Minhaj-ul-Quran International (London) achieved a significant first this Christmas by being the only Muslim organisation to attend Church on a Christmas day and help their Christian friends distribute food to the homeless. Over 35 volunteers from Minhaj-ul-Quran International (London) attended Emmanuel Church in Forest Gate to help their Christian friends hand out food and presents to the homeless. Muslims joined in the carol singing and observed the Christmas service beautifully conducted by Reverend Chigor Chike, Vicar of Emmanuel Church with St Peter. This was a true message of love and social cohesion where the Reverend and all his congregation welcomed their Muslim friends.

This was the great occasion for Muslims to represent the true beauty and peace of Islam, as exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). The Muslims united with their Christian friends in helping vulnerable people, who had, for a huge array of reasons, fallen on hard times. This represented the true picture of the teachings of both Prophets Jesus and Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be upon them both).

The coming together of human beings, sharing and caring for each other is the best example of love and it is only through actions such as this that we break the disease of prejudice and create mutual harmony and unity.

This initiative was beautiful and comes at a time where there is a need as Muslims to represent the true beauty and peace of Islam. “Thank you” exclaimed a homeless man. The volunteers smiled, they nodded, and best of all, some opened their minds to have a conversation about all types of things including the age old question as to why Manchester United had more fans outside Manchester than in Manchester?

The young and mature British Muslim volunteers set a great example through a small act of kindness to provide a more accurate representation of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). As Muslims, we will stand under the banner of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and show our unity by portraying the true picture of Islam, which is what we did on Christmas Day. The message was Love, Compassion and Understanding for all people.