How did the earthquake change the way you personally experienced Ramadan?
Thank you.
Answer
wa alaykum assalam
It was sudden and completely overwhelming. here we were deciding what to do for Ramadan and Eid and we heard of the quake. It seemed that the whole world had turned upside down. No one cared about anything else. We all opened our cupboards and dished out whatever we could and ran to the relief centers. Then as the days passed everyone contacted each other like friends. relatives etc to send money.
Thank you.
Name
afaaq
- Pakistan
Profession
student
Question
As-salaam-u-Alikum
Shall we celebrate Eid after the earthquake?
Answer
wa alaykum assalam,
This is a good question. I will tell you my personal experience. Last year, I had my friends over for mehndi and dessert on chand raat. They all had fun and made me promise that I will do it again this year. Recently when I mentioned it, they all said no. No one felt like it. If it means to wear a new outfit for prayers and visiting relatives and friends in solemnity, it's okay.
But as far as partying is concerned and spending all that cash on things we can do without; this definitely must not be done.
Thank you.
Name
Humaira
-
Profession
Question
Asalaam u alaikum,
My sister's wedding was scheduled to take place on the weekend after Eid. Her fiance's family lives near Islamabad. They have told us that people are very agitated in that area, understandably. They say that they will not be able to celebrate in a normal way as people around them will be angry. I understand the situation. Can you shed some light on this matter and give some suggestions as to what should be done and what should be avoided. This is a big tragedy but it is also the biggest occasion in my sister's life. Every girl looks forward to her wedding day. What can you advise?
Thank you.
Answer
Assalamu Alaykum,
Hold back on music or loud dholkis, I guess a meal is okay becuase it is allowed in Islam. The main function can probabaly be had in a hotel or a hall or something. But do try to keep in mind that your country is suffering like at no other time in it's history, so even though your sister may be having hopes, I am sure she is sensitive enough to feel the pain and will want to tone things down. Moreover, if people in your area know that you have done enough for the quake victims, they might understand.
Please keep in mind that I am no scholar of Islamic Law. These are my personal opinions which are not legally binding.
Thank you.
Name
Bilal's mom
-
Profession
Question
Assalamu Alaykum,
My family is planning to visit Pakistan in a few days, Inshallah. My son has spent Ramadan in fundraising for the victims of the earthquake. He has collected about $2000 and lots of medicine, warm winter clothes and jackets and some blankets. It is his desire to go and deliver the money and the other things to the people who need them. We will be in Islamabad for two days; can you tell us where is the best place to take these items?
Jazakullah Khair,
Answer
Salaams,
Keeping in mind the remote locations and since it is not possible to provide total security, I would strongly urge you to latch on to an NGO in Islamabad and travel with them. One of the reputable ones is the Citizen's foundation.
Their web presence is http://wwwthecitizensfoundation.org. I am sure there are plenty more organizations operating in Islamabad.
If you are citizens of a foreign country, please contact your relevant embassy in Islamabad to obtain travel advisory. Lastly, let me tell you that all these efforts mean alot to those who have lost everything.
Jazak Allah Khairan.
Name
Mohamed Aslam
- India
Profession
Question
Assalamu Alaykum,
What is the reason for the quake hitting Pakistan, where many Muslim brothers and sisters live? Would you please shed some light on this issue?
Answer
Wa Alaikum Assalaam,
It is sad, but it is a natural calamity. and It says in the Qur'an that nothing and no calamity to humankind happens without the knowledge of the Almighty. It also says that he will try us in many ways. No one understands His Wisdom. Let's pray for mercy and forgiveness. Ameen.
Name
..............
-
Profession
Question
Assalamu Alaykum,
Do you think as a Pakistani I should celebrate my Eid or not? I think Eid is a blessing from Allah so why are some people saying that they will not celebrate it? Eid is a gift from Allah and we should celebrate it.
Thank you.
Answer
Wa Alaykum Assalam,
I think I have already answered this question but to further clarify; What do you think Eid is all about and how do you think Allah wants you to celebrate? The first thing you do is give zakat al-fitr which means that it starts with charity. Moreover, If a near or dear one passes away in our family, God Forbid, we do not feel like celebrating, and here more than 50,000 people have died.
It is not a matter of celebrating. Eid is to be observed by giving charity, praying, being good to others, embracing fellow muslims after Eid prayer and wearing clean clothes. You can do all that. It's just a personal matter for everyone I guess.
Thank you.
Name
Ahmed
- Netherlands
Profession
Question
Assalamu Alaykum,
How is the media in Pakistan dealing with the quake? Do you feel their reporting is objective and fair? Has the situation been exaggerated or downplayed?
Thank you.
Answer
Wa Alaykum Assalam,
The media acted quickly and positively. It is only because of them that we could see the true picture and scale of the devastation. It includes extremely remote regions of the country in the North and televsion especially made a great impact before people actually went there and saw what had happened.
Moreover, seeing all the celebrities, politicians, welfare organizations and the coverage of how the whole world was responding, actually motivated each and every individual in the country to get up and do something. As regards exaggerating, I do not think such a thing can be exaggerated because independent eyewitness-accounts have called it Judgement Day.
Yes, the pictures they repeatedly depict are graphic and repetitive, but it is a long road to rehabilitation and people need to be reminded that the tragedy is not over.
Name
Omair
- Saudi Arabia
Profession
Student
Question
The government is saying that it has reached all affectees, whereas we learn from the media that there are people who still not receiving aid. How is the performance of the military in the quake hit region in your view?
Answer
First of all, The govenment has, in all honesty, mobilized all its channels. Without the untiring efforts of the army that operates in that extremely difficult terrain, it would not have been possible to save so many lives. Also the areas are extremely treacherous. No vehicle can go there except mules and people on foot. Which is also difficult because of the soft ground and mudslides now. T
here are so many tiny hamlets hidden in the mountains that, though the army helicopters have seen them, they have been unable to land and the stuff they dropped fell too far off the mountain.
You see these people refuse to come down as they have been repeatedly asked. They say that the bodies of their loved ones are buried under the debris. They are traditional people who stick to their values and right now they are so grieved that nobody feels like forcing them. So yes, there will certainly be areas without aid as they are all very far apart. The government also says that it does not want to upset the people even more than they already are. But relief efforts continue around the clock.
Thank you.
Name
Yosra
- Egypt
Profession
Question
assalamu alaykum,
Are any of the regular Ramadan activities such as Taraweeh still taking place in the area that was struck?
Thank you.
Answer
wa alaykum assalam,
They say that while the aftershocks were continuing, the sound of the azaan made everyone sink to their knees and cry Allah O Akbar. The Juma tul Wida prayers were held in the open with people standing on rocks and broken rooftops. Every area has a little portion which they have cleared for prayers. That is all I know.
