Islamic Relief (IR) UK’s head of fundraising, Habib Malik, has won a lifetime achievement award for his local and international charity work.

The award, one of 12 Young Scottish Muslims (YSM) awards given, was presented on October 30 2008 at a ceremony held at the Parkhead Stadium in Glasgow and attended by Alex Salmond, First Minister of Scotland.

The award came as a complete surprise to Malik, from Aberdeen, who was simply told to attend the event, not realising he was to be presented with an award.

“My award was quite surprising,” Malik told the Aberdeen-based Press and Journal. “They told everybody to attend. That was it. It was all a big secret.”

“The lifetime achievement award was given to me mostly for my youth work in Scotland with young Scottish Muslims. I am delighted,” Malik added.

The award also recognises Malik’s work with IR. During his time with the organisation Malik has travelled to over 15 countries, including Ethiopia, Sudan and Indonesia, offering help and support in times of emergency and helping raise funds for IR projects.

The YSM Awards were established in 2007 in an attempt to recognise the positive contribution made by Scottish Muslims to society. Categories included YSM of the Year Male, YSM of the Year Female, Outstanding Contribution and Talent of Tomorrow.

Scotland is home to around 60,000 Muslims.

For more information on the Young Scottish Muslims click here.