Muslim volunteers use acts of kindness to help build bridges
WE all know that Islamophobia is a big issue in Britain today, and given there’s an estimated more than one million Muslims living in London it is something that’s incredibly relevant to us.
There are many groups out there trying to improve the public perception of Islam, with one of the most vocal being the community of Stanmore Hujjat mosque in West London.
Its most recent event aimed to build relationships with the local community by gathering people together to wrap Christmas presents to share at hospitals, fire stations, heath care centres and even door-to-door around the neighbourhood.
On Saturday December 21, more than 50 volunteers, young and old, gathered at the Hujjat Islamic Centre in Wood Lane to put together gift boxes of Lindt chocolates, Christmas accessories and handwritten cards.
Volunteers then visited more than 100 houses along Dennis Lane, Wood Lane, Warren Lane and Stanmore Hill, as well stopping by Harrow Fire Station , Northwick Park Hospital , Belmont Heath Centre and Edgware Health Centre.
Dr Munir Datoo, President of Hujjat Stanmore, said: “The doors of our centre are always open to our neighbours, from all or no faith.
“We wish to build bridges and continue to be a positive asset to society in London.”
One of the volunteers, Mubina
Panju, said: “The experience left me and my fiveyear-old son in awe of how lucky we are to live in this amazing community.
“He described it as the opposite of trick or treating – as he gave presents – and wants to do this every year.”
One happy recipient posted a message of thanks on a local Facebook group, saying: “I just want to say a big thank you to the youth from the mosque on
Wood Lane who dropped by with a present and card this afternoon and wished us a happy Chanukah.
“It was a lovely gesture which we appreciated.
“The kids left with some chocolates from us to say thank you.
“It is random acts of kindness that make our area so special.”