In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Welcome to my website. My name is Dr. Naheed Anwar, and I am a dedicated scholar and educator with a passion for exploring the intersection of faith, identity, and social transformation. With a BA (Hons.), MA from the University of Essex, and PhD from Roehampton University, my academic journey has been driven by a desire to uncover the often-misunderstood realities of contemporary Islam, particularly the experiences of women within the Salafi Da’wah.
My PhD research examines why Salafism, despite being intensely characterised as the ultimate “Other” in the West’s gendered War on Terror, remains one of the most successful pathways for female conversion to Islam. Through an in-depth analysis of the conversion narratives of 30 first-generation Salafi women in Birmingham—a city renowned as the hub of purist Salafi da‘wa in the West—my study reveals that becoming and being a Salafi woman is far removed from stereotypes of indoctrinated victims or would-be jihadi brides. Instead, it is a transformative, social act of personal change, rooted in adopting a religious problem-solving framework to navigate life’s challenges.
This work further highlights how the symbiotic relationship between Salafi creed and methodology embodies an unequivocal rejection of terrorism and violence, offering a nuanced perspective on a movement often misrepresented in popular discourse. The rise of global Salafism and the emergence of a hybrid Salafi identity signal not only the evolving nature of religious belief and practice in contemporary Europe and beyond but also the enduring relevance of modern spirituality and the resurgence of religion in a post-Enlightenment age.
As a Salafi woman and researcher, my work aims to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions by offering an insider perspective on how Salafism functions as a source of empowerment, personal growth, and spiritual clarity for many women in the West. This platform is dedicated to sharing the insights and findings from my academic research, offering a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of Salafi women, and highlighting the transformative power of spirituality in today’s world. It serves as a space to present my work to the public and contribute to more informed and nuanced discussions on faith and identity.
This website offers an opportunity to explore my work for those interested in Islam and Salafism, providing valuable insights into both the faith and its contemporary relevance. It also features information about the Islamic Studies courses I offer, which are designed to deepen understanding of Islamic teachings and support female learners in their personal and academic development. Rooted in authentic sources from the Qur’an and Sunnah, these courses offer a comprehensive foundation in the core principles of Islam. Through this knowledge, I aim to fill gaps in understanding, empowering Muslim women to position themselves within the rich history of Islam and recognise their place in its ongoing legacy. In a world where social exclusion can challenge identity and belonging, these courses help reclaim a strong sense of self and deepen their connection to faith, history, and their role in shaping Islam’s future.
Thank you for visiting.
Dr Naheed Anwar BA Hons., MA, PhD (Roehampton University)
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