Accepted to Cambridge University!
Meet Yusuf!
We have some truly heartwarming and inspirational news to share with you. Meet Yusuf, a dedicated young man who has been accepted to Cambridge University to study Theology, Philosophy of Religion, and Religion. His incredible journey is one of hard work, commitment, and a passion for knowledge that has been nurtured over many years through Muslim Youth Initiative (MYI) and the Sabeel Development Programme. But that’s just the beginning of his story!
Yusuf's academic journey didn’t start with a burning desire to study Islam. In fact, at 13, when he first attended the youth retreats organised by MYI, he was still exploring his interests. Fast forward a few years, and Yusuf’s enthusiasm for Islamic studies had taken off, thanks to the nurturing environment of Sabeel and Tawfiq Online run by Shaykh Alomgir Ali. By the time he turned 16, he was deeply engaged in Islamic learning, captivated by the depth and richness of the deen.
In his own words, Yusuf reflects:
“Through MYI and later Sabeel, my fascination with Islam gradually increased as I was attracted by the immense intricacy and wealth of knowledge found in the Religion.”
This wasn't just a surface-level interest; Yusuf went all in, studying Fiqh, Tafsir, Hadith, Tasawwuf, Arabic, and Theology - all while balancing his A-Level subjects like Religious Studies, Psychology, Economics, and Business Studies. Talk about dedication!
Yusuf’s journey wasn't without its challenges. As a student of both Christian Theology and Philosophy, some Muslims in his network expressed their concerns about him navigating such fields, which momentarily led him to doubt the academic choices he was making. But his teachers reassured him, reminding him of the strength of Islam in navigating philosophical discussions.
“Any perceived weakness wasn’t with Islam, but with the student’s lack of knowledge.”
”Islam doesn’t struggle in the field of Philosophy in the slightest.”
With this new perspective, Yusuf’s passion only grew stronger. He realised that mastering these disciplines would help him gain a deeper understanding of both Islam and the world around him - a realisation that ultimately led him to apply to Cambridge.
Yusuf’s father, himself a graduate of the Sabeel Development Programme, couldn’t be prouder. In a heartfelt note, he expressed his gratitude:
“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the shuyookh, teachers, and brothers from MRDF, Sabeel MYI and Tawfiq Online for mentoring him and providing the necessary tarbiyah and support. May Allah reward you all.”
It’s clear that Yusuf’s academic success is a family affair. His father and older brother have both gone through the same Sabeel programme, which have become a cornerstone of their family’s educational foundation. As his father proudly noted, Yusuf even wore his Sabeel hoodie on his first day at Cambridge - symbolising the journey that led him to this prestigious university.
Yusuf beautifully expressed his hopes for the future:
“I hope to deepen my understanding of Islam. I pray that Allah guides me to make these three years at Cambridge productive and beneficial for myself and the wider community.”
What an inspiring example for us all! Yusuf’s journey reminds us of the power of dedication, the importance of mentorship, and the beauty of pursuing knowledge both in the Islamic and secular worlds.
We can’t wait to see what the future holds for him. Cambridge, watch out - Yusuf is about to make waves!
Alhamdulillah, all of this is from the mercy of Allah. We ask Allah grant Yusuf and his family all the success in this world and the next, and continue to guide him on his journey of knowledge. Ameen.