January 2010 · Volume 4, Issue 1

As-Salaamu 'Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu,

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The recent tragedy in Haiti has presented the Muslim community with an opportunity to respond once again, to the needs of our fellow members of the human family. Natural disasters occur without discrimination, globally. They are reminders of Allah's statement:

 "Be sure that we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or the fruits (of your toil)..."
(Holy Qur'an 2: 155)

When one looks at the toll exacted upon people over the years as the result of natural disasters, it is evident that divine trials impact all people.  None are exempt.  However, the poor have less capacity for recovery. Haiti is the poorest country in the West.

In the face of such trials and difficulties Allah instructed the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to:

 "Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer, for Allah is with those who patiently persevere..." and "Give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere - Who say, when afflicted with calamity:

'To Allah we belong, and to Him is our return'. They are those on whom descend blessings from their Lord, and Mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance."
(Holy Qur'an 2: 153, 55)

Disasters are thus trials of faith for both the directly afflicted, as well as those spared who are thus in a position to respond with compassion and charity. Will the directly afflicted remain faithful? Will the spared for the moment be sensitive and giving or uncaring and stingy? When quakes occurs in our daily lives they should increase our fear of Almighty God, Allah (i.e. taqwa), our desire to do good deeds in preparation for The Day of Zilzaal (read Surah 99), and our compassion for our fellow human beings.

As Muslims, we should and must pray for the sick and suffering, as well as organize local charitable  activities amongst ourselves on behalf of all of the Haitian people (and yes, there are Muslims there amongst them). We should then coordinate our own efforts with those of other people of good will. Give to the emergency fund established by Islamic Relief USA! Our response is a measure of our own test from Allah -how we respond to the suffering of others, before our own turn comes and disaster strikes. May Allah comfort those of you who have lost family as the result of the tragedy, and move us all to action, amin.

Your brother in Al-Islam,

Imam El Hajj Talib 'Abdur-Rashid

MANA, Deputy Amir