A mosque in France has been a safe haven for many homeless and migrants during the harsh winter days.

The Mantes Sud Mosque in the country’s Yvelines department, located some 50 kilometers west of Paris, has put beds inside the mosque for those taking shelter. Food is also served to the needy.

Ishwor, a Nepalese migrant who took refuge in the mosque, said that he will not forget the Muslims opening their doors to him during the cold nights.

“Muslims hosted us. I am very happy to be hosted in such a distinguished place," he said.

Abdelaziz al-Jaouhari, the head of the mosque association, said the mosque was built in 2015 and that it serves as a place of worship as well as a center for knowledge and for social activities.

The initiative was based on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him and his progeny, to bring people together, enable them to acquire knowledge, and provide social support to them.

 “We provide emergency shelter for the homeless all year round. We open the doors of the mosque not only to Muslims but everyone who knocks on our door,” al-Jaouhari added.