Overview
Since its initiation 74 years ago, the unheard became the heard- Rukia Bi became the first female, Muslim Chaplain at Keele University- and change was coming. With its growing Muslim student demographic, the university was finding itself needing the necessary resource to deal with the changes arising- from prayer spaces and its allocations, to religious adjustments, religious and cultural awareness and student services provisions, it was at this point, it was agreed, a specialist role needed to be developed to bridge the gap- a Muslim Chaplain.
The term chaplain associates itself to the ‘God Squad’- those who spend their days praying, and the rest is a total mystery. However, beyond the assumptions and stereotypes, the role of a chaplain encompasses a range of higher education roles, from a 1-1 counsellor to faith advisor and social activist to student pastoral care- and all that falls in between. As a female Muslim Chaplain, the dynamics are unique- not only are you a role model to the Muslim and non-Muslim women on campus but must also be accessible and approachable in distinct ways. In Islam, there is a notion of ‘fitra’ or ‘nature’, and women tend to have a more empathetic, approachable, caring and loving nature, for which the role of Chaplain sits more compatibly.
The role of Muslim Chaplain is forever growing, changing, and adapting, but at the core sits a person who lives and believes in change and will do whatever it takes to help change others. The future is bright for chaplaincy, and if universities, chaplains, religion, and belief organisations work together and learn from each other, chaplains’ positive impact can become even stronger. Chaplaincy cannot be taught and must be experienced. Chaplaincy has become a spark of hope for students, a safe space to help them through university life.