Words from the Editor
Ahmed Versi, Editor
The Muslim News, the UK’s largest independent Muslim newspaper, is proud to announce the launch of its 22nd The Muslim News Awards for Excellence. These awards celebrate outstanding achievements and aim to inspire continued excellence across the British Muslim community. British Muslims are wonderfully diverse, shaped by cultures from around the world, yet united by shared values and a vibrant heritage that has evolved into a distinctly British Islam. Since our very first issue, The Muslim News has worked tirelessly to connect communities, engage wider society, and give voice to the experiences and aspirations of Muslims in Britain.
The Muslim News Awards for Excellence, established in 2000, shine a light on these stories—of challenges faced, triumphs achieved, and contributions made. Over the years, the ceremony has grown into a landmark event in the national Muslim calendar, celebrating milestones while encouraging future generations to aim even higher. Next year, an independent panel of judges will select 15 exceptional men, women and children (tomorrow’s role models) from the nominations you submit. We warmly invite you to put forward individuals, initiatives, or organisations that embody excellence and inspire all.
To ensure your submission is accurate, avoid delays, and maximise its chances of being shortlisted, please review the award categories and familiarise yourself with the rules and guidelines before submitting your nomination.
Ready to Nominate?
Submit your nomination for the 2026 Awards for Excellence
Submit Nomination
→
Deadline: January 30, 2026
RULES AND GUIDELINES
Award Categories
Al Biruni Award for COMMUNITY RELATIONS – Promoting understanding and respect between Muslim and non-Muslim communities.
Alhambra Award for ARTS – Achievements in fine art, performing arts, or architecture.
Alija Izetbegović Award for GOOD CITIZENSHIP – Courage and determination in securing rights for others.
Allama Iqbal Award for CREATIVITY IN ISLAMIC THOUGHT – Innovative approaches to understanding and applying Islam.
Annemarie Schimmel Award for CHAMPIONING A MUSLIM CAUSE – For non-Muslims supporting a Muslim cause.
Faezeh Hashemi Award for SPORT – Sporting excellence or sports initiatives benefiting the Muslim community.
Fazlur Rahman Khan Award for ENGINEERING, SCIENCE or TECHNOLOGY
Ibn Battuta Award for MEDIA – Fair, accurate, and balanced reporting on Muslim-related issues.
Ibn Khaldun Award for PROMOTING UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN GLOBAL CULTURES & FAITHS
Ibn Sina Award for HEALTH
Imams Hasan and Husayn CHILDREN’S AWARD – For a child (15 years and younger) with outstanding achievement.
Malcolm X YOUNG PERSON’S Award – For a young person or initiative (16–25 years) supporting peers.
Sankore University Award for EDUCATION
Ummul Mu’minin Khadijah Award for ENTERPRISE – Achievement in business and commerce.
Uthman Dan Fodio Award for COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Other: If unsure of the appropriate category, nominators may select ‘Other.’
Special Awards (Not Open to Reader Nominations)
- Iman wa Amal SPECIAL AWARD – Chosen by judges for exceptional merit (not category-specific).
- Editor’s LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT Award – Selected by the Editor for lifelong contributions.
Nominations & Eligibility
Who Can Be Nominated
- Individuals, organisations, or initiatives demonstrating excellence
- Self-nominations are welcome
- All nominees must be UK-based
Religious Affiliation
- Nominees must be Muslim, except for the ‘Championing a Muslim Cause’ category
- The ‘Championing a Muslim Cause’ category is exclusively for non-Muslims
- Organisations must be Muslim-led, with founding roles held by Muslims
Previous Winners
- Previous winners are not eligible for re-nomination
Submission Process
- Nominations not shortlisted or received after the deadline automatically carry forward to the following year
- Nominators may update and strengthen submissions for the next cycle
Important: The Muslim News reserves the right to withdraw a nomination at any stage of the judging process, or to rescind an award after it has been granted, if new information emerges that could bring the Awards into disrepute or compromise their integrity.
Deadlines (2026)
- Nomination deadline: Friday, January 30, 2026
- Shortlist published: April 2026
- Awards ceremony: Monday, July 6, 2026
Citation & Submission Guidelines
A minimum 500-word citation is required for each nomination. It should clearly outline the nominee’s achievements, impact, and any challenges overcome. As judges base their decisions primarily on this citation, all information must be accurate, comprehensive, and current.
Supporting materials—such as testimonials, reports, metrics, or links—may be included but cannot replace the required 500-word citation, which remains central to the assessment process.
Submit Your Nomination
Don’t miss the opportunity to recognize excellence in our community
Nominate Now
→
Deadline: January 30, 2026
Technical Support: If you experience issues with the online form, please email your full nomination to: [email protected].
The Panel of Judges & Judging Process
To maintain fairness and introduce fresh perspectives, The Muslim News convenes a new and diverse panel of UK-based experts from a wide range of fields each year. Judges serve voluntarily, remain independent of The Muslim News and its sponsors, and must declare any conflicts of interest. The identities of nominators remain anonymous throughout the assessment.
The panel elects a Chair and Vice-Chair to oversee the process. Nominations are assessed using a points-based system determined by the judges, with the top three candidates in each category shortlisted. Winners are selected by majority vote or, where possible, by unanimous agreement. In exceptional cases, two winners may be recognised in the same category.
The panel may also confer the Iman wa Amal Special Award on a shortlisted nominee whose achievements surpass the criteria of any single category. If a shortlisted nominee is deemed ineligible, the next highest-ranked candidate will take their place. Judges may also reassign entries to more suitable categories. All decisions are final once deliberations conclude.
Attendance & Ceremony
- Individuals: Two complimentary tickets—one for the nominee and one for a guest.
- Organisations: Two representatives receive complimentary tickets to attend.
- Additional tickets: Available at a discounted rate for shortlisted individuals and organisations.
- To maintain the element of surprise, winners’ names will remain confidential until they are announced during the ceremony.
