Muslims Donate 10 Tons of Food For The Homeless This Christmas

Although the Christmas celebration is mostly considered a Christian tradition, it’s always amazing when people set aside religious differences in order to reach out to the needy. This heartwarming story recently happened in London and we can’t help but smile so wide.

In a genuine expression of concern, Muslims gathered together to donate over 10 tons of food for the homeless.

Organized by the East London Mosque with Muslim Aid, about 7,500 members of the congregation helped to make the wonderful project possible. Shopping bags were filled with rice, pasta, cereal, and canned goods.

According to the organizers, the food donations were collected from Mosque attendees along with some from local businesses, schools, and leaders of other faiths.

Muslim Aid CEO Jehangir Malik said:

“We are overwhelmed by people’s generosity today and very pleased that this will mean thousands of homeless people in London will be well-fed over the Christmas and the winter period.

“We hope and pray that people from all backgrounds and walks of life will come together to contribute to the Big Food Drive to serve the most vulnerable in our communities.”

Over 90% of the intended recipients of the food packs are non-Muslims and they will be donated via Crisis, a homeless charity.

Christian Reverend Gary Bradley has expressed gratitude and admiration for the project.

He said it was an excellent example of “all faiths working together for a common humanity.”

Meanwhile, East London Mosque Chief Imam Shaykh Abdul Qayum commented:

“Muslims are inspired by their faith towards helping others in need. It is a religious duty for Muslims to try to help others, irrespective of a person’s faith or background.

“In the cold winter months when we have the luxury of a home and hot food, it’s easy to forget about others that are in dire need around us. So it is in that spirit we take part in this big food drive.”

Reports tell us that the number of homeless individuals in UK has dramatically increased in the previous years. Statistics shared by the government estimates that over 3,500 people slept on the streets last year – that’s a 30% increase compared to 2014.

Christmas is indeed a time for sharing and giving – and its touching that our Muslim brothers and sisters took time to demonstrate that.