A scheme to give free coats to those in need has proved a huge success, heaping praise on a Khoja community.
The idea was dreamed up by Fareham Jamaat in Hampshire, southern England, which organised a drive among members to collect unwanted winter coats.
The garments were then given away to needy adults and children, displayed on a rack outside a pharmacy owned by Fareham mosque secretary Shafiq Mohamedtaqi.
The project received a “warm welcome” from nearby residents, the local newspaper reported.
Helping needy children
“The idea came from a member of the Jamaat and we loved it,” Shafiq said. “It was a chance to do something for those in the wider community who go through the winter in difficult conditions. We wanted to give something back.
“As I have a shop, I volunteered to put the rack outside and keep replenishing it with coats from our donated supply. Adults and children in need in the local community are benefitting, and we are also raising awareness of the mosque, showcasing the good work that Muslims do.”
Jamaat members were inspired by the words of the Holy Prophet (s), who, when he wore new clothes, gave his old clothes to the poor saying: “There is not a Muslim who clothes another Muslim with his worn out clothes for the sake of Allah, but that he (the giver) is under the guardianship, refuge, and protection of Allah, whilst living or dead.” [Sunan An-Nabi; Allamah Sayyid Muhammad Husayn at-Tabataba’i; Chapter 5]
Freezing temperatures
Members were told how thousands of people around the country suffer when there are freezing temperatures and in the 2017 to 2018 winter period, there were an estimated 50,100 excess deaths in England and Wales. In Hampshire alone, 36,525 children are living in poverty, members learned.
Donating old, unwanted winter coats taking up space in wardrobes would help keep vulnerable people stay warm.
“It has been a huge success, much better than I expected and we have given away dozens of coats … we’re already thinking of collecting duvets during the summer, ready for next winter,” Shafiq said.
“It has been really lovely to see the response from those who really needed a nice warm coat – and those in the community who wanted to help others.”
He has been secretary of the Fareham mosque for two years and has been involved in the Jamaat as a volunteer since arriving in the UK ten years ago from Mombasa, Kenya.
Local news website The Advertiser and Times reported how a photograph of the coat rack was posted on social media, prompting local people to responded with delight at such a “fantastic idea.”
Laura Elizabeth Mulley who runs the Freeuse Uniform Hub, which recycles second hand school uniforms, told the website: “This idea really made my heart smile. The winter really effects many vulnerable people. Homeless, elderly, people with addiction issues, people with mental/physical health issues and people struggling financially.”
Local resident Sue Wiffen said: “Love this, well done New Milton Pharmacy”, while Penny Glunning added: “Great idea. New Milton has a great community spirit.”
