Features

The second annual Muslim Writers Awards 2008 recognised the breadth and quality of literary talent within the UK’s Muslim community. At a glittering ceremony – attended by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi and guest of honour Jermaine Jackson – eight awards were handed out to deserving winners, following a review of 10,000 entries by a panel of independent judges.

Jermaine Jackson and award winner Alia Vaughan

The event took place on Saturday 29th March 2008 at the ICC in Birmingham, and attracted support from the Prime Minister, local government and celebrity advocates like James Caan (Dragon’s Den).

Call me Muhammad

The ceremony was broadcast live to millions of viewers across the UK, Europe and the Middle East by Islam Channel. Jackson delighted the audience during his televised interview by asking the host to refer to him by his chosen Muslim name of 'Muhammad'.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has pledged his support for the awards, stating: "This is a wonderful opportunity to bring excellent writing by Muslim writers to new audiences, and increase the mutual understanding of the people of Britain. Through literature we can learn about disparate cultures and widen our perspectives of the world. I would like to congratulate all of the participating writers and the winners of this year’s awards."

Moazzem Begg wins the 'Published Writer' award

Creative expression

Imran Akram, Head of Innovate Arts, organisers of the awards, commented: "The 10,000 submissions we received clearly demonstrate that British Muslims are passionate about creative expression. The body of work that we've reviewed this year includes heart-felt poetic compositions, educational children’s stories and compelling fiction pieces.

"The nominees for each category represent the cream of British Muslim literary talent. However, the initiative has a wider objective than the awards themselves. We want to encourage talented British Muslims, of all ages and backgrounds, to develop their powers of creative expression. This is a vital tool for encouraging integration and cementing community cohesion."

Writer of the Year

Winner of the prestigious 'Writer of the Year 2008' Award was 38-year old Aliya Vaughan from Brixton in London. She was also the recipient of the Best Children’s story Award. 

Kashif Choudry wins the 'Short Story Writer' award

The 'Published Writer of the Year 2008' was former Guntanamo detainee, and Birmingham bookstore owner, Moazzem Beg. Beg gave a powerful acceptance speech recalling how faith and prayer strengthened the bond between the "Enemy Combatants" during the abuse and humiliation meted out by their captors.  In addition, young Solihull writer Kashif Choudry picked up the 'Short Story Writer Award'.

Full list of winners

NON FICTION AWARD

Shelina Zahra Janmohamed (Age: 33) London

SHORT STORY AWARD

Kashif Choudry (Age: 28) Solihull, West Midlands

NOVEL AWARD

Fatima Martin (Age: 49) Woking, Surrey

POETRY AWARD

Shameam Akhtar (Age 38) Bradford

UNDER 16’s AWARD

Humaira Rashid (Age: 16) Dewsbury, West Yorkshire

BEST CHILDREN’S STORY AWARD

Aliya Vaughan (Age: 37) Brixton Hill, London

PUBLISHED WRITER AWARD

Moazzem Beg, from Birmingham

WRITER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Aliya Vaughan (Age: 37) Brixton Hill, London

Further information about the Awards can be found at www.muslimwritersawards.co.uk.