Staff

Head Imam

Shaykh Abdul Ghaffar is a long-serving and beloved Imam at Cheadle Masjid in Greater Manchester, UK. With over a decade of dedicated service, he has become a central figure in the spiritual and communal life of the mosque.

Role at Cheadle Masjid

Shaykh Abdul Ghaffar has been leading prayers at Cheadle Masjid for more than 15 years. He is highly respected for his consistent presence, heartfelt Qur’anic recitation, and deep connection with the congregation. His leadership was especially significant during the inauguration of the new mosque building, where he led the first prayer, marking a historic moment for the community.

Qur’anic Recitation and Teaching

Renowned for his eloquent and spiritually uplifting Qur’anic recitation, Shaykh Abdul Ghaffar often leads Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan and participates in nightly Qur’an sessions. His recitations are cherished by the community and are available on Cheadle Masjid’s online platforms.

Community Engagement

Beyond his role in leading prayers, Shaykh Abdul Ghaffar actively engages with the community through various initiatives. He has been involved in events such as the mosque’s Adhan competition, where he played a role in selecting winners and encouraging youth participation

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.

Background & Experience

Anver Zeria is an experienced leader with over 20 years in public service, community engagement, and organisational development. His career spans key roles at Manchester City Council, where he led homelessness support services, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering innovative and compassionate solutions for vulnerable individuals.

He is the co-founder of Strong Roots CIC, a community organisation focused on social inclusion, mental health, and wellbeing, and has successfully delivered projects in partnership with national bodies such as the National Trust. Anver also serves on the Customer Services Committee of Your Housing Group, helping shape services for one of the UK’s largest housing providers.

His strengths lie in operational leadership, staff and volunteer management, financial oversight, safeguarding, and stakeholder engagement - skills that are underpinned by a deep commitment to social impact and community development.

Role at Cheadle Masjid

As General Manager of Cheadle Masjid, Anver leads the day-to-day operations of both the Cheadle and Wythenshawe sites. He is responsible for implementing the vision and strategy set by the Board of Trustees, managing staff and volunteers, and ensuring the smooth delivery of religious, educational, and community programmes.

Anver plays a key role in maintaining high standards of governance, compliance, and performance across the organisation. He works to strengthen community ties, foster a culture of service and excellence, and ensure that all activities reflect the values and teachings of Islam. His leadership is central to guiding Cheadle Masjid through its next phase of growth and impact.

Arshad Sheikh is the Administrator at Cheadle Masjid in Greater Manchester, UK. He has been instrumental in overseeing the mosque's daily operations for many years, earning recognition as a highly appreciated member of the team.

Role at Cheadle Masjid

In his role, Arshad Sheikh ensures the smooth functioning of the mosque's day-to-day activities. His responsibilities encompass administrative management, coordination of events, and facilitating community services, all of which contribute to the mosque's role as a central hub for worship and community engagement.

Community Engagement and Interfaith Work

Arshad is actively involved in fostering interfaith dialogue and community cohesion. Arshad is responsible for managing school visits to the Masjid, which encourage the wider community to get a better understanding of Islam and Muslims from a young age. This initiative results in over 40 schools visiting the Masjid each year, generating a long lasting bond between the Masjid and the wider community.

Arshad Sheikh's leadership and dedication have significantly contributed to Cheadle Masjid's reputation as a welcoming and proactive community institution.

Muhammad Saleem serves as the Custodian at Cheadle Masjid in Greater Manchester, UK. In this vital role, he is responsible for the overall upkeep and maintenance of the mosque, ensuring that it remains a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for worshippers and visitors alike.

Responsibilities at Cheadle Masjid

As Custodian, Muhammad Saleem's duties encompass a range of essential tasks, including:

• Facility Maintenance: Overseeing the cleanliness and orderliness of prayer halls, ablution areas, and common spaces.
• Safety and Security: Ensuring that the mosque's facilities are safe and secure for all attendees.
• Event Preparation: Assisting in setting up and organizing spaces for various events and educational programs.

His dedication ensures that the mosque operates smoothly on a daily basis, providing a serene atmosphere conducive to worship and community gatherings.

Nathan Fontaine supports with looking after the facilities at Cheadle Masjid in Greater Manchester, UK. Since the opening of the new building in July 2023, he has been responsible for the maintenance and operations of the mosque's facilities.

Role at Cheadle Masjid

In his role, Nathan ensures that the mosque's environment remains clean, safe, and welcoming for all attendees. His responsibilities include supporting the upkeep of the premises, coordinating maintenance tasks, and supporting the logistical needs of various mosque events and programs.

Nathan's dedication to maintaining the mosque's facilities and his background in community-focused initiatives contribute to the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that Cheadle Masjid is known for.

Fitness and Wellness Initiatives

Drawing on this sporting background, Nathan runs a fitness camp at Cheadle Masjid aimed at improving the physical and mental wellbeing of participants. These sessions promote brotherhood, healthy living, and the prophetic tradition of physical strength alongside spiritual strength.

Support for Reverts to Islam

As a revert to Islam himself, Nathan has a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing those new to the faith. He provides personal support, mentorship, and brotherhood to fellow reverts, helping them integrate into the community, deepen their Islamic knowledge, and navigate their new spiritual journey with confidence and support.

Community Impact

Nathan's unique combination of practical skills, athletic leadership, and empathetic mentorship makes him a vital part of Cheadle Masjid’s community outreach. He is especially known for his sincerity, warmth, and dedication to service.

Dara Phoeuk plays an important support role at Cheadle Masjid in Greater Manchester, contributing to the smooth running of the mosque’s daily operations. He is involved in a variety of key tasks that help maintain the mosque’s welcoming environment.

Facilities and Administration Support

Dara assists with essential duties, ensuring that the mosque remains clean, organized, and functional for all visitors. His work supports the maintenance team in keeping the premises in excellent condition.

Administrative Assistance

In addition to facilities work, Dara provides vital administrative support, helping to coordinate schedules, manage communications, and support community events with efficient organization.

Car Park Management

Dara also manages the mosque’s car park operations, overseeing parking logistics to ensure safety and convenience for worshippers attending prayers and events.

Dara’s dedication and teamwork play a crucial behind-the-scenes role in enabling Cheadle Masjid to serve its community effectively.