
The purpose of this guide is simple: help facilitators run roundtables that are honest, high-energy, and participant-led.

This is a **reusable playbook**. It is designed to work across topics such as AI, policy, product, fundraising, careers, and community building.

## Your Role

You are a facilitator with deep expertise. Your role is to:

- Get the room talking quickly.
- Elevate what participants say with context and challenge.
- Keep discussion focused, inclusive, and on time.
- Leave people feeling heard, sharper, and connected.

You are not there to deliver a lecture. You are there to build a high-quality conversation.

## Core Principles

### 1. Participant-led, facilitator-guided

Participants are the main voices. Facilitators set direction, pressure-test ideas, and make connections.

### 2. Clarity over performance

People are not attending because they expect polished TV moderation. Be direct, human, and useful.

### 3. Productive tension is healthy

Respectful disagreement creates depth. If two perspectives conflict, surface it and explore it.

### 4. Fair airtime is non-negotiable

A great session is not one person speaking brilliantly. It is many people contributing meaningfully.

### 5. Time discipline creates trust

Every round must end on time. Strong facilitation is kind and firm.

## How to Work as a Facilitator Team

### Talk to each other, not only to the room

When someone makes a point, respond and bring in co-facilitators:

> "That's a strong point. Ibrahim, does what they described show up in your legal work too?"

This models cross-cutting conversation and gives participants permission to build on each other.

### Do not wait for "your round" to contribute

One facilitator should open each round for structure, but rounds are not silos. If a participant says something in your domain, jump in.

### Disagree respectfully, and with evidence

If facilitators disagree, say so directly and constructively:

> "I see it differently. In my experience, regulation is not catching up yet, and here's why."

Tension is useful when grounded in evidence.

### Keep each other concise

If someone runs long, redirect with respect:

> "Great framing. Let's pause there and hear from the room."

### Run the room together

If an attendee dominates, any facilitator can intervene and rebalance airtime.

## Getting the Room Talking

### Start specific, not generic

Do not open with "Any thoughts?" Open with a concrete prompt:

- "Raise your hand if you have personally encountered an AI-generated scam."
- "Who here has used AI at work in a way they would not openly describe to their manager?"
- "Who has had to make a legal or policy decision without clear precedent?"

Hands up breaks the ice faster than open silence.

### Name people and invite directly

Use lanyards, introductions, and context:

> "You mentioned you work in education. What are you seeing in schools right now?"

People speak more when invited with specificity.

### Validate first, then deepen

Use a two-step response:

1. Acknowledge: "That is exactly the tension."
2. Expand: "What happens when this is scaled to a regulated environment?"

### Connect contributions

Show continuity across comments:

> "That links directly to what Fatima raised earlier, but from an investor lens."

This turns isolated comments into collective thinking.

### Do not answer your own questions too fast

If there is silence, hold for a few seconds. If needed, reframe or invite someone specific. Once you answer your own question, you signal the room is optional.

### Leave ego at the door

There will often be people in the room with deeper knowledge in specific sub-areas. Your job is to elevate, not dominate.

## Adding Value Without Taking Over

### Share knowledge in response, not in advance

Do not front-load every insight. Wait for a participant signal, then add precision.

### Use stories more than statistics

A concrete professional example lands harder than abstract metrics:

> "I worked on a case last month where this exact assumption failed under audit."

### Keep interventions short

Target **30 to 60 seconds** per facilitator intervention.

If you are on your third sentence, throw the conversation back to the room.

### Elevate quiet voices

Look for someone nodding, leaning in, or trying to speak. Invite them:

> "It looked like you wanted to add something. Go ahead."

### End rounds by crediting the room

Use synthesis language:

> "What I'm hearing from all of you is..."

This reinforces participant ownership of the session.

## Reusable 60-Minute Roundtable Blueprint

| Time | Objective | Facilitator move |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 0:00-0:05 | Set tone and rules | Introduce purpose, format, and airtime expectations |
| 0:05-0:10 | Warm start | Show-of-hands questions + one direct invitation |
| 0:10-0:25 | Round 1 exploration | Open prompt, active weaving, short facilitator interventions |
| 0:25-0:40 | Round 2 challenge | Surface disagreement, stress-test assumptions |
| 0:40-0:52 | Round 3 actions | "What should happen next?" with specific asks |
| 0:52-0:58 | Synthesis | Summarise patterns, tensions, and practical takeaways |
| 0:58-1:00 | Close | Thank contributors and state next steps |

If your session is shorter, keep the same structure and compress each block proportionally.

## Reusable Prompt Bank

Use these across almost any topic.

### Openers

- "What are most people in this space getting wrong right now?"
- "Where is the biggest gap between hype and reality?"
- "Who in this room has seen this fail in the real world?"

### Depth prompts

- "What assumption is this argument relying on?"
- "What would make you change your mind?"
- "What breaks first when this moves from pilot to scale?"

### Action prompts

- "What should a team do in the next 30 days?"
- "Who needs to collaborate to move this forward?"
- "What is one thing this room can commit to before leaving?"

## Intervention Scripts for Common Situations

### 1. One person is speaking too long

> "That is useful context, thank you. I want to pause you there so we can hear from two voices we have not heard yet."

### 2. Nobody answers a question

> "Let's make this easier: who has seen even a small version of this problem?"

### 3. Conversation drifts off-topic

> "Helpful point. Let's park that and return to the core question so we stay on track."

### 4. Two participants are clashing

> "This is a valuable disagreement. Let's separate the assumptions first, then test each one."

### 5. Misinformation is shared confidently

> "Important claim. Let's treat that as a hypothesis unless we can ground it in evidence."

### 6. Time is running out

> "We have five minutes left. One sentence each: what is the most important takeaway?"

## Facilitation Guardrails

- Be firm on airtime without humiliating anyone.
- Challenge ideas, not people.
- Do not let status or confidence overpower evidence.
- Keep language accessible; avoid jargon unless explained.
- Protect psychological safety while maintaining intellectual rigour.

## Pre-Session Checklist

- Confirm the session objective in one sentence.
- Align facilitator roles: opener, synthesiser, timekeeper.
- Prepare three opening questions and three depth prompts.
- Agree intervention phrases for dominance, drift, and silence.
- Decide what "a successful session" looks like before you begin.

## Live Session Checklist

- Open with purpose, format, and airtime expectation.
- Get at least five voices in the first 15 minutes.
- Invite at least two quieter contributors directly.
- Surface at least one constructive disagreement.
- Keep facilitator contributions short and evidence-based.
- Close on time with a participant-first synthesis.

## Post-Session Debrief

- What themes repeated across participants?
- Which disagreement generated the most insight?
- Who should be connected after the session?
- What should change in the next facilitation run?

Document these quickly while memory is fresh.

## Final Reminder

You have authority over the session flow. Use it responsibly.

You do not own the right to dismiss someone's contribution, but you do own the responsibility to protect airtime, quality, and timing for everyone in the room.

Strong facilitation is a mix of humility, precision, and firmness.


Roundtable Facilitators Guide


In the fast-paced world of tech startups, the **SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity)** has become the gold standard for early-stage fundraising. Created by Y Combinator, it is prized for its simplicity and speed. However, for Muslim founders and investors, the primary question isn't just about speed—it's about **Shariah compliance**.

Is a SAFE a permissible way to raise capital, or does it fall into the traps of *Riba* (interest) or *Gharar* (excessive uncertainty)?

## What is a SAFE?
A SAFE is a contract between an investor and a startup. The investor provides capital today in exchange for the right to receive equity in the future, usually triggered by a "priced round" (like a Series A). 

Unlike a **Convertible Note**, which is a loan that accrues interest and has a maturity date, a SAFE is technically a **convertible security**.

### The Shariah Perspective: Debt vs. Equity
Under Islamic law, financing typically falls into two categories:
1.  **Qard (Loan):** Must be interest-free (*Qard Hasan*). Any stipulated excess is *Riba*.
2.  **Musharakah/Mudarabah (Equity/Partnership):** Profit and loss are shared based on the performance of the business.

Because a standard SAFE **does not accrue interest** and has **no maturity date** (meaning there is no obligation to pay back the cash if the company fails), many scholars argue it is closer to an equity investment than a debt instrument.

## The Compliance Challenges

While SAFEs avoid the obvious pitfall of *Riba*, they face scrutiny regarding **Gharar** (uncertainty).

### 1. Uncertainty of Price (*Gharar*)
In a standard sale, the price and the object must be known. In a SAFE, the investor doesn't know exactly how many shares they will receive until a future valuation is set.
* **The Counter-Argument:** Some scholars note that because the *mechanism* for determining the price (the valuation cap or discount) is agreed upon upfront, the uncertainty is "manageable" and fits within the customary practices of modern trade.

### 2. Liquidation Preference
Some SAFEs give investors "priority" to get their money back before founders during a dissolution. 
* **The Issue:** Shariah principles generally require that in a loss, all partners lose in proportion to their capital contribution (*Pari Passu*). Giving one party a guaranteed "money-back" preference over others can be seen as non-compliant.

### 3. Ownership Rights
Traditional Shariah-compliant equity requires the investor to take on the risks and rewards of ownership. Since a SAFE holder isn't a "shareholder" on the cap table until conversion, some argue the "ownership" is too remote.

## How to Make Your SAFE "Halal-Friendly"

If you are raising on a SAFE, you can take specific steps to align the document with Shariah principles:

* **Remove Interest:** Ensure you are using the standard YC Post-Money SAFE, which has no interest rate. Avoid "Convertible Notes" unless they are specifically structured as *Qard Hasan*.
* **Pari Passu Liquidation:** Adjust the "Dissolution Priority" clause so that SAFE holders and ordinary shareholders are treated equally in the event of a wind-down.
* **Use a Side Letter:** Many Muslim-led startups use a "Shariah Side Letter." This document clarifies that the investment is intended as a risk-sharing equity participation and not a debt obligation.
* **Valuation Caps:** Including a valuation cap helps reduce *Gharar* by setting a "worst-case scenario" for the price, making the future equity stake more determinable.

## Credible Alternatives

If a standard SAFE still feels too "grey" for your board or investors, consider these alternatives:

| Option | Description | Why it's used |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Direct Equity** | Issuing ordinary shares immediately at a set valuation. | The "gold standard" for compliance; no uncertainty. |
| **The OQAL Note** | A Shariah-compliant alternative developed for the MENA region. | Specifically modeled on the SAFE but uses a *Qard Hasan* structure. |
| **Mudarabah Agreement** | A profit-sharing contract where one party provides capital and the other provides expertise. | A classical Islamic finance structure. |

## The Verdict
The consensus among many modern Islamic finance experts is that **SAFEs are significantly more Shariah-compliant than Convertible Notes** because they lack interest and maturity dates. However, the "standard" version may still require minor tweaks—specifically regarding liquidation preferences—to be fully airtight.

Are SAFEs Halal?


As a community, we often talk about Ihsaan (excellence) in our code and our companies, but what about in our connections?

Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned founder, the way you introduce yourself sets the tone for your entire Muslim Tech Fest (MTF) experience. It’s the difference between collecting a business card and building a lifelong brotherhood or sisterhood.

Here is your step-by-step guide to introducing yourself with confidence, adab (etiquette), and impact across every scenario you’ll face at MTF.

## 1. The WhatsApp Group Introduction

_Where the buzz begins before the doors open._

The attendee WhatsApp group is often your first touchpoint. With hundreds of notifications flying in, you want an intro that is concise but memorable. Avoid the "Hi, I'm here!" spam and go for value.

### The "Value-First" Formula:

> **Salam** + **Name** + **Role** + **The "Give"** + **The "Ask"**

Copy-Paste Template:

> "As-salamu alaykum everyone! 👋 I’m **[Name]**, a **[Role, e.g., Backend Engineer / Founder]** at **[Company]**.
>
> 🚀 **I can help with:** Advice on scaling Python apps or introductions to the fintech scene in London.
> 💡 **I’m looking for:** A co-founder with strong marketing skills or feedback on my new SaaS idea.
>
> Excited to meet you all on the day! Connect with me here: [LinkedIn Link]"

**Pro Tip:** Be mindful about spamming the group, but if you notice lots of new people join every few days, feel free to re-introduce yourself to make new joiners feel welcome too.

---

## 2. In-Person: The "Handshake" Intro

_For the hallway track, the coffee queue, and the expo floor._

At MTF, the barrier to entry is low—everyone is there to connect. You don't need a rehearsed elevator pitch; you need a conversation starter.

### The Approach:

Start with the universal icebreaker: **"As-salamu alaykum!"** (Smile, it’s Sunnah).

### The Script:

> "Salam, I’m **[Name]**. I’m working on **[X]** at the moment. Is this your first Muslim Tech Fest?"

### Alternate Questions to Spark Conversation:

- "What brings you to MTF this year? Are you hacking, hiring, or just seeking inspiration?"
- "Did you catch the last speaker? That point about [Topic] was intense."
- "I’m trying to meet more people in the [AI/EdTech/Creative] space—do you know anyone I should talk to?"

**The Golden Rule:** Listen more than you speak. If they mention they are looking for a job, and you know a hiring manager, introduce them. Be the bridge.

---

## 3. On Stage: The Speaker’s Intro

_If you're lucky enough to be invited to speak on stage you must make the first 30 seconds count._

The audience likely has already seen your bio and stalked your LinkedIn. Don’t read your CV. Instead, tell them _why_ they should trust you on _this_ specific topic.

### The "Hook & Credibility" Formula:

1.  **Salam & Energy:** "As-salamu alaykum everyone!"
2.  **The Hook:** Start with a bold statement or a question. "Most startups fail because..."
3.  **The Credibility:** "My name is **[Name]**, and I spent the last 5 years building failed companies before I raised a $10M seed round."
4.  **The Promise:** "In the next 20 minutes, I’m going to show you how to..."

**What to Avoid:** "Hi, I'm [Name], I went to [University], then I worked at [Company], then I did [Project]..." (_Audience checks phones_).

---

## 4. The Audience Q&A Intro

_How to ask a question without giving a speech._

We’ve all seen _that_ person who takes the mic and talks for 2 minutes about their own startup. Don’t be that person. Respect the speaker’s time and the audience’s patience.

### The "Laser-Focused" Formula:

> "Salam, I’m **[Name]** from **[Company/University]**.
>
> Thank you for the insightful talk. You mentioned **[Point X]**—could you elaborate on how that applies to **[Context Y]**?"

**Why this works:**

- It’s polite.
- It gives context (who you are helps the speaker tailor the answer).
- It asks a _real_ question.

---

## 5. Joining an Existing Conversation

_Breaking into the "Circle of Death" (closed networking circles)._

You see a group of three people talking. You want to join. It feels awkward. Here is how to do it gracefully.

1.  **Read the Body Language:** Are they standing shoulder-to-shoulder in a tight huddle? Maybe wait. Are they standing in a "V" or "U" shape? They are open to new people.
2.  **The "Hover & Nod":** Stand near the edge of the group, make eye contact with one person, and smile/nod as they speak.
3.  **The Entry:** Wait for a lull in the conversation.
4.  **The Line:**
    > "As-salamu alaykum, mind if I join the circle? I overheard you mentioning [Topic] and it sounded super interesting."

**Pro Tip:** Once you join, **do not** immediately hijack the topic. Listen for at least 2 minutes. Then, when appropriate, introduce yourself or ask a follow-up question to the current speaker.

---

## Final Thought: Intent Matters

At Muslim Tech Fest, we are building for the _Ummah_ and the future. When you introduce yourself, go in with the intention to be of service. Whether you are a student or a CEO, you have something to offer.


How to introduce yourself


**The story of Muslim Tech Fest is not about seeking validation. It is about reclaiming a legacy.**

For centuries, Muslims were the architects of the modern world. From the foundations of optics and medicine to the invention of algebra as the very language of code; innovation is in the Muslim DNA. Today, that legacy continues with Muslim founders of platforms like YouTube, Cursor and Replit shaping the digital age.

Yet, despite outsized contributions to the modern age, the narrative has shifted. Muslims are too often caricatured, marginalised, or viewed through a lens of deficit.

[Zahid Mahmood](https://www.linkedin.com/in/zaarheed) and [Arfah Farooq](https://www.linkedin.com/in/arfahfarooq), founders of Muslim Tech Fest (MTF), realised that technology and entrepreneurship are the levers that will move the future. To be stewards _(Khalifa)_ on earth, Muslims cannot afford to be on the sidelines. They need to be at the forefront.

<StickyScroll>

<StickySection>
	<StickyHeading>The Foundation</StickyHeading>
	<StickyTitle>A lifelong community builder</StickyTitle>
	<StickyImage src="/assets/images/speakers/arfah-farooq.webp" />
	<StickyText>
		The groundwork for this movement was laid by Arfah's work with Muslamic Makers. She is a lifelong community builder with a career that spans the highest levels of the public and
		private sectors. From launching the No. 10 Innovation Fellowship for the UK Government to building AI communities for NHSx. Arfah has spent over a decade operating where policy meets
		people. As the co-founder of Muslamic Makers, she built Europe's largest network of Muslim talent, creating a vital sanctuary for thousands. Her free, volunteer-led community had
		limits: like many grassroots initiatives, it relied on goodwill rather than capital.
	</StickyText>
</StickySection>

<StickySection>
	<StickyHeading>The Architect</StickyHeading>
	<StickyTitle>Excellence or nothing</StickyTitle>
	<StickyImage src="/assets/images/speakers/zahid-mahmood.webp" />
	<StickyText>
		Zahid's journey began teaching himself to code in East London internet cafes, selling his first tech business at just 14. Today, he is a Forbes 30 Under 30 founder, backed by Silicon
		Valley heavyweights like Sequoia for his startups in AI and Healthcare. He brings this relentless commercial mind to the community. After steering Muslamic Makers through the
		turbulance of the COVID19 lockdown he looked past the sentiment of the skills he volunteered to the organisation and saw an untapped asset class. He realised that as long as the
		ecosystem relies on charity and 'safe spaces', it will never command the respect or the capital that the talent within it deserves.
	</StickyText>
</StickySection>

<StickySection>
	<StickyHeading>Superpowers</StickyHeading>
	<StickyTitle>A collaboration of superpowers</StickyTitle>
	<StickyText>
		In May 2022, Zahid registered the domain _muslimtechfest.com_ and shared his intentions with Arfah. She immediately came onboard and so the transition from a volunteer network to a
		commercial powerhouse was underway. Arfah brings the government-level credibility and deep trust that takes years to earn. Recognised as a Top 30 Changemaker and one of Computer
		Weekly's Most Influential Women in tech, she has an uncanny ability to make the community listen. Zahid drives the grand vision, provides the strategic roadmap, takes on the risk
		appetite, and handles the operational rigour. He is the silent engine that makes the mission work and scale.
	</StickyText>
</StickySection>

<StickySection>
	<StickyHeading>Global Mandate</StickyHeading>
	<StickyTitle>From local to global influence</StickyTitle>
	<StickyText>
		Under this unified leadership, Muslim Tech Fest shifts from local representation to global influence. The brand now pushes the frontier in all corners of the world including London,
		San Francisco, Jakarta and Istanbul. Today, Muslim Tech Fest operates with a commercially robust foundation. It elevates the hard work of grassroots organisations in every city where
		a cornerstone Muslim Tech Fest event lands. It champions a culture of Ihsaan (Excellence) in technology and entrepreneurship throughout the Ummah.
	</StickyText>
</StickySection>

</StickyScroll>

The founders of Muslim Tech Fest are reclaiming the legacy of Excellence.

They are no longer just asking for a seat at the table.

Nor are they merely building their own table.

**They are building the room.**


The Story of Muslim Tech Fest


We're thrilled to announce that **Muslim Tech Fest 2025** is officially happening! After the incredible success of our previous events, we're bringing back the most exciting tech conference for the Muslim community.

## What to Expect

This year's festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, featuring:

- **50+ World-class Speakers** from leading tech companies
- **1800+ Attendees** from around the world
- **40+ Exhibitors** showcasing the latest innovations
- **42% Decision-makers** in attendance

## Key Themes

Our 2025 festival will focus on four core themes that are shaping the future of technology:

### 1. Data-bias in AI

Exploring how we can build more fair and inclusive artificial intelligence systems.

### 2. Data-driven Marketing Mastery

Learning the latest strategies for effective digital marketing in today's landscape.

### 3. Tech Enabled Wealth Building

Discovering how technology can be leveraged for financial success and entrepreneurship.

### 4. Sustainable Futures

Building technology solutions that create a better world for future generations.

## Get Involved

Whether you're a speaker, sponsor, or attendee, there are many ways to be part of Muslim Tech Fest 2025:

- [Apply to Speak](/speaker-sign-up)
- [Become a Sponsor](/sponsor)
- [Register for Updates](/subscribe)

## Save the Date

**Muslim Tech Fest 2025** will take place in London on June 21, 2025. Mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

---

_Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as we get closer to the event. Follow us on social media for the latest news and behind-the-scenes content._


News & Impact

Roundtable Facilitators Guide

Are SAFEs Halal?

How to introduce yourself

The Story of Muslim Tech Fest

Muslim Tech Fest 2025: Celebrating Innovation and Community