The Muslim News - The Muslim News Awards for Excellence 2008 responses from the guests ‘I have never felt so proud in a Muslim gathering in this country’

Issue 230, Friday 27 June 2008 - 24 Jumad al-Akhbar 1429

The Muslim News Awards for Excellence 2008 responses from the guests ‘I have never felt so proud in a Muslim gathering in this country’

Some of the many comments we received from guests at The Muslim News Awards for Excellence held in March 2008

“It was a good opportunity for Muslims to show each other and the community at large all the talent they have in a diversity of fields. I was impressed this year by the women scientists who were nominated and who were successful in winning the awards. Thank you very much for bringing people of different nationalities and faiths to exchange their views.”
Dr Abdul Rahman Hassan, Editor-in-Chief, Islamic Tourism Magazine
“I enjoyed the Muslim News awards very much. I think it was organised and very well presented and the food was really good. Well done for organising the event, and thank you very much for inviting me.”
Abdul Taher, Reporter, The Sunday Times
“It always gives me great pride and a feeling of achievement when I attend The Muslim News Awards. I feel this must be the sentiments of all the Muslims in the UK and overseas. I was particularly pleased to hear the spoken words of poetic pilgrimage; this must surely be commended for raising the issues which affects Muslims in contemporary Britain in such an intelligent and entertaining way.”
Ms Adeela Rashid Shabaazz, Mediator and Trainer (Lambeth Mediation Service)
“I enjoyed the ceremony and I had a chance to meet some wonderful brothers and sisters. What I enjoyed most was the brotherhood and the diversity of the people.”
Ms Aly Touré, Commercial Attaché, Cote D’ivoire International Commodity Organisations
“The event was a really good chance to appreciate the true meanings of Islam- success, achievement, compassion and good-will. I was amazed by the high number of politicians and other important figures that were present! I was also impressed by the dedication and service of your lovely volunteer force.”
Ms Amina Al-Yassin, Student, Cambridge University
“I most enjoyed the entertainment provided by the Poetic pilgrimage girls. It was equally enjoyable to meet so many people and network with so many new faces.”
Ms Aziza Al-Yassin, Medical Student, King’s College London
“Congratulations on another brilliant and glittering awards ceremony. I echo the many comments that were made about your unique contribution to the celebration of Muslim achievements through the paper, the awards and personally.”
Bob Satchwell, Director, Society of Editors, Cambridge
“Many congratulations once again on a superb awards ceremony. It was truly inspiring. I hope that we can show the awards on Community Channel.”
Ms Caroline Diehl, Chief Executive, Media Trust
“I felt the evening was a huge success both in terms of attendance and the honourary guests, in addition to the positive publicity such events attract to aide in the unity of one common goal, of acknowledging and rewarding success.”
Dean Jenkins
“I thought it was - as ever - a fantastic evening, and an enormous tribute to your efforts and to your standing in the whole community. I thoroughly applaud the thinking behind the event and only regret that it is not more widely publicised. It must be an excellent fillip for the self-confidence of the Muslim community and a show-case for its success.”
Dermot Scott, Head of Office, UK Office of the European Parliament
“I enjoyed the excitement and diversity of the audience and the range of recognition made by the event.”
Ms Elizabeth Haworth, Director and Consultant Epidemiologist, Health Protection Agency
“There are so many examples of wonderful works being carried out in a wide variety and fields. The opportunity to share what is happening and the roles played by Muslims in the UK is not only enlightening but also inspiring.”
Ms Firdos Qazi, Head Teacher of Iqra School
“What I enjoyed the most is the way the awards celebrate the talent of the Muslim community whilst still reminding and informing about its heritage through the explanations of the names of the awards.”
Habib Kurwa, Consultant Dermatologist, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
“The awards were excellent. Well-done. The wide variety of speakers, winners and guests was impressive and good company.”
Hanif Adeel, Advisor of All-Party Parliamentary Group- Tackling Terrorism
“It was good to see evidence of Muslims making excellent contributions to our society.”
Harfiyah Abdel Haleem, Treasurer of IFEES
“I was honoured and really happy to attend The Muslim News Awards. I feel that the evening had demonstrated success, achievement and also the exhibition of gifted individuals and organisations within the Muslim community. The success of the evening is a testament to The Muslim News for the influence, information and coverage you and your colleagues have given to every facet within the Muslim community.”
Hasan Salim Patel, Broadcast Journalist, BBC Radio Leicester
“I enjoyed the opportunity to see people being recognised for their hard work in the community. I also enjoyed the networking opportunities.”
Imran Shafi, Foreign Affairs Committee Specialist
“I write to thank you for very kindly inviting me to attend the 2008 The Muslim News Awards for Excellence. Not only was it well organised, but also a thoroughly enjoyable event - formal in its presentation of the awards, yet informal and relaxed in the way that everyone from different walks of life mingled easily with one another and exchanged interesting views. The nominees and award winners equally made me feel immensely proud of the wide range of talent and skills within our community, and the positive contribution made by British Muslims to British society at large. The evening also reflected a shared understanding of building bridges and good citizenship in all aspects of life. A true spirit of our faith which invites us all to engage with fellow human beings for the betterment of mankind.”
Jabin Aykac, Special Needs Assistant at Friars Primary School
“I have never felt so proud in a Muslim gathering in this country. You have shown the world that we matter, we have made huge contributions to this country, made huge achievements and have competed at the highest level in every walk of life.”
Jafar Mirza, Managing Director of Anglian Healthcare Ltd
“Many thanks for an excellent enjoyable event. The balance of the political input was outstanding. The Muslim News remains the only newspaper which can attract such a diverse group people to gather nationally in a relaxed atmosphere.”
Jaffer A Kapaci OBE, Director, Leicester Asian Business Association
“I would like to congratulate you and your team on a wonderful evening. It was a great inspiration to see so many role models for young Muslims being awarded for their efforts. Furthermore, the organisation, timing and presentation of the event was impeccable. The service, food and venue were also very good. This was my first attendance at The Muslim News Awards and I was glad to see that the event was so well attended by representatives from the major political parties and other distinguished guests.”
Dr Kamran Ahmed, Psychiatrist, Middlesex
“I most enjoyed the positive ethos of participation and serious contribution of Muslims in Public Life in the face of adverse media image of this great Community. This is indeed the only such initiative that we have that promotes a positive Muslim image in a “professional” manner that obviously attracts senior public figures. May it long continue.”
Karim Sacoor, Managing Director of Crown British Trading
“Thank you for a wonderful awards evening, as always, which was well organised and attended. It is the time of the year where we can share our pride of being a Muslim by all political parties in the UK and also celebrate successful Muslim (and non-Muslim) peoples’ work and contribution to the world. The evening’s success is in getting Muslims to meet Muslims and non-Muslims from all walks of life and giving a sense of pride and unity in being a Muslim.”
Kelami Dedezade, Chairman, London Turkish Radio
“I was particularly pleased to see so many Muslim women win awards this year!!! Supported by their husbands! This really breaks the stereotypes! Great! And as always there were a lot of serious people there for networking, which is brilliant.”
Ms Kristiane Backer, Freelance Broadcasting Journalist
“I would like to thank you for inviting me to the award ceremony. It was a fantastic and genuinely inspiring evening. Thank you for the opportunity to meet so many interesting people from all walks of life and for the delicious food and great atmosphere.”
Ms Leah Kreitzman, Communications and Campaigns, Office of Sadiq Khan MP
“I must say in nearly forty years as a journalist I have never seen so many leading politicians in one place outside the House of Commons! What a coup.”
Ms Lis Howell, Director of Broadcasting, City University
“This was the first time I had been to the event and it was heartening to see that The Muslim News had such a wide ‘reach’ into all section of the community and public life of British Muslims.”
Mohammed Rafi, Executive Director of the Muslim Council of Britain
“May I take this opportunity of congratulating you in organising such a wonderful event. I and my Home Office colleagues thoroughly enjoyed the evening. The hosting was fantastic and all the volunteers were very helpful.”
Maqsood Ahmad, Head of Police Equality and Diversity Policy, Home Office
“My wife and I both felt very proud and enjoyed the entire program. We can not say which part was more enjoyable because every part of the program was excellent and impressive.”
Mohammed Nia, Managing Director of Zodiac International

“May I once again extend my congratulations to The Muslim News and to its Editor, Ahmed Versi for a thoroughly inspirational evening. The patent and evident effort, the care taken to attend to minute details, the choice of venue, and the dignitaries and honourable guests who attended the event is a testimony that the event is getting better with each passing year, and the readership is getting larger by the month. Very well done and a big thank you to all who made the event possible and successful.”
Mohamed Kanji, Accountant, EMC Ltd
“It pleases me no end to see our Muslim brothers and sisters excel in their own chosen fields to the extent that their recognition becomes automatic. What also pleases me about this is that they are shiny examples of role models within our community, particularly for the younger generation. I am sure that such events give them enough encouragement and motivation to personally strive for greater heights.”
Mohammad Akram MBE, Senior Policy Adviser, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform
“I enjoyed The Muslim News Awards event immensely. The networking opportunity was great and I got the chance to catch up with friends who I had not met for a long time. I was also impressed with the level of Political involvement from all the political parties and this will enable positive dialogue to manifest in the term.”
Mohammed Naeem, Chief Executive, Rochdale Centre for Diversity
“Congratulations on pulling off another great awards ceremony!”
Mohib Rahman, Team Leader, Strategy Unit, Department of Work and Pensions
“I was thrilled to be invited to your Awards dinner and found the occasion to be inspiring and motivating.”
Neil Ward, Chief Executive, Her Majesty’s Courts Service
“I would like to thank you and congratulate you on this magnificent event, as usual.” Obeida Nahas, Director, Levant Institute
“The gathering and the whole ethos was very inspiring - I appreciated the involvement of young people - the universal image of Islam was depicted.”
Qadir Bakhsh, Managing Director, E.A.G.L.E.S Consultancy
“It was indeed a great experience to see so many young and dynamic Muslims making a positive contribution to society. I commend you for celebrating the success of those who have given their time and efforts in uplifting our society. Events like these also give a real picture of a community which is going through a bad period due to the world situation.”
Rami Ranger, Managing Director, Sun Oil Ltd
“I thought the evening was amazing- courageous, innovative and inspirational. I thought the combination of passionate commitment – articulate phrasing and sharp analysis made Ahmed’s speech the highlight.”
David Randolph-Horn, Associate Staff and Researcher, School of Applied Global Ethics
“The event as always was inspiring. It was good to see the diversity of age, gender and cultures.”
Dr Reefat Drabu, Chair of Social and Family Affairs committee, Muslim Council of Britain
“It was a pleasure to be at the event and congratulations for another successful ceremony!!! Well done.”
Ms Rezia Halima Wahed, Textile Designer, Woven Air
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Cnotinued from page 9
“The evening was most enjoyable and clearly a great effort had gone into making it a real success. I enjoyed the recognition element of the night as I am sure you are aware, so many people do the work and go unnoticed.”
Saf Ibrahim, Head of the Advocacy Unit, Crown Prosecution Service Avon and Somerset
“The award ceremony was excellent as ever beautifully planned and expeditiously executed. My sincere thanks and congratulations to you and your team you made us the Muslims very proud, bringing people from all political parties was very important. I thoroughly enjoyed it and like last year it was a good venue, excellent company and nice food.”
Saleem Kidwai, Secretary General, the Muslim Council of Wales
“The organisation of the event was meticulous and the awards, guests and performances were memorable. The volunteers and staff were very friendly and always smiling, the prayer arrangement was much appreciated”
Ms Sameera Ali, Public Relations Officer, Islamic Relief
“I had a wonderful time at the awards. It was very inspirational and made me feel even more proud to be a Muslim.”
Ms Sarah Daya, Graphic Designer
“You should be really proud of what was an excellent event, and all the more so considering it is largely reliant on volunteers.”
Séamus Taylor, Director of Equality and Diversity, Crown Prosecution Service
“I sat next to fascinating guests (a film maker and a woman’s listening charity founder) and admired the fact you had brought all these people together.”
Ms Selina Mills, Press Officer, Citizens Advice Bureau
“The event offered me the opportunity to meet Muslim brothers from across the UK and witness the influence The Muslim News has within the Whitehall. It showed what impact we as Muslims living in Britain can make collectively and the talents that we have in our communities.”
Shah Newaz, Principal Policy Officer, Rochdale Council
“It’s always a pleasure to attend The Muslim News Awards, not least because of the diversity of attendees you are always able to pull together from both communities and the various sectors that support the event, and the political world.”
Ms Shareefa Fulat, Community Engagement Manager, Department for Communities and Local Government
“Congratulations on another successful awards ceremony! The entertainment and food was great. Thank you.”
Ms Shenaz Kermalli, Journalist, Al Jazeerah English
“It was a stunning occasion and I shall hope to get invited again next year!”
Stephen O’Brien, Chair, Tower Hamlets PCT, London
“The most enjoyable aspect of the Awards for Excellence was hearing of the wide-ranging & high standard of contribution and achievement made by the nominees and winners in each category.”
Ms Sue Gault, Secretary General, Pencak Silat Federation UK
“It was an amazing gathering of people full of so many talents and demonstrating such a range of experience and service to the community.”
Ms Susan Roberts, External Manager, Press Complaints Commission
“What you’re doing in promoting Islam & highlighting the contributions of Muslims is immense – and far greater than even you might think. Its impact is huge.”
Waqar Azmi, Chairman and Managing Partner, Waterhouse Consulting Group
“I enjoyed mostly the high standards and professionalism with which the Awards were organised and delivered. It was great also to see these high standards reflected in the (guest) speakers, presenting the Awards and finally those short-listed and winners of the Awards. It was great to have so many people present at the Awards, providing a great chance to network.”
Yaser Mir, Senior Lecturer, University of Lancashire
“It was a great night and we have very few nights like that to celebrate in the Muslim community.”
Ms Yvonne Ridley, Journalist, Press TV
“I had an excellent time and it was a really inspiring and informative event.”
Zahid Bhatti, President, The Federation of Student Islamic Societies
“I know that a considerable amount of time and effort goes into organising the awards and I would like to congratulate you on a very successful evening. I thoroughly enjoyed the event and was very impressed by the influential speakers.”
Ms Zahida Manzoor, Legal Service

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