'Honoured by award'

From the Telegraph & Argus, first published Thursday 3rd Mar 2005.

An equality and diversity champion for the Bradford district's Primary Care Trusts has scooped a gong for his work to build greater understanding of the Islamic world.

Ali Jan Haider, director of Equality and Diversity Primary Care Partnership, was chosen for the Friends of Islam award in recognition of some of his work which has challenged thinking in Islamic circles on domestic abuse and child protection.

He joins Nelson Mandela and Yusuf Islam, formerly known as the singer Cat Stevens, and the former prime minister of Malaysia Dr Mahathir Mohamad, as recipients of the award.

"I am honoured and humbled that my work has been recognised in this way," he said.

"I wrote the papers in my spare time as I wanted to help people, especially organisations like the police and social services, to understand the true perspective of Islam so it could help them in their work with Muslim communities."

As a former social worker in Bradford, Ali Jan used his experiences to write two pieces of work around the sensitive issue of domestic abuse and child abuse with a view to clarifying the position that Islam takes on each of these.

His work challenged some common misconceptions and helped open debate about the true message of Islamic beliefs and how they relate to people's everyday lives.

Ali Jan collected his award at a ceremony in London last month, which also celebrated the work of the Friends of Islam.

The group aims to develop greater understanding between the Islamic world and the West.

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