How Sisters4Islam Became Part of a National Conversation on Healing Through Community
Behind every gathering we host, every coffee morning, and every quiet moment shared in sisterhood, there’s a deeper story, a story of healing, resilience, and belonging.
We never imagined that the work we’ve been quietly doing here in Leicester would one day be recognised in a national piece highlighting how Muslim-led projects are tackling one of the UK’s most pressing public health issues – loneliness.
But here we are. Sisters4Islam has been featured in a powerful article by Hyphen, titled “Muslim-led projects to beat loneliness saved Britain £56m last year” — a headline that not only speaks volumes but affirms what we’ve always known – connection saves lives.
The True Cost of Loneliness
It’s hard to put a price on sisterhood, but this report just did. And it’s incredible to see the impact of small, consistent efforts made with sincerity and love. At Sisters4Islam, our intention has always been rooted in what we know from our deen, that helping others is part of our responsibility, and being in service to one another is a way of serving Allah ﷻ.
More than 55,000 people were supported by Muslim-led groups like food banks, support circles, and women’s projects. Sisters4Islam was one of just 14 organisations studied, and to see our name there, in black and white, among that impact, it’s a moment we don’t take lightly.
Our Beginning Was Simple
We didn’t start with a big strategy or funding. We started with a question: How can we bring women together?
At the time, we noticed a divide within the community, different cultures doing their own thing, staying within familiar spaces. The Somalis had their circle. The Asians had theirs. The Swahilis had theirs. But there was no shared table. No space where we could all just… be.
So we created one.
Our first events were simple – coffee mornings. A place to chat, check in, and feel seen. But it didn’t stay small for long. Over time, those mornings turned into summer schemes for children, pampering evenings for mums, wellbeing sessions, and day trips to break the routine and create shared memories. Always rooted in our values, welcoming to all, Muslim and non-Muslim, from every background.
These spaces grew into places of trust and connection. For us, it’s always been about serving others sincerely, in a way that reflects the Prophetic example, to meet people where they are and bring hearts together.
The Woman Who Found Her Voice
The article shared a story that’s dear to us, the journey of one of our sisters who came to us barely able to speak in public. She was so timid, so unsure of herself. We gave her a chance to volunteer as our admin, and slowly, through being involved, she found her confidence. Eventually, she became one of the voices on our radio show, hosting, speaking, sharing with ease.
It reminded us of the Prophet ﷺ’s encouragement to support each other in our growth, that when we lift others up, Allah lifts us too. That’s the power of being seen. That’s the power of community.
Addressing Deeper Issues
The report didn’t shy away from talking about what’s behind the loneliness many Muslims, especially women, face. From deprivation and housing struggles to anti-Muslim hatred and social exclusion, these systemic challenges create emotional isolation that often goes unnoticed.
We see this every day. Women arriving in the UK with no family around. Sisters facing language barriers. Asylum seekers left in limbo. Others simply worn down by the pressures of daily life with no safe space to breathe, let alone belong.
And yet, we’ve seen how a warm room, a cup of tea, and honest conversation, paired with sincere du’a, a weapon of the believer, can start to dissolve that isolation. It’s not just about filling a room. It’s about softening hearts and holding space, which is a mercy in itself.
A Quiet Revolution
When you see stories like this in the media, it reminds you that what we’re doing matters, even if it doesn’t always feel loud or big. Sometimes, the quietest revolutions happen over shared meals and gentle conversations. They happen when someone walks into a room full of strangers and leaves with a lifelong friend.
We didn’t build Sisters4Islam to make headlines. We built it to build bridges. But today, being featured in this report and article means the impact of that intention is being seen beyond our community, and we hope it inspires others to do the same.
What’s Next?
We’re not stopping here. The work continues. We’re planning more programmes, exploring ways to reach even more isolated sisters, and strengthening partnerships that align with our mission.
If you’re reading this and feeling inspired, please share the article. Talk about this with your friends, your workplace, and your mosque. Let’s keep the conversation going.
And if you’ve ever attended one of our events, volunteered, or even just made du’a for us, thank you. This is your impact, too.