Shura Council Expresses Sympathy with Victims of Wildfires
Anaheim, CA: The Islamic Shura Council of Southern California has expressed its deep sorrow and sympathy for the victims of Southern California wildfires. A press release issued by the Shura stated: " ‘Our hearts go out to those who have lost their homes and also to those whose homes and livelihoods are destroyed or damaged,’ said Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, Chairman of the Shura Council.
“Shura Council is grateful to the courageous firefighters whose tireless work has saved many lives and property. We also recognize thousands of volunteers transcending their faith and ethnicity helping tens of thousands of displaced people. Shura Council salutes the leadership and community of the Islamic Center of Reseda who has facilitated evacuation of several families from Porter Ranch and San Fernando Valley area while also helping others in the region.
“The Executive Director is in frequent contact with the affected area[s] (San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita, Corona, Yorba Linda and Ranchos Palos Verdes) Muslim and Interfaith leadership to coordinate possible roles of faith communities in this situation. In addition, on behalf of the Shura Council, the Executive Director is also in contact with the LA Mayor's office, LA and OC Fire Department[s] and American Red Cross and has offered Muslims' support in any way for their respective departments and also for the 10,000 evacuees of the San Fernando Valley area. Our collective responsibility to help our neighbors in need, is imperative. Let us join hands and do everything that we can to alleviate the suffering of our neighbors.”
The Shura Council has made the following recommendations:
* Hold special prayers for rain.
*Ask children at home and school to pray for the victims and firefighters.
*Conserve water & power.
*Make a quick call to friends and family in the affected areas and make sure they are safe. Brief conversations will help keep the telecommunications network free.
*Convene a leadership meeting in the affected areas for any possible emergency planning.
Please consider donating to the valiant firefighters relief fund of Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Last year, Shura Council donated to the firefighters fund in LA, OC and San Diego counties.
The Islamic Shura Council is an umbrella organization of Mosques and Muslim organizations serving the Muslims of Southern California. Since 1995, the Council continues to foster the spirit and culture of "working together" at all levels in one of the most diverse and largest Muslim populations in the country.
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