More than 100 senior leaders from Lancashire’s Muslim communities gathered to praise the fundraising efforts of local people across the region.

During the month of Ramadan, people raised an estimated £7m to support humanitarian aid charity activity in Syria, Iraq and Gaza.

The unprecedented level of money has been revealed by the Lancashire Council of Mosques, which estimates that approximately more than £230,000 was raised every day throughout the holy month.

The scale of giving from Muslim communities across the UK was recognised and celebrated at a series of post- Ramadan community dinners hosted across the country, with the first event taking place in Blackburn at the Shahi Qila Restaurant.

Guests invited to the event included senior north west Imams, scholars and community leaders as well as the Charity Commission and the Department for International Develop-ment, which has already pledged £600million in aid towards the Syrian crisis.

The event was co-hosted by the Lancashire Council of Mosques and Faith Associates; a non-theological organisation which works with ethnic minority faith-based com-munities across the UK.

Shaukat Warraich, from Faith Associates, co-host of the event, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the unprecedented response of local communities across the UK.

“Blackburn is the first in a series of special events celebrating local community fundraising efforts and is also a platform to discuss what more can be done to help the humanitarian relief efforts on the ground in conflict zones.”

It is hoped the events helped to highlight the ongoing need for donations but also to promote safer giving to charities which have expertise working in conflict zones, providing the specialist aid and support to those desper-ately in need.

The money raised in Lancashire is part of a larger estimated £100m donated by British Muslim communities throughout Ramadan.

Abdul Hamid Qureshi, chair of the Lancashire Council of Mosques said: “Our Islamic belief compels us to support the needy irrespective of their creed or faith “This event is to say thank you to the Mosque leaders for supporting the communities’ charitable efforts and encouraging them to give in a safe way.”

The Charity Commission praised the efforts of the Lancashire communities during Ramadan but calls on them to continue giving generously and to take steps to help ensure that any money donated gets to the right place.

David Walker, head of outreach at the commission, said: “There is a genuine and desperate need for humanitarian assistance to help people around the world, such as those affected by the conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Gaza.have been so impressed with Lancashire’s Muslim communities in their charitable giving over Ramadan, and look forward to meeting some of those who have played an important role in organising this fantastic fundraising effort.

“We also want people to continue giving generously and to feel confident that their donations are going to those who need them most.”