(Sustainable Energy Systems MSc, 2018)
Unfortunately, the issue of Islamophobia is a dominant and rampant menace in our society today. Working as a researcher in Parliament, the statistics and figures show that Muslims experience various issues much more harshly than their white counterparts.
Why did you study MSc Sustainable Energy Systems at Queen Mary? What sparked your interest in this specific degree?
I did my undergraduate degree in Electrical engineering and when I came to the UK, I wanted to get a better understanding of renewable and sustainable energy systems. With climate change and global warming, it was imperative that I chose this particular course and this university given that Queen Mary has staff members who are world-leading academics in sustainability. I wanted to become part of the solution for the world’s energy crisis and research more into it. My interest further piqued as the need for new global supplies of affordable sustainable energy is one of the biggest challenges of our current day and age.
What aspects of your degree did you find most enjoyable? And how has your degree remained relevant throughout your career to date? I feel that the hands-on experience in the state-of-the-art facilities at Queen Mary gave me an invaluable insight into the world of sustainability and renewable energy storage. I found the interdisciplinary approach and a mix of engineering and research have helped me in my long-term goals of becoming a researcher. The research project enabled me to work in tandem with students from other universities and this taught me the importance of teamwork, how to perform experiments with different models and how to write my dissertation. It further enabled me to become a successful researcher which ultimately landed me my current job as a researcher in the Houses of Parliament.
One of the best experiences about studying in East London was visiting the East London Mosque for the first time seeing as it is one of the biggest mosques in Europe and the biggest one in the UK. It gave me a real sense of wonderment.
How did it feel to be a British Muslim man studying in East London?
East London has an extremely diverse demographic which enabled me to meet people of all races, religions, and cultures. Even in Queen Mary, I had peers from all over the world and being a proud British Muslim, I was lucky enough to learn about different places for Muslims in and around East London. One of the best experiences about studying in East London was visiting the East London Mosque for the first time seeing as it is one of the biggest mosques in Europe and the biggest one in the UK. It gave me a sense of wonderment and gave true meaning to the word ‘melting pot’, seeing as it demonstrated how everyone, irrespective of their colour or religion, can exist and live together in perfect harmony.
Can you describe your career path to date and touch on your current role in Parliament as an advisor and researcher?
During my last 3 months at Queen Mary, I was doing research work and writing my dissertation. Since I am an immigrant, I have always had an immense interest in world politics and international relations. I wanted to get into research work and was actively looking for employment. I came across a website called ‘w4mp.com’ where the Members of Parliament and Lords post vacancies in their office. I wanted to work with an MP who understood my background, my religious needs, and the issues of the people. I decided to work for the first Muslim MP of England, who was from an engineer background like me and who has been in Parliament for over two decades. I started off as an internee in the office and I have been an advisor for him in his role as the Shadow Minister of Europe and quite recently as Shadow Minister for Defence procurement. My research work covers a multitude of topics ranging from International politics and foreign policy, to local bin collection and public parking issues. I also manage the office and other staff members.
In your experience, both as an individual and in your capacity as senior advisor to the first Muslim MP in England, what are some of the issues Muslims face in Parliament and more generally?According to my experience of 3 years working in Parliament, unfortunately, the issue of Islamophobia is a dominant and rampant menace in our society today. Working as a researcher, the statistics and figures show that Muslims experience various issues such as neighbourhood deprivation, housing, educational and health disadvantage, and unemployment much more harshly than their white counterparts. I always believed the rule of law to be the dominant force when it comes to tackling issues and equal opportunities by employers. It is important that different organisations around the world come together to discuss and tackle this important issue on a more unified level to help the ones that need it the most.As a Muslim, I always keep a beard and have a Muslim sounding name ‘Usama’ which most, if not at all time, is instantly taken up by people as a joke/insult comparing me to ‘Osama bin Laden’. I have been selected for random checks at the airport multiple times and in one instance where I was travelling with my family, I was stopped and questioned for a little while because my name was coming up on the system as similar to someone from Saudi Arabia. In Parliament, just this year, there were multiple debates about Islamophobia which I participated in to try and address this issue. Working for the first Muslim MP is rewarding, however, it comes with a lot of threats and abuse. Threatening emails and phone calls are sadly a norm just because of our religious affiliation. The UK Parliament has been operating for centuries but it was just last month that Halal food was made available on the estate for Muslims after years of campaigning and even then, it’s almost three times the price of a non-Halal sandwich which shouldn’t be the case.What does Islamophobia Awareness Month mean to you and why do you think it is important to raise awareness of the rising cases of Islamophobia?I believe IAM is a chance for Muslims to bring about a change in the system, especially in terms of how people think about and perceive Muslims in today’s modern world. I think it is extremely important for people’s perceptions to bring a more positive and influential mindset when it comes to Islam. Reports suggest that cases of Islamophobia are on the rise and I believe that raising awareness and tackling it at the earliest stage is the only true solution to put a stop to it altogether.
In your work and personal life, are you involved in any projects that aim to actively deconstruct and challenge stereotypes about Muslims and Islam?
I have been working with a Muslim charity group in my area for years. We distribute literature, brochures and even do leafletting when possible to let people know that the idea of Islam is quite different to the one portrayed in the media. In my place of work, I am also actively involved with debates around Islamophobia, putting questions to the Government and working with think tanks and organisations in London and Birmingham to challenge stereotypes about Muslims and focusing on the true image of the religion of peace that is ‘Islam’.
Personally, I learn from people such as Dr Mohammad Abdus Salam, the first Nobel prize winner (for his contribution to Physics) from Pakistan who wore the traditional attire (sherwani and turban) to the Nobel prize ceremony to show people he was a proud Muslim and scientist.
Is there anyone in the Muslim Community that has inspired you and if so, why?
I think my greatest inspiration, and most likely for other Muslims as well, is our Holy prophet. There is much to learn from His life.
In today’s modern world, there are so many influential Muslim people that balance their academic/work life well with their personal beliefs/Muslim identity. Personally, I learn from people such as Dr Mohammad Abdus Salam, the first Nobel prize winner (for his contribution to Physics) from Pakistan who wore the traditional attire (sherwani and turban) to the Nobel prize ceremony to show people he was a proud Muslim and scientist. Also, Malala Yousafzai, who was shot by the Taliban because she wanted to receive education as a girl; she is the world's youngest Nobel Prize laureate and second Pakistani to receive this prestigious award.
What words of advice can you give to anyone reading this who has suffered at the hands of Islamophobia?
I think it is very important to keep a positive mindset and not let such abuse define you. Do not bring yourself down and do not let the ignorance and prejudice of this world pull you down either. Rise above it all as I believe you are the one who can bring about a change in the system for others. Reach out, talk to people and most of all, know that being a Muslim is all about forgiveness and empathy towards others.
If you would like to get in touch with Hasan or engage them in your work, please contact the Alumni Engagement team at alumni@qmul.ac.uk.