Following this week's >terrorist attack in Manchester, as per usual, many Islamophobes have come out to absurdly blame an entire religion of 1.6 billion people.
Never mind that> leaders of Muslim-majority nations were among the first to condemn the attack and express their condolences. Never mind that the Muslim community >came out in force to show solidarity with the victims and their families. Never mind that Muslims >are actually the world's biggest victims of terrorism.
In fact, prior to the attack, members of the local Muslim community tried on several occasions to raise concerns about the Manchester suicide bomber, Salman Abedi, to authorities, fearing he had extremist leanings, according to The Telegraph. Abedi was even banned from a mosque after confronting a preacher who criticized extremists. These concerns were apparently overlooked by police.
So, as a gentle reminder, >as we did in the wake of the March attack in Westminster, here are 10 more Muslims who make the United Kingdom great.
1. Sir Mohamed Farah, Olympic athlete
Mohamed "Mo" Farah is the most successful British Olympic track athlete in modern history. At the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, he won gold medals in both the 5,000 meter and the 10,000 meter races.
2. Baroness Pola Uddin, Politician
Pola Uddin is a politician and community activist. She is noted for being the first Muslim woman in the British House of Lords.
3. Sir Anwar Pervez, Businessman
With a net worth of 2.95 billion British pounds ($3.8 billion), Sir Anwar Pervez is considered to be the richest Pakistani in the UK. He is the founder and chairman of Bestway, the second largest wholesaler in the country.
4. Nadiya Jamir Hussain, Baker
In 2015, Nadiya Jamir Hussain won the Great British Bake Off reality TV competition. Since winning, Hussain has published several books and gone on to become an advocate, speaking out against racism in the UK. She also baked a cake for the Queen's 90th birthday!
5. Riz Ahmed, Actor
Riz Ahmed got his start as an actor and rapper, appearing in independent films such as Four Lions and The Road to Guantanamo. This led to roles in blockbuster hits such as Star Wars: Rogue One and Jason Bourne.
TIME Magazine listed Ahmed as one of The Most Influential People of 2017, featuring him on the cover.
6. Mina Anwar, Actress
Mina Anwar rose to fame through her role as Police Constable Maggie Habib in the TV comedy The Thin Blue Line. She has played roles in various other television shows, films and even stage.
7. Babar Ahmed, Film director
Babar Ahmed is an acclaimed British film director and writer currently working in Hollywood. He has produced several award-winning films, as well as high-profile videos for international organizations like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group. He's perhaps best known for the 2014 film Amka and the Three Golden Rules.
8. Amrou Al-Kadhi, Writer/Performer/Filmmaker
Amrou Al-Kadhi is a writer, actor, performer and filmmaker. He currently has several short films and TV products in various stages of production. Al-Kadhi's first short film, Nightstand, screened at festivals around the world. As a writer, he has written for The Independent, CNN, i-D Magazine and numerous other publications.
9. & 10. Muneera Williams and Sukina Owen-Douglas, Rappers
This incredible duo known as Poetic Pilgrimage met at a talent show and converted to Islam in 2005. They were inspired by the autobiography of Malcolm X. Through their music, both women aim to challenge stereotypes and attitudes about Islam, without preaching.