Press Release | 12 July 2025
Nearly a thousand guests gathered on Wednesday, 9 July 2025 at The Royal Regency in London for the second annual Muslim Community Service Awards (MCSA), a flagship initiative of the Muslim Community Association (MCA). The evening recognised the extraordinary contributions of individuals and organisations, particularly non-Muslim allies, who have advanced, community welfare, justice, equality, education, and cohesion in British society.
Welcoming dignitaries, judges, and community leaders, the event featured moving addresses from high-profile figures and advocates in the fields of civil rights, interfaith relations, and media.
President of MCA, Barrister Hamid Azad opened the evening by explaining the purpose of the Awards, “this is our way to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions made by individuals in our society — especially our non-Muslim friends and colleagues — whose dedication and service have positively impacted the lives of British Muslims.” He cited a story from Islamic history of how the Prophet Muhammad valued the help and contributions of non-Muslims.
“Allow me to share with you such an amazing story from [the Prophet’s life]. It is the story of Mut’im ibn ‘Adi, Chief of Banu Nawfal tribe in Makkah and a contemporary of the Prophet who never embraced Islam. Yet, during the most crucial moments of crisis he extended his protection and support to Muslims. When the entire Muslim community was placed under detention for three years in the valley of Abu Talib and almost a Gaza-style total siege and boycott was enforced, Mu’tim dared to break the siege on a number of occasions and supplied food for the hungry detainees.”
Adding that Mut’im came to the defence of the Prophet on other occasions and that the Prophet recognised and praised Mut’im for everything he did for the Muslim community, Azad cited the story to underpin the importance and relevance of the MCSA today. “This initiative is unique, perhaps the first of its kind, dedicated to honouring the contributions of our non-Muslim allies”, he said and he hoped that the initiative will foster unity and understanding at a time of growing division, mistrust and conflict all around the world.
In his keynote address, Oliver McTernan, the co-founder and director of Forward Thinking (who is also a recipient of one of the awards), reflected on 20 years of work by his foundation which is based on “a simple yet profound belief: that no person of faith in the UK should ever feel they must leave their beliefs at the door in order to belong within an institution.”
McTernan regretted this was not the case today. Citing – as evidence – a meeting held at the East London Mosque a few years ago, he said he was “struck how well-educated, professional, British-born Muslims — by all appearances confident and accomplished — still expressed that they did not feel they truly belonged.” He stressed, “the challenge we face is to ensure that the next generation does not carry the same feeling of exclusion that we have. We must not turn a blind eye. There are deep issues that we must confront, together.”
He concluded by referencing the global inaction to the Gaza genocide as well as not heading the warnings of “Never Again”, as we commemorate this week, the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide.
“We are exempting Israel from responsibility under international law.
If we are to be people of conscience—if we claim to care for all people, regardless of faith, colour, or background—then we must speak out when it matters most.
Otherwise, as we commemorate 30 years since Srebrenica, we do so not just in remembrance, but also in shame — shame at our silence today, which shows we have not truly learnt from the past.”
Guests also heard from other dignitaries present at the event, including Apsana Begum MP and Mayor Lutfur Rahman from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. In addition to guest speakers, awardees who took the stage to collect their awards raised the issues of injustice and Genocide in Gaza; they also remembered the victims and survivors of the Srebrenica Genocide 30 years on.
Awards
The panel of judges declared the winners and runners up of this year’s awards in different categories (for full awardee profiles see event brochure)
Education and Development
Professor Francis Thomas Davis – Winner
Professor Paul Reynolds – Runner-up
Community Cohesion
Dr Chris Allen – Winner
Oliver McTernan – Runner-up
Community Engagement
Mark Ereira-Guyer – Winner
Carl Arrindell – Runner-up
Community Welfare
Professor Cathie Mason – Winner
Kathleen Jackson – Runner-up
Justice and Equality
Chris Nineham – Winner
Chris Doyle – Runner-up
A Judges’ Award was presented to Marcus Ryder.
The winners in each category were presented with a trophy and cheque of £2,000 for their chosen charity, and second place received £1,000 along with trophy.
Before a dinner service, the evening was closed by Nurul Matin Choudhury, General Secretary of MCA, who congratulated the awardees, and thanked guests, venue partners, and sponsors.
“To our judges, volunteers, and especially to Dilowar Khan — this event simply could not have happened without your tireless effort.”
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Notes to Editors:
1. Event links:
Brochure – profiles of winners and runners-up; sponsors and partners
Photo highlights
Event recording
2. The Muslim Community Service Awards (MCSA) is a project of the Muslim Community Association (MCA) which works to identify and recognise the contributions of individuals in the community for their outstanding contribution and support rendered to the Muslim community.
3. Media and other queries, contact Dr Monowar Hossen
+44 7883 673000