From the worlds of politics, business, sport and the arts, Britain's unsung Muslim heroes and heroines were honored and celebrated at a ceremony that recognizes the very best of Muslim contribution to the British society.

"This Awards ceremony is about recognizing those individuals who aspire to attain their very best as members of our society," Ahmed J Versi, editor of The Muslim News said at the ceremony of the annual Muslim News Awards for Excellence on Monday, March 31.

Winners of the annual awards, presented by the monthly Muslim newspaper, were announced in a massive celebration and gala dinner in central London.

This year, 17 heroes and heroines from across all walks of life were awarded. Among them are;

Mohammed Ali, a Birmingham-based graffiti artist whose so-called aerosol Arabic is influenced by both classical Islamic calligraphy and urban street graffiti, won the Alhambra Award for Excellence in Arts and the special Judges award.

Iraq-born Ahmed Mukhtar, a world acclaimed composer and player of Oud, the stringed instrument popular in the Middle East, also won the Arts Award.

The Ibn Sina Award for Health went to Mohammed Mujahid Ali, an alternative therapist, for work improving the wellbeing and mental health of black and minority ethnic people.

Imran Sidat, a 15-year-old Leicester resident who competes for England in freestyle karate and kickboxing, won the Children's Award for Excellence. 

Emdad Rahman, IOL correspondent and an award-winning journalist working with a range of faith organizations on inter-faith work, won the Award for Good Citizenship.

Islamonline.net