Islamic Association in UK offers breakfast to homeless

Waltham Forest, England - An Islamic association is offering breakfast to the homeless in Waltham Forest city in England, in a bid to change perceptions about Muslims in the community, The Guardian-series online news reported.

The Waltham Forest Islamic Association (WFIA) held its first session from 9am to 11am on Saturday at its hall in Grove Road, Walthamstow.

It hopes to continue this on the first Saturday of each month and depending on how successful they are it could take place more regularly.

Abdul Majid, vice president of the association, said he hoped the initiative would show the public what Islam really stands for.

Speaking at the Lea Bridge Road Mosque in Leyton, which can accommodate 5,000 people, he said: “There is a lot of negativity surrounding Islam.

“Rather than being apologetic for barbaric criminals, who are nothing to do with Islam, we want to present the true picture of Islam.

“As the Qur’an teaches us, we should feed the hungry and homeless. This is the true message of Islam, to be inclusive and part of the community.”

The Islamic association already regularly donates food to sheltered housing charity YMCA, in Forest Road, Walthamstow. And on Saturday, about 40 homeless people were fed at the Grove Road hall.

Majid said: “We are not concerned with what religion they are or whether they are male or female, we are open to feeding everyone.

“There is a huge need for this in Waltham Forest as can be seen in the fantastic response the session had at the weekend, it was heart-warming.

“Members of our mosque have been very generous in giving money and donating food.”