Help Train Support Buddies
New Muslims need companionship and support. Our bespoke Buddying Programme helps them on their journey in Islam.
Your help could cover support expenses
Your help could hire a training venue
Your help could hire a training coach
Our Buddying Programme helps new Muslims on their journey by pairing them with Cambridge Crescent Members trained by a professional coach.
We currently have 16 active members working as ‘Buddies’.
They have all undertaken the Cambridge Crescent Buddying Training course, designed in conjunction with a licensed therapist and coach. This means they’re equipped to offer support while leaving their judgement of life choices at the door.
Buddies are regularly matched with a Muslim of the same gender to offer solicited advice (practical, emotional, spiritual, other) about their journey in Islam. A Crescent Buddy is not the New Muslim's therapist or counsellor; they are available to befriend, listen and support them.
Your support could help us expand the Crescent Buddying programme. With more people embracing Islam, we’re empowering local partners, like Cambridge Central Mosque, as they develop their support work with new Muslims at shahada ceremonies.
‘Cambridge Crescent's work is a testament to the beauty of the Muslim community Particularly I want to highlight the community's support of those who are closely connected to new Muslims. This is a double blessing, as it acknowledges the unique journeys loved ones embark on in supporting new Muslims, and simultaneously celebrates new Muslims joining up to the wider community, limiting the isolation that can often be felt.’ – Buddying trainee, January 2023
The Messenger of God, peace be upon him, said, “God most Exalted said, ‘My love belongs by right to those who love one another in Me, to those who sit together in Me, to those who visit one another in Me, and to those who give generously to one another in Me.’” - Malik
The services we provide for new Muslims are Zakat compliant. As Allah guides us to whom to give, as illustrated in the verse below, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was also known to give and reconcile hearts.
'The charitable offerings are only for the poor, and the destitute and those who collect (the zakat) and those whose hearts are (to be) reconciled and for (ransoming) slaves and debtors and in God’s path, and the wayfarer, as an obligation from God and God is Knowing , Wise.’ — Holy Qur’an 9: 60
