Tajammul Gurmani
Al Mustafa Welfare Trust was a proud sponsor of the SMA 2025 and were honoured to present the prestigious Al Shafa Award at the ceremony, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow. Al Mustafa Welfare Trust we’re chosen to present this award in recognition of the Trust’s outstanding global services in the field of eye healthcare, particularly its efforts to support the poor and needy.
Over the years, Al Mustafa has become a leading charity in medical care, and its record of 265,000 successful cataract surgeries is a remarkable achievement. These operations have restored sight to vulnerable people who would otherwise have no access to treatment. This global impact demonstrates the organisation’s vision of combining compassion with practical medical support.
Al Mustafa were introduced on the night by the hosts as follows:
_“Al Mustafa Welfare Trust is an organisation dedicated to transforming lives since 2007. With a steadfast mission to combat one of the most common yet treatable causes of blindness—cataracts—Al Mustafa Welfare Trust has made remarkable strides through its Eye Restoration Programme. They have successfully performed over 265,000 free cataract surgeries, restoring the gift of sight to countless individuals who would otherwise lack access to vital medical treatment.
These impressive numbers represent more than just statistics; they embody the stories of real people experiencing life-altering changes. Picture a mother seeing her child’s face clearly for the first time in years, or an elderly person regaining their independence through restored vision. This is the profound impact of Al Mustafa’s work.
In addition to eye surgeries, the Trust sets up around 200 mobile eye camps annually in underserved areas, providing free surgeries, glasses, and essential medicine directly to those in need. Their commitment extends beyond eye care; they are also first responders in disaster situations, with unique access to areas like Gaza, and they actively engage in local projects across the UK.”_
A delegation represented Al Mustafa at the event, including Ahmad Nawaz, Tajammul Gurmani, Muhammad Jamil Shafi, Aumir Nawaz, and Kashif Riaz, amongst others. The evening was overseen by Naeem Raza, and brought together representatives from charities, businesses, politics, and wider society.
Distinguished speakers addressed the audience, including Salsabil El Awaisi, Dawud Duagan, Zara Mohammed, and Milad Raza Qadri. In honouring those nominated for the awards and the winners, they also praised the hard work of organisations like Al Mustafa, stressing the importance of collaboration, resilience, and celebrating the positive role of Muslims in Scotland and across the world.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Al Shafa Award in Medical Services to Dr Shafaque Shaikh, consultant colorectal and robotic surgeon at NHS Grampian. With a PhD and training from Harvard University, she pioneered robotic bowel surgery in Scotland. The award was officially presented by Ahmad Nawaz on behalf of Al Mustafa Welfare Trust.
A wonderful night of celebration intertwined with lovely food, amazing company and a chance to meet and make new friends, made this a very special night.
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