UKEFF was honoured to be invited to the house of Lords in November 2017 to take part in an evidence session to be highlighted in the upcoming interim report, “A Very Merry Muslim Christmas”, this report detailed some of the work Muslim Charities do in Britain especially around Christmas time, helping homeless and destitute neighbours. The report highlighted that it is very much Islam that compels Muslims to carry out this work whilst there is absolutely no other remuneration expected or earned.
This report also acknowledges the range of work done by Muslim charities in the UK which evoke the very best of British Muslim communities: a commitment to giving to those less fortunate than themselves, a desire to help those in need and a willingness to volunteer time and extend friendship.
What rarely makes the headlines is the ‘Merry Muslim Christmas’. The soup kitchens, the food banks, the Christmas dinners, the New Year clean-up work Muslim charities will be busy doing during the festive period.
The report is supported by APPG co-Chair Anna Soubry who commented: ‘As I have said before, communities have much to learn from one another. There is much we can learn from British Muslims and the work they do over Christmas. I have been deeply moved by the evidence we have heard. The number of British Muslim Charities supporting non-Muslims during the season of good will is testament to the true nature of the Islamic faith.’
APPG co-Chair Wes Streeting said: ‘British Muslim communities are living out their faith by playing an active role and supporting the most deprived in their communities. Motivated by faith and a commitment to their fellow citizens this Christmas, we will once again see British Muslims feeding, clothing, housing and providing friendship to those that are often forgotten as we celebrate Christmas with our families.’
You can download the full report here
