In the heart of London’s Goodge Street, the Muslim World League (MWL) has been a sanctuary for communities for over four decades.
“A Sanctuary for Communities” London’s Muslim World League Hosts Daily Iftars for Refugees and Locals
This Ramadan, the organisation is continuing its tradition of hosting iftars, providing daily hot meals for nearly 230 people, including refugees and asylum-seekers.
On Tuesday, MWL hosted a special “Iftar with Your Neighbour” event, focusing on asylum-seekers in Camden, a borough recognized for its support of Ukrainian and Afghan refugees.
The event was part of MWL’s broader Ramadan initiative, which includes interfaith gatherings and welcoming new worshippers.
“We want to show the best of Muslims in the UK and how we contribute to the global peace,” Muath Alamri, director of MWL’s London office, told Arab News.
For many refugees, these iftars provide more than just a meal—they offer comfort and a sense of belonging.
Mohammad Zarzour, an imam at MWL’s mosque, emphasized the challenges asylum-seekers face. “Learning a new language is not easy for someone with a family and children who find themselves in a foreign country they are not accustomed to,” he said.
Zarzour, who is from Syria, explained that beyond the logistical difficulties, many refugees struggle with feelings of isolation.
“Their importance lies in showing empathy, affection, and a sense of community and family,” he said of the iftars.
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Camden has long been a gateway for refugees, with St Pancras International serving as a key entry point. Since 2021, the borough has welcomed waves of asylum-seekers, particularly following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Taliban takeover of Kabul.
Camden Council’s Guy Arnold praised MWL’s efforts. “Food sharing is a great connector across different communities, backgrounds, faiths, and skin color,” he said.
He recalled how, in May 2022, over 400 Ukrainian refugees arrived in a single week. “Many refugees arriving were traumatized; they had young children, they hadn’t eaten properly, and they needed water. Above all else, they needed a place of safety and security to sit down and gather their thoughts,” he said.
MWL’s work has also impacted individuals like Samiullah, an Afghan refugee who attended the iftar with his family.
Although his English was limited, his son Hilal helped translate, reflecting the reality of many refugee families adjusting to life in a new country.
Yunis, another attendee from Kabul, has been coming to MWL’s iftars for two years. “I want my children to meet other kids and learn about Ramadan, as we do not have family members in Camden,” he said.
MWL’s mission extends beyond Ramadan. Since its founding as a charity in 1982, the organisation has supported vulnerable communities in the UK while combating hate speech and promoting interfaith dialogue.
In recent years, it has also provided aid to people in Gaza, Burma, and Pakistan through partnerships with Islamic Relief and Al-Khair Foundation.
As the holy month continues, MWL remains committed to fostering unity and support.
“The first time to be here and to do it in an Islamic way – amazing,” one attendee said, reflecting the significance of these gatherings.
SOURCE: https://aboutislam.net/muslim-issues/europe/londons-muslim-world-league-hosts-daily-iftars-for-refugees-and-locals/