On Friday 18th March 2011, the WLIC and Ealing Muslim community raised over £950 for the Japanese earthquake and subsequent tsunami victims.

The Imam explained that we are obliged to show compassion and mercy to those inflicted by hardship, regardless of their colour, their nationality or their language. It is our duty to serve mankind through charity and relief, because Allah (swt) informs us:

“You are the best people raised for the good/benefit of mankind; you enjoin good and forbid evil and believe in Allah.” (Surah Al Imran:110)

Also the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

“Those who are merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Have mercy on those who are on earth, and the One Who is in heaven will show mercy to you.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi).

It was reported that when an earthquake struck, ‘Umar ibn ‘Abd al-‘Azeez (may Allah have mercy on him) the great grandson of the companion of the Prophet (pbuh) and second rightly guided Caliph Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (ra), during his own illustrius Caliphate whose domain stretched from the Atlantic to Cenral Asia, would write to his governors telling them to give in charity and provide assistance to the needy.

When our brothers and sisters in humanity call on us, then as Muslims we should be the first to respond, this not only alleviates their pain and suffering, but pleases Allah (swt) and personifies the true meaning of Islam.

If you would like to donate to the UKIM Japan Earthquake Appeal online, please visit the UKIM Head Office website at www.ukim.org