We are immensely delighted to announce that Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo, Resident Alim / Imam, Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat has been recognised as the Most Impactful Imam.
The 2018 British Beacon Mosques award, launched by Faith Associates, was presented at a gala dinner to celebrate the excellent work of Mosques from across the UK. The function held on 8th September 2018 was attended by Mosque leaders, Imams and dignitaries from across the UK. Nominations from more than 200 mosques who are doing outstanding work in their communities were submitted for nomination to the 2018 British Beacon Award.
The Most Impactful Imam award was presented by Imam Qari Muhammad Asim, MBE, Chair MINAB and Head Imam at Makkah Mosque, Leeds.
"Imams have a huge responsibility to guide and nourish their communities. Given the multiple challenges currently facing British Muslims, this responsibility becomes ever greater. A sound vision as well as wisdom and practical approach is required to engage with British Muslims and unlock a fuller Muslim presence in and contribution to British society, which could help to reduce perceptions of increasing polarisation within British society. Imams work tirelessly on a daily basis to serve their communities. Without their selfless work, British Muslims would not have been able to accomplish many of their goals in this country. It is therefore extremely important that British Muslims appreciate the work of 
their Imams, support them, physically as well as financially, equip them with right resources and empower them to deliver a dynamic service.
Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo has been engaged in raising awareness about the peaceful religion Islam as well as reaching out to various communities to enhance shared common goals. The most Impactful Imam award, given at the Beacon Mosque Awards event, is a recognition of his work in this area. We congratulate Sheikh Datoo on this well-deserved Impactful Imam Award." - Imam Qari Muhammad Asim
Read the award nomination here!
This category was seeking to award an Imam that has a positive impact in the Mosque, and or in the surrounding community through their work.
Watch the nomination video here!
“It was a pleasure having attended the Beacon Mosque Awards on Saturday 9th September especially with our Sheikh winning the award for the Most Impactful Imam nationally, for which the Executive Committee had nominated him. This was undoubtedly a well-deserved award as a result of Sheikh’s relentless and enthusiastic services and vision for the community and his positive impact on our neighbours of all faiths. I pray Allah (s) blesses him with greater ability to serve in the cause of Allah (s) and the love of the AhlulBayt (a).” – Shafiq Mohamedtaqi, Hon. Secretary, Wessex Jamaat
In addition, Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat was shortlisted for Best Green Initiative. This category sought to award a Mosque that has developed and sustained a Green initiative from their Mosque, either through an educational initiative or a physical adaptation to reduce its carbon footprint. Wessex Jamaat received a special award trophy highlighting their excellent work in Green Initiative Category.
"From the team at Faith Associates, it was a pleasure to have the presence of Wessex Jamaat (Al Mahdi Centre) at the Inaugural British Beacon Mosque Awards 2018. The work done by the Masjd has been outstanding, this was showcased in the evidence provided to support the nominations for 'Best Green Initiative' and 'Most Impactful Imam'.
The five judges who were responsible for picking the winners on the night found the work done by Imam Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo was worthy of winning the Most Impactful Imam Award. We, at Faith Associates, look forward to working closely with Wessex Jamaat building on this excellent achievement." - From the team at Faith Associates