The California Firestorm

Yesterday's Friday sermon (26th Oct) touched on how reconstituted families could plan for the development and upbringing of their children... MUIS has to be applauded for an excellent sermon. :D

I believe this is the second such sermon in the last few months which has touched specifically on the topic of divorce and reconstituted families... As the numbers keep going up, this ought to be raised again from time to time... ;)

On another note, I was hoping that someone would raise the issue of praying for the victims of the California firestorm disaster, where close to a million people have been evacuated. That's a lot of people, i mean, to put it in perspective, the total Muslim population (local and expat) in Singapore is estimated at 700,000.

Furthermore, California has quite a number of Muslims, if we don't already have enough reasons to pray for them - but why can't we pray for the others? - I know Hamza Yusuf Hanson (www.zaytuna.org) comes from there - he visited Singapore in 2003... ;)

In any case, if we insist all the time that Singapore is a part of this globalised world, then we've got to go beyond Aceh and tsunamis, although they are equally as important (ie. regionally, diplomatically) and perhaps, see that the California firestorm can also affect us in some way.. ;)

Below are some stuff I found on the net... Hopefully it would be of use to you...

Cheers!



Muslims Urge Prayers for Rain to Put Out California Fires

WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today called on mosques and other houses of worship across the nation to offer prayers for rain to help put out wildfires currently raging in California.

SEE: California Fires Force Another 50,000 From Homes
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/10/23/america/fire.php

CAIR urged American mosques to offer special Islamic prayers, called Salatul Istisqa (sal-AT-al-istis-KA), which the Prophet Muhammad traditionally offered during times of drought.

In Salatul Istisqa, the Prophet would offer supplications such as: "O God, give us rain that will replenish us, abundant, fertilizing and profitable, not injurious. Grant it now without delay...Send down rain upon us and make it a source of strength and satisfaction...O God, give us a saving rain, good and productive, general and heavy, now and not later, beneficial and not harmful."

The Quran, Islam's revealed text, states: "O my people! Seek forgiveness of your Lord and turn to Him in repentance. He will send you from the sky abundant rain." (Quran, 11:52)

"Americans of all faiths need to offer spiritual assistance to the courageous firefighters who are battling these deadly fires," said CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad.

Awad also asked mosques in wildfire areas to offer shelter to fire victims and that financial aid for victims be sent to the American Red Cross.

SEE: American Red Cross Response to Southern California Wildfires
http://www.redcross.org/news/ds/profiles/disaster_profile_CAWildfires.html

CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 33 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com;
CAIR-LA Communications Coordinator Munira Syeda, 714-776-1847 or 714-851-4851, E-Mail: socal@cair.com;
CAIR Communications Coordinator Rabiah Ahmed, 202-488-8787 or 202-439-1441, E-Mail: rahmed@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com
Council on American-Islamic Relations

from: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,205703.shtml


Southern California Muslim Community Gathers to Make 'Care Packages' for Fire Evacuees Tonight

BUENA PARK, Calif., Oct. 25 /PRNewswire/ --

As fires still rage in Southern California, Southland residents will be gathering in Garden Grove tonight to make "Care Packages" for evacuees. The packages will be assembled at the Islamic Society of Orange County following community prayers for relief from the natural disaster.

Islamic Relief, an international aid organization with ongoing efforts in response to other disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the tsunami, will be bringing together volunteers to assemble the packages.

The packages will consist of essential hygiene items such as toothbrushes/toothpastes, hand sanitizers, masks, hand towels, and other items. The "Care Packages" will then be distributed to fire victims in the Southland.

Islamic Relief is currently collecting donations to assist victims of the fires. Islamic Relief's aid efforts thus far have included covering food and shelter costs for evacuees in San Diego County.
Islamic Relief is coordinating with organizations working on the ground to efficiently aid the victims as quickly as possible.

Since the start of the fires on Sunday, about 2,200 structures have been destroyed and more than 431,000 acres have burned. The fires have taken place in five counties across Southern California and have resulted in the largest evacuation in the state's history. Damage estimates from the destroyed properties have surpassed $1 billion for San Diego County alone.

Islamic Relief's domestic projects have increased tremendously over the years. In addition to responding to emergencies such as Hurricane Katrina -- where $3.2 million in aid has helped over 60,000 people -- Islamic Relief is continuously involved in assisting needy individuals and families within the U.S. and working with community organizations to improve people's livelihoods.

Islamic Relief also provided aid following the 2004 fires in Southern California, as well as after the September 11 attacks and the 1995 Oklahoma City bombings.

Media professionals are encouraged to attend this community effort and may contact Islamic Relief for further details.

WHAT:
Southlanders Assemble "Care Packages" for Fire Victims
WHEN:
Tonight - Thursday, Oct. 25, 2007
6:30 pm
WHERE:
Islamic Society of Garden Grove
1 Al Rahman Plaza
Garden Grove, CA 92844
Media Contact:
Mostafa Mahboob
mostafa@irw.org
(714) 676-1305 office
(310) 351-0952 mobile
Islamic Relief USA

from: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,208316.shtml