(Accounting and Management BSc, 2020)
It might make people uncomfortable to discuss Islamophobia and its existence in society, but it is something that we cannot and should not ignore anymore.
Why did you study BSc Accounting and Management at Queen Mary? What sparked your interest in this specific degree?I chose BSc Accounting and Management at Queen Mary because it was one of very few universities within the Russel Group list that was offering a mix of finance and management modules. I did not want to pursue a purely accounting course. I wanted the management aspect too. Also, it is accredited by the professional accounting bodies which proved to be a great help now that I am completing my ACA qualification.What aspects of your degree did you find most enjoyable? And how has your degree remained relevant throughout your career to date? I enjoyed having the freedom of choosing 4 elective modules. It meant that we could incorporate a variety of modules, some of which were not related to finance directly. I also really enjoyed writing a dissertation - albeit stressful, it remains one of the most memorable achievements in my journey at Queen Mary. As my current role is related to finance and accounting, the components from the degree come in play every now and then. For example, we had an audit module which had rules and regulations we had to learn which is relevant to my current role as an auditor.
I think my hijab is an expression of my Muslim identity. I find comfort in my hijab and it is like a crown to me. My journey with it wasn’t easy but there was a point in my life where I found a sense of peace while wearing it.
What does a day in the life of an Assistant Auditor look like? And what do you love most about your job?As an assistant auditor in a government sector, you get to audit a wide array of departments. You might find yourself auditing an international public organisation for example. We support Parliament in holding government to account and in improving public services. The role itself consists of testing a lot of financial data ensuring it is true and fair and that the information is free of material misstatements. We do physical audits as well where we go to a client's site.I love the people in my organisation. Despite us joining from home with very limited chance to have met in person, I feel really connected to the people.How did it feel to be a British Muslim woman studying in East London?The mile end campus is so diverse. I loved the culture. We had students from all over the world and that made it interesting and welcoming. I was nervous at first, however as time passed, I gained more confidence and it felt like a second home to me. How do you identify with and express your Muslim identity? And has your relationship with your Muslim identity remained the same throughout your lifetime? I think my hijab is an expression of my Muslim identity. I find comfort in my hijab and it is like a crown to me. My journey with it wasn’t easy but there was a point in my life where I found a sense of peace while wearing it. Now if I don’t wear it outside, I feel a sense of uneasiness. I always felt a very strong connection to my religion and having lived in three different countries, I had ups and downs with coming to terms with my identity as a Muslim. However, throughout my journey I have found that my values align with the teaching of my religion. For example, to be kind to others irrespective of their religion, status, ethnicity etc.Have you experienced any incidents of Islamophobia during your lifetime and if so, how have you coped with such incidents?I would like to say no but like many others I have faced such incidents where my hijab was a clear indication of my identity for which I received looks and comments in places such as on public transport. Even at job interviews and assessment centres there were plenty of times where my Muslim identity outweighed my skills and qualifications. Normally I don’t let their words affect me because their comments root from a place of deep hatred and xenophobia. However, if the incident is of a much bigger scale or of a repetitive manner, I tend to either report it or at least make others around me aware of the situation. My advice to others who have experienced Islamophobia and who will experience it in the days and months to come, is to never let the perpetrators win.
Why is Islamophobia Awareness Month important?To incorporate Islamophobia Awareness Month into the calendar just means that its high time we address the elephant in the room. It might make people uncomfortable to discuss Islamophobia and its existence in society, but it is something that we cannot and should not ignore anymore. Ideally, we should live in a world where there is no need to have a Black Lives Matter movement or an Islamophobia Awareness Month. However, the concept of living in harmony and peace has not yet reached everyone. There is so much fake news in the media regarding what Islam is and what it represents. Therefore, it is key to hold such events to ensure that people learn and unlearn until they reach the truth and do not base their opinion on preconceived prejudices.
My advice to others who have experienced Islamophobia and who will experience it in the days and months to come, is to never let the perpetrators win.
Are there any famous Muslims or historical figures you wish more people knew about?Khadija (RA) the first wife of our Prophet (PBUH) is the figure that instantly comes to mind when I think of a role model for all women. There is this misconception that has been induced by the media that Muslim women are naturally oppressed by their religion. However, if people look closely at her life, they will know what a significant role she had in her community and beyond. She was a prominent businesswoman who was very successful in her job. She was renowned for her splendid character, wealth, and beauty. After the death of her first husband, she shouldered the operation of her commercial holdings on her own, and to a large extent, was responsible for taking care of her own wellbeing. If Islam was not oppressive so many years back, what makes people think it is oppressive now?Are you involved in any projects that aim to actively deconstruct and challenge stereotypes about Muslims and Islam?I am part of the National Audit Office’s ethnic minority network as well as the Muslim Network which actively seeks to challenge preconceived prejudices that people have regarding Islam. We organise events to make people aware of the morale and principles behind the religion. This year during Ramadan I was given the task to write an article on Eid ul Fitr to explain to the wider office what the special day means to millions of Muslims around the world.
If you would like to get in touch with Sultana or engage them in your work, please contact the Alumni Engagement team at alumni@qmul.ac.uk.