Last week in Leicester, I had the privilege of attending the 8th Annual Beacon Mosque Awards 2025, organised by Faith Associates. This inspiring initiative is the vision of an entrepreneurial soul and a tireless servant of British Muslim life, brother Shaukat Warraich.
The Beacon Mosque Awards exist to recognise and celebrate the vital role that mosques and Islamic centres play in shaping the social and cultural fabric of our towns and cities. With over 300 Masajid nominated nationwide, it was an honour that our Masjid Ash-Shifa, where I am the Chief Imam, was named among the national finalists. We were shortlisted in the category of ‘Best Run Mosque’. But the award was won by Cheadle Masjid, our warm congratulations to them for their excellence and dedication.
Uthman bin Affan said, “I heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) say: Anyone who builds a Masjid, seeking by it the pleasure of Allah, Allah will build for him a similar place in Paradise” (Bukhari). So, Masjid committee members and those who love going there are the lucky ones. In another hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “In the sight of Allah, the Masajid are the most beloved places whilst the marketplaces are the most despised” (Muslim).
Why Do These Awards Matter?
May Allah reward Shaukat and his team for encouraging and developing mosque leadership across the country. This recognition is more than symbolic; it is essential. Mosques today are not merely places of prayer. They are institutions where three pillars of life grow together: worship and spiritual nourishment, education and moral guidance, and family and community development.
Every masjid is a training ground for character, leadership, and service. Within their walls, people are encouraged to discover and offer their God-given talents to the wider community. They find mentoring, structure, and opportunities to serve with purpose. It is no small detail that nearly 80% of adult Muslim men attend Jumu‘ah prayers every week in the 2200 Masajid of the UK. This makes the mosque one of the most powerful social platforms in British Muslim life.
Why Masjid Ash-Shifa Reached the Finals
As an inner-city mosque, Masjid Ash-Shifa has become the living heart of its neighbourhood. Since the time of the Prophet ﷺ, mosques have fulfilled three essential roles: a place of worship, a place of learning, and a place of gathering. We welcome people for prayer, teaching, celebration, consultation, weddings and funerals alike. At Ash-Shifa, the mosque functions as an engine of community wellbeing. It brings people together, builds trust across generations, and fosters belonging. Among its strengths are encouraging social responsibility, strengthening community bonds, creating environments where Islamic values are lived, producing confident citizens and leaders, and pooling skills and resources for the common good.
A Centre of Learning
Modern mosques must understand their contemporary context. At Ash-Shifa, our mission is clear: to nurture moral, social and spiritual growth through worship, education and recreation. The aim is to form individuals who are God-conscious, compassionate, and socially responsible. Islam’s value system, when applied thoughtfully, provides a framework for peaceful coexistence and active citizenship. It nurtures goodness and challenges wrongdoing in equal measure.
Youth and Community Engagement
Our youth are our greatest trust. At Karimia Institute, youth work is not simply a reaction to a crisis; it is preventive care for the future. We run programmes that combine education, sport, faith and mentorship. Some of the activities include:
- Tuition classes
- Summer school
- Sports activities
- Residentials
- Quranic classes and spiritual mentoring
- Youth club for boys and girls
Partnership Working
No mosque can work alone. Collaboration is essential. Whether supporting new arrivals or engaging with bodies such as the NHS and local councils, mosques must be outward-looking and open-hearted. Strong partnerships enable wider impact. Sharing resources, expertise, and networks allows mosques to respond effectively to the complex needs of modern communities.
A National Tribute
This reflection is not only about my masjid. It is a tribute to every masjid in the UK, large or small, that quietly serves worshippers, educates children, feeds the vulnerable, and builds bridges. And it is also a salute to brother Shaukat Warraich, whose vision has given our mosques confidence, recognition and national honour. May Allah accept the service of all those who serve His houses. Ameen!
