Honours for Muslims tell untold story about the UK

As we bid farewell to a turbulent 2018, I am looking forward to 2019 with hope.

Divisions within our society have exposed themselves in recent years. Inequalities are deepening. As an imam in London, the impact of this is clear to me every time I hear from anxious people in our community who tell me about the abuse they face and their fears for their children’s futures.

While gaps between us widen, a political elite seems too often to be distracted from or unbothered by the issues ordinary people face. Yet I know of another story that is being written too: by determined and selfless people pulling us together every day. The New Year’s Honours list in many ways speaks to this story. It is indicative of a country’s people working together — in spite of all we’re up against.

It is heartwarming for me to see the example of young Muslims, especially women, who are writing this story.

Take, for example, Jamila Kossar, awarded an MBE for the exciting work she leads in feeding homeless people in Manchester. Or Shabnam Sabir, awarded a BEM for doing the same in Oxford. Aamer Naeem, CEO of Penny Appeal, has been awarded an OBE for the innovative and much-needed projects his charity has carried out in recent years, not just with people abroad but here at home in the UK.

His award demonstrates that the trend of Muslim charitable work in the UK is starting to take hold.

I certainly hope that stories such as these pause the next wave of hysterical outrage at Britain’s diverse communities and their willingness to integrate, and instead prompt reflection for the contributions they make to our country.

In many ways the parable of the Good Samaritan is apt to recall. The Gospel of Luke tells of a Jewish person beaten, bruised, and left for dead, with only a Samaritan — someone from whom assistance would not normally be expected — providing the much sought-after help. I cannot but feel buoyed seeing so many Muslims recognised with an honour this new year. They reflect the efforts of countless others ready to help one another hand in hand with their neighbours. But I cannot also help but feel frustrated that this is not the story being told by many sections of the media and senior politicians.

Muslim Samaritans across the country challenge this stereotyping to live the most basic tenet of their faith: to love for others what you love for yourself.

The awards given this year are indicative of an honours system that reflects, and an Establishment which is increasingly realising, that Britain’s diversity is not a hindrance but an advantage. They show a society that has people ready to work together, to pull together, just when we need one another the most. Because of them, because of this increasing recognition, join me in looking forward to 2019 with renewed optimism.