Hurricane Katrina Relief
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Hurricane Katrina Relief
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Slander Against Muslim Communities Miss the Mark
Sultan Muhyuddin Sayyid Mubarik Ali Gilani Open Letters to the World Community IQOU International Relief Organization
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International Quranic Open University Scouts Aid Katrina Victims Rebuild After Katrina
In the wake of the catastrophic destruction of Hurricane Katrina, the media broadcast unbelievable scenes of immense suffering and anguish of its victims. This graphic depiction of the aftermath cataclysmic storm, and those who tragically lost their homes, property, and lives, evoke the compassion and sympathies of all Americans, and stir the desire to lend assistance by any, possible means.
Among the initial respondents to the cries of the grieved hurricane victims recuperating from the tragic experience were relief workers representing the International Quranic Open University (I.Q.O.U.) under the guidance of its Vice Chancellor, Sheikh Syed Mubarik Ali Shah Gilani. The experience of operating social service programs in several major cities that have provided homeless and disadvantage people with food, clothing, and counseling proved invaluable as I.Q.O.U. Scouts and students provided an immediate response to the national call for volunteers.
On Friday, September 30, a group impassioned Scouts, representing the I.Q.O.U., anxiously prepared to be of assistance to the calamity-stricken residents of Louisiana in keeping with the International mission of the University to relieve human suffering and offer humanitarian aid to all peoples without discrimination. As one phase of a swift response, students at the campuses of the Quranic Open University around the country began to mobilize under the personal direction of the Vice Chancellor, collecting clothing, food, and monies which were forwarded to areas where the devastation had left thousands of men, women, and children in dire need.
The Muslims Ladies Auxiliary, of the University sent a delegation of medical personnel and social services counselors who served the evacuees housed in the several shelters in the Houston area. I.Q.O.U. representatives also escorted a contingent of press correspondents throughout the Astrodome, where the storm victims were being housed after their relocation from the flooded Superdome in New Orleans.
M. O. A. Scouts from four states arrived in disaster stricken Louisiana fully prepared to offer their help wherever it was directed. Some of the workers cancelled classes, and arranged leave from their places of employment in order to undertake the journey to the storm ravaged state, which was solely funded by Sheikh Syed Mubarik Ali Gilani, University Vice Chancellor. Under the leadership of Head Scout, Khalifa Muhammad Hussein Umar, the scouts converge upon a somber scene, yet were pleased and grateful for the opportunity to be of help, and obligation and duty imposed by the Almighty upon Muslims as an integral part of faith.
The Scouts first assignment was to offer relief to the individuals and families of Slidell, LA at a Christian church in that community. Initially, there was some uneasiness and hesitancy on the part of the storm victims and the Scouts who had arrived to aid them. This was due to the fact that the residents were uncertain of their true intention. The following is excerpted from an account of one’s Scout experience: “The residents thought that we had come to convert our Christian brothers and sisters to Islam, and turn them away from Jesus, son of Mary (May Allah be pleased with him), but after working together to repair the damage done by Katrina, they saw that we love and hold him in high regard, and the doubtfulness of the people began to diminish. In addition, the kind heartiness of the Scouts overcame the people and began to lift their veils.”
Once in Louisiana, the Scouts provided relief in Slidell, Mandeville, and New Orleans. There were hundred of miles of commuting distance from one site to the next. The support was not only given to individuals and families in the nearby cities of New Orleans, Louisiana, but also to major automobile companies that had flooded, water stained and dilapidated vehicles on the lot. One individual said, “Everything I once owned now sits at the end of this shovel.” Debris and walls were cleared from these facilities, lots were cleared, tents pitched and bridges built. There was a Christian group called P R C that the boy scouts teamed up with to give some assistance. The young men were accommodated with a sleeping facility that had cots and warm showers.
The Muslims Scouts humanitarian work included multiply responsibilities. Food and clothing items were stacked and handed out underneath tents. The Scouts were also directing traffic, carrying boxes of food and clothing for women, children, and the elderly to their vehicles. I believe I can speak on behalf of all I. Q.O.U scouts when I say, the major satisfaction for the relief efforts was helping an elderly Christian woman clean out her house. The woman had no man power to help clean out her house and although her house would be suitable for her once it’s renovated, animal control removed all her pets because the conditions were not satisfactory even for the animals.
Her house was in a shambles. She had all type of debris on the front lawn, puddles of water throughout the house and water stains on all the walls. The scouts removed all of her walls, tubs, toilets, and cabinets so that the house could be renovated. The walls were torn down and completely gutted out of all her rooms. Mary Ann Gordon, was so appreciative of the aid when others turned her away, that she stated, “I’m going to tell everyone that the Muslims came and blessed my house.”
In the days we worked, the goal of the scouts had been met to the best of our capabilities, and the scouts began making their way back to their families. Witnessing such devastation and misfortunate has helped the scouts be more appreciative of their families and physical belongings awarded them by God Almighty. The scouts and I would like to thank the V. C., El Sheikh Syed Mubarik Ali Shah Gilani for initiating this undertaking.
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