Words from the Editor
The Muslim News, the UK’s largest independent Muslim newspaper, is proud to launch its 21st *Awards for Excellence*, celebrating achievements and promoting excellence within the British Muslim community.
Muslims in Britain are remarkably diverse, representing a wide array of cultures from around the globe, yet united by shared values, a common history, and a vibrant heritage evolving into a distinctly British Islam. Since our first issue, The Muslim News has strived to enhance communication within our community and with the wider world.
Our aim was to create a platform for Britain’s Muslims to share their stories and experiences—the excitement, challenges, and triumphs of building a place in society. Over the past 35 years, we have witnessed remarkable progress, notably a growing pride in faith-based identity and the emergence of inspiring role models.
The *Awards for Excellence* was founded to celebrate these milestones and to encourage further achievements. Firmly established on the national Muslim calendar, we anticipate another successful event next year, spotlighting individuals who strengthen our community. However, to make this possible, we need your support. An independent panel of judges will select 15 remarkable men and women—tomorrow’s role models—from nominations sent by you, our readers. Once again, we invite you to nominate individuals, initiatives, or organisations that embody excellence and serve as an inspiration to us all.
GUIDELINES: All nominees must be Muslims (or non-Muslims where applicable) who are ordinarily resident in the UK. All organisations nominated must be UK-based.
Al Biruni award for excellence in Community Relations For promoting understanding and respect between Muslim and non-Muslim communities at the national or local level
Alhambra award for excellence in Arts: For achievement to fine art, performing art or architecture
Alija Izetbegović award for Good Citizenship For showing courage & determination in securing rights for others
Allama Iqbal award for Creativity in Islamic Thought For the development of a new, innovative and challenging approach to the understanding and application of Islam
Annemarie Schimmel award for Championing a Muslim Cause: For a non-Muslim individual, initiative or organisation which /who has supported a Muslim cause
Faezeh Hashemi award for excellence in Sports For outstanding sporting achievement or the initiation of a sports project for the benefit of the Muslim community
Fazlur Rahman Khan award for excellence in Engineering/Science/Technology
Ibn Battuta award for excellence in Media: For fair, accurate and balanced reporting on an issue involving Muslims nationally or internationally
Ibn Khaldun award for excellence in Promoting Understanding between Global Cultures and Faiths: For a person or organisation who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in, or commitment to, promoting international understanding between cultures and/or faiths
Ibn Sina award for Health: This award recognises those who excel in and promote health issues
Imams Hasan and Husayn Children’s Award for excellence: For a child (5-15 years) who has demonstrated outstanding achievement
Malcolm X Young Person’s Award for excellence: For a young person, or an organisation/initiative run by young people (16-25 years), whose principal aim is to support and create opportunities for their peers
Sankore University award for excellence in Education
Ummul Mu’minin Khadijah award for excellence in Enterprise: For achievement in business and commerce
Uthman Dan Fodio award for excellence in Community Development For a person, project, or initiative aimed at raising the quality of life of Muslims locally or nationally
Iman wa Amal special award: For outstanding contribution to Islam and Muslims. a special award at the discretion of the judges only
| Nomination deadline | FEBRUARY 7, 2025 |
| Shortlist published | MAY 30, 2025 |
| Awards ceremony | JULY | DAY TO BE CONFIRMED |
Nominations will be judged by a panel of experts drawn from across the UK.
The judges are totally independent of The Muslim News
Judges reserve the right to move entries into a category they consider to be more suitable.
The judges’ decision is final.
