This year, the Muslim Council of Britain celebrates 25 years since its founding. On Friday 25th November, the MCB marked the beginning of our 25th anniversary celebration with an event at the Waldorf Hilton Hotel in London.
We were honoured to be joined by political, faith and civil society leaders, alongside pioneers and figures of note from within British Muslim communities. Guests arrived from across the UK, coming together to recognise and celebrate the work done in advancing the empowerment of Muslim communities in the pursuit of a more just and cohesive society.
Aaqil Ahmed, former Head of Religion at the BBC and Channel 4, hosted the evening’s events, introducing the young and supremely talented Qari Younus to begin proceedings with a beautiful Quranic recitation.
Was a real honour to host the @mcb 25th anniversary gala dinner.Great to catch up with old friends and ti look forward with new ones. Great work from @ZaraM01 and her team. https://t.co/N8nyiBmO1j
— Aaqil Ahmed (@aaqil1969) November 26, 2022
Key-note speeches were delivered by a number of esteemed guests on the night. We were honoured to hear from Zara Mohammed, MCB Secretary-General.
"MCB has stood up for the community consistently over the last 25 years. Tonight's event celebrates our collective work. We are a force of good for the common good." – @ZaraM01 MCB Secretary-General#MCB25Years #ServingBritishMuslims pic.twitter.com/VXqG3kff3i
— MCB (@MuslimCouncil) November 25, 2022
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, spoke of the key role the MCB has played in advancing Muslim civil society and paid tribute to MCB Secretary-Generals past and present.
It was an honour to attend the @MuslimCouncil of Britain’s 25th Anniversary dinner last night.
Since its founding, this council has helped shape a more just and fairer society and has been instrumental in improving the lives of Muslims in Britain. pic.twitter.com/7C03X8mPqI
— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) November 26, 2022
Sir Ed Davey, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, delivered another key note address.
— MCB (@MuslimCouncil) November 26, 2022
We heard from Louisa Rolfe OBE, Assistant Commissioner of Police of the London Metropolis…
"I thank the Muslim community for your wise counsel that has contributed to our work. We must do better to reflect the communities we serve." – @ACLouisaRolfe #MCB25Years #ServingBritishMuslims pic.twitter.com/jfe4BHjf1v
— MCB (@MuslimCouncil) November 25, 2022
and Anas Sarwar MSP, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party.
Powerful speech from @AnasSarwar . @MuslimCouncil #LabourParty pic.twitter.com/iDNJiwsekv
— Cllr Saima Ashraf (@CllrAshraf) November 25, 2022
We were also honoured to hear from Rahima Aziz, Trustee of the Aziz Foundation, our head sponsors for the night.
Host for the night, Aaqil Ahmed then chaired an insightful and inspiring panel discussion, featuring founding and former MCB Secretary-Generals, Sir Iqbal Sacranie and Dr Abdul Bari, respectively, sitting MCB Secretary-General Zara Mohammed and Naz Shah MP. The panel explored MCB’s storied past, discussed challenges, present and future, and aspirations, areas of opportunity for the MCB, but also wider British Muslim communities.
The evening progressed with a sit-down dinner and entertainment, and concluded with refreshments and a networking event in the Waldorf’s Palm Court.
The Muslim Council of Britain would like to offer our heartfelt gratitude to all event participants, guests and event delivery teams, who came together to make the night a rousing success. The MCB would also like to thank our generous event sponsors: Aziz Foundation, Al-Khair Foundation and Lady Fatema Charitable Trust.
Some more photos from last night's dinner! 📸 Our sincere gratitude to everyone involved, from our affiliates and volunteers to all of our lovely guests that attended. pic.twitter.com/4FPx1x5uSJ
— MCB (@MuslimCouncil) November 26, 2022
The 25th anniversary dinner marked the beginning of the #MCB25Years campaign. Watch this space!