very well held, and helped people get their questions answered firsthand. I think more such events should be organised for people seeking guidance and inspiration on marriage and youth, university life. It was a truly powerful and memorable experience that I will not soon forget.”
The success of the event was further amplified by the strong support from One Ummah Charity, the organizers of The Sunnah Guy’s UK tour. Furqan, a representative from One Ummah, shared his thoughts:
“What an amazing event hosted by the Buckingham University ISOC! The quality of the setup, hospitality, and great turnout was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the ISOC team. From the perspective of One Ummah, we would like to thank the team and can’t wait to collaborate on future projects!”
The positive feedback didn’t end there. Abdul Majid, CEO of the Buckingham Islamic Welfare Association, also expressed his appreciation for the event:
“I recently had the pleasure of attending a talk by The Sunnah Guy, and I can’t recommend him enough. His deep understanding of Islamic teachings and practical application of the Sunnah truly enriched the lives of everyone that attended, be it university students, the wider community, or even secondary school students. The topic was very applicable, and his insights are not only inspiring but also accessible, making it easier to integrate these principles into daily living. If you’re looking to deepen your faith and practice, The Sunnah Guy is the perfect guide!”
The attendees appreciated the carefully planned structure of the event, which adhered to proper decorum and created a positive atmosphere. Aizaz Khan, a third-year medical student, commented:
“The event hosted by ISOC, featuring The Sunnah Guy, was incredibly well-organised. The talk was powerful, insightful, and left a lasting impact, encouraging us all to think more positively. Every question posed was answered thoughtfully, adding further depth to the discussion. Overall, it was a truly enriching experience that I’m grateful to have attended.”
The Sunnah Guy himself was pleasantly surprised by the level of participation and enthusiasm displayed by Buckingham students and the community. He spoke highly of their involvement, emphasizing how events like this can foster personal growth and a deeper connection to one’s faith. He expressed his eagerness to return for future events, encouraging ISOC to continue organizing such beneficial programs.
The ISOC team is already in discussions with One Ummah Charity and other community leaders about future collaborations. The overwhelming feedback from students and community members alike has reaffirmed ISOC’s commitment to creating more opportunities for spiritual growth, personal development, and community engagement. The team hopes to organize more events that address the challenges of modern life while providing Islamic guidance and support.
As we look forward, ISOC remains dedicated to ensuring that the students of Buckingham have access to events that not only help them grow in their faith but also strengthen the bonds of the Muslim community. Whether it’s through lectures, workshops, or interactive sessions, ISOC is committed to fostering a positive environment where students and community members can thrive.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and supported this event. Stay tuned for more initiatives from ISOC as we strive to create a lasting impact on campus and beyond.