Manchester bombing: Muslims raise thousands of pounds for victims after terror attack

Donations are pouring in within hours of pages being set up

Rachael Revesz
Tuesday 23 May 2017 19:49 BST
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Mancunians were quick to defend the Muslim community after the attack
Mancunians were quick to defend the Muslim community after the attack

Several Muslim-led initiatives are raising funds for the victims of the deadly Manchester explosion at an Ariana Grande concert which killed 22 people.

One effort led by non-governmental organisation Muslim Engagement and Development has raised more than £2,300.

Dr Shazad Amin, CEO of MEND said, "It is a fundamental part of our faith to help those in need, irrespective of their background.

"The Muslim community stands shoulder to shoulder with victims (and their families) of these atrocities."

MEND said it would appoint a local law or accountancy firm to handle the money and distribute to victims.

Another fundraising campaign is being led by the British Muslim Heritage Centre, along with organisations such as the Islamic Society of Britain, and has raised more than £700 within a few hours.

“Though this is a Muslim-led campaign, we welcome our friends of other faiths and none to also contribute,” the page reads.

“We ask particularly that British Muslims, mosques, Imams, leaders, and groups endorse and promote this initiative.”

The group also promised to co-ordinate with authorities to distribute the funds appropriately.

Neighbour of Salman Abedi explains his experience of the perpetrator of the Manchester Attacks

Their efforts come after attacker Salman Abedi detonated a device in the foyer between Manchester Arena and Victoria Station after an Ariana Grande concert had ended, killing 22 people and injuring at least 59 others.

Other fundraising efforts have seen donations pouring in, including another Just Giving page which has raised £562,000 and a GoFundMe page for Chris Parker, a homeless man who cradled a woman as she died in his arms after the explosion, has raised more than £8,000.

Muslim leaders widely condemned the attack, including from the local Ramadhan Foundation and the Muslim Council of Britain.

Muslim taxi drivers were also praised for assisting victims and concert-goers amid a scene of chaos following the explosion, offering them free rides home.

When a group of protesters from the English Defence League tried to wave English flags and “stand up against Islam” outside the Arndale Shopping Centre on Tuesday, Mancunians outnumbered them and one man shouted the locals would not tolerate the group’s “racism”.

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