‘Humbled’ by mosque honour
Maidenhead: Award ‘reflects positively’ on whole town
Members of Maidenhead Mosque were ‘honoured, delighted and humbled’ to win an award for the first time at the fifth annual British Beacon Mosque Awards 2022.
The mosque and Islamic centre based in Holmanleaze was nominated and shortlisted as a finalist at the awards for the first time and was announced as the winner of the Best Run Mosque Award category at a ceremony in London at the weekend.
The British Beacon Mosque Awards were created by Faith Associates in 2018 to highlight the important role that mosques and Islamic centres play ‘in contributing to the UK’s social fabric’.
The national awards have 11 categories and the Best Run Mosque Award category focuses on honouring mosques that have shown ‘outstanding’ management and leadership qualities.
The way in which mosques responded to the COVID-19 pandemic was a key factor in the judges’ decision, and they were also looking for praise relating to management competence in organising services, events and programmes, handling complaints, working with different communities, integrity and approachability and sharing expertise.
Nominations were made by the public and an awards ceremony hosted by Dr Mahmood Chandia was held in the Lindbergh Suite of the Marriott London Heathrow Hotel on Saturday, for the shortlisted finalists.
Maidenhead Mosque was awarded a trophy and a certificate for winning the category and these are displayed in the mosque.
Other finalists in the Best Run Mosque Award category included, Bilal Academy in Walsall, Hounslow Muslim Centre and Leeds Grand Mosque.
Maidenhead Mosque was established in 1983 and is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary next year.
The mosque, which was previously recognised for its outreach work during the COVID-19 pandemic, has several partnerships including with Royal Borough council, local healthcare services and Windsor and Maidenhead Community Forum (WAMCF).
It has evolved throughout the years to provide a range of services and assistance from daily prayers, lectures and classes to interfaith programmes and counselling.
Zia Mahiudin, a trustee of Maidenhead Mosque, said: “Everyone from the Mosque is very honoured, delighted and humbled for winning the award.
“We are extremely thankful that we have a great team effort, giving their time and energy, particularly the organisation staff, the various departments from maintenance, education, finance, cleaning, catering, the ladies and the youth, everyone played their part and continue to do so to with their generosity and dedication.
“Above all this award is not limited to Maidenhead Mosque but is also a huge honour for all Maidonians as it also reflects positively on the cohesive and harmonious town we live in and [are] proud to be a part of.”