Syed Muhammad Faisal Sami, a British-Pakistani religious scholar, has been honored with the prestigious British Citizen Award (BCA) at the Palace of Westminster.
Recognized for his dedicated efforts to combat knife crime and improve community safety in the Midlands, Sami’s contributions through Dawat-e-Islami have made a significant impact both nationally and internationally.
Over the past 20 years, Sami’s initiatives have included raising awareness about knife crime, County Lines, drug abuse, nitrous oxide, fly-tipping, and speeding. These efforts have played a crucial role in reducing crime and enhancing community safety. His work also extends to prison rehabilitation, environmental sustainability, and global humanitarian relief.
Sami’s dedication to environmental issues is evident in his work planting thousands of trees and increasing climate change awareness. His organization has provided crucial aid during global disasters, including the Pakistan floods, earthquakes in Turkey, Syria, and Morocco, and relief efforts in Tanzania and Palestine.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sami and his team launched national initiatives to support the public, including establishing food banks and well-being call centers, and facilitating an emergency morgue in Birmingham to assist families affected by the pandemic.
In his acceptance speech, Sami dedicated the award to the founder of Dawat-e-Islami, Maulana Ilyas Qadri, and to all the volunteers who have supported the organization. He emphasized that the award is a recognition of their collective efforts and hopes it will inspire more people to contribute to their communities.
Previously, Sami received the Outstanding Citizen Award from the West Midlands Police for his impactful work addressing knife crime and his role as a community champion. His leadership and commitment have inspired thousands and brought positive change to many lives.
