At my best I’m calm, composed, and supportive of others. I like to think of myself as a good party host: I’m good at active listening, quiet observation, and doing what needs to get done, but I also enjoy talking (often laughing too loudly) and socializing. I am serious, hardworking and practical, but can also be boisterous and easygoing. I'm not a social butterfly, but it is important for me to maintain strong relationships with a handful of good friends. I’m an extroverted introvert, and have a dry and sarcastic sense of humour.

I like running, yoga, walking, listening to podcasts, reading, writing, crafts, and cats. I’m not super adventurous, but I am willing to step outside my comfort zone. I spent a couple years living, studying, and adventuring overseas. I’m also a bit of a dinosaur nerd.

I’m a third generation Canadian, and I have three younger siblings. Although I’m ethnically half-Bengali and half-Pakistani, my Muslim Canadian identity is far more important to me than my cultural background. My family is not very cultural and can only speak English. I also speak French and have studied some Arabic. My family is Sunni and fairly practicing, but also fairly liberal. My family and I don’t eat zabiha halal, but I willing to do so after marriage. 

I’ve worked as a student chaplain, teaching/research assistant, and instructor at my university. Currently, I am finishing my Masters in Religious Studies and living with my parents, but I completed my undergrad at McMaster University. Inshallah I will finish my M.A. in August 2019, after which I will continue to work at the university and apply for PhD programs. Although doing a PhD is a goal and dream of mine, I do not expect to become a professor (because realistically those jobs are very difficult to come by) and am open to working in other fields. 

I am passionate about reproductive health and sexuality education for Muslims in Canada, Islamic feminism, interfaith work, and being an active ally to LGBTQ+ and Indigenous peoples. I am pro-LGBTQ+ friendly, feminist, and gender-egalitarian interpretations of Islam. I am also interested in the ethics how Muslims should related to Indigenous peoples as settlers in Canada. These are all topics that I am very vocal about, and this would continue after marriage. I am also an active volunteer for numerous organizations in my city. My research, work, volunteer work, and religious practice reflect my passions.