SOS Somalia

For the last few days, I haven't taken time to watch or read the news much. Last evening I did. I watched the news on several channels. What I saw on the unfolding disaster in Somalia and other parts of the Horn of Africa, left me so shocked and distressed that I took long to fall asleep. From Somalia, thousands of people are trekking to refugee camps in Kenya and Ethiopia. Small, very emaciated, very malnourished children, their parents too weak to carry them, are forced to walk, too, arduously, for days. Many of these very unfortunate people, especially the children are dying before receiving assistance. Those in the very over-populated refugee camps or centers are no better off; many are very malnourished and sick. For almost two decades now, the people of Somalia have been suffering and in such misery like no other people on Earth. This is not the time for blames or looking at what should have happened to or been done for Somalia. This is a time to assist. To assist the people of Somalia and the Horn of Africa.

The World Food Programme  reports: The number of people in need of humanitarian assistance in Somalia is now 2.85 million – or more than a third of the country’s population – because of deepening drought and conflict exacerbated by high food and fuel prices. From all, especially from Muslims, Somalia needs help. 

And be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity... ~ Al'Baqarah ~ 2:110

So he who gives (in charity) and fears (Allah),
And (in all sincerity) testifies to the best,-
We will indeed make smooth for him the path to Bliss.
But he who is a greedy miser and thinks himself self-sufficient,
And gives the lie to the best,-
We will indeed make smooth for him the path to Misery;
Nor will his wealth profit him when he falls headlong (into the Pit). ~ Al'Layl ~ 92:5-11

Islam prohibits hypocrisy, cheating and deceit. Not to profit or turn other people's misery and suffering into business - like so many do. Hundreds of aid organizations compete to raise funds for such disasters and calamities like this in the Horn of Africa now; and yet, much of this money is either misused or squandered by many of these 'aid' urgencies.

For a Muslim to assist any starving Muslim or any other human being; or any other living creature - is most noble. A Muslim should assist with noble, humane intentions. The founder of Islam said that the person who sleeps full while his neighbor sleeps hungry is not a true Muslim.  With only a few days remaining to the start of the holiest Muslim month, the people of Somalia and Horn of Africa should not be as miserable and distressed as they are now. We should help them. Sincerely and with the noblest of intentions. Help them. Now.