The Muslim Student Association launched a fundraiser on March 6 to help with humanitarian aid to Syrian citizens in crisis in conjunction with a non-profit organization based at the Virginia Commonwealth University called United2Heal.
“We’re involved in this fundraiser because as Muslims it’s our responsibility to reach out to the community and help those in need. In Islam we call this ‘sadaqa jariyah,’ which translates to ‘voluntary charity,’” executive board member and senior Tasneem Elbackush said. “Sadaqah comes from the word ‘sidq’ [sincerity], meaning it is a sign of sincerity of faith on the part of the person who gives it; Syrians desperately need help right now.”
United2Heal collects and ships medical supplies like catheters, blood transfer devices, infusion sets and syringes to underprivileged areas in Syria. The MSA is selling wristbands at school for five dollars each, which say “free Syria” and have the Syrian flag on them, and proceeds go toward United2Heal to send medical supplies to Syria.
“We’re not only fundraising for Syria; 60 percent of all profit goes to Syria but the rest goes toward MSA to fund us for a competition we’re a part of in April called D.C. MIST,” sophomore and club member Amro Hwary said. “Also, one of the competition categories is community service so this is all a part of the community service project as well.”
D.C. MIST stands for “D.C. Muslim Interscholastic Tournament,” which is a program that encourages development in leadership and public speaking, as well as gives a public forum to discuss issues like prejudice and stereotypes. Competition categories range from knowledge about the Qur’an to speaking competitions, to art design. The MSA will be competing from April 1 to 3 at George Washington University.
“We’re aiming to show that despite what the American media has been portraying [of] Syrians, America is very welcoming towards Syrians and always loves to help,” executive board member and senior Ayah Idris said.
The MSA, along with continuing their regular club activities like Friday prayers during learn and monthly meetings to discuss topics such as Islamophobia and keeping a close relationship to God, also plans to initiate other fundraising activities in the future that would help people in need in other parts of the world such as Greece and Flint, Michigan.