SPL's logo since their establishment in January 2008

SPL began as a small group of Shia professionals based in London with the goal of creating a positive networking environment which would allow easy access to other Shia Muslims in each industry across London. This organisation is headed by Aatif Khan, who first set up the organisation in January 2008.

Some of the objectives include providing mentoring, networking opportunities and organizing workshops to provide advice and skills. This is in addition to guidance given in regards to interview techniques from SPL members to students. Activities have consisted of dodgeball, media video making, speed networking and spoken word/poetry now formerly known as Unchained Words.

Moreover, SPL offers families the chance to experience mosaic classes headed by the respected artist Ayesha Ahmed in association with SPL to provide ‘House of Art Workshops’ from April 2009 being held in The Vestry House Museum. The Art Workshops are in conjunction with The William Morris Gallery, a Gallery that is interested in exploring how Islamic art has influenced British art and culture.

The increasing success of SPL has meant a greater sense of unity being born within the Shia community across London and created new spaces for different talents. Essentially SPL’s roots lie in the initiation of a Facebook Group ‘Shia Professionals of London’ with an increase in members over a considerably short period of time.

Past successful events put on by Shia Professionals of London have included a Q&A session with Sayyed Amar Nakshawani, an SPL networking dinner , Meet Me, I Am Shia  and I Am Shia 2. The most recent events have been the discussion circles taking place with Sheikh Ayub known as ‘Knowledge Exchange’. In order to monitor the success of SPL, feedback forms have been filled out at numerous events with a result of 100% positive  feedback. Also since the beginning of the year 2009 SPL has appeared on the front page of 1st Edition of ‘The Redbridge Muslim Newspaper’.

The growing number of activities available for the current generation has meant it is imperative to create a  future today and highlight an organisation that unites the notion of faiths and careers. Establishing the right career path has at times created a complex set of choices but with the experience of generations before us, SPL has  become the foundation for a strong and invaluable bond between the youth and SPL team members.

For more information and to find out ways to get involved please e-mail shia.professionalsoflondon@googlemail.com or visit the Facebook group ‘Shia Professionals of London’.