A Leeds based Imam who also works as a lawyer has been awarded an MBE for his groundbreaking initiatives in enhancing community relations and for his work in engaging young people.

Imam Qari Asim has been named in the latest honours list and will be invited to Buckingham Palace to receive the award. He is the first Imam ever, who leads daily prayers in a mosque, to be awarded an MBE.

Imam Qari Asim has served the Muslim communities of Leeds as an Imam for over 17 years and has won the award of “UK’s Model Mosque” for his mosque, Makkah Masjid.

Imam Qari Asim said, “I am incredibly humbled and immensely honoured by the MBE award. I am deeply indebted to my family and friends and the attendees of Leeds Makkah Masjid, all of whom have played an important part in enabling me to serve the Leeds communities.”

“I dedicate this award to my late father Professor Hafiz Fateh Muhammad, who has been an inspiration throughout my life”, said the Imam.

A representative of Leeds Makkah Mosque, 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 being doing to enhance communal relations, engage with disenfranchised young people and lead the way in tackling some of the taboo issues in the British Muslim community.”

Leeds Muslim Council said, “We offer our heartfelt congratulations to Imam Qari Asim and his family and wish them every success and blessings for the future, insha’Allah.”

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