What I Shared at Cambridge Muslim College About Islamic Computing
A reflection on my Cambridge Muslim College talk on Islamic Computing, Greentech, and how Muslims can build technology, research, and institutions that genuinely benefit people.
Professional Summary
About Me
Dr Riasat Islam is a researcher and academic passionate about using technology to improve healthcare, well-being, and education. Currently a Lecturer at the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, Queen Mary University of London, his research centres around Human Computer Interaction, Artificial Intelligence and Islamic Computing. He made contributions, including high-impact journal publication and a software launch. This work has led to knowledge transfer and consultancy with a medical device startup. Additionally, he has co-founded the Greentech Apps Foundation, a software non-profit with 3M+ users worldwide. He aims to create tech solutions that empower individuals and foster positive societal change.
Education
PhD in Computing
The Open University
MSc ICT Innovation
KTH Royal Institute of Technology & University College London
BSc Engg in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Islamic University of Technology
Interests
Artificial Intelligence
Human Computer Interaction
Islamic Computing
Research
Dr Riasat Islam’s research interests focus on the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). He is particularly passionate about developing user-centred AI systems with applications in healthcare and well-being, aiming to create solutions that enhance the user experience while supporting physical and mental health.
Additionally, Dr Islam is interested in exploring the use of user-centred AI in Islamic computing, with a focus on creating interconnected learning platforms that foster spiritual growth and well-being.
If you would like to work with Riasat and/or GTAF.org, please get in touch.
Blog Posts
AI in 2026: Agents, Coding Tools, and the Changing Software Landscape
Since around November 2025, the pace of AI development has been absolutely relentless.
Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems are evolving quickly. A few months ago the conversation was dominated by Model Context Protocols (MCPs). But after recent announcements from Perplexity AI and others, it seems AI tooling is moving closer to CLIs and APIs, integrating directly into developer workflows rather than relying heavily on new middleware layers.
Teaching Software Engineering in the Age of AI Coding Agents
Last weekend I built, shipped, and pushed a reasonably complex piece of software to production.
Several thousand lines of code. Live. Working.
Time spent: a weekend.
This would have been unthinkable not long ago.
Designing Islamic Lifestyle Apps for Real Spiritual Needs
There are now several thousand Islamic apps in the market, with hundreds more launching every month. At the same time, many Muslim-majority countries are experiencing rapid demographic and technological growth, particularly among young people who are highly active on mobile devices.
AI for Marking: What It Can (and Cannot) Do in University Assessment
A practical, evidence-based look at how AI can support marking and feedback in higher education without compromising fairness or academic standards.