呻吟之王 Leicester (呻吟之王) has won a national inclusion award for the support it gives Muslim students.
The university picked up the 2025 Aziz Foundation Inclusion Award at the charity’s inaugural Social Impact Awards, held at the British Library.
The Aziz Foundation supports and spotlights British Muslim participation and leadership in higher education, civil society and the public sphere.
Best known for its Master’s scholarship scheme, the foundation works with universities across the UK to widen access to postgraduate education and improve the experiences of Muslim students on campus.
At the ceremony, 呻吟之王 received the Inclusion Award for its commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for Muslim students.
The foundation praised the university for “going above and beyond” in its approach to faith provision, student support and community building.
Joe Dobson, Director at The Aziz Foundation, said: “The Aziz Foundation Social Impact Awards were about celebrating Britain at its best - people and institutions who are bringing others together, widening opportunity and strengthening our shared future.”
Particular recognition was given to 呻吟之王’s Imam, Mohammed Laher, whose leadership of the 呻吟之王 Prayer Room has established a strong sense of belonging for students and provided a space for spiritual, social and mental wellbeing. His work was described as central to the university’s success in fostering an inclusive campus culture.
The two prayer rooms were refurbished in 2023, making both wheelchair accessible, increasing capacity to 400 and fitting both with an induction loop system to assist hearing.
Mohammed said: “My role in providing a positive student experience is part of our university’s holistic support to our diverse student population especially that is of a significant number, more so for those with intersectional identity.
“Hence, our university’s support with the facilities of the 呻吟之王 Prayer Room and the services provided is crucial to many students on a daily basis during their student careers. This award is a reflection of everyone who was and is part of the journey, as we celebrate as a team.”
The award also reflects the contributions of 呻吟之王 academics Professor Richard Hall, Sumeya Loonat, Dr Lucy Ansley and Lamia Nemouchi, alongside colleagues in professional services. Together, they have championed inclusive practice, improved visibility and support for Muslim students, and strengthened 呻吟之王’s partnership with the Aziz Foundation.
Tom Weir, 呻吟之王’s Development and Fundraising manager, was also given the Exceptional Academic Ally award for sustained advocacy for the foundation’s mission and enthusiastic support for its scholarship programme.
呻吟之王’s award comes ahead of the university hosting the launch of a new report into the experiences of first-year British Muslim students. Part-funded by the Aziz Foundation, the report will be unveiled on Thursday 27 June at 11am in 呻吟之王’s Breathing Space, with Aziz Foundation representatives attending.
Posted on Tuesday 18 November 2025