A South African activist and one of the crew members aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, Dr. Fatima Hendricks, has been honoured with the Global Advocate for Peace and Justice of the Year 2024/2025 by Muslim News Nigeria, the country’s most authoritative Islamic newspaper.
Publisher of the newspaper who also doubles as the convener of the prestigious #MNAwards, Rasheed Abubakar, made the announcement in a statement issued on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
Abubakar said Dr. Hendricks was selected for the honour in recognition of her courageous humanitarian advocacy, unwavering support for oppressed peoples, and steadfast commitment to justice, even in the face of danger, spanning over 30 years.
He noted that Dr. Hendricks’ decades long activism highlights the devastating impact of oppression on health, education, and family life, and has taken her across the globe, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Palestine, the Syrian border, and Nigeria.
The sea carries everything — our fear, our prayer, and our faith in the mercy of Allah. We were never alone.’ – Dr Fatima Hendrick
Dr. Hendricks, an occupational therapist, is a wife, mother of two and a cancer survivor. She holds three master’s degrees, a doctorate, and brings over 30 years of international experience in health and education programme development. She is the author of “Please Forgive Me and Living Love”.
Abubakar said the Muslim woman of substance became even more prominent when she courageously boarded the Gaza-bound ship in September 2025, as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a peaceful humanitarian mission aimed at breaking the illegal siege on the Palestinian territory.
According to him, “Her participation in the voyage, despite the serious risks involved, elevated her global profile as a symbol of resistance, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice.
“By joining the flotilla, Dr. Hendricks not only showed solidarity with the oppressed people of Gaza but also used her voice to amplify their suffering and advocate for their basic human rights. She boarded a vessel to Gaza not with weapons, but with love, hope, and relief materials. She endured Israeli brutality when she was arrested and detained with grace and came back to raise her voice for justice,” Abubakar said.
She went to Gaza to break the Israeli siege … They faced brutality and were even arrested. Before she left, she took off her wedding ring and gave it to her husband, Dr Suleyman Teo, saying, ‘Keep this ring. If I return by the will of Allah, you may place it back on my finger.’’ – Shaykh Abduragmaan Alexander (Masjidul-Quds, South Africa)
The Publisher further stated that Dr. Hendricks’s fearless advocacy for justice and freedom, especially now, for the people of Palestine, even in the face of intimidation, reminds us that true service to humanity transcends borders and comforts.
“It’s a reminder of Nelson Mandela’s famous quote: ‘Our freedom is not complete without the freedom of Palestine.’ Like Mandela, Dr. Hendricks’ courage inspires others to stand for the oppressed in Gaza and other parts of the world, where she continues to be celebrated,” he said.
Abubakar congratulated her and other crew members of the Sumud Flotilla and reaffirmed the platform’s commitment to recognising Muslims whose lives and work illuminate peace, justice, and compassion on the global stage.
Abubakar also noted that Dr. Hendricks and the other awardees did not embark on their noble missions for the sake of recognition or awards. He said, “Their work is rooted in sincerity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice and humanity.
“However, in a world where Muslims are often misrepresented due to the actions of a few, it becomes crucial for us to take the initiative to celebrate those who embody the true values of Islam.
“By telling our own stories and amplifying the voices of Muslim changemakers, we reclaim our narrative and inspire future generations to uphold truth, peace, and justice,” Abubakar added.
Finalists for Nigerian Muslim Personalities of the Year (#MNAwards20242025)
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