The Alum Rock Islamic Centre in Birmingham has launched a month-long initiative to promote environmental responsibility, organising weekly street clean-ups and awareness campaigns.
The scheme, led by Chairman Raja Qamar Abbas, began this weekend with around 20 volunteers – from young children to elderly residents – gathering outside the mosque to take part in their first-ever litter pick.
Volunteers worked together to tidy the streets surrounding the mosque, reflecting their commitment to creating a cleaner and safer neighbourhood. Mr Abbas highlighted the wider role of the mosque in serving the local community.
“At Alum Rock Islamic Centre, we aim to serve the community in different ways – whether through our community fridge or by keeping our local area clean,” he told the Birmingham Times. “Birmingham is our town and we should all play our part in keeping it tidy.”
The campaign, titled “Safaee Nisf Imaan Hai – Hadith-e-Rasoolﷺ” (“Cleanliness is half of faith”), will continue throughout the Islamic month of Rabi ul Awal.
Each Sunday, families and residents are invited to gather at the mosque to take part in the clean-up effort.
Mr Abbas acknowledged ongoing challenges with bin strikes and council services, but stressed the importance of community-led action. “We understand the bin strike and council issues, but we need to do our part and show other communities that we are aware of the importance of working together to protect our environment.”