She may have been crowned the winner, fending off tough competition from Ian Cumming and Tamal Ray, but to some, Nadiya Jamir Hussain is more than just a mega-talented baker.
The 30-year-old has been hailed as an “inspiration” to British Muslims, according to Dr Omer El-Hamdoon, president of the Muslim Association of Britain (MAB) and has “demonstrated the inclusivity of British Muslims in society”.
Nadiya has referred to her faith before, saying: “Originally, I was a bit nervous that people would look at me, a Muslim in a headscarf, and wonder if I could bake.
“But I hope that week by week people have realised that I can bake – and just because I’m not a stereotypical British person, it doesn’t mean that I am not into bunting, cake and tea.”
Her credentials as a baker were proved tonight when she was crowned champion of the hit BBC show.
El-Hamdoon said: “We are really delighted that Nadiya has won the Great British Bake Off, as she has demonstrated the inclusivity of British Muslims in society.
“This is the message that organisations like MAB continue to advocate to Muslims about the necessity of being active Muslims who participate at different levels.
“We are really happy for her and her family.”
Nadiya has previously said: “I’m just as British as anyone else, and I hope I have proved that. The feedback I have had reveals how accepting people are of different cultures and religions.
“Now people know who I am, I can see how tolerant and accepting British society is.”
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