Muslim Council of Britain chooses human rights law graduate, 29, as its first ever female leader

The UK’s largest Islamic group has chosen a 29-year-old human rights law graduate as its first ever female leader. 

Zara Mohammed, from Glasgow, has become the first woman Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) after a week of voting. 

Training and development consultant Ms Mohammed said she hopes her election will ‘inspire more women and young people’ to take on leadership positions as they are ‘the future of this organisation’.

Ms Mohammed – who has worked with several Scottish charities – has shared pictures of her posing with Sadiq Khan and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. 

In a photo taken during a dinner in June 2019, she said getting a selfie with the London Mayor was her ‘favourite’ part of the evening.  

Following her election, Mr Khan took to Twitter to congratulate her, writing: ‘Terrific to see Zara Mohammed elected as the first woman Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain.’ 

In 2016, she became the first female president of the Federation of Student Islamic Organisations (FOSIS). 

Ms Mohammed has been critical of the Government’s Prevent counter-terror legislation – which aims to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.  

Speaking about it in 2016, she said: ‘Prevent is a perfect example where something was made without any kind of context and we’re always willing and open for a conversation and discussion and it’s our job to make sure that voice is heard.’

‘There’s so much negative press now, at university people should be able to be themselves and not under a microscope of government legislation, and for me my whole vision and aim this year is to help develop confident Muslim students.’

Several people convicted for terror offences attended British universities – all of which are now required to look out for signs of radicalization.

Ms Mohammed added in her interview with Buzzfeed: ‘I think the government needs to understand what Muslims students need, and how they’re being affected by this legislation and if we want good citizens and good British Muslims, UK-wide Muslims, then we have to make sure that we celebrate the good and the achievements.’ 

She previously served as an assistant secretary general for the MCB – the UK’s largest umbrella body of mosques, Islamic schools and Muslim associations.

Ms Mohammed is also the first Scottish leader of the organisation in its history. 

She has a master’s degree in Human Rights Law from the University of Strathclyde and was the head of media and communications at the Muslim Council of Scotland prior to taking on her latest role. 

Following her election, Ms Mohammed said: ‘My vision is to continue to build a truly inclusive, diverse and representative body; one which is driven by the needs of British Muslims for the common good. 

‘Being elected as the first female Secretary General is quite an honour and I hope it will inspire more women and young people to come forward to take on leadership roles. 

‘They are the future of this organisation and our society.’

The MCB – which elects a new secretary general every two years – was previously headed by Harun Khan, who has completed his maximum four-year term.

Mr Khan said: ‘It has been a privilege and honour to serve our communities over the past four and a half years as Secretary-General of this great national institution. 

‘There have been some amazing achievements during my tenure which stand testament to the dedication of volunteers, staff and our members. 

‘I wish the very best of success to Ms Zara Mohammed – may she continue to lead this organisation to greater heights for the betterment of our communities across the country.’