Find Your Light in Good Faith
3 minute read.
Reflections from Inter Faith Week and the growing role of faith communities in building national resilience.
By Abubaker Adam, Partnership Lead at the Emergencies Partnership.
Last week, I had the privilege of attending the national launch of Inter Faith Week at the Nishkam Civic Association in Birmingham, an evening that celebrated the power of faith, community and collective action.
The event brought together faith leaders, civic representatives, community organisations and public sector partners from across the region. At a time when communities continue to face complex challenges, from rising inequality to climate impacts and emergencies, the evening served as a timely reminder that resilience begins with relationships.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the event was learning more about the remarkable work of the Nishkam Civic Association. Rooted in values of selfless service and community cohesion, the organisation supports thousands of people every week, including providing more than 20,000 freshly cooked meals each week in their premises, open to every single living soul (keep an eye out for the impressive Nishkam SWAT van, which was enjoying a well-earned day off during the event).
Their work demonstrates how faith can be translated into practical action that improves lives and strengthens neighbourhoods.
A highlight of the evening was hearing from Amrik Bhabra MBE DL, whose reflections captured the true spirit of Inter Faith Week. At its heart, Inter Faith Week encourages us to step beyond our own experiences, visit different places of worship, learn from one another's traditions and build understanding through meaningful conversations. In a world where division can often dominate headlines, these simple acts of curiosity and connection remain profoundly important.
The evening also created valuable opportunities to discuss our work on community resilience and preparedness across the West Midlands. Conversations with partners explored how faith organisations can play a greater role in supporting local resilience arrangements and strengthening the connections between communities and emergency planning structures.
I was particularly pleased to meet colleagues from Birmingham City Council's Cohesion Department, who expressed a strong interest in our work across the West Midlands, and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government's (MHCLG) West Midlands Cohesion Department, who is keen to engage with and support the emerging regional faith resilience work.
What struck me most was the shared willingness to collaborate. Whether representing faith communities, local government, community organisations or public services, there was a common understanding that building resilient communities is a collective endeavour.
No single organisation can do it alone. We keep saying stronger partnerships, deeper trust and sustained engagement are what enable communities to navigate uncertainty and thrive. This is the key that unlocks the door to our communities. Share it widely, and you will find that the doors of faith and belief communities are open, welcoming, and ready to work together for the common good.
As Inter Faith Week reminds us, faith is not only about belief. It is also about action, service and bringing people together around a shared vision for the future.
For me, the message of the evening was clear: find your light in good faith and use it to help others find theirs. Through kindness, service and partnership, each of us has a role to play in building communities that are more connected, compassionate and resilient. And as we do this together, the light will continue to shine in the darkness, and the darkness will not overcome it.