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Most Impactful Imam – Shortlist 2024

Key Activities and Achievements:

Since becoming the Executive Director of Masjid Al Madina and Head of Academic Affairs for Al Madina Academy in September 2022, Shaykh Omar Ali has led numerous impactful initiatives that have significantly benefited the local and global community.

  1. Masjid Development and Fundraising: Shaykh Omar spearheaded the submission and approval of plans for a new state-of-the-art masjid, expected to serve as a center for worship, education, and community engagement. To date, nearly £700K has been raised through innovative fundraisers, including family fun days and car washes in Walsall. These efforts have energised the community and built momentum for expansion into other areas in the near future.
  2. Global Humanitarian Relief: Shaykh Omar launched Al Madina Relief to provide aid to those affected by natural disasters and conflicts around the world. Notably, relief was provided to:
    • Pakistan flood victims (Dec 2022)
    • Turkey earthquake victims (Feb 2023)
    • Morocco earthquake victims (Aug 2023)
    • In addition, over £35K was raised for displaced individuals from Gaza. These efforts have unified the community in Walsall around global humanitarian causes and demonstrated a commitment to serving the Ummah.
  3. Religious Leadership and Education: Shaykh Omar has enhanced the academic offerings at Al Madina Academy, introducing and teaching courses such as:
    • Fard Ul Ayn
    • Alim Course
    • FIQH
    • Islamic Creed (Aqeeda Tahawiya)
    • Dars Hadith
  4. Youth Engagement and Sports: Shaykh Omar actively promotes youth engagement through sports, coaching Al Madina Academy’s cricket team to become Warwickshire Madrassah champions and securing a 3rd place finish at Lords in a tournament organized by Faith Associates. His efforts have provided young people with both physical and spiritual development.
  5. Community Building Initiatives:
    • Fajr Breakfast Club: Shaykh Omar initiated a Fajr breakfast club on Sundays, combining physical nourishment with spiritual reminders, fostering greater awareness of the importance of Fajr prayer.
    • Sisters’ Management Team and Youth Team: Shaykh Omar established dedicated teams to engage both the youth and women of the community in various activities, ensuring inclusivity and wider participation.
  6. Spiritual Leadership and Global Advocacy:
    • Shaykh Omar had the honor of leading Isha prayer at Masjid Al Aqsa, a moment of great pride for Team Al Madina.
    • He continues to raise awareness for the oppressed and has led multiple trips to Al Aqsa and Umrah, fostering solidarity and activism.
  7. Public Speaking and Conferences: Shaykh Omar is invited for public talks across the UK, with a growing presence on social media platforms to engage a broader audience. He also organised a Palestine conference in Walsall, uniting local mosques and scholars to raise awareness for Palestine, strengthening community ties and activism.

Impact on Individuals and the Community:

Shaykh Omar Ali’s leadership has transformed the Masjid Al Madina community and beyond. His initiatives in education, relief work, youth engagement, and public speaking have empowered individuals, united the community, and fostered a sense of global responsibility. By addressing both local needs and international humanitarian crises, he has truly embodied the role of an impactful Imam.