Muslim scientists, NHS staff, and charity workers are among a long list of 50 Muslims who have been named in the Queen’s New Year Honors list for 2021 in recognition of their efforts to help their community.
“We congratulate all those who have been singled out for their work during the Covid-19 pandemic,” the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) wrote in a statement.
The honored Muslims include Kaneez Khan, Coordinator, Near Neighbours, West Yorkshire, recognized for services to Interfaith Relations, particularly during Covid-19; Dr. Syed Ahmed, Clinical Director, Health Protection Scotland, recognized for services to the Covid-19 Vaccination Program.
📚 Read Also: Yashmin Harun Gets British Empire Medal in New Year Honors
The list also includes Rizwan Patel, Founder, Lint GFroup, recognized for services to the disadvantaged communities in the UK and abroad, particularly during covid 19; Dr. Seema Safia Arif, for services to Health Care amongst the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Community and Gulam Muhammad Ismail Teladia, Vice Chair, Birmingham Muslim Burial Council, for services to the community in Birmingham, particularly during Covid-19.
“We also congratulate Sabir Mahmood Shaikh who is one of the founders of Muslim Community and Education Centre (MCEC) in Palmers Green, London, and Akthar Hussain of Muslims in Rail, both affiliates of the Muslim Council of Britain,” the statement added.
For more details on those who made it to the honor list this year, check the MCB website.
📚 Read Also: New Year Honors: Muslim Gets BEM for Interfaith Services
Mixed Reactions
Many people have gone to the social media to congratulate those named in the honors list.
👏 Congratulations to Professor Sir Shakeel Ahmed Qureshi, Professor of Paediatric Cardiology @GSTTnhs on his #NewYearsHonours Knighthood for services to paediatric cardiology and charity 👏 pic.twitter.com/ATUHlg0l3U
— King’s Health Partners (@kingshealth) January 1, 2022
Huge congratulations @kaneezkhan31
Very well deserved recognition.#NewYearsHonours https://t.co/BiYagdG5Ra— Qari Asim MBE (@QariAsim) January 1, 2022
Delighted to see Dr Syed Ahmed recognised with an OBE in the NY Honours list. His contribution to Public Health and Vaccination over many decades has been immense and Scotland is very lucky to have his expertise.
— Tasmin Sommerfield (@Tasmin1974) January 1, 2022
While the honors list warmed the hearts of many Muslims, others rejected some names on the list, describing this as promoting and encouraging Islamophobia.
Just seen that not only has Tony Blair been knighted, Trevor Phillips and Sara Khan are also listed on the New Years Honours List.
Islamophobia is not only ignored, it’s encouraged. It’s rewarded.
— SD (@SadiqDorasat) January 1, 2022
Tony Blair, Trevor Phillips and Sara Khan all honoured by the Queen tonight.
A reminder (if one was even needed) that war crimes, institutional islamophobia and anti-Muslim witch-hunts are all deemed praiseworthy by “the most diverse cabinet in British history”.
— Fahad Ansari (Activist Lawyer) (@fahadansari) January 1, 2022