Young South West London Muslims raised thousands of pounds collecting for the Poppy Appeal at Wembley Stadium yesterday.
Around 90 youngsters from the largest and oldest standing Islamic Caliphate donned campaign t-shirts and carried collection boxes at the stadium.
For the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA), this was the culmination of their work with the Royal British Legion over the past month.
The Caliph, His Holiness, Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “Muslims are obliged to be loyal to the country in which they live.
“Honouring those who fought to defend and safeguard one’s country is an important principle of Islam and in fact is an important principle of peace – especially when it is carried out with a sincere heart and for the sake of winning God’s pleasure.”
This is the fifth year that AMYA members have partnered with the Royal British Legion and to acknowledge this contribution the charity marked November 1 as The Ahmadiyya Muslim Poppy Appeal Day.
Since the beginning of October, more than a thousand young Muslims belonging to the AMYA have been collecting in high streets, rail and tube stations, stadiums and airports around the UK.
Earlier in the year the young people were also actively involved in the Tower of London Poppy installation which continues to draw large crowds.
This is part of long-running nationwide initiatives by the AMYA to contribute to the country in different ways.
Other events have included blood drives, elderly home visits, feeding the homeless, charity events, green initiatives, peace conferences and interfaith meetings.
The Royal British Legion community fundraiser co-ordinator Deborah Armantrading said: “AMYA have been crucial in raising funds for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal for several years participating in mass collections all over the UK.
“The Legion are extremely pleased with the enthusiasm and commitment from all of the volunteers.
“We enjoy working with AMYA as they are dedicated and passionate about their charity work, and the Poppy Appeal would not be the same without their help.”
