Last week, I sent an e-mail to inquire about the safety of a dear friend of the family and a special friend of Saudi Arabia. Vaughn Fitzpatrick lives in New Orleans, and we were really very worried about him when we heard about Hurricane Katrina. It was such a joy to receive an e-mail from him informing us that he and his family were safe and in good health.
We wrote back to say that our prayers were with them and asked him not to despair, for God has His ways and will surely send His blessings to the good and noble Vaughn that we all know. He has the love and respect of all the Saudis who have come to know him. May God reward him for all the good he has done.
The tragedy on the Southern Gulf Coast of the United States is so tragic, we hope and pray that its people will have the wisdom and strength to survive it. It is disasters like these that bring humanity together. We feel the same pain, and our hopes and needs are the same.
What matters most is our survival and a decent life for which we all aspire.
It was really heartbreaking watching the news and seeing the destruction and the grief of the victims of Katrina who were suffering and desperately screaming for help. How vulnerable we all are!
I offer my condolences to the American people for the loss of so many lives. May God grant them the strength to overcome this tragedy.
I wish the best of luck to all the rescue workers and the authorities concerned and hope they succeed in their formidable task of alleviating the suffering of these people.
I support all the efforts and donations and salute all those who offered assistance to the victims of this horrific experience. What makes the ordeal more tragic is the fact that it fell upon thousands of poor people who had nowhere to go and no money to survive.
As Muslims we share the grief of the victims, for it could happen to anyone no matter how high or mighty one could be. May it never happen again, and may God have mercy on our souls and protect us from all disasters, known and unknown.
The media coverage has taken the tragedy to every home around the world. The whole world watched and felt the sadness and grief of the American people. We all sympathized with those who were angry and frustrated.
Over 90 countries and organizations around the globe have offered assistance to the hurricane-stricken people of the United States.
The Arab and Muslim countries despite their differences with US foreign policy responded immediately with aid and support. Saudi Arabia gave $255 million; Kuwait donated $500 million; Qatar and the UAE each pledged $100 million, and Bangladesh generously contributed $1 million.
Pakistan sent doctors and paramedics. Indonesia sent 45 doctors and 155 other staff, and 10,000 blankets.
The Saudi Cabinet expressed its condolences to the American people over the lives lost and the devastation caused by Katrina. Saudi Refinery Inc., a subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, has announced it will donate $5 million to the American Red Cross to support relief efforts for the victims.
A coalition of major American Islamic groups have formed a task force to coordinate humanitarian relief for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, pledging to raise $10 million for the effort.
The Muslim Hurricane Relief Task Force (MHRTF) was announced at the 42nd annual convention of Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) and the organization issued a statement pledging to do its part in helping those Americans, of all faiths, who suffered such great losses in lives and property.
It comprises the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), ISNA, Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), Islamic Relief, Kind Hearts, Life for Relief and Development, Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA), Muslim American Society (MAS), Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), and Muslim Ummah of North America (MUNA).
CAIR last week urged American Muslims to offer assistance to alleviate the suffering of the people hit by Katrina.
The advocacy group also urged mosques and Islamic centers throughout the county to hold special blood drives, prayers and fund-raising efforts for disaster relief.
Hurricane Katrina hit the US Gulf Coast just outside the city of New Orleans on Aug. 29 and wrought devastation through the area with winds of up to 145 mph (233 km/h).
Dear victims in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi: You are not alone. The whole world mourns the ones who died and is ready to offer any assistance to ease your hardships and your sufferings.
Once again I offer my deepest condolences and my prayers go to all of you who have lost their homes and loved ones.
— Samar Fatany is a radio journalist. She is based in Jeddah.
