Dr Hany El Banna, Founder and President of Islamic Relief has been awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire ) in the New Years Honours List 2004. The award comes at the start of Islamic Relief's 20th anniversary and recognises Dr Hany's outstanding contribution to worldwide humanitarian work.
Dr Hany gave up his career in medicine in 1984 to devote his life to helping the poor and needy. With his unfaltering commitment to the cause, he established Islamic Relief – a British based charity inspired by the humanitarian teachings of Islam. Over the last 20 years, Islamic Relief has grown from a simple fundraising initiative to a worldwide humanitarian relief organisation spanning 30 countries.
Following the announcement of the New Years Honours List, Dr Hany said, “This award is for everyone who has made Islamic Relief what it is today. It is testimony to Islamic Relief's commitment to alleviating the poverty and suffering of the world's poorest people.”
The New Years Honour is the latest in a series of awards given to Dr Hany in recognition of his global humanitarian efforts. As well as his dedication to relief work, Dr Hany has come to be known as an ambassador for dialogue and peace, promoting understanding between different communities. His recent publications on the subject include, “Why Foreign Policy Matters,” and “The Global Role of Muslims in Humanitarian Aid.”