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Not
an atom in this universe moves without the permission of Allah the Almighty. Not
an eye blinks, no one sighs, nor does a wave recoil without His knowledge. He,
the Almighty made it that our lives are interconnected and that we will need
each other in this life if we ever hope to be complete. How much we need each
other, however, we often don't comprehend, perhaps because we become so wrapped
up in our own lives; blocking out or ignoring the huge, vast, magnificent scheme
of things – that includes you and me.
It
is also a part of His Almighty Greatness that out of evil comes good and out of
strife, comes relief. It is times like the Asia Tsunami disaster that mankind
realizes how we should act as a team. It is also times like this that makes our
inner feelings and attitudes manifest. Issues like racism and bias tend to come
to the forefront when it comes to decide who we will choose to help, how much we
will help, and for how long.
Many
aid providers in Asia are now stepping down their involvement. One month, and
it's over. Or is it? Have the houses been rebuilt? Have the schools, shops, and
offices been reconstructed? Have the victims been extended a helping hand that
will help them face life again? Is that all they need – some biscuits, fresh
water, and blankets? Indeed, for hundreds of thousands of tsunami victims what
they really need is hope that they will not have to live on aid; that they can
work and be independent and dignified. But to do this, they need our ongoing
help, support, and encouragement.
Just
because some groups are stepping out, doesn't mean we have to. The long term
project of rebuilding has now begun. So who is going to take part? Who wants to
share in the blessings of helping our fellowman, remembering that if it were us
instead of them facing this disaster, how grateful we'd be for the kindness and
care of anyone.
Allah
is just and He loves justice, He is kind and He loves kindness, and He promises
to respond to the one who calls on Him sincerely. So here is our chance to do
something that will gain His pleasure – reach out to the victims in any way
you can and form the intention within your heart and soul that you would love to
do anything to help them in the midst of their catastrophe. Remember the
orphans, the people who lost their loved ones, the people who lost their source
of income, their homes, and so much more. Try to imagine how insecure they feel,
how afraid of the future they are, how much they miss what they used to have –
and when you feel that then reach into your pocket to give, make some calls to
people or agencies who could help, think of ideas to promote the needs of the
victims, contact organizations and individuals who are there now, doing the best
they can.
Not
a leaf falls from a tree but Allah the Most Merciful is Aware of it; not a tear
is shed but He the Most Compassionate Knows; not an effort if made to help and
spread goodness but He takes it into account and rewards that deed – how much,
only He knows.
Read
Also:
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Selma Cook is Managing Editor of the Youth Section and
Volunteer Youth Resource Network at Islam Online.net. She has
written a number of books including: Buried Treasure (An Islamic
novel for teenagers), The Light of Submission (Islamic Poetry).
She has also edited and revised many Islamic books. She can be
contacted at: youth_campaign@iolteam.com
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