21 July 2025

Pupils from Al Mizan School and London East Academy took to the streets of Whitechapel last week as part of a community litter-picking initiative organised under the national Muslim Climate Action Week. Equipped with gloves and litter pickers, students collected waste from the local area, showing their commitment to environmental care and civic responsibility.

The pupils were reminded that removing harm from the path is considered an act of charity in Islam.

The Prophet ﷺ said: 

Removing harmful things from the road is an act of charity

[Sahih Bukhari]

By picking up litter, the pupils were not only helping to clean up their community but also performing a virtuous act in the eyes of Allah.

 

The litter pick also served as a reminder of how small actions, when done with sincere intentions, can have meaningful impact. As part of our schools’ ethos, we aim to instil in our students a sense of responsibility, piety, and connection to the world around them. Today, that ethos was brought to life through positive action.

“Alhamdulillah, the litter pick yesterday was really inspiring,” said Mohammed Uddin a Year 7 Pupil. “It felt very nice knowing I helped the community by picking up litter around my area. It shows a lot seeing all the rubbish and plastic on the floor, and how our school, London East Academy took a huge part involving ourselves in the Tower Hamlets 2025 litter pick. I am really grateful for this moment and will remember it very deeply!” 

This initiative also links closely with East London Mosque’s Faith in the Environment project, which aims to raise awareness of our religious duty to care for the planet. The mosque’s ongoing efforts continue to inspire local institutions to engage in environmentally conscious activities grounded in faith and community spirit.

A heartfelt ‘thank you’ goes to all staff, volunteers, and students who took part and to the organisers of Muslim Climate Action for inspiring schools across the UK to lead by example in caring for our planet.