Muntada Aid, an international aid organisation based in Parsons Green, London has tonight teamed up with Al Manaar - the Muslim Heritage Centre, the East London Mosque, WLICC, Muslim Welfare House, Finsbury Park Mosque and the local Methodist Church to Grenfell Tower, to provide Iftar to the local community affected by the tragic fire which happened on Wednesday 14 June.   Speaking at the community event, Hamid Azad – CEO for Muntada Aid said; “Following the tragic event which happened at Grenfell Tower during the early hours of Wednesday 14th June, our community - all of London, has come together over the past few days to give support and help to all who were affected by the devastating fire. “Often we hear that communities are fearful of each other. That people are no longer united. But after the tragic incident on Wednesday in Grenfell Tower we saw the opposite. The London we see today is full of love, compassion, unity and tolerance. Thank you very much to all, the police, fire brigades and members of communities who came out to help our brothers and sisters with love and compassion.   “We, on behalf of Muntada Aid, its donors, supporters and workers, are here, at this wonderful time of the great month of Ramadan, to re-affirm that we love each other in the time of joy and also in the time of adversity. We are here to express our love and sympathy to those who are affected by this tragic incident. We are here to say that you are not alone, we all are united to stand with you.   “Ramadan is a very special and important time for Muslims. It is the month of mercy, love and forgiveness. Tonight we invited everyone from all communities and faiths to join us in Iftar to strengthen our unity, love and compassion for each other. To show the world that we are together irrespective of race, religion and colour to help our brothers and sisters.   “Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, those who are merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful to those on the earth and the One in the heavens will have mercy upon you.” The Prophet also said, “Verily, it is not only mercy between yourselves, but rather it is mercy for everyone.”   “Love and compassion is one of the core values of all religion. As Dalai Lama said; Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.   “Our wonderful, compassionate, diverse and vibrant communities will forever be the heartbeat of our society. By working together and supporting those in need during times of difficulty, we will enhance and help communities to grow and thrive for future generations - leaving a true legacy that love, kindness and compassion can never be destroyed.   “A lesson must be learned from this adversity. People are angry, and they have legitimate reason to be angry. We do not want to see any more adversity like this. All necessary steps must be taken to rehouse all affected people, all questions must be answered and citizen’s safety and security must be ensured.”   Muntada Aid is collecting donations for the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire, visit our website for information on how you can donate.