February 2026

Welcome to BIMA Pulse

Assalamu alaikum,

As we approach the middle part of the blessed month of Ramadan, we focus to renew spiritually, deepen reflection, and serve with a renewed sense of purpose. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever does not give up false speech and evil actions, Allah has no need of his fasting.” This reminder calls us to embrace Ramadan not simply as abstention, but as a profound opportunity for inner transformation and ethical recommitment in ourselves and in how we care for others.

This edition of BIMA Pulse highlights key ways TeamBIMA is stepping forward during this pivotal time. From Ramadan health guidance and collaborative clinical resources, to supporting colleagues facing professional challenges, our collective work exemplifies the spirit of compassion and service that Ramadan invites.

As the British Islamic Medical Association continues to advocate on matters affecting healthcare professionals and our communities, we encourage members to support our advocacy efforts in this blessed month. This work requires sustained commitment and collective backing and through your support, we can continue to speak with clarity, integrity, and professionalism on issues that matter.

We’re also delighted to share details of the BIMA National Conference 2026 – Living Well: Restoring the Balance in Glasgow, 2–3 May. BIMANC26 is a signature gathering where Muslim healthcare professionals from across the UK will come together for learning, reflection, and connection. With inspiring plenaries, practical workshops, and opportunities to strengthen professional and personal bonds, this flagship event sets the tone for a year of wellbeing, balance, and community impact.

We hope this newsletter inspires and equips you as we enter a season of renewed purpose and collective growth.

Dr Arshad Latif
BIMA Comms Lead and Council Member

Upcoming Events

BIMA Conference 2026

Join Muslim healthcare professionals from across the UK for a weekend of insight, reflection and purposeful connection.

Programme highlights include:

• Dr Saleyha Ahsan & Prof Naveed Sattar on restoring balance in modern healthcare

• Prof Shireen Kassam on plant-powered health and prevention

• Sh Sohaib Saeed (PhD) on the Qur’an in a fast-paced digital world

• Ofrah Muflahi, Dr Rob Lawson and others on building a healthier nation

The day concludes with a dedicated networking dinner and a day trip around the breadthtaking Loch Lomond on day 2. 

Glasgow | 2-3 May 2026

February at a Glance

Support BIMA This Ramadan

This Ramadan, stand in solidarity with those who care for others.

Muslim healthcare professionals across the UK are increasingly facing Islamophobia, discrimination, and regulator referrals linked to political expression.

Through the BIMA Support Clinic, we provide:

• Confidential legal support

• Pastoral care

• Mental health support

• Strategic engagement with regulators and policymakers

Alongside individual case support, BIMA continues to advocate for fair workplace policies, professional dignity, and accountability within regulatory systems.

Every act of support strengthens our ability to defend and represent Muslim healthcare professionals.

Ramadan Health Advice: A Collaboration with NHS England

In collaboration with NHS England, Dr Sahira Dar shares guidance for a safe and healthy Ramadan in a 3-part video series.

Key reminders:

• Speak to your GP before fasting if you have a medical condition

• Never stop prescribed medication without advice

• Islamic guidance provides clear exemptions where fasting may not be safe

Share these resources with colleagues and patients who may benefit.

Ramadan While Working Clinically – Featured in BMJ Careers

BIMA at First Open Iftar at Best Practice London

The first Open Ramadan Iftar at Best Practice London marked a meaningful moment for faith inclusion within a national GP conference. As part of months of collaboration, the evening created space to showcase the spirit of Ramadan — reflection, unity and community — within a professional healthcare setting.

With support from our sponsors, Stalis and GP Triage, colleagues gathered to break their fast together, and Maghrib prayer was led on site. Importantly, the conference facilitated a dedicated prayer room, demonstrating thoughtful and practical inclusion. It was encouraging to see BIMA represented in this space and to witness faith and professional life sit confidently side by side.

BIMA Statement on Confidence in Due Process at the GMC

BIMA has issued a formal statement expressing concern about the reopening of cases that have already been concluded.

Reopening decisions risks undermining trust in medical regulation, creates a chilling effect on doctors, particularly those from Muslim or Palestinian backgrounds, and raises serious questions about fairness and proportionality.

We have called for urgent accountability and clarification.

BIMA Statement: Victims of Islamophobic Abuse Should Not Be Re-Victimised by the Regulatory Process

BIMA has issued a statement following the determination of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service in the case concerning Dr Cinderella Nonoo-Cohen. The Tribunal found that messages sent to Dr Roghieh Dehghan were objectively discriminatory. Her messages were Islamophobic, seriously offensive, and demonstrated racial hostility.

This case raises urgent questions about how Islamophobia, political expression, and complainant welfare are handled within professional regulation.

New Dresscode & Bare Below the Elbows (BBE) Resources

Dresscode policies, particularly the application of Bare Below the Elbows guidance and inconsistent theatre requirements, continue to create anxiety and barriers for many Muslim women in healthcare.

BIMA has refreshed its Dress Codes webpage to provide:

• Consolidated policy guidance

• Evidence summaries

• Advocacy tools

• Clear signposting for affected colleagues

Our position remains clear: no healthcare professional should have to choose between their faith and their profession.

Xceed Day 2026: Excellence, Identity, and Impact

Earlier this month, Muslim healthcare students from across the UK came together at the University of Birmingham for Xceed Day 2026 - BIMA’s flagship student conference.

From workshops on leadership and digital health to honest conversations about embodying Ihsaan and excellence. This landmark event was unique in that it built collaborations among universities in Birmingham, Aston, Warwick, Cardiff and more! 

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to such an energising and thoughtful day.

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