An earthquake in Türkiye and Syria, an attack in Palestine, famine in Yemen, mass shooting in the United States- these are just some of the heartbreaking news that we’ve had to encounter as an ummah.
Al-Nu’man ibn Bashir reported: Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.”
Perhaps you feel helpless and lost on how to respond to these calamities.
Remember, calamities and disasters are trials from Allah s.w.t, and that there are reasons behind them, even if we are unable to fully comprehend the reasons.
The Prophet ﷺ has also taught us ways to deal with hardship, including the supplication to recite when one is struck by a calamity.
Here are 5 ways we can help:
1. Donate
Find reputable and experienced organizations that are dedicated to humanitarian and relief missions to support.
These organizations have the resources, experience, and local knowledge to effectively respond to the crisis and provide critical aid to those in need.
You can even organize a bake sale in your neighborhood, or if you run a small business, dedicate part of your profits to the campaign.
Get your kids to donate part of their allowance to the cause. No amount is too small- every cent counts!
No amount is too small to donate.
2.Spread Awareness
Tell others about what happened, and call on them to donate. Explain to them why the cause is important and why their support matters.
In today’s digital world, there are many platforms to raise awareness about an issue. Ensure that the information you are sharing is verified. Link the donation channels in your Instagram account, or send personal messages to family and friends with a link to donate.
Technology enables us to share information swiftly.
3.Volunteer Locally
Are there local organizations running donation drives? Perhaps they need volunteers to sort and pack items that are donated, or volunteers to help with social media campaigns.
If you have the time and skills, why not reach out to organizations in your community that are managing humanitarian missions.
Serving those affected by disasters and emergencies can bring some relief to them.
4. Check on those affected
If you have friends who are from areas affected by the disaster, check in on them. Even if they are not in the affected area during the time of the emergency situation, they may be emotionally disturbed by the sad news.
Give them the space to grieve, and provide assistance by sending meals, kind words or even reading Quran together with them.
“O humanity! Indeed, there has come to you a warning from your Lord, a cure for what is in the hearts, a guide, and a mercy for the believers.”
Al-Quran, Surah Yunus: verse 57
5. Make Dua
Don’t stop making dua for those affected by these trials. While we raise our voices and our giving, we should also raise our hands in sincere supplication to Allah s.w.t.
Your Lord has proclaimed, “Call upon Me, I will respond to you”
Al- Quran, Surah Ghafir: verse 60
Dua is the weapon of a believer.
Share your dua requests with the Muslim Pro community via the Community feature in the Muslim Pro app.
May our efforts be accepted, and most importantly, may Allah s.w.t grant ease and openings to those tested.
In light of the recent earthquake that shook parts Türkiye and Syria, Muslim Pro is supporting UNICEF to help provide shelter, safe drinking water, and hygiene essentials for Türkiye & Syria.
This article was written by Suryani Omar, the founder of Deen Hubb, a boutique Islamic bookstore in United States.
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