Gift Foundation – Empowering Seekers of Knowledge
Gift Foundation is a UK-registered charity (Charity No. 1143428) dedicated to inspiring the pursuit of sacred knowledge and preserving Islamic scholarship. Founded in 2011 by Sheikh Fahimul Anam رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ and Sheikha Selina Begum Ali, the foundation was born from their personal experiences as adult students navigating financial hardship while studying Islamic Sciences in Arabic-medium institutions.
After completing their degrees - Sheikh Fahim in Business Studies and Marketing, and Sheikha Selina in Primary Education - they both embarked on a journey to study Islamic Sciences. Faced with limited access to funding and support, they envisioned a platform that would provide scholarships, spiritual guidance, and pastoral care to students pursuing Islamic education at higher levels, including degree and PhD programmes.
Originally launched as Gift of Knowledge, the initiative quickly grew into a broader movement. Today, Gift Foundation supports Imams, scholars, and academics, while also extending supports and grants to vulnerable and deprived communities in developing countries. The Gift Foundation remains deeply committed to nurturing orphaned and disadvantaged students, promoting the transformative power of learning, and building a legacy of Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity).
We believe that building people is just as vital as building mosques and schools. Through our Gift of Knowledge Scholarship and Education Fund Programme, we aim to cultivate a new generation of scholars equipped to serve their communities through teaching, dawah, and leadership.
Education uplifts nations. Divine knowledge uplifts humanity. Support seekers of knowledge and become part of a legacy that transforms lives and communities across the world.
Our Trustees
Behind every Gift Foundation initiative stands a team of passionate and committed trustees who volunteer their time, skills, and experience to make a lasting difference. Our trustees represent the heart of our organisation - individuals from diverse backgrounds united by a shared belief in the power of education, compassion, and opportunity. Their leadership ensures that every project remains transparent, impactful, and true to the vision of our late co-founder, Sheikh Fahimul Anam رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ.
Below are the profiles of our trustees.
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Chair of Trustees
Dr Hamida brings extensive experience as a General Practitioner (GP) in East London and strong leadership in community and educational initiatives.
Dr Hamida Begum serves as the Chair of the Newham GP Co-operative. In this role, she provides strategic leadership and oversight to ensure the delivery of high-quality primary care services across the Newham area.
Dr Hamida studied Islamic sciences under Sheikh Fahimul Anam رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ for many years including for an Alimiya Diploma. She joined the Board of Trustees while still a student and now leads Gift Foundation with renewed vitality.
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Co-Founder and Trustee
Sheikha Selina Begum Ali co-founded Gift Foundation in 2011 alongside the late Sheikh Fahimul Anam رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ, laying the foundation for a charity rooted in sustainable development, education, and social welfare. From its inception, their shared vision has guided the organisation’s mission to create lasting, meaningful change within communities.
As the Chair of Gift Foundation for its first decade, Sheikha Selina played a pivotal role in transforming the organisation from a grassroots initiative into a respected and far-reaching charitable body. Her leadership helped establish a strong foundation for growth, collaboration, and impact.
Sheikha Selina is a distinguished educator and community leader with expertise in both Islamic and mainstream education. She holds a Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Primary Education, CELTA, and PTLLS qualifications from London. Her Islamic scholarship includes a Diploma in Arabic Language and a BA in Usul al-Din and Usul al-Fiqh (Arabic medium), reflecting her deep commitment to faith-based learning.
She is the Co-Founder and Director of Beacon Educational Services, where she continues to champion high-quality, inclusive education and community empowerment.
In addition, Sheikha Selina dedicates her time to teaching Qur’an, Arabic Language, and Islamic Studies, inspiring learners of all ages to deepen their understanding and spiritual connection. She regularly delivers talks and seminars at institutions, community groups, and organisations - empowering individuals through knowledge, tailored guidance, and practical strategies for personal and communal growth.
In recognition of her contributions, Sheikha Selina was honoured as Religious Advocate of the Year at the British Muslim Awards 2018. This accolade celebrates her dedication to promoting religious understanding, interfaith dialogue, and community cohesion across the UK.
Her lifelong commitment to education, empowerment, and nurturing the next generation of seekers of knowledge continues to embody the spirit and mission of Gift Foundation.
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Founding Trustee and Treasurer
Monjur is a Business Analyst in the transport sector with an academic background in Physics and Computer Science. A long-time student of Sheikh Fahimul Anam رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰه, he studied Tajweed under his guidance and continues to uphold the Gift Foundation’s vision of empowering seekers of knowledge.
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Founding Trustee
Khaleda Jasmeen Maleque holds a BA (Hons) in Sociology and Social Policy from London and brings with her decades of experience in community development. Her work has consistently focused on empowering individuals and strengthening communities through inclusive, grassroots initiatives.
With a deep understanding of social structures and policy, Khaleda has contributed to numerous programmes aimed at improving wellbeing, access to services, and civic engagement. Her commitment to social justice and community empowerment continues to inspire those around her and reflects the values upheld by Gift Foundation.
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Trustee
Monzur Haque – Champion of Inclusive Innovation and Community Wellbeing
Monzur Haque is an award-winning Library Systems Officer, recognised nationally for his transformative work in making public services more inclusive, accessible, and community-driven. In 2025, he received the prestigious Libraries Connected Vision & Print Impaired People’s Promise Award for his pioneering efforts to ensure library services meet the needs of all residents, regardless of ability. Monzur’s leadership has made the project a national model for inclusive, digitally-enabled community services - embodying the values of compassion, innovation, and empowerment that Gift Foundation stands for.
Grounded in lived experience and deep community engagement, Monzur co-designs solutions with communities, grassroots organisations, and voluntary sector partners. He is a trained Mental Health First Aider, ASIST Suicide First Aider, and Domestic Abuse Champion, placing wellbeing and dignity at the heart of his work.
He holds a BSc (Hons) in Computing, is a qualified Data Analyst through the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE), and completed the Community Leadership Programme – Postgraduate Certificate at SOAS University of London, further strengthening his ability to lead change at the intersection of technology, equity, and community empowerment.
Monzur has been actively engaged with Gift Foundation since its inception, collaborating very closely with Sheikh Fahimul Anam رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ to develop its mission and influence from the very beginning.
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Trustee
Dr. Rabia Ishaque is a practicing GP in East London and leads the Coaching, Mentoring, and Leadership Hub.
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Trustee
Dr. Tasnuba, a GP practicing in East London, completed her medical education at King's College London. She studied Tajweed and the Imam Degree Programme under the guidance of Sheikh Fahimul Anam رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰه and Sheikha Selina Begum Ali. She brings her expertise and profound spiritual insight to projects dedicated to advancing education and learning for everyone.
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Trustee