London newspaper recognises Arab and Muslim 'heroes'

London's Evening Standard newspaper included a list of 12 unsung heroes of the UK capital in its Progress 1000 report, with Arab and Muslim citizens making the list. 

The newspaper looked at events that shook London this year and with a panel of editors, critics and experts in various fields, they selected 12 individuals who have made their mark on the city.

Some of those chosen helped keep the hope and unity alive in London after tragic events like Grenfell Tower and a number of militant attacks made 2017 a heart-breaking year for the UK capital.

"On critical days and those that followed, many Londoners went beyond the confines of their jobs and lives for the welfare of their neighbours and fellow citizens," Evening Standard Editor George Osborne said. 

"None had high public profiles and most did not expect this year to be one that was so affecting and significant. On the critical days and those that followed, many Londoners went beyond the confines of their jobs and lives for the welfare of their fellow citizens."

He said the 12 people represented wider groups who all pitched in with emergency and relief efforts during London's recent tragedies.

On the list were two brothers - Mohammed and Muaz Mahmoud - who were at Finsbury Park, when a van deliberately rammed into a group of Muslims close to a mosque and urged the crowd to show restraint and protected the attacker.

Mohammed - imam at the local Muslim Welfare Centre - and his brother Muaz - are of Egyptian descent, and both helped instil calm following the attack, along with helping the wounded.

"I ran out straight away and when I got there the driver was already on the floor being restrained by three men. Others were tending to the injured Bengali man, who has now been announced dead," Mohammed told The New Arab.

Just minutes later, a large crowd began to gather and people started attacking the suspect.

"I shouted 'don't touch him, we'll hand him over to police' and because people know I'm the imam in the area, others joined in and helped me push people away from him."

Also on the list was Zain Miah, who was among the many peopled who responded to Grenfell Tower fire and played a key role in the Grenfell Muslim Response Unit, which providing help for families affected by the fire.

He works for the National Zakat Foundation and committed to help everyone regardless of their race or religion.

"It does not matter what skin colour we have no matter where we come from," he said.