Elham Asaad Buaras
The 2025 King’s Birthday Honours list celebrates the achievements of approximately 32 British Muslims whose exceptional contributions are driving progress across healthcare, education, social justice, innovation, and humanitarian relief. The honours—comprising one CBE, eight OBEs, seventeen MBEs, and six BEMs—reflect the breadth and depth of Muslim leadership in shaping a more equitable, inclusive, and forward-looking society.
Among the recipients are pioneers in genetic medicine and paediatric neurosurgery, champions of community cohesion and environmental sustainability, and advocates for human rights and digital inclusion. Their work spans local and global contexts, underscoring the pivotal role of British Muslims in responding to the complex challenges of our time with compassion, ingenuity, and resolve.
Healthcare and Medical Excellence
The medical field commanded prominence among this year’s Muslim recipients, with healthcare professionals earning recognition for groundbreaking research, clinical excellence, and transformative leadership in health equity.
Professor Robin Raihan Ali, a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, received an OBE for his pioneering work in gene and cell therapies as Professor of Human Molecular Genetics at King’s College London. His cutting-edge research represents advances in medical science that promise to transform patient care for generations to come, positioning Britain at the forefront of genetic medicine.
Professor Noor Ul Owase Jeelani’s MBE recognition celebrates his extraordinary impact as a consultant paediatric neurosurgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital and honorary associate professor at the UCL Institute of Child Health. Internationally acclaimed for leading some of the world’s most complex craniofacial surgeries, Professor Jeelani has pioneered the separation of craniopagus twins across multiple continents, including landmark cases in Pakistan, Sudan, and Turkey. His co-founding of Gemini Untwined in 2019 demonstrates his commitment to supporting families while advancing surgical techniques for craniopagus separation. Beyond the operating theatre, his innovations include CranioXpand, a revolutionary spring-based skull expander now in clinical use, and his leadership of the FaceValue research group, which harnesses AI and 3D modelling to enhance craniofacial surgery outcomes.
Speaking to The Muslim News, Professor Jeelani reflected on his recognition: “This recognition is not just a reflection of my work but of the dedication and passion of every colleague and team member who has been part of this journey, and I share this achievement with them. We remain committed to working towards a better future for children both in the UK and globally. All children are equally precious, and it is our collective responsibility to look after them.”
At the pinnacle of health equity leadership, Professor Idayat Bolanle Owolabi received a CBE for her transformative work as Director of the National Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Programme at NHS England. Professor Owolabi has pioneered NHS England’s Core20PLUS5 approach to narrowing healthcare inequalities while maintaining her practice as a GP in the Midlands. Her expertise in integrated care models and data-driven quality improvement has earned international recognition. She has represented the UK on prestigious forums, including the Commonwealth Fund/Academy Health Tour 2023 and the Danish Ambassador’s Tour De Health summit. Her leadership encompasses her previous role as National Speciality Advisor for Older People and Integrated Person-Centred Care, her contribution to the Covid-19 pandemic response, and her current positions as Honorary Professor at the University of Birmingham’s Institute of Applied Health Research and Vice President of the Royal Society of Public Health.
Professor Muhammad Afzal Javed’s OBE recognition reflects his extraordinary global impact in psychiatry, serving as Consultant Psychiatrist with Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust and Honorary Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Warwick. His recent tenure as President of the World Psychiatric Association until 2023 represents the pinnacle of global psychiatric leadership. Professor Javed’s expertise in social and transcultural psychiatry and psychosocial rehabilitation has produced over 140 scientific publications and six books, while his work establishing transcultural psychiatry services across Pakistan and the UK has transformed mental healthcare for ethnic minority and underserved communities. His contributions earned him Pakistan’s Sitara-i-Imtiaz, the country’s third-highest civilian honour, alongside his leadership of multiple international psychiatric associations, including the World Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation and the Asian Federation of Psychiatric Associations.
Education and Learning Innovation
Education emerged as another standout sector, with Muslim educators receiving recognition for transformative leadership and innovative approaches to learning and inclusion.
Professor Hanifa Unisa Shah, Pro Vice-Chancellor at Birmingham City University, received an OBE for her visionary leadership in higher education and industry collaboration. She spearheaded the development of STEAMhouse, a £70 million centre for interdisciplinary innovation, and has advanced national policy on work-based learning. Raised in inner-city Birmingham, Professor Shah holds a first-class degree in computing, a PhD in computer science, and a Cambridge master’s in sustainability leadership.
She told The Muslim News, “This honour is a tribute to the educators, mentors, and students who believe in the power of knowledge to transform lives. I share this award with them all.”
Farhan Adam received an MBE for his educational leadership as headteacher of Crown Hills Community College in Leicester, where his vision has transformed educational opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. Meanwhile, Mona Shahzad’s MBE recognises her founding of Harry Specters, a groundbreaking social enterprise that provides training and employment opportunities for young people with autism, demonstrating how education and business can combine to create meaningful change.
Community Service and Social Justice
Community service featured heavily among the recipients, reflecting the deep civic engagement within Muslim communities and their commitment to social justice and equality.
Nour Al-Houda Balich Norris received an OBE for her powerful campaigning work at SecureLife and advocacy for Raneem’s Law, focusing on preventing violence against women and girls. Her efforts represent crucial work in protecting vulnerable women and advancing gender equality.
Riazul Hassan’s MBE recognises his leadership of the Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan for the Welsh Government, driving toward the ambitious vision of a racism-free Wales. Dr Sayed Ali Abbas received an OBE for his vital contributions to peacebuilding and interfaith dialogue, fostering understanding across religious and cultural divides.
Grassroots Community Work
Many recipients were recognised for their grassroots community work, demonstrating how local action creates ripple effects that strengthen entire communities.
Hafsa Omar, founder of Moss Side Eco Squad, received a BEM for her environmental community work in Manchester, combining ecological awareness with community empowerment. Leila Abimbola Lawal was honoured with a BEM for chairing Aberfeldy Big Local and her dedicated service to Tower Hamlets residents.
Muhammad Abdul Musabbir’s MBE celebrates his role chairing the Hyde Bangladesh Welfare Association and promoting community cohesion, while Muzahid Uddin Khan’s MBE recognises his extensive charitable work in Oldham, demonstrating sustained commitment to local welfare and development.
Global Humanitarian Efforts
The honours list recognised exceptional global humanitarian efforts, including that of Amina Hussein, who received an MBE for over 30 years of service with the British Red Cross.
As Operations Manager for International Family Tracing, Amina has helped thousands of families separated by conflict, disaster, and migration reconnect with loved ones through the global Restoring Family Links network. Since 1993, she has supported those affected by major crises in Liberia, Angola, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Bosnia, Rwanda, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and more. Her work has also addressed complex cases involving foreign fighters, Guantanamo detainees, and humanitarian disasters like Hurricane Katrina, the Boxing Day Tsunami, and the Montserrat volcano eruption.
“This work holds great meaning for me,” Amina told The Muslim News. “We strive to bring hope to people during the hardest moments of their lives. It’s a privilege to help families find one another again—but there is still so much more to do.”
Her international deployments have taken her to Rwanda, Kenya, Niger, and most recently Poland, where she supported those affected by the war in Ukraine. As part of the International Committee of the Red Cross’s global pool of RFL specialists, Amina is praised for her leadership, compassion, and commitment.
Business and Technology Leadership
The honours celebrated professional achievement across diverse industries, showcasing Muslim leadership in business, technology, and public service.
Mohammad Sadique received an OBE for his leadership in the automotive industry as Chairman of Electra Commercial Vehicles Ltd, driving innovation in transport and logistics.
Mohammed Umar Hussain, already an MBE, was elevated to OBE for his exemplary service as Chief Finance Officer with South Wales Police, demonstrating excellence in public sector financial management. After almost 18 years in the role and a career dedicated to improving policing, Mr Hussain has been a driving force behind South Wales Police’s focus on modernising many aspects of its work, including mobile technology and facial recognition. He has led projects to share resources with partner organisations, including a tri-force firearms training complex shared with Gwent Police and Dyfed-Powys Police and the joint police and fire control room at South Wales Police HQ.
The founder of Ystadau Cymru (Public Sector Estates Wales), Hussain has served as a governor and chair of the audit committee at Cardiff Metropolitan University, is a member of the National Police Chiefs’ Council committee on finance, and chairs the All-Wales Procurement Board. A founding member of the South Wales Black Police Association, a national mentor to chief officers, and creator of ethical procurement processes in Welsh policing, he has worked tirelessly to support under-represented officers and staff to overcome barriers they may face.
Reflecting on his MBE, he told The Muslim News: “It was a genuine surprise 10 years ago, as I had no expectation then – who does? – of receiving an MBE. So you can imagine the shock now, 10 years later. I feel a huge sense of gratitude and respect for colleagues who nominated me and the Honours Committee for their consideration and support. As I approach 30 years of public service to policing, I know all too well how much help and support I have had from Team SWP in undertaking this role, for which I am and will always remain immensely grateful. I feel this honour is for them as well – and on that basis, I am happy to take this one for the team!”
Gamiel Ahmed Yafai’s MBE recognises his founding of the Diversity Marketplace and his pioneering work in advancing diversity and inclusion across industries. Sharief Gaafar received an MBE for his innovation in transport technology and his sustained commitment to workplace diversity at Siemens Mobility Ltd.
Cultural Contributions and the Arts
Cultural and specialised contributions were also celebrated, highlighting the breadth of Muslim participation in British society. Internationally acclaimed Kathak artist Sonia Sabri has been awarded an MBE for services to dance, recognising her work in bringing South Asian dance from global stages to local communities.
As Artistic Director of the Sonia Sabri Company—co-founded with her husband, renowned tabla maestro Sarvar Sabri—she leads the UK’s foremost South Asian dance and music company, reaching audiences and participants worldwide.
In the past year alone, her work engaged over 146,000 live attendees, nearly 2 million online viewers, and over 13,000 participants in schools and community settings. She has performed at major venues including the Royal Festival Hall, WOMAD, and the Edinburgh Festival.
On receiving the honour, Sonia told The Muslim News, “I never imagined something like this could happen to someone like me – I hope it inspires others to follow their dreams.”
Her showcase, Akaar, featured on BBC’s The One Show, and her choreography for the 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony reached nearly 1 billion viewers. During the pandemic, she offered free online dance therapy sessions to 3.7 million people worldwide.
Specialised Services and Innovation
Specialised services were recognised through Fazilette Sultana Khan’s MBE for founding the Greenseas Trust and advancing marine conservation and Dr Muhammad Ahsan’s BEM for his community safety work with Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, demonstrating commitment to environmental protection and public safety, respectively.
The modern challenges of digital accessibility and inclusion were addressed through recipients like Hafsha Dadabhai-Shaikh, who received an MBE as Director of Smartlyte – Get Families Talking, for her services to digital inclusion. Her work ensures that technological advancement benefits all communities, bridging digital divides that might otherwise exclude vulnerable families.
Diversity Breakdown
Roughly 11% of the more than 1,200 individuals honoured in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours are from ethnic minority backgrounds. Among them, 32 individuals of Hindu and Sikh faiths were recognised (3 CBEs, 9 OBEs, 14 MBEs, and 6 BEMs). In addition, 17 Jewish recipients were honoured, including 1 GBE, 3 OBEs, 9 MBEs, and 4 BEMs.
