England: At Christmas and New Year, young Muslims will support hospitals and public services
A breath of solidarity is blowing through Swindon, a medium-sized town in the southwest of England, an hour from London. Young people from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association decided to give their time during the end-of-year holidays to support those who work while others celebrate.
Hospitals, barracks, police stations… These young volunteers will travel the region with their arms full of gifts and packed baskets. “It’s our way of saying thank you to those who watch over us day and night,” says Mirza Mahmood Ahmad, their local manager. The initiative will extend to the neighboring towns of Oxford and Reading. A precious moment for these young people who discover the behind the scenes of public services. “It changes their outlook on these essential professions,” notes a supervisor.
An action that echoes the values of sharing held by their community, as their spiritual guide reminds us: “Reaching out to others is the heart of our faith.”
In a context where religious tensions often make the headlines, this initiative takes on particular relevance. It illustrates how community engagement can transcend differences and strengthen the social fabric, particularly during the holiday season. An approach that could inspire other similar actions across the country
