A LEYTON Islamic charity is to launch a think tank aimed at finding ways for Muslims to contribute to the community over the next 10 years.

Noor Ul Islam will launch the think tank during Islam Awareness Week and will also host an open mosque day and exhibition this Sunday.

Yusuf Hansa, who is chairman of the board of trustees at Noor Ul Islam, said: “There are 35 to 40,000 Muslims in the borough and we think we should talk about the positive side of Islam.

“It's not just about prayers but how we can contribute outwards and better Waltham Forest.”

The think tank, entitled Noor Ul Islam 2020, will be officially launched with an event on Wednesday next week.

The aim, Mr Hansa said, is to benefit not only the Muslim community but the wider Waltham Forest population.

Mr Hansa added: “We're looking ahead at what we can do from now until 2020. Members of the think tank will be there to answer questions.

“We want councillors, police officers, fire officers, hospital workers and other Muslims to know how we can make Waltham Forest a better place for all of us.”

The mosque and charity works closely with homeless people and will also be hosting a lunch for them on Sunday, Mr Hansa said.

“People come to us, Muslim and non-Muslim alike,” he said.

Between 20 and 25 homeless people are expected to come to the event.

The event, which will be open between 1pm and 5pm, will also feature an exhibition on Islam.

“We're inviting neighbours to come and visit the mosque and our community centre,” Mr Hansa said.

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