(Senior Islamic Scholar, Author, and CEO of Muslim Womanhood)
Ustadah Fatima Barkatulla
Ustadah Fatima Barkatulla is an accomplished British scholar of Islamic Law, renowned author, and prominent voice in Islamic education and women's empowerment. She has made significant contributions through her extensive scholarship, leadership roles, and impactful community service.
With her roots in a rich educational environment nurtured by her parents, Ustadah Fatima embarked on her journey of Islamic and Arabic studies in Egypt, learning at esteemed institutions such as Al Fajr Center, Qortoba Institute, and an affiliate college of Al Azhar University. She further solidified her academic prowess by graduating from the AlSalam Institute’s Advanced Licence in Islamic Scholarship and specializing in Fiqh at Ebrahim College. Her thirst for knowledge led her to earn a Master’s degree in Middle East Law from the prestigious SOAS Law School, University of London, as an Aziz Foundation Scholar.
Her literary achievements began with her groundbreaking book Khadijah, First Lady of Islam, which has been hailed for its rich insights into the life of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) first wife. Building on this success, she is currently working on two anticipated books, Women in the Qur’an and Aisha, continuing her legacy of producing works that resonate deeply with readers seeking to understand the roles and impact of prominent women in Islamic history.
Beyond authorship, Ustadah Fatima has been at the forefront of community initiatives. She is the Founder & CEO of Muslim Womanhood and has used this platform to promote awareness, education, and support for Muslim women. Her leadership was further exemplified when she directed SEEDS OF CHANGE, the largest Muslim women’s conference in Europe, which played a crucial role in empowering Muslim women and fostering unity.
Ustadah Fatima’s experience as a media personality spans various roles. She is the presenter of the popular IlmFeed Podcast and has appeared in numerous BBC programs, including documentaries and live shows on BBC Radio 4 and the World Service, as well as on BBC television, Channel 4, and the Islam Channel. These appearances have cemented her reputation as a knowledgeable and articulate advocate for Muslim women and Islamic perspectives on contemporary issues.
In recognition of her exceptional contributions, she was awarded the IKON UKHWAH International Award for young women in community service in 2014 at a prestigious ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. More recently, she received the Doreen Hinchcliffe Memorial Prize from the SOAS Law Department in 2022 for being the best overall Master’s student in Islamic Law—a testament to her academic dedication and outstanding scholarly achievements.
Ustadah Fatima’s professional roles span various organizations. She serves as the CEO of Raising Believers, where she leads with a focus on project direction and public engagement. Her other engagements include serving as a consultant writer for Muslim Money Experts and a course instructor for My Muslim Family, showcasing her versatility in both educational and consulting capacities. Additionally, her presence as an IslamiQA presenter for Islam Channel and her ambassadorship for One Ummah Charity highlight her commitment to broadcasting Islamic knowledge and humanitarian efforts.
She has further expanded her impact through her teaching and advisory roles at institutions like AlKauthar Institute and Barts Health NHS Trust, where she served as a Muslim Chaplain. Her leadership qualities, creative problem-solving skills, and passion for Islamic studies have made her a valued mentor and role model for many aspiring scholars.
Through her diverse experience in broadcasting, writing, and leading community initiatives, Ustadah Fatima continues to inspire, educate, and uplift those around her. Her ability to connect deeply with audiences—whether through lectures, literature, or media—underscores her as a vital contributor to the global discourse on Islamic law and the empowerment of Muslim women.