Assalam alaikum

Usually, I’m not really excited to rush into relief work of crisis or natural disasters, because I believe in long term sustainable efforts.

But, just want to share two things with you about the earthquake in China.

1- When I visited China, I found many ancient masjids (over a thousand year old) and some graves attributed to Sahaba (RA). So, when this earthquake happened, I asked myself, if the Sahabah didn’t discriminate between Muslims and non-Muslims and they traveled all that distance to save the humanity, why are we holding back today when we can help with an online transaction?

2- Usually we are numbed by media stories, but sometimes they can move us too. I listen to this audio story and saw the pictures, Subhan-Allah, my whole perspective changed. So, listen to it too.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90447603

So now, how can you do like what the Sahaba did in China? Well, in China, you can’t “preach” religion. So, you may think it’s a challenge, but because of the same reason Chinese are so hungry for hiyada/guidance.

So here is the opportunity.

Go through Hidaya Foundation, why? Because it’s a long term project, insha-Allah, they won’t stop with relief, but they will develop the community, build orphanage, provide employment opportunities, and so on.

Now, here is what I ask you,
-Blog about the event
-Talk to your local imams
-Write articles for your local Muslim papers

As you know, Allah doesn’t create pure evil, with every hardship comes double relief.

So may Allah make this crisis a turning point for many hearts to him, including yours.

Here is the link to Hiyada Foundation appeal**
http://www.hidaya.org/social-welfare/disaster-relief/china-sichuan-earthquake-2008.html

**Please verify before donating individually about what Hidaya is planning to do. We not recommending this for everyone but we found their plan to administer the relief quiet good.