The Imam of Makkah Mosque Qari Asim MBE, has been awarded British Community Honours award for his outstanding contribution to the welfare and integration of minority communities into mainstream British society.

The award was presented by the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Rowan Williams, at an Awards Dinner held at the prestigious House of Lords.

Imam Qari Asim MBE said, “I am incredibly humbled and immensely honoured by the British Community Honours award. I am deeply indebted to my family, friends and the community, all of whom have played an important role in enabling me to serve minority communities.”

It is worth remembering that Qari Asim was invited to Buckingham Palace last year and was given the MBE award by HM The Queen for his incredible services.

One of the trustees of Leeds Makkah Mosque, Haji Arif, said, “Imam Qari Asim’s award is a cause of celebration for us all because it signifies and recognises the ground-breaking work that Qari Asim has been doing to enhance communal relations and lead the way in tackling some the of taboo issues in the British Muslim community.”

A female student of Imam Asim, Saima Hussain, said that she was “thrilled” by this award, which was “richly deserved.”

Leeds Muslim Council said, “We offer our heartfelt congratulations to Imam Qari Asim and wish him every success and blessings for the future.”