Life is a constantly changing maze, where the question of right or wrong defines acceptable modes of behaviour. However, what differentiates right from wrong? What is the process behind deciding whether something is quintessentially right or wrong? The answer is the law. The constant battle to uphold order in an ever changing society is the underlying factor which has attracted me towards a career in law and its political aspects.

I first realised my passion for law through my study of Islamic Law. Having devoted three hours daily on weekday evenings for the past five years, I have attended an Islamic class working towards obtaining a qualification in Islamic Law, Theology and Jurisprudence. I expect to graduate in the next academic year. Through this deep, extensive study of Islamic Law, I have become specifically interested in how British law works. This interest has been furthered by numerous visits to the Royal Courts of Justice where I not only sat in public galleries, admiring and gaining understanding of the court processes, but also engaged in mock trials, my favourite of which was when I played the defending lawyer for a client, accused of murder, in a series of gang- related crimes. This experience intrigued me and led me to spend last summer reading ‘Letters to a Law Student’ by Nicholas McBride in which he excellently advises prospective law students on how to tackle a Law degree. The process of trying to gain a deeper understanding of how laws are made has also led me to develop a keen interest in politics and current affairs. I feel this is of significance for any aspiring lawyer and, thus, I spent a large portion of the 2015 election campaigning with the Labour Party in my constituency.

Studying Government and Politics, I have been able to gain an insight into how the British political system works, furthering my keen interest in the subject, including the process of making, enforcing and upholding laws. Indeed, the latter was the root of my interest in Law. In Economics, I have developed an understanding of how the UK economy works and its relationship to the rest of the world. Studying Geography has enhanced my skills of investigating hypotheses, whilst allowing me to undertake detailed case studies of several different locations. English has taught me to recognise flaws and weaknesses in speeches and texts – all vital skills for an aspiring lawyer.

My knowledge of Islamic Law has enabled me to lead Muslim prayer on a daily basis at school, where over 200 boys attend the congregation. This responsibility has made me a more confident and approachable individual within the school community – qualities also enhanced by my involvement in the Green Forum. This is a non-profit organisation I have started, which aims to make schools across the country more eco-friendly and less damaging to the environment. I have been nominated to win the ‘London Young Person of the Year’ award for my work in establishing this Forum. Since its inception in January 2015, the organisation has experienced significant growth, such that I am currently leading a team of over 40 students and liaising with their senior teachers in five different schools throughout London. I have also spent a year supporting 60 students in Year 9 Geography lessons where I have been able to develop my organisational and planning skills. On weekends, I currently work part-time for a large Islamic business, Azhar Academy. Balancing my time between recreation, school and Islamic classes throughout my GCSE’s and A-levels has considerably improved my time management skills.

Being highly determined, committed and tenacious are qualities which, I believe, would stand me in very good stead on a Law degree; and combined with my skills of time management and perseverance, I confidently feel that studying Law at university would truly bring the best out of me, enabling me to contribute much to my institution.