Shaykh Abid Khan

Education and Scholarly Background

Shaykh Abid began his academic career with a degree in Law, which he complemented with professional experience as a teacher. His passion for Islamic knowledge led him to pursue formal religious studies under prominent scholars in the UK, and later at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Islamic and Arabic Studies. He also holds a Master’s degree in Islamic Education, combining deep religious insight with pedagogical expertise.

Role at Cheadle Masjid

At Cheadle Masjid, Shaykh Abid plays a central role in both religious guidance and educational development. His contributions include:

• Director of Education: Imam Abid leads curriculum design, teaching strategy, and the spiritual direction of the Masjid’s educational programs. This includes children’s madrassah, adult Islamic studies classes, youth engagement programs, and Qur’anic studies.
• Family Liaison: He serves as a key point of contact for families within the community, offering spiritual guidance, emotional support, and educational resources to parents and children alike.
• Nikah Officiant: He regularly conducts Islamic marriage (Nikah) ceremonies, providing couples with premarital counseling, helping them understand their rights and responsibilities in Islam, and supporting them throughout their marital journey.
• Mediation and Conflict Resolution: Shaykh Abid is deeply trusted for his ability to mediate in sensitive family or community disputes. He provides conflict resolution services that are both grounded in Islamic ethics and sensitive to the social dynamics of British Muslim life.
• Shariah Council Advisor: Shaykh Abid sits on the mosque’s Shariah Council, where he advises on complex personal and family matters including divorce (talaq/khula) and religious rulings based on classical Islamic jurisprudence.

Youth Engagement

Imam Abid is especially passionate about empowering young Muslims to develop a strong and confident Islamic identity. His youth engagement work includes:

• Youth Circles and Halaqahs: Organizing regular discussion-based sessions where teens and young adults explore topics like identity, faith, mental health, and navigating modern life through an Islamic lens.
• Mentorship and Personal Development: Offering one-on-one mentoring and group workshops that focus on character building, leadership skills, and spiritual growth.
• Retreats and Camps: Supporting youth retreats and outdoor activities that promote brotherhood, resilience, and practical Islamic living.
• Digital Engagement: Reaching youth through accessible, relevant content on social media platforms.

Through these efforts, Shaykh Abid fosters a safe, welcoming environment where young people can ask questions, grow spiritually, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Other Initiatives and Community Work

• Co-Founder, Al Ma’rifah Foundation – An educational charity focused on accessible and authentic Islamic learning.
• Lecturer, European Institute of Islamic Sciences (EIIS) – Where he teaches theology, ethics, and Quranic sciences.
• Advisor to Charities – Including National Zakat Foundation, Water Aid, and Read Foundation.

Public Engagement and Media

Shaykh Abid regularly delivers sermons and public talks. His Friday khutbahs, lectures, and seminars are widely attended and available on platforms like YouTube. His talks are known for being practical, spiritually uplifting, and rooted in traditional Islamic sources while addressing contemporary issues.

Personal Life and Interests

A strong advocate for holistic well-being, Imam Abid is a keen cyclist and part of the Fajr Cycling Club, promoting physical health and brotherhood through shared activity.