Dozens of British Muslims have been recognised in the United Kingdom’s 2026 New Year Honours List, highlighting their contributions across public service, healthcare, education, business, culture, and community life.
The list, highlighted in a statement by the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), includes Muslims honored at every level of the system—from Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) to British Empire Medallists (BEM).
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The honors system recognizes individuals who have committed themselves to serving and helping Britain, and who have made significant achievements in public life.
“From volunteering at Glasgow Central Mosque to FinTech pioneers, from services to cricket to supporting transport services to the funeral of the late Queen – Muslims are an integral part of making Britain better,” said Maswood Ahmed, Deputy Secretary General of the MCB.
Those awarded CBEs include Omar Ali, a global financial services leader at Ernst and Young, recognised for services to the financial services industry, and Shazia Hussain, Director of Children’s Social Care at the Department for Education, honoured for services to children and families.
Galaxy of Muslim Figures
Among those receiving OBEs are Shah Ruhul Amin, co-founder of the technology firm Onfido, for services to fintech and artificial intelligence; Professor Syed Saeed Ashraf, a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon, for services to cardiac surgery and medical training; and Dr Bassam Hallis, honoured for his work in vaccine development and pandemic preparedness.
The MBE recipients reflect a wide range of grassroots and national contributions. They include community leaders, educators, artists, charity fundraisers, interfaith advocates, and public servants.
Honorees include Mohammed Shaukat, a volunteer at Glasgow Central Mosque, recognized for services to the community in Glasgow, and Fatima Benzbir, honored for her role supporting transport services during the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
Several awards also recognise work in culture and the arts, including Ishtiaq Ahmed Din for services to the arts and young people, Shanaz Begum Gulzar for services to culture in Bradford, and Sajid Ebrahim Varda for promoting diversity and inclusion in film and television.
British Empire Medallists include foster carers, educators, and grassroots organisers such as Fatima Ahmad for services to foster care and Asma Reyaz Haq for services to community relief projects in east London.
The 2026 New Year Honors List reflects the breadth of British Muslim contributions, spanning national institutions and local communities, and underscores their integral role in British public life.