Celebrating outstanding leaders whose service, compassion, and integrity have strengthened the Muslim community, Nova Scotia, and the wider Canadian society.
The Ummah Society Distinguished Community Service Award celebrates individuals whose work reflects exceptional leadership, integrity, empathy, intercultural understanding, and dedication to the wellbeing of the wider community.
The award is presented by Ummah Society leadership and elevated by the participation of the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, honouring recipients whose contributions continue to shape a stronger, more inclusive province.
Help recognize a community member whose leadership, compassion, and public service reflect the spirit of the Ummah Society Distinguished Service Award. Nominations are due by the January 2027 deadline.
Medical service, human rights advocacy, and family wellbeing
Honoured for exceptional integrity, steadfast commitment to public service, and unwavering dedication to human rights, social justice, and family wellbeing. Dr. Cajee is a deeply respected emergency physician across Halifax and Nova Scotia, and Fatima Cajee is widely recognized for community leadership, volunteerism, and social advocacy.
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Community builder and humanitarian advocate
Recognized for exemplary dedication, righteous leadership, and enduring service to both community and humanity. Dr. Ali has played a vital role in the building, maintenance, and long-term sustainability of Ummah Masjid & Community Center, while advocating with compassion and moral clarity for humanitarian causes.
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Former Leader of the NDP & MLA
A staunch advocate for community and public service, Gary Burrill is honoured for bold leadership, social justice, inclusivity, labour advocacy, youth empowerment, and his enduring vision of intercultural understanding and a more inclusive Canada.
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Educator, founder, and community mentor
Honoured for a lifetime of education, compassion, and leadership. Umm Saeed taught Arabic and Quran to generations of students, founded the Free Saturday School, supported women through tailored programs, and helped establish a Food Kitchen for Refugees in partnership with the United Nations.
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Founder, board leader, and community pillar
Recognized as a visionary pioneer and one of the founders of Ummah Masjid. Abu Nael chaired the board through difficult moments, helped guide the completion of the Masjid, continues to serve through the HR Committee, and has promoted intercultural understanding through decades of volunteerism.
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Founding contributor to Islamic education in Halifax-Dartmouth
Celebrated as one of the seven visionary founders of the Halifax-Dartmouth Islamic School in 1984. Sister Azza gave countless hours preparing classrooms, supporting teachers and students, selecting resources, planning curricula, and helping plant the seeds from which Ummah Society flourished. Though she cannot accept this award in person due to health reasons, her legacy of service and sacrifice continues to inspire generations. Her husband, our distinguished brother Dr. Gamal Badawi, accepted the award on her behalf.
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CEO of Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)
A respected leader trained in urban and rural planning, Jennifer Watts is honoured for decades of service, including her work with displaced communities, her role as HRM Councillor for District 8, and her leadership at ISANS supporting newcomers and refugees across Nova Scotia.
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Senior Imam of the London Muslim Mosque
Recognized for more than three decades of Islamic service, Quranic teaching, mentorship, and judging recitation competitions. Sheikh Mohammed is also honoured as one of the original dreamers who helped plant the seed for Ummah Masjid & Community Center.
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Professor Emeritus, Saint Mary’s University; original founder of Ummah Masjid
Honoured for an illustrious career of scholarship, community building, intercultural understanding, and interfaith dialogue. Dr. Badawi’s long service in Nova Scotia and global contributions to civil society reflect the highest ideals of the award.
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First Muslim MLA elected to the Nova Scotia Legislature
Recognized for trailblazing leadership, public service, and community empowerment. From arriving in Canada as a refugee to serving with Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Services and becoming the first Muslim elected to the Nova Scotia Legislature, Ali Duale represents resilience, inclusion, and hope.
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CEO, SimplyCast; first Muslim to receive the Order of Nova Scotia
Honoured for visionary leadership, entrepreneurial excellence, mentorship, newcomer integration, and community service. As Founder and CEO of SimplyCast, Saeed El-Darahali has built a globally recognized technology company while championing diversity and opportunity in Atlantic Canada.
View Facebook PostFormer Chief of Halifax Regional Police
In recognition of his distinguished public service, compassionate leadership, and steadfast commitment to community safety and wellbeing, the Society proudly recognizes Jean-Michel Blais, former Chief of Halifax Regional Police, as a recipient of the Ummah Society Distinguished Community Service Award.
Throughout his decades of service in policing and public leadership, Chief Blais exemplified integrity, professionalism, and humanity. During moments of uncertainty and difficulty, the Muslim community in Halifax found in him not only a trusted public servant, but also a reassuring presence whose calm demeanor, empathy, and openness fostered a deep sense of safety, dignity, and belonging. His leadership style was marked by respect, dialogue, and a sincere commitment to building bridges across communities.
Beyond his role as Chief of Police, Jean-Michel Blais demonstrated a profound understanding of the importance of inclusion and community trust in public service. His dedication to serving and protecting all residents of Halifax with fairness and compassion left a lasting impact on the social fabric of the city and earned the admiration of communities across Nova Scotia.
These recipients reflect the values at the heart of Ummah Society: service, compassion, community building, and a commitment to a more inclusive and caring Nova Scotia.
