Here's how Muslims stood in solidarity with victims in Manchester

Time and time again, terrorist attacks are followed by Islamophobic commentaries collectively blaming all Muslims for acts of extremists - even before any concrete evidence is released. 

So, when an explosion blasted through Manchester Arena at an Ariana Grande concert on Monday evening, the case was no different. 

The so-called Islamic State (Daesh) claimed responsibility for the blast, which was carried out by 22-year-old Salman Abedi, who was born in Manchester to Libyan parents. 

Naturally, some people took to social media to spew anti-Muslim hate and lump all Muslims into pools of murderous thugs. 

On the offline world, a group of protesters from the English Defense League - a far-right street protest movement - gathered outside a shopping center in Manchester and raised English flags to "stand up against Islam," according to The Independent. 

But how are Muslims challenging the hate? 

In the aftermath of the attack, Muslims launched several crowdfunding campaigns to raise money for the families of those affected.

A campaign launched by Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND) - a non-governmental organization dedicated to tackling Islamophobia in the United Kingdom - has raised over $5,000 at the time of writing.

"It is a fundamental part of our faith to help those in need, irrespective of their background," said Shazad Amin, CEO of MEND, according to The Independent

MEND noted that it will appoint a local law or accountancy firm to administer and distribute all funds.

Similarly, the British Muslim Heritage Center started a fundraising campaign titled #MuslimsForManchester, raising some $3,000 at the time of writing.

CNN reported that about 50 members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA) from across the UK drove to Manchester to attend a vigil held outside Manchester City Hall. 

AMYA members held banners that read: "Love for all, hatred for none".

A Muslim imam, Zishan Ahmad, drove for eight hours to make it to the vigil. "I have come up here to show my support and convey the true message of Islam, which condemns such barbaric attacks," he said. 

After some social media users began spewing anti-Muslim accusations, people were quick to share their personal experiences with Muslims offering help to those affected by the attack.

Muslim taxi drivers, alongside Sikh taxi drivers, arrived to the scene soon after, offering victims rides to their destinations. 

"It was a Muslim taxi driver that got me out of that hellish situation and to safety. People need to watch their words," Twitter user @L_Hurst wrote. 

In the wake of the blast, Muslim leaders from around the world voiced their condemnation to the violence and offered their condolences.

An official source from Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Al Arabiya that the kingdom has expressed its "strong condemnation of the bomb attack in Manchester." 

Similarly, the United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared an official statement offering condolences and stressing the nation's support for the British government in the face of terrorism.

The Prime Minister of Lebanon, Saad Hariri, tweeted his "solidarity with the people of Britain" from his official Twitter account. According to media reports, Hariri also called the British Ambassador to Lebanon Hugo Shorter to offer Lebanon's condolences and support in the fight against terrorism.

Leaders from Egypt, Jordan, Iran and Qatar have also shared messages expressing solidarity with the victims of the attack.

Sadiq Khan, the Muslim mayor of the UK capital, London, shared a statement expressing his city's solidarity with Manchester: "London stands united with the great city of Manchester today after this barbaric and sickening attack. This was a cowardly act of terrorism that targeted a concert attended by thousands of children and young people."