Words from the Editor

Introduction to The Muslim News Awards for Excellence

Ahmed Versi, the Editor of The Muslim News, oversees the UK’s largest independent Muslim newspaper. With great enthusiasm, he introduces the 22nd Muslim News Awards for Excellence, a prestigious event dedicated to recognizing outstanding achievements within the British Muslim community. These awards serve as a celebration of diversity, resilience, and the shared values that unite Muslims in Britain.

Celebrating Diversity and Unity

The Muslim community in the UK is a rich tapestry, woven together by various cultural backgrounds and traditions. The Muslim News has consistently championed the voices of this diverse community, offering a platform that engages wider society and highlights the unique experiences of Muslims in Britain. The Awards for Excellence, established in 2000, have become a vital part of the national landscape, showcasing not just challenges but also incredible success stories.

Invitation to Nominate

With the upcoming awards, there is an open call for nominations worthy of recognition. An independent panel of judges will select 15 exceptional individuals and organizations, exemplifying excellence in various fields. Nominations can be submitted through the nomination form, with a deadline set for January 30, 2026. Everyone is encouraged to put forth candidates who embody the spirit of inspiration and achievement.

Submission Guidelines

To ensure that nominations are considered, it’s important to carefully review the rules and guidelines set forth by the Muslim News. This will ensure accurate submissions and maximize the chances of being shortlisted.

Ready to Nominate?

If you feel inspired to recognize the incredible contributions of individuals or organizations, this is your chance.

• Deadline: January 30, 2026
• Submit your nomination here!

Award Categories

The Muslim News Awards showcase excellence across various domains:

• Al Biruni Award for Community Relations: Recognizing efforts that promote understanding between Muslim and non-Muslim communities.
• Alhambra Award for Arts: Celebrating achievements in fine arts, performing arts, or architecture.
• Alija Izetbegović Award for Good Citizenship: For those demonstrating courage in securing rights for others.
• Allama Iqbal Award for Creativity in Islamic Thought: Recognizing innovative approaches to understanding Islam.
• Annemarie Schimmel Award for Championing a Muslim Cause: Exclusively for non-Muslims who support a Muslim cause.
• Faezeh Hashemi Award for Sport: Acknowledging sporting excellence benefiting the Muslim community.
• Fazlur Rahman Khan Award for Engineering, Science or Technology: Celebrating advancements in these fields.
• Ibn Battuta Award for Media: Honoring fair and balanced reporting on Muslim-related issues.

Other categories include Health, Education, and Community Development, along with special awards for outstanding achievements.

Special Awards

In addition to the regular categories, there are special awards that are not open to reader nominations:

• Iman wa Amal Special Award: Given by judges for exceptional merit.
• Editor’s Lifetime Achievement Award: Recognizing long-term contributions to the community.

Nominations and Eligibility

Who Can Be Nominated:

• Individuals, organizations, or initiatives demonstrating excellence are eligible.
• Self-nominations are also welcome.
• All nominees must be based in the UK.

Religious Affiliation:

• Generally, nominees must be Muslim except for the ‘Championing a Muslim Cause’ category, which is specifically for non-Muslims.
• Organizations nominated must be Muslim-led.

Previous Winners:

• Previous winners are not eligible for re-nomination.

Submission Process:

• Nominations not shortlisted carry forward to the following year, allowing nominators to strengthen their submissions.

Important Reminders

The Muslim News reserves the right to withdraw any nomination or rescind an award if new information emerges. Therefore, accuracy and integrity are paramount throughout the nomination and judging processes.

Key Deadlines

For the 2026 awards, keep these important dates in mind:

• Nomination Deadline: January 30, 2026
• Shortlist Announcement: April 2026
• Awards Ceremony: July 6, 2026

Citation and Submission Guidelines

Each nomination requires a detailed citation of at least 500 words, clearly outlining the nominee’s achievements and impact. Supporting materials are encouraged but will not substitute for the core citation, which is crucial for the judges’ deliberations.

Attendance and Ceremony Details

The ceremony itself is a moment to honor the achievements of the nominees, offering complimentary tickets to both nominees and their guests. This creates a festive atmosphere where winners are celebrated, and the community comes together to acknowledge excellence.

In summary, these awards shine a light on the incredible achievements within the Muslim community and provide everyone a chance to celebrate and inspire future generations. Embrace this opportunity to recognize those who truly make a difference in society!