“East London Mosque Has Built a Strong Reputation for Providing Food, Community, and Support to refugees,asylum-seekers…. reports Hasil Farooq
As the sun begins to set down, people anxiously check their phones for the time. The usually busy streets of Whitechapel grow quieter, replaced by a quiet anticipation that lingers in the air around the East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre. People begin to gather in small groups, some chatting quietly, others simply waiting. Inside, the atmosphere is a blend of urgency and generosity volunteers move swiftly between steaming pots of biryani, crates of fresh fruit, and neatly stacked dates, preparing to serve one of the most welcoming and abundant iftar meals in the city.
I had the chance to visit the mosque with a friend, eager to witness this remarkable act of kindness. For my friend, it was a particularly special occasion, his first iftar, and also his first time stepping into a mosque in London. We entered the East London Mosque, we were immediately greeted with warm smiles. The atmosphere felt so inclusive, and it was easy to sense that everyone, from the volunteers to the worshippers, was there to share in something greater than just the meal itself.
As we entered, we noticed a queue forming near the dining area on the ground floor, where the men’s iftar is held. The women’s iftar area is upstairs, but the bustle downstairs was noticeable, with people waiting patiently for their turn. We joined the queue, eager to experience the iftar along with the community. As we waited, the staff and volunteers, all of whom seemed to know exactly what needed to be done, moved with purpose yet grace, ensuring everything was in place.
When it was finally our turn, a friendly volunteer handed us each a tangerine, a small gesture, and showed us to our seats. In front of us, a plate of warm, fragrant biryani was paired with dates, as tradition dictates. The food, though simple, was all we needed after a long day.
For my friend, the experience was especially moving. It wasn’t just about the food; it was about the sense of belonging and the shared experience of fasting and breaking the fast together. We were surrounded by people from all walks of life: students, refugees, and workers, all coming together for one purpose: to break their fast in unity. The East London Mosque, with its hospitality and warmth, had truly transformed into more than just a place of worship that evening; it was a place of community, care, and support.
For many, Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, fasting, and prayer. But for those struggling with the rising cost of living, it is also a time of deep financial hardship. That is where the mosque steps in. Every evening, more than 1,000 meals are served here, entirely funded by the generosity of worshippers who donate £3 per meal.
A volunteer, busy stacking trays, paused to chat. “We usually prepare for about 1,000 people, but today, it looks like we’ll be serving around 1,200,” he said. “We start cooking around 2 PM. It takes a team effort of five chefs and 28 volunteers to make sure everything is ready on time.”
As I left the mosque that evening, I carried with me a renewed appreciation for the generosity and compassion that define Ramadan. In a city as vast and diverse as London, it is places like the East London Mosque that remind us of the power of kindness, of giving, and of coming together, no matter our backgrounds.
The East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre are not only significant places of worship but also pillars of community support and charity. Located in the heart of Whitechapel, it stands as one of the largest mosques in Western Europe, a place where thousands of Muslims come to pray, reflect, and engage in various community services. The mosque’s commitment to charity and service is evident throughout the year, but especially during Ramadan, when they organize iftar meals every evening for anyone in need, regardless of their background or faith.
During this holy month, the mosque opens its doors to the public, offering a warm and welcoming environment where people can come together to break their fast in solidarity. The meals are sponsored by generous donors, many of whom contribute online, making it easier for people to support the mosque’s charitable efforts from across the globe. Over the years, the East London Mosque has built a strong reputation for providing not just food, but a sense of community, belonging, and support to those struggling with the rising cost of living, as well as refugees and asylum-seekers who are adjusting to new lives in the UK.
