(Islamic Religious Advisor to the Chief of the Defence Staff and Service Chiefs, UK)
Imam Asim Hafiz OBE MA is the Islamic Religious Advisor to the Chief of the Defence Staff and Service Chiefs, with over 22 years of experience in Chaplaincy and religious advice in sensitive areas both in the UK and abroad. A graduate from an Islamic College in England and the University of London, he is a leading UK Islamic expert with a comprehensive background in religious and secular settings.
Imam Hafiz's career includes roles in education, health, and prison chaplaincy. He served as an Imam and teacher in East London mosques, a Muslim chaplain in NHS hospitals, and the first full-time Muslim Chaplain at HM Prison Wandsworth. His pioneering work in prison chaplaincy introduced innovative faith-based rehabilitation programs.
In the Armed Forces, he has been a Muslim Chaplain for over 15 years, advising on Islamic issues related to conflicts and domestic matters. He played a key role in Afghanistan, leading religious engagement efforts and advising on cultural matters. His establishment of the Armed Forces Muslim Association (AFMA) and the Armed Forces Muslim Forum (AFMF) has enhanced understanding between Muslim communities and the Armed Forces.
Honoured with an OBE in 2014, Imam Hafiz has received numerous awards, including the British Muslim Awards’ Religious Advocate of the Year and recognition in the Evening Standard’s Progress 1000 List.