People of Gaza named joint winners of Global Muslim Personality of the Year Award

Muslim News Nigeria has named the People of Gaza as the joint winners of its Global Muslim Personality of the Year 2024/2025 Award, recognising what it described as their “extraordinary resilience” amid Israel’s ongoing war on the enclave.

The announcement, made Friday, November 28, by Rasheed Abubakar, publisher of Muslim News Nigeria, marks the first time the honour has been given to an entire population. The outlet said the recognition is a tribute to both survivors and the tens of thousands killed since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza.

Abubakar said the decision was “unprecedented but necessary,” noting that Gazans have shown “steadfastness and unshakable faith” despite bombardment, displacement and shortages of food, water and medical supplies. He added that the award reflects a “moral obligation to amplify the voices of the oppressed.”

Muslim News Nigeria said the honour also acknowledges journalists, medics, teachers, aid workers and other civilians killed during the conflict including children, and praised those who continued reporting, teaching or assisting communities after losing relatives or homes.

Calls for global action

Abubakar urged world leaders and international organisations to intensify efforts toward a “just and lasting peace” in Palestine and reiterated the outlet’s support for a two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians live “free from fear, occupation and violence.”

He also called on Muslim governments and institutions to scale up humanitarian support for Gaza.

Global Winners Across Key Categories

Alongside the main announcement, the outlet unveiled several global category winners:

Media: Veteran Palestinian photojournalist and TRT Arabi cameraman Sami Shehadeh was named the Global Muslim Media Person of the Year. Shehadeh lost a leg in an Israeli tank strike during the 2024 Gaza war but, after surgery in Türkiye, returned to frontline reporting.

Muslim News Nigeria said his recognition reflects his resilience and dedication, noting that his return symbolises the determination of journalists who keep documenting Gaza’s realities under extreme danger.

Health: British-Palestinian surgeon Dr Ghassan Abu Sittah for his medical humanitarian work in Gaza.

Celebrity: French footballer Ousmane Dembélé for his sporting achievements and public solidarity with Palestinians.

Finance: Academic Ziyaad Mahomed, recognised for contributions to Islamic social finance.

Education: Palestinian teacher Naglaa Weshah, who continued teaching displaced children in Gaza.

Humanitarian: Türkiye’s official aid agency TİKA was named the Global Humanitarian Organisation of the Year for its broad support to vulnerable communities across more than 170 countries. The agency delivers grant-based projects in education, health, relief and development.

Muslim News Nigeria highlighted TİKA’s emergency assistance in Gaza — from food and medical aid to early reconstruction under siege. The outlet said TİKA’s work reflects Muslim solidarity globally, with Abubakar praising its role in bringing hope to communities facing war and poverty.

Muslim-Owned Brand: Qatar Airways for service excellence and its role in Hajj and Umrah travel.

Lifetime Service: Scholar Sheikh Yasir Qadhi for decades of public engagement.

Advocacy: South African activist Dr Fatima Hendricks for work on justice and peace initiatives, including efforts to break the Gaza blockade.

Now in its fifth edition, the #MNAwards aims to highlight Muslim excellence worldwide, with particular focus on individuals and institutions supporting oppressed Muslim communities.