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We are honoured to present the recipients of this year’s CoEJ Commendations, recognising those whose service and achievements continue to uplift and inspire our community.

These commendations were presented during the CoEJ Annual Conference and the Milad un Nabi (s.a.w.) programmes, a fitting occasion to recognise the values of dedication, service, and excellence.

Please scroll down to read about them and find out why they were nominated.

May the Almighty (SWT) bless all their efforts and grant them continued tawfīq in serving His cause.

“Recognising Husayni Hearts That Serve and Mahdavi Minds That Shine.”

Recipients 2025

Muallim Murtaza Bandali of Hujjat, Stanmore, receives this rare honour for over seven decades of devoted service to the community. A master of Qur’anic recitation with a globally renowned voice, he has inspired generations in Qur’an, tajweed, and maqamaat.

His legacy includes representing the community internationally, pioneering Shia publications through Alif Publications, and producing widely cherished devotional recordings. He is honoured as a beacon of humility, devotion, and lifelong dedication.

The recipient of the Abu Fadhl al-Abbas Commendation for Excellence in Community Service is Br. Mohsin Lakha from Husaini Islamic Centre, Peterborough Jamaat.
 
This commendation recognises Br. Mohsin’s tireless dedication to serving the community, often quietly and behind the scenes.
 
Whether it is clearing rubbish, cleaning the car park, helping with serving, or taking on odd jobs in his own time—all while managing a full-time job—his selfless efforts embody the true spirit of service. We are honoured to present this commendation to him.
We are honoured to present the Zaynabiyya Commendation for Excellence in Faith to Sr. Zahra Kanani of Hyderi Jamaat, South London.
 
Sr. Zahra is a dedicated and inspiring speaker on the Ahlul Bayt (A.S.), who serves the community selflessly with her deep knowledge of the Holy Qur’an and Ahadith.
 
Alongside her service in faith, she is an accomplished lawyer, guiding the community in both Islamic and English law on will writing, and regularly delivering workshops to support and empower others in this vital area. Her tireless commitment to faith and community truly embodies the spirit of this commendation.
The Ibn Sina Commendation for Excellence in Academics is proudly presented to Br. Ali Juma of Hujjat, Stanmore, a shining example of brilliance, humility, and service. Ali has demonstrated exceptional intellect from his earliest years — mastering mathematics and computing and swiftly developing a talent for programming. By eight, he had coded and published his first iOS app, and at just ten, he achieved the highest grade in GCSE Computer Science, making him the youngest person to do so. By fourteen, he had already secured an A* in A-Level Computer Science. His passion for technology has also seen him win international robotics competitions and complete advanced courses with HarvardX.
 
Ali’s achievements span a wide spectrum: Gold awards in mathematics, computing, biology, and physics; a Silver Medal in the UK National Cipher Challenge; and distinctions in the UK Linguistics Olympiad and Oxford University Computing Challenge. His gifts as a linguist are equally remarkable — he taught himself Japanese to a high level and went on to achieve a Grade 9 in GCSE Japanese, an extraordinary accomplishment for a self-taught student. He has now secured 13 GCSEs at grade A*, including a perfect score in Mathematics. In 2024, he was honoured with the Imam Hassan & Hussain Children’s Award at the Muslim News Awards for Excellence.
 
Ali’s brilliance shines equally in his character. While working towards becoming a Hafidh of the Holy Qur’an, he also serves his community — from fundraising for charitable causes to teaching children Qur’an. His discipline, humility, and integrity make him an inspiration to the wider community.
 
Today, we are proud to honour Br. Ali Juma with the Ibn Sina Commendation for Excellence in Academics, celebrating a remarkable young mind whose journey reflects the perfect harmony of intellect, faith, and service.
We are delighted to recognise Sister Mariam Abbas with this commendation for her outstanding dedication to teaching.
 
Over the past six years — four in Sweden and two in Portugal — she has been an influential teacher, nurturing and guiding her students with patience and care.
 
Even in challenging times, when other teachers were absent, she would merge classes and lead interactive sessions to ensure no weekend passed without the children learning and growing. Throughout the months of Muharram, Safar, and Ramadan, her commitment never wavered, always ensuring that spiritual and educational nurturing continued. Her tireless efforts embody true devotion to the next generation.