The year 2005 witnessed many disasters including hurricanes, earthquakes, and famines. The famine in Niger which resulted in many deaths and much hopelessness is a somewhat recent phenomenon. Before the emergence of borders that were established in the days of colonization, the people of Niger would simply migrate to more fertile lands, like in present-day Nigeria, whenever there wasn't enough food in their own region. We could say that today's famine in Niger can be traced back to its people's inability to "move on."

It's natural that when people fear for their lives and feel hopeless about their futures, they "move on." This type of migration is often caused by economic suffering and deprivation, war, and political unrest. International law recognizes that human beings have the right to leave their place of residence in search of a better life.

It was within this framework that approximately 3,000 Sudanese refugees entered Cairo in Egypt in 2005, seeking help at the hands of the UNHCR (UN High Commissioner for Refugees). What happened after their arrival is now common knowledge — after three months of peaceful protests, inhumane living conditions, deaf ears (from the UNHCR), and a deadly silence from the Egyptian government, water cannons exploded, city lights were switched off in the early morning, and 5,000 well-armed security forces started beating and bashing unarmed, peaceful protestors with clubs and sticks. Scores were killed, including the elderly, women, children, and babies — all in the name of breaking up a group of stubborn protestors.

Their crime? They were "stubborn." We could say that they were "determined in their cause" and that they refused to budge. Their alternative? To be sent back to their country, or we could say back to war-torn Darfur and all the death and hopelessness which the region entails.

What about the result? The number of murdered varies, but does the number matter? Someone's wife, child, husband, friend — some hero — died, and was murdered in the name of — could we say

• A racist reaction (it wouldn't have happened if they were British, American, or European).

• Refugee control — the whole system worldwide is a witness against mankind! The problem is spiraling out of control with so many displaced people but not enough countries committed to solving the problem.

Refugees aren't only in Egypt. There are refugees all over the world and most often, and with few exceptions, they are kept under lock and key as if they were criminals. They are given minimal means of survival and little or no hope of a better future.

One group (the Sudanese refugees in Cairo) asked for more — dare we recall the story of Oliver Twist — and were promptly put back in their place.

But away from the wicked side of man's nature, politics, and rhetoric, and back to reality. Allah tells us in the Qu'ran: [And when the prayer is ended, then disperse in the land and seek of Allah's bounty, and remember Allah much, that ye may be successful] (Al-Jumu`ah 62:10). There is no mention of borders here! And the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him), himself displaced, left a place of unrest, danger, and persecution for a more stable and peaceful life. He migrated and was warmly received. He (peace and blessing be upon him) taught his followers to welcome those who had been displaced with open arms and generous hearts, knowing that Allah sends sustenance for all living creatures. What would the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) have to say about what happened in Cairo on December 30, 2005?

Those who migrated at the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and those who received them have gone down in history as some of the most noble examples of human beings. Where does this leave us in modern times? It's not possible to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) and at the same time murder refugees, laugh and mock at the situation, or remain apathetic thinking that Africa is already so full of poverty, war, famines, unrest, and borders, what can we do? Is it just a matter of one more African being killed? How many hundreds of thousands of people are shown starving to death or killed in wars in Africa, and yet these tragedies fail to rouse a significant international reaction?

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Whoever among you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand [by taking action]; if he cannot, then with his tongue [by speaking out]; and if he cannot, then with his heart [by hating it and feeling that it is wrong] — and that is the weakest of faith" (Muslim).

Speak out against violence, apathy, and brutality! Spread awareness campaigns! Help those within your reach! Remember, if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.

It was not just another African that was murdered. They were all human beings with rights, with a cause, and with a legitimate voice. Be their voice! Call for the rights of refugees!

If you want to help, you can contact:

• Socialedge (South Africa Serving African Refugees)

Read More: