Hawaii Muslims appeal for tsunami relief

1/1/2005 4:00:00 PM GMT

Source: Honolulu Advertiser

About 200 members of the Muslims Association of Hawaii gathered in the Manoa mosque on Friday, as part of a special service for the victims of Asia’s massive tsunami.

Hawaii Muslims also collected money to help tsunami survivors. Many of those present have lost loved ones in the disaster.

"We know of at least five families here in Hawaii who were directly affected by having lost relatives," said Hakim Ouansafi, association president. "From what I understand, one family lost five or six family members."

Ouansafi added that the state’s Muslim population of about 3,000 has been deeply saddened by Sunday’s disaster. He said that Muslims want to help all those affected, of all faiths, races and nationalities.

He added that all the mosque donations will go to the relief efforts for the next month. "There will be no conditions put on the donations," he said. "This is to help human beings."

Muslim leader Ismail Elshiek also talked about Qur’an teachings on mercy and the responsibility of aiding neighbors in need. He said that those who show mercy to people in need will be rewarded by Allah when they are in heaven.

"Brothers and sisters, one of the conditions of belief is to take care of your neighbor," said Elshiek. "Human beings are one family — the family of Adam and Eve. It is written to show mercy at all times, but especially at a time of calamity."

He also urged the people to be generous in giving to the association's tsunami fund.

"I ask Muslims and all peoples in Hawai'i to donate one day's wage, or more, to help our brothers and sisters," he said.