We’ve all heard by now about the devastation that has happened in Turkey and Syria caused by a major earthquake. Extensive loss of life; over 10 000 deaths, tens of thousands injured, and hundreds still trapped beneath the rubble. Not to mention the cold of winter and a decade-long war-shattered region leaving tens of thousands homeless.
So what next?…
Help!!! Help in any way you can!
Volunteer, donate, pray.
Anything is needed and it is needed now. This is a life and death situation. HELP NOW!!!
Anything that happens anywhere in the world to Muslims must be felt as if it is happening to
you. According to the Prophet:
You see the believers as regards their being merciful among themselves and showing love among themselves and being kind, resembling one body, so that, if any part of the body is not well then the whole body shares the sleeplessness and fever with
Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadith 6011
The thing is, this is not a man-made catastrophe; it is not a war caused by our injustice, it is not a famine brought on by our corruption… It is an event ordained by Allah (SWT). So, in this case, political squabbles have no place. It is one’s duty to help even if only by Dua’. Allah’s prophet (ppuh) mentioned that:
“This nation of mine is one to which mercy is shown. It will have no punishment in the next world, but its punishment in this world will be trials, earthquakes and being killed.”
Sunan Abi-Dawud, Hadith 4278
It is not up to us to judge the reason that Allah has decided to send an earthquake upon this region. Ultimately, it is part of His wisdom. It can be a test for some, a punishment for others, a mercy in some cases; but moreover, an opportunity for reward. Those who endure and are steadfast in the face of adversity and ask Allah for His support will be rewarded. All those who aid a Muslim in need in this life, Allah will spare him/her a hardship in the afterlife. Anyone who
raises an orphan will be side by side with the prophet Muhammad (ppuh) in Heaven.
Allah’s wisdom is infinite!
All we have to do is open our eyes and heart to notice it.
Act now! Help now!
Don’t waste this opportunity.
Here are a few links to organizations that are legit, domestically and abroad who are already on
the ground. They are not exclusive, if you know any others better suited, go for it and share the
link.
Islamic Relief Canada
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies https://www.ifrc.org/emergency/turkiye-earthquakes
Red Crescent in Turkey https://www.kizilay.org.tr
Humanitarian Relief Foundation (Turkey/Syria) https://ihh.org.tr/en
Help your brothers and sisters, and may Allah recompense us all.
Jazakum Allah Khayran
