6 July 2026
PRESS RELEASE
We are proud to announce the winners of the twenty-second The Muslim News Awards for Excellence 2026.
Presented by: Dr Zubir Ahmed MP for Glasgow South West and Vascular Transplant Surgeon
Recipient: NAJMA KHALID MBE DL
Honoured for: Three decades of empowering disadvantaged women, tackling health inequalities, and strengthening community cohesion through the Women’s CHAI Project CIC.
Presented by: Luke Taylor MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (London)
Recipient: SONIA SABRI MBE
Honoured for: Advancing Kathak dance internationally through outstanding performance, choreography, education, and cultural outreach.
Presented by: H.E. Osman Topčagić, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Kingdom
Recipient: SHAGUFTA PARVEEN ASAM MBE
Honoured for: More than 33 years of exceptional foster care and lifelong advocacy for vulnerable children.
Sponsored by: The Salaam Centre
Presented by: Riaz Esmail, Member, Project Team, The Salaam Centre
Recipient: PETER OBORNE
Honoured for: Courageous journalism challenging anti-Muslim prejudice and defending fairness and democratic accountability.
Presented by: Afzal Khan MP for Manchester Rusholme
Recipient: SALMA BI BEM
Honoured for: Transforming opportunities for Muslim women and underrepresented communities through sport, leadership, and community development.
Presented by: Rt Hon Dominic Grieve KC, former Attorney General
Recipient: Professor Dean Mohamedally
Honoured for: Pioneering software engineering research, assistive technology innovation, and widening participation in STEM.
Presented by: Roohi Hasan, Senior Producer, ITV News, ITN
Recipient: Adama Juldeh Munu
Honoured for: Outstanding journalism amplifying underrepresented voices and reporting on global affairs with integrity and insight.
Presented by: Councillor Ameet Jogia MBE, Chief of Staff, Conservative Party
Recipient: HASSAN DAMLUJI
Honoured for: Building international cooperation and promoting ethical global development through policy, education, and dialogue.
Sponsored by: The Lady Fatemah Charitable Trust
Presented by: Mukhtar Karim, CEO, The Lady Fatemah Charitable Trust
Recipient: Professor Noor ul Owase Jeelani MBE
Honoured for: World-leading paediatric neurosurgery, pioneering craniofacial surgery, and advancing global child health.
Sponsored by: Muslim Hands
Presented by: Yasrab Shah, Director of Fundraising, Muslim Hands
Recipient: AYAAN SYED
Honoured for: Exceptional sporting achievement while inspiring young people through leadership, inclusion, and community service.
Sponsored by: SA Philanthropy
Presented by: Sarah Ali, Founder, SA Philanthropy
Recipient: SAFIYYAH UMAR
Honoured for: Inspiring young people through creative writing, educational advocacy, and championing alternative pathways to success.
Sponsored by: Al-Khair Foundation
Presented by: Imam Qasim Ahmad, Executive Chairman, Al-Khair Foundation
Recipient: SUNNAH TRUST CIC
Honoured for: Equipping young people with leadership, communication, and life skills through innovative educational programmes.
Presented by: Iqbal Mohamed MP for Dewsbury and Batley
Recipient: ONCE UPON A DUA
Honoured for: Creating an award-winning faith-based children’s brand that combines innovation, contemporary design, and social impact.
Sponsored by: Awra Invest
Presented by: Sabreena Shabazz, CEO, Awra Invest
Recipient: SALMA RAVAT MBE
Honoured for: Transforming support for people experiencing homelessness through pioneering housing initiatives and multi-faith collaboration.
Presented by: Ruhi Khan, Chair, The Muslim News Awards for Excellence Independent Panel of Judges and Lecturer, London School of Economics
Recipient: ANNIYAH KHAN
Honoured for: Demonstrating extraordinary resilience by raising vital funds for children in Gaza despite significant personal challenges.
Presented by: Ahmed J Versi, Editor, The Muslim News
Recipient: MARY BATOOL AL-TOMA
Honoured for: A lifetime of pioneering work supporting converts to Islam and strengthening British Muslim civic life through policy, education, and community leadership.
Presented by: Ahmed J Versi, Editor, The Muslim News
Recipient: THE LATE DR GHAYASUDDIN SIDDIQUI
Honoured for: Six decades of visionary leadership, institution-building, and unwavering service that helped shape modern British Muslim civic society.
For the full list of shortlisted nominees, including citation summaries:
https://muslimnews.co.uk/newspaper/the-muslim-news-awards-for-excellence-2026/
To learn more about the Independent Panel of Judges:
Established in 2000, The Muslim News Awards for Excellence are among the UK’s longest-running and most prestigious awards celebrating the achievements and contributions of British Muslims. Now in their 22nd year, the Awards recognise individuals, organisations, and initiatives whose work has made an outstanding impact across community relations, education, health, science, media, enterprise, sport, the arts, humanitarian service, and public life.
Organised annually by The Muslim News, the Awards showcase the diversity, talent, and positive contribution of British Muslims to society while promoting excellence, leadership, innovation, and service. An independent panel of judges drawn from a wide range of professional backgrounds assesses nominations through a transparent and rigorous judging process. The Awards also recognise exceptional contributions through the Iman wa Amal Special Award and the Editor’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Since their inception, the Awards have honoured hundreds of inspirational role models whose achievements continue to strengthen communities, foster greater understanding, and inspire future generations.
Established in 1989, The Muslim News is the UK’s longest-running independent Muslim newspaper. Over more than three decades, it has become a leading voice for British Muslims. Now exclusively online, The Muslim News reaches audiences across the UK and around the world with daily coverage of national and international news, current affairs, opinion, politics, faith, culture and community issues.
