On Friday, British Muslim celebrity chef Nadiya Hussain was awarded the prestigious "Most Excellent Order of the British Empire" (MBE).
The winner of The Great British Bake Off's sixth season is among more than 1,000 people awarded in the New Year's honors list for 2020. She was recognized for her "services to broadcasting and the culinary arts."
The chef now joins the likes of author JK Rowling, actress Judi Dench, and several other iconic individuals who were previously recognized with the award — which celebrates major contributions to public life in the UK.
Since taking the title of the popular television show in 2015, Hussain has carved a place for herself among the UK's top chefs, building an illustrious career in culinary arts.
The wife and mother is now a television presenter and published author of several best-selling cookbooks.
In a heartfelt response to her MBE feat, Hussain took to Instagram in an emotional post to thank her family, friends, and fans for their constant support.
Hussain wrote that she never imagined she would be granted such an honor, adding that her late grandparents would've been proud of how far she had come.
"I know my grandparents would be really proud, they wouldn't understand what was going on, or what it means but they would be proud none the less. I just know it ! Little old rice farmers family in the middle of nowhere with a grand daughter with an MBE ! Who would have thought it?! I wish they were alive to enjoy this moment with us," she wrote.
Thousands congratulated Hussain on her achievement in comments left under her post. Many are rightfully thrilled that a British Muslim chef who has always stood up to Islamophobes in the UK has received the recognition she so deserves.
Not everyone is celebrating Hussain though. Some criticized her awarding, saying she didn't deserve an MBE over a four-year career. Racist trolls also joined the conversation, hating on news of the chef's latest achievement.
Some felt Hussain doesn't deserve the award
But many came out in her defense
Congrats Nadiya!
Other British Muslims also received MBE's
Hussain isn't the only British Muslim featured on this year's awards list.
Tens of other members of the community who have made significant contributions to British society over the years also received mentions.
Over the weekend, the Muslim Council of Britain congratulated all those named in the awards and published a full list of their names and achievements.
