Ruqaiyah Hibell trained as a researcher and holds three degrees from Loughborough University in Social Policy, European Studies, and International Security.

Having worked with the New Muslims Project since 2007 she has produced a range of research reports on a variety of aspects relating to conversion to Islam. Ruqaiyah has written articles for the Muslim News, Huffington Post, Emel magazine, and Meeting Point newsletter having featured in interviews for the BBC and other international media. She participated in a television series produced by Malaysian television focused on embracing Islam in a British context.  

Ruqaiyah teaches academic writing skills on the BA and MA degree programmes at Markfield Institute of Higher Education, where she coordinates the Research Degrees Programme, and a training course in Muslim Chaplaincy. She writes regularly for the Muslim World Book Review and assists with editing the journal. As part of her current research she is exploring issues surrounding deconversion from Islam seeking to further examine why some converts lapse from or abandon their faith. 

Ruqaiyah is the mother of six children and has eight grandchildren. In her spare time, she is currently studying Arabic and enjoys long walks with her dog.