The Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 killed 72 people and has had a lasting effect.

Over the last seven years, the center in Westbourne Park has seen up to 50 adults and children each week for counselling.

“Some of the children we see have lost loved ones or have grown up in a home which has been directly affected,” said Rachel Abedi.

She is a child and adult psychotherapist providing support to some of the 15 to 20 children the service sees per week.

“Seeing images of the fire is really triggering, and not just of the Grenfell fire, but other similar fires. We do expect to be in demand,” Ms Abedi said.

Up to 80% of those who died during the Grenfell fire identified as Muslim.

‘Faith sensitive’

A report earlier this year by the Cambridge-based Woolf Institute found that mental health provision is failing Muslims because the NHS has “a lack of specialized services that are culturally and religiously appropriate”.

The service at Al Manaar is “faith sensitive”.

“Many families say it is a relief to speak to us because we’re on the same page,” Ms. Abedi said.

On the ground floor of a brand new council block opposite Al-Manaar, a nursery will open later this year. It will be dedicated to the children of Hassan Hassan, one of Al-Manaar’s staff members.

His wife Rania Ibrahim, 31, and daughters Fethia, four, and Hania, three, lost their lives in the fire. The nursery will be his late family’s legacy.

“Rania was a volunteer here and in fact she met her husband at Al-Manaar, they got married here so they were very much part of us,” Al-Manaar manager Abdurahman Sayed said. “Seven years later (Hassan) is still mourning and so one way of consoling him is to do something in their name.”

Food too is a great unifier. Up to 2,000 worshippers can be found here each week and there is always something to eat. Food was especially important during the pandemic and now in the cost of living crisis.

It was here at the Hubb Kitchen that the Duchess of Sussex produced the cookbook “Together” with a group of women who were displaced into hotels and came to use the kitchen after the fire to make their families a home-cooked meal.

‘The door is always open’

“Hubb” means “love” in Arabic. Leila Hedgem who works at the Hubb Kitchen, cooks her Algerian-influenced dishes for the hungry after Friday prayers.

“We do cooking lessons for the children. The elderly are looked after here,” she said. “It’s where people can come in and will come in if they need help. The door is always open.”

Nothing will bring the 72 residents back. As manager Abdurahman is well aware, the challenge this week for the center, as it has been for the last seven years, will be to help people continue to come to terms with what remains.

“We do not know what will happen when the report comes out and how that will be followed up. All we can say as a faith community, as a community, is we will stay resilient. After the Grenfell fire the community came together and started supporting one another. We will continue to do that for a long time to come,” he said.

Source: BBC

Monson, who has had an illustrious career in MMA, grappling, and wrestling, revealed his decision during a press conference in Moscow. The fighter, who holds both American and Russian citizenship, expressed that his choice to embrace Islam was deeply personal and came after years of introspection and exploration of various religious beliefs.

In his statement, Monson said, “This journey has been one of profound transformation. Over the years, I have sought meaning and purpose in my life, and I found that Islam resonates with my values and beliefs. It provides me with a sense of peace and fulfillment that I have been searching for.”

Monson’s decision to convert has garnered widespread attention and support from the MMA community and his global fanbase. Known for his activism and outspoken views on political and social issues, Monson’s embrace of Islam is seen as a continuation of his quest for justice and truth.

Monson also mentioned that he has been studying the Quran and Islamic teachings for some time and feels that this path aligns with his personal and professional life. He expressed gratitude to those who have supported him throughout his journey and asked for continued understanding and respect for his decision.

Jeff Monson’s conversion to Islam marks a significant chapter in his life, adding a new dimension to the multifaceted persona of the celebrated fighter. As he continues to compete and engage in various social causes, his new faith is expected to inspire many and further his legacy both inside and outside the ring.

Source: Muslim Mirror