Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Grenfell Tower fire: Kensington Muslims host sunset meal on street for people affected

'That’s the Muslim attitude'

Gabriel Samuels
Friday 16 June 2017 10:24 EDT
Comments
Water, fizzy drinks, bread and fruit were laid out for the evening meal
Water, fizzy drinks, bread and fruit were laid out for the evening meal (HAROON MOTA/PENNY APPEAL)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Tablecloths were laid out along a street as the local Muslim community came together to host a meal for those affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Many people who live in the area surrounding the tower are Muslim and volunteers from the charity Penny Appeal decided to cater for those who are observing Ramadan, although anyone was welcome to join in.

At sunset people broke their fast for the Iftar meal and were offered water, fizzy drinks, bread and fruit to sustain them as the aid effort continued around them.

The impromtu meal was praised by Twitter users, with one pointing out: “That’s the Muslim attitude”.

It was another example of volunteers coming together to help those affected by the fire.

Hundreds of people have donated clothes and food, and fundraising initiatives have so far raised over £3m.

Zia Salik, head of fundraising at the charity Islamic Relief, told The Independent that his team and other volunteers worked day and night to help with the rescue effort.

“There was a huge outpouring from the community to say ‘we want to do something’,” he said.

It later emerged that Muslims awake for Ramadan might have helped save lives after they noticed the horrific blaze had started and alerted other residents.

A witness said: “Muslims played a big part in getting people out”.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in