A Very Merry Muslim Christmas December 2017 All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims A Very Merry Muslim Christmas

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A Very Merry Muslim Christmas A Very Merry Muslim Christmas

The APPG pays tribute to the thousands Abida Malik and Louis Carserides, of of faith based charities, volunteer groups Bridge Institute, for a focus group held and community organisations in the UK in Nottingham for the purposes of this who perform invaluable acts of charity inquiry by the APPG. in our local communities; not often The statistics reproduced in this recognised but never forgotten by those report have been provided by the charities touched by acts of kindness. in their submissions to the APPG. The APPG acknowledges the work of This report was made possible by its staff, Hayyan Bhabha, Gulsum Aytac, generous support from Penny Appeal, Muhbeen Hussain and Arman Musafir for World Federation of KSIMC and the Aziz their hard work organising the evidence Foundation. We thank them all for their sessions and in compiling this summary support. The views expressed in this report. report do not necessarily reflect the views The APPG would also like to of the funders. acknowledge the kind support of Dr

This is not an official publication of the House of Commons or the House of Lords. It has not been approved by either House or its committees. All-Party Parliamentary Groups are informal groups of Members of both Houses with a common interest in particular issues. The views expressed in this report are those of the group. A Very Merry Muslim Christmas A Very Merry Muslim Christmas

Foreword

oo often, Muslim charities our British Muslim communities which come to our attention because are not considered ‘newsworthy’, which of negative media coverage are not given due credit, and which of governance issues or bad all too easily slip into the background practice among a handful of because too little of it is captured Tindividuals working in the charity sector, and disseminated by British Muslim or, because of latent fears about charities charities themselves. While charity being abused for terrorism financing, giving is a pillar of faith, so is observing even though evidence assembled by the humility. Muslims quietly go about Charities Commission recognises the charity giving in a way that is consistent near non-existent level of threat of such with the emphasis in Islam on discretion; abuse in the sector. What is less well of ‘giving charity so that the left hand appreciated, and rarely celebrated, is the does not know what the right hand gives’, fantastic range of work done by Muslim but this is a story which needs to be told charities in the UK which evoke the very and we want to be the ones to tell it. Let best of our British Muslim communities: us celebrate the benefits of a multi-faith a commitment to giving to those less society, where people from different fortunate than themselves, a desire faith traditions focus their charitable to help those in need, a willingness to activities on helping their neighbours in volunteer time, professionalism and towns and cities across the UK. extend friendship to those who are We are a stronger society, a simply in need of a warm embrace, a more vibrant, diverse and thriving friendly face and/or a place to go for a society because of the many different free hot meal. contributions made to our lives and the lives of others by the Muslim charitable sector. What we hear even less about is the ‘Muslim We have been touched by the evidence presented to Merry Christmas’. The soup kitchens, the food us and humbled by the breadth banks, the Christmas dinners, the New Year of support given to vulnerable, clean up – work Muslim charities will be busy marginalised and dispossessed groups by British Muslim doing during the Christmas period. charities. We have the privilege of presenting some of their work here while a full report on The untold story of British Muslim our findings will be released in the New charities is what the APPG on British Year. Muslims wants to highlight in this British Muslim charities haven’t summary report, drawing on oral and received the kind of attention they written evidence presented to the group deserve. At this time of year, when during hearings held in Parliament in Muslim charities are working alongside November. We want to showcase some many other faith based charities to of the amazing initiatives developed spread good cheer, peace on earth and and delivered by Muslim charities, and goodwill to all we hope our preliminary to counter the negative stereotypes findings highlights and celebrates their which mask and distort so much of work. A very Merry Muslim Christmas the wonderful work they do in local to all! communities. In this season of peace and goodwill Anna Soubry and Wes Streeting, to all, the APPG on British Muslims co-chairs of the APPG wanted to refocus attention on aspects of on British Muslims.

5 Grenfell Tower Health Homelessness Prisoners Response

Blood Donation Grenfell Muslim Response Unit Total Assisted Over 300,000 Over 400 People IUS Imam Hussain Assisted Blood Donation Campaign Over £140,000 Financial assistance was provided. 16% Over 3,000 hot meals were served. Increase in homelessness All from one charitable service provider Over 1,000 emergency calls were taken. across the UK since 2016 Over 30 people were provided emergency 720 shelter. blood donations in 2016 Lead almost 50 funeral services. Overall Food Distribution Equivalent to Over 300,000 2,160 5,040 Team Orange Food packs / Hot meals Adults Children

Penny appeal were one of the first charities Since 2006: Total Donations - 3,408 on the ground to support the victims and families affected by the Grenfell Tower. InTouch Foundation Provided Equivalent to: 10,224 adults & 23,856 infants Over two consecutive days at the Westway Trust’ Sports and Fitness Centre, which was quickly established as a refuge, information 200k 500k hub and volunteer centre in collaboration Meals Drinks 32% with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Everyone Active, British Red Cross, Expected increase in among others. blood donations 2017 Almost 6,000 Provided Winter Warmer packs, Provided by Al-Mizan Trust, Clinical Support Over 300 Muslim Aid and Penny Appeal Hot Meals Muslim Doctors Palmers Association Green Mosque Over 100 Over 250 2015 - 2016 Large Blankets Food Parcels National Zakat Foundation Aim to provide care In the last 2 years for people with no Donation for supported housing delivered free fixed abode, who health checks, would otherwise find it advice and life difficult to access NHS. Muslim Aid Over 350k support training Invested in an in the UK. Ambulance Yearly cost of Over £177,000 Ambulance: 500 up to £30K was raised by Muslim Aid in response to the People were Grenfell Tower Fire provided free Human Appeal Extensive clinical Distributions Towards health checks volunteer base of Grants Provided over 300 Immediate Cash Assistance Partnered with One Roof Leicester Food Provisions to pilot a multi-faith night shelter 1000 clinicians Resettlement Support project that rotates around seven People were Funeral Services places of worship, for ten rough provided free Voluntary team sleeprs each night. health advice includes: The Muslim Doctors’ Paramedics Following consultation with various Association is General Practitioners / stakeholders, the project is now hosted by currently working Hospital Doctors the National Zakat Foundation and is now on a smartphone Nurses funded by four amazing charities, NZF app to improve itself, Islamic Relief Aid, all of whom are access to high Pharmacists committed to the vision of GMRU. quality antenatal Emergency Responders care for pregnant refugee women Prisoners Social Support Women & Children

Total Assisted Prisoner Rehabilitation Project Food Banks Housing

234% Increase in Muslim prison Al-Mizan Trust Partnered with: Beta National Zakat Foundation of the total population 1997 - 2015 Charitable Trust, Islamic Unity Society & Zakat distributed Salam Centre to create Sufra NW London Almost Muslim Aid aims to reduce the Over £100,000 re-offending rate through structured Invested in core costs mentoring and opportunity placements 25% - 35% utilising trained and skilled volunteers. Over 14,000 Went towards women projects such People provided food aid as housing services over 4 years To date, 170 mentors have Muslim Aid been recruited and referred Collaborated with Sufra NW London. 27 to prison chaplains for They also provided hot meals to the beds were also provided training and pairing, and the elderly & the homeless. for vulnerable women expenditure on the project Projected that 250 vulnerable people will benefit from the initiative has almost reached £50,000. UKEFF 2016 Aims to reduce street homelessness by 50% among service users Over £17,000 Salma: Food Bank Was provided for income loss and General Welfare Fund Provided food to 7,000 people temporary relocation, victims of abuse, women groups, young children. Food item donation Al-Mizan Trust awards grants to Open door policy meet recipients’ individual needs. Warehouse open Mon-Fri Al-Mizan Trust Prisoners are but one beneficiary. 400 Provided mother & baby kits Grant Size Human Appeal 400 £50+ Deaf world project Back to school backpacks Small 60 Hard of hearing young people support 2014 - 2015 £200+ Appox 45.4% Medium Manchester Arena Attack of the general welfare fund was awarded to women & children £500+ 22 Over £25,000 Large Victims Supported Raised Adoption & Fostering Programme

Human Appeal Total Donation 2016 Grants Provided Penny Appeal Over £19.2m Held over 30 adoption & fostering events Over 200 Cost: 2014 - 2015 £100,000 Funded Applicants Over 300 Adoption & Fostering applications assessed Over 40 Applications provided to service users Cost: £250,000 (Supported by DFE) Key points

Impact of Muslim charitable works are Some of the larger Muslim charities difficult to estimate given the number of are recalibrating their distribution of Muslim charities, their vast range of work, charitable funds to commit more money and the low priority given to documenting to domestic projects and services. As 1impact by Muslim charities themselves. This the size of the young British Muslim report showcases findings from evidence sessions population grows, they are increasingly focusing held by the APPG on British Muslims and the oral more of their time and money to charity at home. and written submissions made to the group. It is merely indicative of some of the impact made Muslim charities are at the forefront of by Muslim charities. It is in no way exhaustive of domestic crisis response. One notable their contributions to British society. example illustrated in this report is the Grenfell Muslim Response Unit; Major festivals are a time to celebrate the a collaboration between a handful of values shared between religions. Values British Muslim charities that have spearheaded of charity, goodwill and caring for one’s emergency response, food and shelter provision, neighbour all come to the fore during burial services and ongoing support to individuals Ramadan, Eid, Christmas and other festivals. and families affected by the Grenfell Tower fire. Muslim charities do tremendous work during Christmas and the winter season by providing hot Muslim charities are increasingly meals for the homeless, ‘Winter Warmer’ kits to responding to social needs in innovative keep the elderly and vulnerable groups warm in and creative ways whether prisoner the colder months, and through provision of other rehabilitation programmes or medical essential items. aid for homeless people to alleviate the strain6 on local A&E services. They are stepping Media narratives portray Muslims as in where other support or service networks are rejecting, even calling for the banning failing and in doing so demonstrate solidarity with of Christmas, but as our findings reveal, their fellow citizens and exemplify the best of Muslims are busy preparing for a ‘Merry their religion. Muslim Christmas’ with charities distributing food parcels, hot meals, thermal Sustainable models for running food clothing and other essential items to spread good banks are being developed by Muslim cheer and help individuals celebrate the season. charities such as UK Education and Faith Foundation, UK Islamic Mission and iCare. There is learning in the Muslim charity sector that is applicable to the wider charity sector.

Christmas Soup Kitchen Volunteers, Shia Ithna’ashari Community of Middlesex (SICM)

ince 2011, SICM have supported West community over the holiday period and London Churches Homeless Concern encourages them to find a solution to their with volunteers on Christmas Day and circumstance. Boxing Day to assist in soup kitchens. In addition to volunteering in church-led Volunteers have prepared hot initiatives, SICM have participated in Mass on Smeals, welcomed guests, befriended them Christmas Eve for a decade building strong and cleaned up the area for the next service. relationships of solidarity with churches in The partnership offers homeless people a nearby Harrow and Hertfordshire.

A Very Merry Muslim Christmas A Very Merry Muslim Christmas

hy was it necessary to establish terrorism financing, despite figures from the Charity an inquiry into Muslim charitable Commission negating the probability of such abuse, contributions to the UK? Muslim charities get the same raw deal many British Would it even be possible to Muslims do. And as with most coverage on Islam and quantify the impact of the Muslim Muslims in our media, the bad behaviour of a few Wcharity sector in the UK? individuals, sees the many tarnished with the same Impact can be a difficult thing to quantify at brush. the best of times. Would we be able to do justice to But such perceptions of British Muslims, and of the work of Muslim charities in the UK and in doing British Muslim charities in particular, are wide off so, shine a light on the myriad contributions British the mark. In order to uncover the huge amount of Muslims are making in their local communities and charity work that is being undertaken by Muslims, on the national scene? from charitable donations to volunteering with a As the APPG on British Muslims, we are keenly preferred charity, and to dispel misperceptions aware of the dominant stereotypes in circulation of Muslims as taking but not giving, as self- about British Muslims. The elision in the public segregating and not integrating, we set out to solicit imagination of Islam with violence and conflict, documentation and statistics on Muslim charitable the perception of Muslims as ‘takers’ not ‘givers’, contributions to the UK. We did so because and the pervasive narratives which portray British Muslim charities are illustrative of those facets of Muslims as resistant to integration in British society, British Muslim lives which we rarely hear about: seemingly preferring to set themselves apart than be expressing compassion for those less fortunate than alongside their neighbours. themselves, exemplifying Islamic teachings to give The charity sector is not immune from these generously to alleviate poverty, hunger and to care wider stereotypes with Muslim charities usually for the elderly, the sick and the needy. Being civic- making headlines for ‘behaving badly’. Whether minded and socially aware are among the primary it is poor governance issues or fears of abuse for teachings of Islam.

9 t is well-known that charity giving serving hot food to the homeless, Muslim is integral to Islam, as it is in other charitable activities are providing some great religious traditions but what of the most basic needs to their fellow is less well known, indeed what citizens: warmth, food and friendship. is often wilfully ignored, is the There are silly stories which Irole Muslim charities play in bringing circulate around this time of year about communities together by facilitating Muslims wanting to ‘ban Christmas’ integration and social cohesion through or replace Christmas festivities with civic solidarity, interfaith social action ‘Winterval’. These are fanciful ideas. and crisis response. Faith based charities The actual story, as we present here in are, in our view, the “Fourth Emergency our preliminary findings, is that British Service”. And their services are becoming Muslims are actually embracing the vital as public service cuts and wage spirit of the season to spread good cheer freezes force more and more people to among those in need. We believe this rely on charity, such as food banks, to get by. Muslim charities engage in such “The only reason we do this is because charity work without regard for the age, gender, racial, religious or ethnic our faith commands us to look after background of the beneficiaries. They do our neighbours” so with a poignant focus on responding to need. As the CEO of Penny Appeal, Aamer Naeem put it, British Muslims is information which should be widely are stepping up to support communities shared. We felt compelled to produce this “not because of who they are, but rather summary report before the onset of the because of who we are; people driven to Christmas holidays because the evidence serve others.” we heard and the submissions we Another aspect that is also unknown received heightened our awareness of the and largely overlooked, but which amazing work that Muslim communities deserves much wider attention, is the are doing, and will be doing, around the specific functions Muslim charities country over Christmas and the New undertake during winter and in the Year. We wanted to take this opportunity Christmas season. It is at this time, when to share news of a ‘very Merry Muslim we are reminded of peace of earth and Christmas’. To share information about goodwill to all, that Muslim charities all the fantastic initiatives and cross come into their own. From ‘Winter community collaborations which are Warmer’ packs distributed to the manifest demonstrations of community homeless and destitute to soup kitchens, spirit, goodwill and humanity during pop up kitchens and mobile food vans these festivities.

New Year, Clean Streets, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

n New Year’s Day 2017, hundreds of As part of their winter campaign, members of young Muslims were engaged in street the youth association engaged in food donations, cleaning operations in 28 locations, visits to elderly care homes, clothes donations across 15 regions of the country. in the colder months and providing meals. Over Through January 1 and 2, over 2,000 the month of December 2016, 1,650 people were Oman hours of voluntary service were undertaken fed, 336kg of food was donated, 1,567 people were by members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth visited and 74kg of clothes were donated. Association as they set about cleaning up streets following New Year celebrations.

A Very Merry Muslim Christmas A Very Merry Muslim Christmas

ritish Muslims we spoke to tables and food, but for the 150 people were keen to exude Islam’s who are provided a free hot meal every true teachings through their Sunday, such small acts of kindness are charitable works. They want magnified. Moreover, their impact is the British public to recognise multiplied through the co-operation of Bthem for who they really are: British restaurant chains like EAT who contribute Muslims. Their Islamic faith and their sandwiches and fruit at the end of the British identity increasingly motivates week for distribution by the volunteers at them to respond to crises and social Children of Adam. problems on their doorstep, from flooding There are other relevant examples to homelessness, domestic violence and of charity work pertinent to this season, prisoner rehabilitation. when cold weather and the cost of heating As the inquiry into the horror of the reminds us of some of the choices forced Grenfell Tower fire gets underway, one upon those who simply cannot afford of the case studies we wish to highlight to keep warm. The Manchester based as exemplary of Muslim charitable charity Human Appeal provided beds in contributions in the UK is the Grenfell seven churches in Greater Manchester Muslim Response Unit. to serve 24 rough sleepers every night. We have included other case studies Beneficiaries were provided with clean covering a range of projects by a wide clothes and washing facilities and a meal variety of charity organisations. But it is together with volunteers every evening. not just organisations who lead in this Furthermore, to ensure the churches work, although much of the evidence we stayed warm for the guests, the charity have heard has come from established paid the utility bills during the winter charities. There are unaffiliatedmonths. individuals who are mobilising through Another project run by Human social media to create initiatives like Appeal, ‘Wrap Up Manchester’, saw 1,500 ‘Children of Adam’. winter coats and other winter clothing This particular project may be collected and donated to homeless small and staffed only by volunteers, a shelters, women’s refuges, refugee pop up kitchen in Lincoln’s Inn Fields shelters and to children in Greater where volunteers gather with folding Manchester.

11 his is social conscience, community spirit and civic engagement working together at its best. This is only a short summary of some of the findings from the evidence Tsessions held by the APPG in Parliament in November and the written submissions presented to the group by British Muslim charities as part of our call for evidence. This report showcases our preliminary findings. It is merely indicative of some of the impact made by Muslim charities. It is in no way exhaustive of their contributions to British society. A complete list of charities participating in the evidence sessions and sending in written submissions will be published alongside our full report, ‘Faith as the Fourth Emergency Service’, in the New Year. As Christmas approaches, this is an opportune time to address the distorted perceptions about British Muslims. These preliminary findings will, we hope, move us to look again at a community of less than three million people who, through their charitable activities, punch far above their weight.

‘Muslim Mitzvah’, ‘Winter Warmer’ packs and Sadaqah Day Sufra Kitchen, Al Mizan Charitable Trust

uilding on the success of Mitzvah During the cold winter months, Al Mizan Day, a day of social action by British Charitable Trust have distributed ‘Winter Jewish communities, a planned day Warmer’ packs to rough sleepers and those who of Muslim social action was born: are statutory homeless. The packs are given out Sadaqah Day. Muslim and Jewish in partnership with local organisations working Bindividuals, communities and organisations with homeless people, such as Children of Adam have been coming together to foster interfaith (London), SIFA Fireside (Birmingham), and the relationships built on joint social action projects. Booth Centre (Manchester). Each pack contains Among highlights of the last year was Leeds a sleeping bag, a coat, a jumper, a hat, a scarf, a Grand Mosque and Leeds Jewish Welfare Board pair of gloves, thermal socks, toiletries, first aid supporting South Leeds food bank and Pafras items and emergency snacks. (Positive Action for Refugees and Asylum To date, Al Mizan have distributed 1,300 Seekers). Winter Warmer packs, each one worth £50. Sadaqah Day aims to encourage charity In 2013, Al Mizan formed a partnership with spending in the UK and puts emphasis on Beta Charitable Trust, Islamic Unity Society, and Sadaqah (voluntary charity), as being about more the Salaam Centre to form Sufra NW London, than just giving money. It is about volunteering a community food bank and kitchen based in time, expertise and the offer of friendship. Brent. The four charities invested a combined Interfaith social action projects which have been total of £100,000 over three years helping supported through Sadaqah Day include food Sufra NW London to become a sustainable banks, soup kitchens and visits to care homes. organisation. Over the last four years, Sufra NW London has provided emergency food aid to over 14,800 people.

A Very Merry Muslim Christmas A Very Merry Muslim Christmas

The Grenfell Tower fire on 14 June killed 71 residents. Amidst the horror unfolding before them, Muslim charities mobilised community groups and volunteers who rapidly organised themselves in response to the tragedy. The Grenfell Muslim Response Unit (GMRU) brought together 22 organisations, including a whole array of Muslim support services and faith organisations, and a groundswell of hundreds of volunteers. In a concerted effort to meet the needs of the survivors and their families, GMRU responded with speed and with compassion.

The GMRU was crucial in bridging the gaps in for those who had lost all their material belongings. local services and provision at a time when victims GMRU provided meals through the Ramadan and their families were most vulnerable and in Tent Project and received £2,000 worth of food desperate need. Within 48 hours of the tragedy, the vouchers to distribute to families. Worth £40 each, GMRU had set up the first dedicated Emergency 22 vouchers have been issued so far. GMRU provided Helpline giving vital information and support to legal assistance and arranged the funerals and burials survivors who did not know where to turn for relief. of those who had lost their lives, assisting families in The GMRU ensured that the emergency housing giving their loved ones a dignified end. needs of affected families were met with provision In the aftermath of the crisis, the charities of safe and comfortable housing. A platform for that made up the GMRU were quick to listen with professional support workers based at the local Al- sympathy to the victims, and treat them with dignity, Manar Mosque was set up disbursing immediate cash care and concern.

From kitchen table to mobile catering van, InTouch Foundation

nTouch Foundation is the brainchild of To date, the charity have distributed over Osman Gondal who began his charity work 200,000 meals, ½ million drinks as well as by cooking food at home and distributing emergency items such as toiletries and sleeping it to the homeless in his car. His initiative bags. expanded to a burger trailer and then a van Iwhich was converted for use as a mobile catering 95% of InTouch Foundation’s van. Rather than expect the needy to come to the food, the mobile delivery van takes the food to work is in local communities those in need. in the UK.

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A Very Merry Muslim Christmas

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