A recognised authority in Islamic adjudication, marriage counselling, and family dispute resolution, he brings a unique combination of traditional Islamic scholarship, modern counselling expertise, and business acumen to his leadership, ensuring the council operates with efficiency, integrity, and accessibility.

Islamic Education & Scholarly Training

His preparation for this role began early, having spent over a decade in Saudi Arabia receiving rigorous Islamic education under the supervision of the late Sheikh Ali Al-Judaie. During this period, he built a strong foundation in Tawheed (Islamic monotheism), Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), Tajweed (Qur’anic recitation), Seerah (Prophetic biography), Arabic language, and Arabic calligraphy, equipping him with deep-rooted knowledge in Islamic jurisprudence and spiritual ethics.
Furthering his studies, Sheikh Richard attended Zad Academy, a prestigious Islamic institution founded by Sheikh Salih Al-Munajjid. He graduated with honours, achieving 92 out of 100, an A-equivalent distinction. Throughout his academic journey, he also attended numerous study circles (halaqat) with some of the most esteemed contemporary scholars, including:

• The late Sheikh Abu Ishaq Al-Huwaini
• Sheikh Dr. Saeed Al-Kamali
• Sheikh Dr. Uthman Al-Khamis
• Sheikh Dr. Riyad Al-Khulaifi

And many others

This extensive traditional and academic training has equipped him with a strong grounding in Islamic jurisprudence and ethical governance, shaping his lifelong commitment to serving the Muslim community.

Marriage Counselling & Family Ethics

Sheikh Richard is also a qualified marriage counsellor, holding certifications from Ma‘had Al-Ibda‘ Al-Fikri (The Institute of Creative Thinking) in Egypt, with recognised qualifications from Egypt and Canada. He is a registered marriage counsellor in Egypt. He has also undertaken specialised marriage counselling courses in the UK, equipping him with an international, multidisciplinary approach to supporting couples and families. His faith-based counselling methods are tailored to address spiritual and emotional dimensions, ensuring holistic guidance for those in need.

He has also delivered countless lectures and workshops on Islamic marriage, focusing on marital rights, conflict resolution, and the spiritual dimensions of relationships. In addition, he has hosted several shows on Marriage Jurisprudence, where he explored key topics related to Islamic family jurisprudence and ethical marital practices.

Business Leadership & Strategic Management

Beyond his religious and counselling roles, Sheikh Richard is a highly experienced entrepreneur, business mentor, and strategic leader. With over two decades of experience in business setup and management, he has successfully established, mentored, and scaled multiple businesses across various sectors. His expertise in governance, financial planning, branding, and operational strategy has been instrumental in establishing and growing the Islamic Adjudication Council, ensuring it operates as a structured, professional, and sustainable organisation that serves the community effectively.

Public Speaking & International Engagements

Sheikh Richard is a highly sought-after speaker, having delivered numerous lectures, panel discussions, and workshops on topics including:
Islamic identity and faith in the modern world
Islamic art and its spiritual significance
Islamic marriage and family ethics
Islamic governance and ethical leadership

His talks have been featured nationally and internationally, engaging audiences across mosques, academic institutions, and public forums.

Art, Calligraphy & Cultural Influence

Beyond adjudication, Sheikh Richard is a renowned calligrapher, artist, and public intellectual. He pioneered the QEII Arabic script, the first in over a century. The script integrates elements of medieval English calligraphy, symbolising the harmonious intersection of faith, culture, and identity. His artwork—permanently exhibited at Newcastle University and featured internationally—reflects his belief in art as a universal bridge between cultures and faiths.

With a TEDx Talk on identity, a strong presence in Islamic media, and decades of experience in faith-based governance, education, and business leadership, Sheikh Richard MacLeod remains a leading figure in marriage and ethical dispute resolution.

Sheikh AbdulBasith Mohammed is a respected Imam, Khateeb and educator known for his commitment to Islamic education, community engagement, and spiritual guidance. With extensive experience in Qur’anic studies, Hadith, and Islamic jurisprudence, he is pivotal in leading faith-based counselling, youth mentorship, and interfaith dialogue.

Professional Background

• Deputy Head of ISCN, assisting in Islamic adjudication, dispute resolution, and religious affairs.
• Lead Imam at Newcastle Central Mosque, delivering Jummah Khutbahs, religious lectures, and spiritual counselling.
• Islamic Educator & Scholar, specialising in Sharia, family jurisprudence, and ethical decision-making.
• Marriage & Family Counsellor, providing pre-marital and marital guidance following Islamic teachings.
• Community Mentor & Youth Advocate, supporting young Muslims through faith-based mentorship and life coaching.
• Interfaith Representative, engaging in cross-cultural discussions to promote understanding and coexistence.

Expertise & Contributions

Islamic Adjudication & Family Law: Providing faith-based rulings and sharia consultation on marriage, divorce, and family disputes.

Spiritual Leadership & Community Engagement: Delivering Khutbahs, religious lectures, and educational programs for all age groups.

Marriage & Relationship Counselling: Helping individuals and couples navigate Islamic marital responsibilities, conflict resolution, and family well-being.

Islamic Education & Youth Development: Teaching Islamic studies, Qur’anic interpretation, and Hadith sciences to students and community members.

Interfaith Dialogue & Social Cohesion: Building relationships with other faith communities, fostering mutual respect and understanding.

Multilingual Islamic Guidance: Fluent in Arabic, English, and Hindi, enabling him to reach a diverse Muslim audience.

Vision & Aspirations

Sheikh AbdulBasith Mohammed is committed to preserving Islamic values while addressing contemporary challenges faced by Muslim communities. His vision includes:

Strengthening Islamic adjudication and family jurisprudence services to provide just, faith-based resolutions.

Expanding community outreach programs, ensuring accessible religious education and counselling for all.

Enhancing youth mentorship initiatives, helping young Muslims develop a strong faith identity and ethical leadership skills.

Developing educational resources, including Islamic courses, digital content, and community workshops on family life, spirituality, and personal development.

Promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue, advocating for harmonious coexistence between Muslim and non-Muslim communities.

Sheikh Dr. Mahmoud Elsaied AbuElezz is a distinguished Islamic scholar, researcher, and educator specialising in Usul al-Fiqh (Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence). With a solid academic background from Al-Azhar University, he has devoted his career to teaching, research, and Islamic adjudication.

As a member of the Islamic Adjudication Council - المحكمة الشرعية of the Islamic Sharia Council - Northern Britain (ISCN), Sheikh Dr. Mahmoud plays a crucial role in issuing Fatwas, providing Islamic Sharia consultations, and resolving disputes within the Muslim community in the UK.

Professional Background

• Lecturer in Usul al-Fiqh, Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Sharia and Law, Tanta Branch.
• Former Assistant Lecturer & Researcher, Department of Usul al-Fiqh, Al-Azhar University.
• Former Fatwa Committee Member, Islamic Research Academy, Al-Azhar.
• Certified Qari, holding an Ijazah in the Seven Qira’at (Modes of Quranic Recitation).
• Khateeb (Friday Sermon Preacher) delivers sermons in various mosques across Egypt.
• Islamic Arbitrator & Scholar, providing expert consultation on family jurisprudence and Islamic dispute resolution.
• Researcher & Reviewer, specialising in Islamic jurisprudence and sharia rulings, with published academic papers.

Expertise & Contributions

• Fatwa & Islamic Sharia Consultation: Issuing Fatwas on marriage, family law, and contemporary sharia issues, balancing Sharia and modern legal frameworks.
• Islamic Adjudication: Engaging in Sharia-based dispute resolution under ISCN, ensuring just and ethical rulings.
• Teaching & Academic Supervision: Educating university students in Usul al-Fiqh, mentoring researchers, and supervising postgraduate theses.
• Islamic Research & Publications: Authoring scholarly works on Islamic sharia theory, including:
• The Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence of Imam Ibn Al-Munir Al-Maliki (683 AH): A Critical and Analytical Study.
• The Usuli Principles of Assessing Reality: A Practical Study.
• The Role of Authentic Hadith in Islamic Sharia Methodology.
• Quranic Recitation & Teaching: Holding an Ijazah in the Seven Qira’at, he has mastered Quranic recitation and its transmission through authentic chains of narrators.
• Community Awareness & Training: Conduct Islamic sharia workshops, prepare training courses, and participate in Islamic education initiatives.

Vision & Aspirations

Sheikh Dr. Mahmoud Elsaied AbuElezz is deeply committed to advancing Islamic scholarship and providing accessible Sharia guidance to Muslim communities worldwide. His mission includes:

• Strengthening Islamic Adjudication in non-Muslim societies by offering well-researched, practical, and Sharia-compliant rulings.
• Developing Educational Resources, including books, research articles, and training programs for students and legal professionals.
• Enhancing Fatwa Services, ensuring they are academically rigorous, contextually relevant, and aligned with both Islamic jurisprudence and contemporary societal needs.
• Promoting Quranic Scholarship, training the next generation in Qira’at and Islamic sharia methodology.

With his expertise in Usul al-Fiqh, Fatwa issuance, and adjudication, Sheikh Dr. Mahmoud continues to be an integral part of the Islamic Sharia Council - Northern Britain (ISCN), serving the Muslim community with wisdom, knowledge, and dedication.

Sheikh Dr. Al-Saeed Abdel Fattah Badran is a renowned Islamic scholar, educator, and researcher with deep expertise in Usul al-Fiqh (Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence), Islamic sharia theory, and comparative jurisprudence. A graduate and faculty member of Al-Azhar University, he has dedicated his career to teaching, issuing Fatwas, and Islamic adjudication.

As a member of the Islamic Adjudication Council - المحكمة الشرعية of the Islamic Sharia Council - Northern Britain (ISCN), Sheikh Dr. Al-Saeed plays a crucial role in advising on Islamic Sharia matters, issuing Fatwas, and resolving disputes within the Muslim community.

Professional Background

• Lecturer in Usul al-Fiqh, Faculty of Sharia and Law, Al-Azhar University, Tanta Branch.
• Former Assistant Lecturer & Researcher, Department of Usul al-Fiqh, Al-Azhar University.
• Former Fatwa Committee Member, Islamic Research Academy, Al-Azhar.
• Certified Islamic Jurist, specialising in Sharia-based legal reasoning and adjudication.
• Former Imam and Preacher, delivering sermons and providing religious education across Egypt.
• Islamic Arbitrator & Legal Consultant, offering expert guidance on family law, contract law, and legal ethics in Islam.
• Supervisor of Postgraduate Research, mentoring students in Islamic Sharia theory and applied jurisprudence.

Expertise & Contributions

• Fatwa & Islamic Sharia Consultation: Issuing Fatwas on contemporary legal and ethical issues, with a focus on family law, adjudication, and governance.
• Islamic Adjudication & Dispute Resolution: Applying Sharia-based rulings to resolve conflicts within the Muslim community, ensuring a balance between Islamic jurisprudence and modern legal systems.
• Teaching & Academic Research: Educating university students in Usul al-Fiqh, mentoring researchers, and conducting comparative studies in jurisprudence.
• Islamic Thought & Jurisprudence: Authoring academic research and books on:
• The Influence of Usuli Principles on Contemporary Legal Reasoning.
• The Role of Islamic Objectives (Maqasid) in Modern Legislation.
• A Critical Study of Fiqh-Based Sharia Theories in Classical and Contemporary Contexts.
• Community Engagement & Education: Conducting public lectures, sharia awareness workshops, and Quranic studies for academic and general audiences.

Vision & Aspirations

Sheikh Dr. Al-Saeed Abdel Fattah Badran is committed to bridging Islamic jurisprudence with contemporary societal needs. His vision includes:

• Strengthening Fatwa Services to provide contextually relevant, research-based legal rulings that serve Muslim communities in the West.
• Developing Sharia-Compliant Sharia Resources, including books, training programs, and digital content on Islamic jurisprudence and ethics.
• Promoting Islamic Sharia Awareness, ensuring Muslims have access to clear, scholarly guidance on key family, business, and governance matters.
• Enhancing Islamic Adjudication, ensuring that Sharia-based legal solutions align with modern legal frameworks while preserving Islamic values.

With a passion for education, research, and sharia adjudication, Sheikh Dr. Al-Saeed is an integral part of the Islamic Sharia Council - Northern Britain (ISCN), serving the Muslim community with knowledge, wisdom, and dedication.

Sheikh Mohamed Mahmoud Abdelhady Ali is an esteemed Islamic scholar, educator, and researcher with extensive experience in Islamic jurisprudence and comparative fiqh. A Fatwa Committee member at Al-Azhar, Egypt, he provides expert guidance on various Islamic sharia issues, including family law, adjudication, and dispute resolution, blending traditional Islamic knowledge with contemporary legal contexts.

As a member of the Islamic Adjudication Council - المحكمة الشرعية of the Islamic Sharia Council - Northern Britain (ISCN), Sheikh Mohamed Mahmoud Abdelhady plays a key role in issuing Fatwas, resolving marital disputes, and advising on Islamic rulings for the Muslim community in the UK.

Professional Background

• Lecturer in Comparative Fiqh, Al-Azhar University, Egypt.
• Former Fatwa Committee Member, Islamic Research Academy, Al-Azhar (2018-2022).
• Islamic Arbitrator & Scholar, providing expert consultation on legal and family matters.
• Co-Founder & Supervisor, Islamic Finance Academy.
• Former Islamic Lecturer at several prestigious institutions, including academic and community-based training centres.
• Researcher & Reviewer, specialising in Islamic jurisprudence and legal rulings, with contributions to major publications.

Expertise & Contributions

• Issuing Fatwas on contemporary Islamic legal issues, particularly marriage and family law.
• Teaching Islamic Jurisprudence at the university level and supervising academic research.
• Developing Sharia-compliant solutions for legal disputes, ensuring the balance between Islamic jurisprudence and civil regulations in Western societies.
• Creating Islamic educational content, including books, research papers, and training programs.
• Leading community awareness initiatives, providing workshops and guidance on family matters.

Vision & Aspirations

Sheikh Mohamed Mahmoud Abdelhady is dedicated to bridging Islamic scholarship with modern societal needs. His mission includes:

• Producing fiqh-based solutions tailored for Muslim communities in non-Islamic societies.
• Developing accessible Islamic resources, such as educational booklets and multimedia content.
• Establishing a comprehensive Islamic sharia reference, integrating scholarly perspectives and practical case studies.

With a passion for education, research, and advisory roles, he continues to contribute to the Islamic Sharia Council - Northern Britain (ISCN), ensuring Sharia-compliant rulings and adjudication services for Muslims in Britain and beyond.