Held on Monday, 14 July 2025, in London, the 21st The Muslim News Awards for Excellence recognised the outstanding achievements and significant contributions of British Muslims across a wide range of sectors. The evening brought together community leaders, professionals, and public figures to celebrate excellence, inspire future generations, and strengthen unity. These words and images reflect the pride and recognition shared by all who attended.
Photo: Victoria Paynter, Parliamentary Assistant; and Revd Dr Helen Paynter, Founding Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence at Bristol Baptist College.
All photos: © Riyaz Mamdani/The Muslim News. All rights reserved. No part of these images may be reproduced without prior written permission. Additional photographs are available in the online edition of this issue.
FEEDBACK
Photo: Alhaja Rizqat Bakare (Retired) and Hajia Muyinat Coker-Opeolu, Education Officer, OKRM (MANUK)
The event went extremely well, the various people I spoke to thoroughly enjoyed the professionally organised The Muslim News Awards and dinner. Once again, thank you, and I wish you every success. Shiraz Jessa, Founder & CEO, Bibimoney
Photo: Conor Clifford Murphy, Trustee & Treasurer, Convert Muslim Foundation, and Simon Penfound, CEO, Convert Muslim Foundation
The event was well organised, the timing was perfect, the food was fantastic, and the organising team was excellent. The list of guests was good. I enjoyed every aspect of the event. Once again, thanks for the invite, and I look forward to next year.
Fawziah Adepoju-Akinwale, Administrator, Muslim Association of Nigeria
Photo: Arif Husni, Senior Power System Engineer, National Grid; Zayd I Arif, Student, Alcester Grammar School; Natikah Jamaluddin, Founder, Muslim Bookworms; and Thalia S Arif, Student, Stratford Girls’ Grammar School
It was a pleasure to attend The Muslim News Awards for Excellence. As in previous years, this year’s awards function was thoroughly enjoyable, well-presented, and accurately timed. I was particularly impressed with the calibre of all nominations in a variety of categories. I take pride in knowing that our Muslim community is giving so much to the country we all call home.
Firoza Mustafa, Retired Civil Servant
Photo: Arooj Rashid Hussain, Editorial Director, Ta-Ha Publishers, and Alima Qureshi,
Head of Communities & Young People, Mayor’s Office for Policing & Crime
The event gives us an opportunity to meet with peers and recognise excellence across the UK Muslim community. Keep up the great work.
Mohamed Dewji, Senior Global Medical Director & Principal, PharmD, MRD Pharma Consultancy
Photo: Dharmista Popat, Company Secretarial & Accounts Assistant, Alliotts LLP, and
Mukesh Popat, Management Consultant, Gayashima Properties
It was a beautifully organised event, I was very privileged to have been invited. Thank you. I enjoyed meeting so many accomplished and distinguished people under one roof. It was commendable to see nominees, winners, guests, volunteers, and media staff all working together.
Deepika DE MEL, Volunteer, Linda Jackson Cancer Centre
Photo: Lujain Dassu, Events & Volunteer Coordinator; Muslim Hands; and Zainub Chohan, Project Manager – Community Development; Muslim Hands
As usual, the whole programme was enjoyable. The award ceremony and inspiring nominations showed how much Muslim communities in Britain of all ages, both male and female, are participating in every walk of life and contributing so much. It was an excellent opportunity for networking and meeting old friends, too. The involvement of young volunteers is incredible. The event is well managed and organised, and the food is always authentic and varied on the menu. I hope and pray that you continue to provide this platform for years to come.
Dr Qadir Bakhsh MBE, Managing Editor, Cheetah Books/Ajaib & QRB Pub
Photo: Mars El Brogy, Co-Founder; Blue City Films; Salah El Brogy, Artistic Director; Salah El Brogy Company; and Dr Wajid Akhter, Secretary General; Muslim Council of Britain
Thank you for hosting such a meaningful and inspiring evening. I truly appreciated the atmosphere of unity and celebration of achievement within the British Muslim community. It was uplifting to hear the stories of the award recipients and to see such diverse contributions being recognised across various fields, especially recognising the impact on Gaza. The event timing was well-structured, with a good balance between formal proceedings and networking opportunities. The food was delicious and catered to a wide range of dietary needs. The catering service was professional, and the staff were courteous and efficient throughout the evening.
Mohammed Younis OBE, CEO, Stars Day Nurseries
Photo: Farhana Ali, Singer/Songwriter, Universal Music, and Safina Patel, Service Manager, NHS
Events like these are not only vital for the Muslim community — they are essential for the wider country. They shine a light on the remarkable contributions British Muslims make across all sectors of society, from education and health to the arts, enterprise, and public service. The evening was a powerful reminder of the richness and diversity of our national story.
Sir Mufti Hamid Patel CBE, Interim Chair, Ofsted & Chief Executive, Star Academies
Photo: Lara Isherwood, Marketing Executive; East Lancashire Hospice; and Jackie Morris, Community Fundraiser; East Lancashire Hospice
I absolutely loved the 21st The Muslim News Awards for Excellence gala dinner! The sessions were inspiring, the food was delicious, and it was such a joy to engage with so many incredible people. A truly memorable evening. All the sessions were incredibly inspirational, but the one that stood out most for me was the first session, expressing our faith through singing. It was refreshing and different, and I found it particularly powerful because it offered a creative and relatable way for younger generations to connect to faith. Seeing this artist ‘used’ so thoughtfully reminded me of the importance of keeping our faith alive and relevant. Our youth have broader perspectives, and incorporating diverse forms of expression can be a meaningful way to engage them spiritually.
Shyrose Jessa, Managing Director, Centre 4 Learning
Photo: Shelina Janmohamed, Author; and Malahat Awan, Director of Alumni Affairs, Resource Mobilisation & Corporate Relations at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA).
I wanted to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you for kindly inviting us to the Award Ceremony Gala Dinner this year, and for hosting such an inspiring event for noble members of our community who so often go unseen. It was an elegant, enriching, and well-organised event filled with inspiring talent, and I left feeling utterly uplifted and even more driven to put forward members of our creative community who are doing amazing work and deserve recognition for their work.
Arooj Rashid Hussain, Editorial Director, Ta-Ha Publishers
Photo: Hajia Bilikisu Savage, Fundraising Lead, OKRM (MANUK); Hajia Muinat Pedro, Finance Officer, OKRM (MANUK); and Alhaja Fawziah Adepoju-Akinwale, Administrator, Muslim Association of Nigeria
It was very well organised. It is one of the main national events to recognise the achievements of British Muslims in the UK, particularly at a time when Islamophobia is on the rise and we need to challenge it. Well done to you and the whole team, particularly to the young volunteers who were exceptionally good and supported the event.
Irfan Mustafa, General Secretary, Indian Muslim Federation
Photo: Khadijah Amada Munu, Floating Receptionist; Bromley Healthcare CIC; Adama Juldeh Munu, Producer; TRT World; Dr Sarah Sacoor MRCP, Speciality Doctor/Research Fellow; Royal London Hospital/Queen Mary University of London; Dr Noor Sacoor, Dentist; and Karim Sacoor, Vice Chairman; Anglo Portuguese Society
Once again, a jewel in the crown —the awards celebration and dinner. Well organised with timely presentations. The MC was quite good, with musical melodies by Farhana Ali.
Jaffer A Kapasi OBE, Consul General, Uganda High Commission
Photo: Sabreena Shabazz, CEO; Nzuri Property & Management; and Aisha Labiqa Mahomed, Pharmacist
The volunteers were very professional. You are doing an absolutely wonderful job. I notice people feel proud to come to this event. It makes us see ourselves in a less deficit way and certainly engenders feelings of hope and regeneration.
Mohamed Keshavjee, Senior Research Scholar, Institute of Ismaili Studies
Photo: Hajrah Patel; William Jones, Senior Media Manager, Islamic Relief UK; and Rozina Iqbal, Operations Director, Newham Community Project
I thoroughly enjoyed the event. All the volunteers were so warm and friendly. The tables were gender balanced, and there was a terrific atmosphere. I enjoyed listening to the Ministers. The female nasheed singer was a pleasant surprise. It was very well organised and very well attended. The food was delicious.
Aliya Azam, Interfaith Co-ordinator, Al-Khoei Foundation
Photo: Safa Alkateb, CEO of Autocab; and Zaineb Alkateb, Architect
It was great to find out about all the fantastic things people do in their communities. We would never have known most of it if we hadn’t attended. We spoke with so many people and learnt so many things. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. The evening was great, the timings flowed nicely, and the food was delicious.
Jackie Morris, Community Fundraiser, East Lancashire Hospice
Photo: Aliya Jafri Azam, Interfaith Coordinator, Al-Khoei Foundation, and Canon Andrew Thompson MBE, Vicar of St Margaret’s Church, Church of England
Many thanks indeed for an inspirational and brilliantly organised The Muslim News Awards. And for 21 years of the awards too! As always, the award winners and nominees, the speakers and award presenters, and our lovely singer, were so interesting – and in combination, the evening was an incredible tribute to the UK’s Muslim community, which we hugely value. The guests were lovely to meet, including old friends of many years, and the dinner was delicious. All in all, it was an honour to be one of your guests, so many thanks again for inviting me, and my heartfelt congratulations to you on all you do, your achievements, and incredible impact.
Caroline Diehl MBE, Founder & CEO, Social Founders
Photo: Caroline Diehl, Founder & CEO, Social Founders, and Shiraz Jessa, Founder & CEO, Bibimoney Ltd
Congratulations on behalf of myself and the whole MCB team on another successful The Muslim News Awards ceremony. Reflecting on the event, I became more aware of so many features that make it stand apart from most Muslim events taking place. The awards themselves educate the attendees and the public about important figures from our own Islamic history. Even the actual award, being an astrolabe, shows a level of commitment to our heritage that is admirable. The nominees spanning the length and breadth of the country and celebrating those who often are left out of the limelight is yet another under-appreciated feature. As one fellow guest told me, they come every year to scout for talented partnerships from across the community. Finally, the dedication and excellence with which you and your team organise this event year after year are an inspiration to us all. It sets the benchmark that the rest of us try to follow. May Allah bless it with many more years of success.
Dr Wajid Akhter, Secretary General, MCB
Photo: Hamisi Namele, Minister Counsellor – Political Affairs; Tanzania High Commission; and Ngusekela Karen Nyerere, Counsellor – Special Duties & PA to HC; Tanzania High Commission
Feature photo: Riyaz Versi, Director; Versi Associates Ltd; Stephen Flynn MP, SNP Westminster Leader; Naz Shah MP for Bradford West; and Sophia Mohammed
