A Blackburn mosque and a self-defence trainer were among the winners at the 2022 British Muslim Awards.

The event, the first for three years, took place at the British Muslim Heritage Centre in Manchester where hundreds of guests from across the UK gathered to celebrate the achievements of community groups and businesses.

Blackburn came away with four wins on the night as well as several runners-up prizes.

Zainab Jogi, who runs Zee’s Training Academy, won the Community Initiative of the Year.

With over 15 years experience, Zee has been helping to train girls as young as 10 and women in the South Asian community in the art of self-defence.

In 2021 she also took part in a gruelling trek to Mount Kilimanjaro where she completed an obstacle course at the summit.

She said: “This was the first official award I have received and was totally surprised. 

“Thank you for that special individual who nominated us and recognised the hard work we put into supporting the community.

“This award has been dedicated to my mother who is my role model. She has supported my journey from a young age, had confidence in me and always pushed me to pursue my dream.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

Zainab Jogi is pictured here with boxer Safiyyah Syeed who was shortlisted in the Rising Star in the Sports category.  Safiyyah trains in Oldham.

The Masjid E Sajedeen, in Plane Tree Road, won the Mosque of the Year honour for their efforts in helping to raise awareness of health issues within the community.

Salim Sidat, chairman of the mosque, said: “This is a fantastic achievement. I would like to thank all the volunteers and committee members as well as the ladies' groups to make this possible. To win two awards shows this Masjid is the leader in moving forward and working to the needs of the community.”

The Professional in Business award was claimed by Khalid Master, of Bankview Smile Studios, while the Food Business of the Year award went to Simply Doughnuts.

Khalid Master said: “I was humbled to have even been included in the shortlist of such a prestigious and broad category.

"Considering how many brilliant British Muslim professionals we have nationally across all sectors and to be judged the best from amongst such a large, diverse, talented collective is truly overwhelming and a real privilege.”

Saima Ashraf, a blind auditor who has helped to break down stereotypes of visually impaired people, was highly commended in the Mohammed Sarwar Civil Service Award. Women’s Group Humraaz Support Services were runners-up in the Charity of the Year category.

In Pendle, Delicart were Highly Commended in the small business of the year category.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Delicart serves customers in Nelson, Brierfield, Burnley and Blackburn and is hoping to expand the service in the region. 

Mohammad Shoaib (above) who founded the firm said: “I am truly grateful to be recognised for the small business of the year at British Muslim Awards. Our aim is to diversify the shopping experience for halal meat and grocery shopping giving customers quick same day delivery.

"If your takeaway food can come within the hour so can your grocery shopping."