Who We Are
Maariyah Adam
Founder & Managing Director
I am a Scottish-born Muslim woman driven by a passion for empowering individuals and communities to affect positive change. I am responsible for the oversight of the organisation as well as being the research lead.
Sacred is a marriage between my experiences of working and volunteering in community organisations in various capacities over twenty years. I am a Doctoral Researcher at The University of Chester, and my research interest is in understanding the role of Islamic-based text in the perpetuation of spiritual abuse in Muslim communities in the UK.
My main and most important role is being a mum to three amazing children. My home is my favourite place to be, and when I am not there, I enjoy seeing new places and eating out.
Mahrukh Adnan Shaukat
Senior Researcher
My area of expertise focuses on community-led initiatives and policy in practice. This has included gendered analysis of newly defined issues such as spiritual abuse and the improvement of support networks for marginalised individuals.
Sacred is a place where I can pour my skills and experience into supporting my community to heal and build its strength.
Aziza Dada-Ami
Web Designer & Social Media Co-ordinator
I am a UK-born Muslim who has always had a passion for art & design, and this eventually led me to become a graphic designer. I look after the social media & web design aspects of Sacred. Working with the Sacred team has inspired me. I feel so blessed to be working towards something that I believe in and making a difference in any way I am able.
I love family time, reading, travel, exploring new cultures and immersing myself in new environments and cuisines.
Our Advisors
Dr Rahmanara Chowdhury
Chartered Psychologist
Born and raised in the East Midlands of England, I have been fortunate enough to have access to opportunities that others may not always have. I see this as a responsibility to fulfil but also one that I care very deeply about. Alleviating human suffering as much as possible is my driving force. I am a chartered psychologist currently working in academia and try to use this to help others. Within my role at Sacred, I endeavour to use my skills to support the excellent work being done in whatever way I can.
My family is one of my most valued gifts in life. In my downtime, I enjoy outdoor walking, anything with greenery and water and that’s me sorted!
Nadeem Ishaque
Psychotherapist
I am a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist with over a decade of experience working with a diversity of individuals and communities. My style of psychotherapy is goal orientated and I use a range of modalities in therapy including Psychodynamic, CBT and Attachment Theory. I continuously develop myself by keeping up to date with current psychological research in my private practice. I help individuals to heal from their suffering and over the last few years I have supported clients with depression, anxiety, trauma, anger management, relationship issues and addictions. I am also the co-Founder/Director of Urban Community Project based in Glasgow. I live at home with my wife, three daughters and Barfi, our spoiled pet cat.