Indeed: We Are All Pakistanis

For the last few days, any one watching or reading the news on Pakistan's extensive and devastating floods - would find it very hard not to be moved into tears: the extreme suffering, the wretchedness and the despair displayed - in slow motion - are too stunning. For long, Pakistan has always been in the news; man made news. But this time, it is the power of Nature that is creating the saddest and most miserable situation that, that country has ever had in living memory.

That; that power of Nature could have hit any where else. If it had so chosen. It could have hit us. It could have been us and our families and children facing such misery and hopelessness. But, today, it is Pakistani men, women, children, the old, the sick and the frail who are going through a most difficult and nerve-racking situation. Most of these suffering beings, are simple people like us. We are all humans. Humans sharing one Earth; which we have divided into tribes and nations. But, indeed - we are all one and the same. Today: we are all Pakistanis.

Many blame Global Warming as the main cause of the heavy rains and extensive floods; some blame Man and the building of dams or the not building of dams for causing the tragedy. But - blames and accusations now, will not help the millions of distressed Pakistanis. What they need is our immediate and unconditional assistance and support. Assistance and support to help the millions feed and shelter themselves. Assistance in getting treatment to the many who must be sick and frail. How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world. Each of us can be that little candle shining a good deed in this naughty, badly behaved, unjust world.

As for us Muslims, especially in this holiest of months, we are advised by our founder: “The believer is not the one who eats when his neighbor beside him is hungry.” And we are commanded: “And whatever you spend in good, it will be repaid to you in full, and you shall not be wronged.”  ~ Quran-al-Kareem 2:272.

Photo: Al Jazeera