January 14, 2010
CANADIAN ISLAMIC CONGRESS URGES ALL CANADIANS TO HELP VICTIMS OF WORST HAITI EARTHQUAKE IN 200 YEARS
MUSLIMS ASKED TO OFFER FRIDAY PRAYERS FOR ALL BROTHERS AND SISTERS SUFFERING IN HAITI AND TO DONATE GENEROUSLY TO HUMANITARIAN AID
In the wake of Haiti’s worst earthquake in 200 years which struck the impoverished island nation on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, the Canadian Islamic Congress is adding its voice to those calling upon all Canadians -- and especially Canadian Muslims -- to donate generously to relief agencies working to rescue victims and alleviate the suffering of survivors.
The severe quake, measuring more than 7 on the Richter Scale, devastated the capital city, displacing more than three million Haitians and killing scores of thousands in this desperately poor country.
CIC joins Canada’s Muslim communities coast-to-coast in expressing our deep sorrow on the loss of life and livelihood of so many human beings in the wake of this natural disaster. Our prayers are with Canadians of Haitian heritage, especially the families of known victims and numerous missing loved ones in these difficult days of sorrow and grief.
We also pray for the rescue, aid and recovery of the many injured in the earthquake and for those dedicated volunteers and professionals from Canada and other nations who have mobilized so quickly to come to their aid. The Canadian Islamic Congress requests that Canadian Imams and community leaders offer special prayers during Friday (Jumah) and to ask their congregations to be generous in helping those in dire need in Haiti. It is our social and religious duty to help brothers and sisters in need.
Please send your Friday donations to charitable organizations such as HCI, IRFAN, ICNA Relief Canada, IDRF Canada and other charities of YOUR CHOICE (contact information is below).
The Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged Muslims to be benevolent to others: "The best amongst the people are those who benefit other people."
Our duty now, when the suffering people of Haiti need us the most, is to show that goodness by giving to them from the abundance we have. We hope that our prayers and generous support will help ease the difficult conditions of those in Haiti and their relatives and friends throughout Canada and the world.
Here are links to several reputable humanitarian organizations:
1. Human Concern International: http://humanconcern.org/haiti-quake.php Please follow the link to Haiti Appeal
2. ICNA Relief Canada:
www.icnareliefcanada.ca/news/view.asp?ID=17 Please follow the link to "Haiti Earthquake Appeal" 3. IRFAN Canada:
www.irfan.ca/home_1.html Please follow the link to Haiti Urgent Appeal
4. IDRF Canada: http://idrf.com/index.php Please follow the link to Haiti Earthquake Update
5. Other charities of YOUR CHOICE (If you are unsure of where or how to donate the online group charitable site, Canada Helps, can offer guidelines. Go to: www.canadahelps.org )
May God reward you for your generous donations to those who need them the most!
CONTACTS:
Mrs. Wahida Valiante
National President of Canadian Islamic Congress (CIC)
647. 802.8024
Imam Dr. Zijad Delic
National Executive Director, Canadian Islamic Congress (CIC)
613.698.8469
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ENDORSED BY:
1. The Muslim Coordinating Council of the National Capital Regions -
Ottawa (more than 30 organizations),
President Mohammed Azhar Ali Khan
2. ICNA Canada - Toronto, President (Ameer) Rahmeth Shah Khan and
Dr. M.I. Masood Al-Nadvi (Imam & Director Al-Falah)
3. CAMP(Council for the Advancement of Muslim Professionals) -Toronto,
President & CEO Mohammed Najamuddin
4. The Islamic Association of Saskatchewan - Regina,
President Dr. Samiul Haque
5. Saskatoon Muslim Foundation - Saskatoon, Dr. Amin Elshorbagy
6. The BC Muslim Association (BCMA) - Vancouver (7 regional brunches
and 6 chapters),
President Sikandar Khan
The Canadian Islamic Congress
877 Shefford Road, Ottawa, ON K1J 8H9
