Muslim Americans’ Aid for Tsunami Victims
By Ras H. Siddiqui

There has been much talk recently about the lack of seriousness in Washington on aid to hundreds of thousands of tsunami victims in South and Southeast Asia. But that criticism has been put to rest because America has now responded decisively with both monetary and logistical support for people in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand and a few other countries. But the rest of humanity as a whole cannot take a spectator’s role in this huge tragedy. Government help is appreciated by all but now individual contributors have also become inspired.

The Muslim community in the United States has taken note of this and in the California State Capital region several Muslim groups have decided to become actively involved in raising funds for helpless tsunami victims who are lucky enough to be alive but will need a lot of help in rebuilding their lives. These groups, mainly the Farooqia Islamic Center, Islamic Center of Davis, Islamic Society of Folsom, Masjid AnNur, Masjid Ibrahim, Masjid Sabur, Muslim Mosque (Downtown), SALAM and the Ghoba Foundation are either currently involved in raising funds or have already done so.

At the time of this writing, information received from Mr. Rashid Ahmad, local CAIR (Sacramento Valley) President has revealed that over $100,000 has been collected by local Muslims. The majority of these funds thus far have been at Masjid AnNur. But more donations are in the pipeline as area Muslims are asking for help from both within and outside the community.


Disaster relief aid worldwide has been an American hallmark. And it is learnt that the Muslim population in this country reflects this truly American spirit.

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