Borrowing this quote from Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, the subject of this edition of Ramadan Reflections will focus on charity & giving.
As you hopefully are already aware, East Africa, particularly Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia is facing its worst drought in 60 years. Around 3.6 million people are at risk of starvation. The UN recently shared that 29 000 children have already died and 600 000 more are expected to perish during this period of hardship.
Islamic Relief is one of few organizations on the ground and has been doing tremendous work this past summer. And until September 16, the Government of Canada is matching dollar for dollar donations made to this cause. So the time to act is now! (UNICEF is also a great organization to donate to).
Take a look at this informative interview by CBC's Mark Kelley for an update on what's happening on the ground, some background on previous famines in Somalia and a brief history of the country.
Also, please take a moment to read this wonderful blogpost from Shaykh Hamza Yusuf. He brings up some very thought-provoking points, which I have copy and pasted below.
Such tragedies make some people ask, “Where is God?” But God may very well answer with a question: “Where are you?!” After all, these catastrophes are avoidable. A recent study of global food wastage indicates that we waste millions of tons of food each year. Even a portion of that would ward off any potential famine.
Do check out this article from rabbi emeritus Dow Marmur, entitled "Making Fasting Relevant during Famine", for more on this subject.
With all the blessings we have been bestowed with, it is imperative that we all do our part to help alleviate some of the suffering where possible.
As you hopefully are already aware, East Africa, particularly Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia is facing its worst drought in 60 years. Around 3.6 million people are at risk of starvation. The UN recently shared that 29 000 children have already died and 600 000 more are expected to perish during this period of hardship.
Islamic Relief is one of few organizations on the ground and has been doing tremendous work this past summer. And until September 16, the Government of Canada is matching dollar for dollar donations made to this cause. So the time to act is now! (UNICEF is also a great organization to donate to).
Take a look at this informative interview by CBC's Mark Kelley for an update on what's happening on the ground, some background on previous famines in Somalia and a brief history of the country.
Also, please take a moment to read this wonderful blogpost from Shaykh Hamza Yusuf. He brings up some very thought-provoking points, which I have copy and pasted below.
Such tragedies make some people ask, “Where is God?” But God may very well answer with a question: “Where are you?!” After all, these catastrophes are avoidable. A recent study of global food wastage indicates that we waste millions of tons of food each year. Even a portion of that would ward off any potential famine.
Do check out this article from rabbi emeritus Dow Marmur, entitled "Making Fasting Relevant during Famine", for more on this subject.
With all the blessings we have been bestowed with, it is imperative that we all do our part to help alleviate some of the suffering where possible.
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