Umm al-Khair
Since 2016, Umm al‑Khair has been teaching daff and inshād (singing spiritual poetry) across various communities, both nationally and internationally. Her work extends beyond instruction: she actively supports individuals and groups in establishing regular gatherings of remembrance within their local cities.
Fard al-ʿAyn
Umm al‑Khair began singing and drumming in 2010. Over the next decade, she dedicated herself to studying her fard al‑ʿayn (obligatory knowledge) with scholars across the UK, while steadily refining her skills in both drumming and vocal performance.
For over a decade, she has lead and organised gatherings throughout the UK where the praises of our beloved Prophet ﷺ are sung and expressed through Arabic poetry.
Through these efforts, she has nurtured spaces of devotion, community, and spiritual connection, ensuring that the tradition of collective remembrance continues to flourish.
Breezes of the Elect
In 2018, she embarked on the translation and collation of well‑known Arabic poems, a project that culminated in the publication of Breezes of the Elect in Ramadan 2023.
In 2019 she undertook a journey to Fez in Morocco and then to the blessed city of Tarim in Yemen, where she focused on Arabic and Qur’ān studies. There she obtained her first ijāza in Qur’ānic recitation.
Upon returning to the UK in 2020, she continued her studies, earning a second ijāza in Qur’ānic recitation, while also deepening her knowledge of Māliki fiqh and the Arabic language.
Gatherings of Praise
Umm al-Khair has been leading and participating in gatherings of remembrance where praises of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ are sung and expressed through Arabic poetry. Such gatherings can serve as a vital source of hope and renewal, offering light in the midst of today’s hardships.
From the UK to Tarim (Yemen), Umm al‑Khair has studied with esteemed scholars and now endeavours to teach and strengthen these traditions, assisting communities worldwide.
The Bedouins of Tarim
Whilst studying in Tarim, Yemen in 2019, we were told of a story where scholars would journey to the countryside and encounter Bedouin communities. At first, the locals were startled by the scholars’ majestic attire – the flowing robes and turbans. So, with characteristic humility, the scholars would change into simple local garments, pick up the daff drum and begin singing songs of praise.
Drawn by the beautiful sounds, the people would emerge – listening, even dancing! And then gently, with the ease and grace that the scholars of Tarim are known for, they would segregate the crowd and begin to speak: words of praise, words of knowledge, words that captured hearts and minds. Thus would begin their journey towards sacred knowledge, all starting with the simple daff drum and songs of praise.
Gatherings in the UK
Here in the UK, the landscape may be different – but the need remains the same. In truth, we are all seeking ways to deepen our understanding and experience the beauty of Islam. Gatherings of praise are one such way: gentle, nourishing, and transformative.
Our gatherings begin with a shared setting of intentions, followed by recitations and reflections from the Breezes of the Elect collection. They typically last around two hours, always flowing with rhythm and remembrance. Toward the end, we offer short reminders – simple words to uplift the heart – and always a little food, tea, or cake to share. These gatherings are open to everyone: Muslim or non-Muslim, seeker or curious soul. Come as you are, be who you are, and let the transformative process begin.
Inviting Umm al-Khair
If you would like Umm al-Khair to help set up a gathering in your town, then we would love to hear from you. You can reach out using the contact form below.
She also offers support to existing groups who are already holding gatherings of praise – helping to strengthen daff skills, vocal presence, tajwīd and deepen understanding and connection to the poetry being sung.
For more information or to begin a conversation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by using the form in the footer below.
Areas of Work
Teacher of Daff and Inshād
To both beginner and advanced students
Teacher of Tajwīd
Two Ijāzas in Qur'ān recitation
Singer of Praise Poetry
A rich selection of spiritual poems from across the Muslim world
Event Organiser
Helping to establish gatherings of praise