On May 25, the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) and the London Islamic Cultural Centre (ICC), hosted a reception in honour of Secretary General of the Union of Muslim Organisations (UMO), Dr Syed Aziz Pasha. Dr Pasha, who has devoted a lifetime of service to the Muslim community in Britain. He was showered with accolades from various Muslim leaders, and his new and old colleagues.

Director General of the ICC, Dr Ahmad Al-Dubayan, said the British Muslim community were there to "show our gratefulness" and "say ‘thank you' to Pasha." He added that Muslims need to listen to "this wise man" who has many years of experience of the Muslim community.

Member of Abdullah Quilliam Society, Muhammad Akbar Ali, who has known Pasha for 50 years, recalled that he went to see him from Manchester after he had heard that "a new star was born" in the Muslim community. Pasha had arrived from the USA where he was known for his devotion to the American Muslims. "You started an important organisation which was very badly needed."

Professor Daud Noibi of Council of Nigerian Muslim Organisations, who works with Pasha in the UMO, said he was "a very good leader in our midst" and he "has spent his life in the cause of Allah."

Dr Majid Katme of the Islamic Medical Association, who has also worked closely with Pasha, said he was "a highly dedicated person" and "did not compromise on Islam during his dealings with the Government."

Fazal Awan of the Islamic Trust, Maidenhead, who has known Pasha since 1973, said Pasha worked day and night and "gave his health, wealth and everything for the Muslim community."

Zulfiqar Khan Noon of Islamic Centre, Redhill, Surrey, praised Pasha for "safeguarding Islamic values" and Dr Muhammad Begg of De Montfort University, said Pasha had "influenced" him to do his PhD and President of Muslim Association of Nigeria, Mustafa Akande, said he was also influenced by Pasha and helped the Association in its growth. "I found him to be honest, trustworthy, sincere, and devoted his life for the sake of Islam."

Trustee of Al-Jamiah Al-Islamiyah in Bolton, Lancashire, Yousuf Bhailok, called Pasha a "senior statesman" and a "distinguished ambassador of Islam" as no one he knows has devoted as much as Pasha for Islam and Muslims in the UK. "He is our mentor and an inspiration to us all" and Pasha, when he deals with Government officials, "he doesn't use diplomatic language but is straightforward."

All Muslim organisations have been inspired by Pasha, said Director of Islamic Foundation, Dr Manazir Ahsan. "In 1968, he discussed with me the idea of unity in the Muslim community. We are all indebted to him for giving us guidance."

Former Secretary General of the MCB, Sir Iqbal Sacranie, called Pasha a "towering figure" with whom he had worked for a long time and who "inspired me by his dedication and commitment to the Muslim community." Sacranie has known Pasha since his student days and remembered Pasha emphasising on the need for uniting Muslims. Sacranie related the work Pasha has done since the 1960s, including lobbying the Government and Opposition for Muslim concerns.

Dr Pasha spoke about the history of the UMO and his work with the Muslim community and the Government. He said he faced many challenges but "today we face tough challenges" and his concern still is the unity of Muslims. Pasha said it was important for Muslims to do da'wah (call people to Islam) and that being part of the society "does not mean that we have to change our moral values." He was optimistic that the unity of Muslims would become a reality as it is "a gift from Allah." He ended by saying that "as long as I live, I'm at your service and will take a responsibility to achieve unity of Muslims, not only in the UK but Europe as well."