Why Should I Help? 

Don't Forget the Tsunami Victims

"Verily, therein is indeed a reminder for him who has a heart or gives ear while he is heedful." (Qaf, 50:37)

When the tsunami struck more than 100 days ago people around the world hovered near their TV sets to see and hear the latest developments. Hundreds of deaths soon became thousands then tens of thousands and more and more until, gripped by shock and horror, people around the world started to think beyond their own lives. Many were caught up in the heart-rending pitiful scenes of death and destruction and gave generously to aid organizations.

But now, so many days have passed and other issues on the news have caught our attention and perhaps we have become somewhat blasé as the pitiful scenes become commonplace and so we switch channels to catch something more exciting.

On the ground however, it is another story. Dedicated people from many different places and backgrounds continue to work with the victims of the tsunami who are still in the process of rebuilding their lives. These quiet, often unrecognized charity-workers do the hands-on practical work while most people's consciences are appeased by giving a few dollars. These unsung heroes deserve our recognition and prayers. They have not ceased their efforts even though media attention has been directed elsewhere. Where does our responsibility lie?

Read what Allah the Almighty says about this: 

"By no means shall you attain piety unless you spend in Allah's cause of that which you love; and whatever of good you spend, Allah knows it well." (Al-Imran, 3:92)

"Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds. That is a reminder for the mindful." (Hud, 11:114)

"The pious will be far removed from Hell. He who spends his wealth for increase in self-purification, and have in his mind no favor from anyone for which a reward is expected in return." (Ad-Duha, 92, 17-18)

Ask your own heart what you would like the people of the world to do for you and your loved ones should such a calamity strike you! Would you be satisfied with the bare necessities of life or would you relish the chance to rebuild your life and maintain your dignity to be an independent and contributing member of your community?

It's never too late to give and help others to have a second chance.

• Muslims 4 Humanity

"And We have not sent you (Muhammad) forth but as a mercy to mankind." (Al-Anbiyaa’: 107)

Tsunami Updates:

• Tsunami disaster: Indonesia Update 7 Mar 2005

• Tsunami disaster: Indonesia Update 7 Mar 2005

• Red Cross and Red Crescent Response to the Tsunami

• Oxfam Tsunami Update N0 21 3rd March 2005

Donate:

• Helping Orphans

• Post Tsunami Counseling By Human Care Foundation

• Indonesian Children's Relief UK

• Relief Organization Appeals for Help – Sri Lanka

• Islamic Relief donation online

• Muslim Aid

• International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

• Zakat Foundation of America

• Indian Muslim Relief Committee

• Islamic Relief orphan sponsorship

• International Islamic Charitable Organization

• Muslim Hands 

• Little Heaven – Long Term Rebuilding in Disaster Areas

Read Also:

• What does it mean to help an orphan?

Time to Rebuild - Donate to Help Aceh Children

• Whale song

• Muslims 4 Humanity

• One Acehnese child and the voices of ghosts 

• All That Glitters Is Not Gold

• Losing Loved Ones to Tsunami: A Never Fading Memory

* 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