U.S. Muslims Provide Aid to South Asian Earthquake Victims

October 10, 2005

Source: The Guardian

Wire Service: AP

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-5333581,00.html

On October 10, 2005 the Associated Press reported, "As relatives in the United States mourned victims of the deadly South Asian earthquake, worshippers on Sunday prayed and donated tens of thousands of dollars for relief efforts. Aid group Islamic Relief USA raised about $130,000 from those attending Ramadan services after the earthquake struck Saturday. The 7.6-magnitude quake near the Pakistan-India border killed at least 20,000 people and the death toll was expected to rise. 'Ramadan is the month of mercy and encourages Muslims to give to the poor,' said Mohamed Abulmagd, general manager of the group's U.S. office in Burbank. 'Now, with this crisis, I expect they will give more for this cause.' The group put out a call to the Muslim community for $10 million worldwide, he said. It hopes to raise about $2 million from communities in the United States. Earthquake victims need tents, blankets and medical supplies, Abulmagd said."

See also: Islam, Civic