60 Second Interview: Imam

Imam Sejad is the senior Imam at Cambridge Mosque Trust. In this interview, he shares some insights into his day-to-day role and the school subjects he studied to get to where he is today.

Name: Imam Sejad
Employer: Cambridge Mosque Trust
Job title: Senior Imam

What does your role involve? 

My responsibilities and duties include leading congregational acts of worship, teaching and tutoring members of congregation, and providing other types of pastoral support, working on interfaith relations. I also offer guided tours of the mosque to individual and group visitors, including schools and colleges. 

What do you do on a day-to-day basis?

My everyday tasks include leading daily prayers; responding to phone calls, texts, emails; planning and preparing for weekly lectures and talks; delivering the weekly sermon on Fridays. I also hold regular weekly classes in core Islamic sciences, counsel members of my congregation, and give them guidance on the legal opinions of Islamic law and ethics.  

What subjects did you study?

I studied all the mainstream subjects, including natural and social sciences, alongside core Islamic sciences. 

How do you use your knowledge of religious studies in your role? 

I rely on the knowledge gained in this class in many ways. For instance, I use it when interacting with members of other faith groups, during community work and outreach, and when I give public talks. 

How did you adjust to being in a workplace? Do you have any tips on staying organised, time-management and working in a team?  

I work around the five daily prayers that Muslims observe. That helps me manage my time efficiently and deliver the tasks at hand. Being humble is a great quality for successful teamwork. 

What are the two most important transferable skills you use in your role? 

Interpersonal skills and oratory skills.

What other jobs do your interests, skills and experience lend themselves to?

The skills I have developed in my role as Imam would be very useful in any role that involves lecturing or teaching. I can also imagine my abilities being valuable in diplomacy and consultancy careers. 

What advice do you have for someone who wants to do your role? 

I would advise you to be sincere and don’t overestimate your abilities. Be humble and wise, as well as diplomatic.

We don't have a section specifically on roles in spiritual or religious vocations. However, you can find out about similar roles in our Education & Teaching Career Zone.

Lead image: Cmglee, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons