In many situations in today's world,
we find ourselves looking on helplessly as atrocities are
committed before our very eyes. Should we send money? Should we
donate to organizations that are in the thick of it, trying to
make a difference? Sometimes special situations prevent aid
organizations and volunteers from reaching the people in need.
The following situations have taken
place many times in history:
People are thrown out of their
homes and their land is usurped.
People are forced into a
contained area and then attacked from all sides.
Killing civilians becomes the
norm.
Infrastructure is destroyed.
There is no access to drinking water, food, electricity, or
fuel.
People are surrounded by enemy
troops who wait to shoot anyone who tries to escape.
The international community turns
a blind eye.
Those who are ready to help are
forcibly prevented from helping.
People are overwhelmed by misery
and wait for either redemption or death.
Such is the situation of the
Palestinians in the Gaza Strip as well as the Lebanese.
Can you imagine living in such
conditions? Can you imagine feeling so helpless? But there is
still one thing that everyone can do. It is the most powerful
and sure means of attaining help and success. It is also often
overlooked as humans try to solve the problems they face in life
— it is prayer.
Allah created us with the freedom of
choice, and so we live our lives facing the consequences of our
choices and the choices of others. Hence, we often face
injustice, oppression, and cruelty. But the power to make the
necessary changes and provide relief is at our fingertips.
Join us on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2006
as we hold an international day of prayer for the Palestinians
and Lebanese who are suffering in the current Middle East
crisis.
**Selma Cook is Managing Editor of the
Youth Section and Volunteer Youth Resource
Network at IslamOnline.net. She has written a
number of books including: Buried Treasure (An
Islamic novel for teenagers) and The Light of
Submission (Islamic Poetry). She has also edited
and revised many Islamic books. She can be
contacted at youth_campaign@iolteam.com.
