About Us
RMA was founded in 2022 when a simple question was asked: "Why is there no Jum'uah (Friday prayer) in Richmond?" A room was booked, WhatsApp messages were sent, and six people turned up for the first Friday prayer. By the grace of God, the congregation grew each week until a move to the larger Oddfellows Hall became necessary.
We are a Sunni Muslim community grounded in the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, following the understanding of the four established schools of Islamic jurisprudence. Our purpose is to serve the Muslim community in Richmond upon Thames and to contribute positively to the life of the wider borough — promoting understanding, strengthening community bonds, and working alongside all residents to build a more connected and compassionate Richmond.
We were formally incorporated as a charity in May 2025 as the Richmond MA Foundation (1213388).
Our vision is of a thriving, dynamic local community — one that improves life for everyone in the borough.
Our Team
Trustees
Tahmer Mahmoud
Tahmer is a senior educator with a distinguished career in independent schooling. He is currently Director of Learning at one of the UK's leading independent schools. Tahmer leads RMA's education and youth development thinking.
Asma Ahmed
Asma brings extensive financial and legal expertise to RMA's governance. She has worked at Big 4 accounting firms and Magic Circle law firms, advising on complex tax and transactional matters. Her professional background directly supports RMA's financial strategy and charitable compliance.
John Dunne
John is a retired academic who embraced Islam over 30 years ago. His conversion and decades of lived experience as a Muslim in Richmond give him a unique perspective on the community's journey and needs. John brings intellectual rigour, interfaith credibility, and a deep commitment to RMA's mission.
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The trustees are supported by a team of volunteers which include professionals from legal, finance, and engineering backgrounds. All trustees and volunteers are unpaid and do not receive any compensation from donations for their time.
Imam
Sheikh Abdi Ahmed is a Hafidh of the Qur'an and has served as a teacher of Qur'an and Islamic studies across three continents. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Islamic Studies from Al-Azhar University in Cairo and a Master's degree from the Muslim College in London. Over more than three decades, Sheikh Abdi has taught Qur'an and Islamic subjects in Egypt, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. He is a member of the Islamic education team at Darussalam Mosque in Southall and serves as Imam to the Richmond Muslim Association.
Partners and Links
We are pleased to work in collaboration with the following organisations:
