About Sayed

Sayed Zafar Abbas was born in London and hails from a religious family well known for their service to Aba Abdillah al Husayn (AS). He traces his lineage back to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) through the tenth holy Imam, Ali al-Hadi al-Naqi (AS).

Using his background in politics, international relations, history and law, acquired over four years, culminating in a Masters degree from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, and combining it with a traditional hawza education for over a decade from both London as well as the oldest Islamic seminary in the world at Najaf al Ashraf, Sayed is able to bring a fresh perspective to the pulpit, amalgamating the modern with the traditional as well as presenting new perspectives on his main areas of interest: history, theology and ethics. 

In May 2018, Sayed was appointed the Resident Alim of Idaara Maarif e Islam (Hussainia Mosque) in Birmingham, one of the oldest and largest Shi’a centres in the UK, having previously served in various parts of the UK. 

He has addressed majalis all over the world including Canada, Australia, Pakistan, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda as well as being a frequent visitor to the United States.  

Sayed can be reached via email at zan[@]szabbas.com