Dear brothers and sisters,
Assalam 'alaikum wa rahmatullah.
We are in the first ten days of the month of Dhul Hijjah. These are the most blessed days of the year. These are the days for the remembrance of Allah and the acts of charity. As you are aware, the people of Houston and its surrounding communities are going through a lot of suffering and pain. For the last week, there have been destructive winds and torrential rains of Hurricane Harvey. Flood waters are everywhere. Thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes and are in shelters. Many have lost their homes, places of business and places of worship. It may take months to assess the damage and years to recover.
I urge everyone to remember the people of Houston and its surrounding communities in our prayers in these holy days. These tragic events should make us humble and filled with kindness and charity for those who are suffering.
Houston has a large Muslim community and many Islamic centers. Thousands of Muslims are suffering but, also many are joining the relief work. They need our support to buy food, water, clothing, medicine and other supplies. On behalf of the Shura Council of Southern California, I urge you to send your generous donations directly to one or more of the organizations below. Any amount is appreciated.
May Allah bless you and reward you.
Wassalam,