The devastating and deadly fire at London's Grenfell Tower erupted shortly before 1am on Wednesday, when many would have been sleeping.
But several residents were awake at that early hour because they were observing the Suhūr, which is the final meal Muslims eat before the fast begins for Ramadan.
Resident Khalid Suleman Ahmed has told the Huffington Post UK: "No fire alarms went off and there was no warning. I was playing PlayStation, waiting to eat Suhūr, and then smelt smoke.
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"I got up and looked out of my window and saw the seventh-floor smoking.
Credit: PA
"I woke my auntie up, then got clothes on and started knocking on neighbours' doors."
He said there were several Muslim residents in the building and they all would have been awake when the inferno took hold.
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His actions definitely saved lives as it helped alert others as the fire was just starting. Emergency services were at the scene within six minutes of the first 999 call.
Khalid wasn't the only person from his community who helped; individuals and teams have grouped together to assist anyone affected by the fire.
Those efforts are in addition to other sources of help, which has come from different religious communities and secular groups from across the UK.
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There are local help and drop-off points located at the Rugby Portobello Trust, St Clement's Church and Tabernacle Christian Centre.
There have also been several online fundraisers organised, with the Grenfell Tower Fire Fund already raising more than £31,000 in just one day. While the Grenfell Block Latimer Fire Appeal has seen more than 3,000 donations.
Volunteers helping after Grenfell Tower fire. Credit: PA
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The Queen has issued a statement, saying: "My thoughts and prayers are with those families who have lost loved ones in the Grenfell Tower fire and the many people who are still critically ill in hospital.
"Prince Philip and I would like to pay tribute to the bravery of firefighters and other emergency services officers who put their own lives at risk to save others.
"It is also heartening to see the incredible generosity of community volunteers rallying to help those affected by this terrible event."
Seventeen people have been confirmed dead, but yesterday Metropolitan Police warned that number could rise. Sniffer dogs will be sent into the charred remains to search for any remaining bodies. Dozens of other people were taken to hospital after the blaze engulfed the 24-storey building.
Prime Minister Theresa May visited the site and met with the firefighters who worked tirelessly for several hours to bring the fire under control.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Grenfell Tower
