Iraq: What Can I do To Help?

THE REVIVAL PRESS RELEASE

At this critical moment when war is the buzz word many Muslims (aswell as people of all faiths and nations) are left in despair and in a state of hopelessness. It may seem that the death of millions of innocents is now inevitable, but we must continue to strive our utmost to defend them and to spread the truth about this illegal and immoral war.

HERE ARE 10 THINGS EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US CAN DO:(Forward this to all your contacts)

1. Participate in Peace Rallies and Anti -war campaigns:
There are rallies and protest marches on a daily basis in all towns and cities; we must continue to show our opposition to this illegal and unjust war till the end.
DONT FORGET TO TAKE PART IN THE MASSIVE ANTI-WAR RALLY IN LONDON THIS SATURDAY , FROM EMBANKMENT TO HYDE PARK FROM 12PM.
See: http://stopwar.org.uk/

2. Please write, fax, phone, email or visit your MP asking them to justify themselves, put pressure on them by all means necessary– even by suggesting they appear in front of a public meeting of constituents. Do this through www.faxyourmp.com

3. Be involved in the media: Keep a vigilant eye on the news, magazines, websites, discussion forums etc. and respond to any bias comments and views. Participate in discussion programmes on TV and phone-in sessions on the Radio. Keep in touch with the latest updates on Iraq on our News page:
http://www.therevival.co.uk/news.htm

Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper saying why you oppose the war on Iraq. Your letter should be from one to three paragraphs long. Possible points to make include: this war is illegal without a second resolution; Majority of Security Council and world opinion is opposed to this war; there is no concrete proof
that Saddam possesses Biological, Chemical or Nuclear weapons; there is proof that weapon inspectors were making progress;Iraq does not pose a clear and present danger to the US or UK and that war will leave thousands, dead, injured and homeless. You can make other points with references by visiting The Revival Iraq page:
http://therevival.co.uk/WaronIraq.htm
You can find out where to send your letters by looking on the letters to the editor page of your local newspaper.

4. Distribute flyers about why people should stop and oppose this war.
Good, heavily trafficked locations include bus stops, subway stations, grocery stores, college campuses, libraries, and churches, among other sites. Contact The Revival if you need help or support on this.

5. Relief and Financial Aid:
The lives, homes and infra-structure of the people of Iraq have been devastated over the last 12-15 years. Assist by aiding financially to a legitimate Relief agency in your area. Spare ourselves from over indulgences and financially aid our Brothers and sisters in this hour of need.

6. Highlight the true arguments against war at school, college, University, work and wherever possible. It's important to argue the points against war wherever and whenever possible to leave no doubt that this war is illegal, unjust, immoral and not in our name.
Educate yourself about Iraq and the US accusations against Saddam Hussein so you can discuss the issue with friends, family, and even strangers. We won't be able to stop this war or increase the opposition towards it if we can't convince people who don't agree with us to come over to our position. Again you can refer to our
Iraq page: http://therevival.co.uk/WaronIraq.htm

7. Place a ''No War on Iraq'' banner in a prominent public place.
Even if the banner is taken down within a few hours, people will see it while it's up, and they will realize that the opposition to this war is growing. You can hang banners from freeway overpasses and out the windows of your house, buildings in downtown areas. It's easy to make a banner: just use paint or markers on a white sheet.

(Following two points are about prayers Muslims can do, non-Muslims can do their own individual and collective prayers according to their own beliefs and culture)

8. Duaa (Pray): Make ernest, sincere duaa. Try to shed tears and beg Allah Ta'ala to alleviate the suffering of the Muslims in Iraq; and other places where Muslims are oppressed, not forgetting to make duaa for brave "Human shields ".

Ibn Abbaas(radhiyallahu anhu) reported that : " I was(once) behind the Prophet(peace be upon him) when he said to me: 'O son ! I shall inform of a few things: Remember Allah, and He will protect you. Remember Allah, and you will find Him close to you. When you have to ask for something, ask of Allah Ta'ala. When you require aid, seek His aid. Believe firmly that if all the creation desires to benefit you in anything, they can never benefit you, but, that which Allah has decreed for you. If they ALL unite to harm you, they will not be able to harm you in anything, but that which Allah has decreed for you." (Tirmizi)

9.Nafl Salaat (Exrta optional prayers): Even if one is not a regular performer of Tahajjud salaat; atleast for the sake of the lives of the innocents; get up at the time of Tahajjud and perform two rakaats of salaah; contemplate on the sufferings,that the Ummah is facing today; beg Allah Ta'ala for His Divine Help and assisstance.Shed some tears; Ask for Forgiveness and help for the Abstention from sin and for Allah Ta'ala's Divine Solution.

10. Qunoot-e-Naazilah: Prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) encouraged the Ummah to read this duaa at the time of distress and calamity. Encourage family members to recite this duaa daily; as well as our local ulama to recite in the Fajr salaah;preferably. We may learn or get a copy of the Duaa-e-Naazila from our local Ulama; and may recite it; even as a Duaa outside salaah if we are unable to
read it in salaah. Learn how to read it here: http://www.jamiat.org.za/qunoot.html

Anas(R.A.) describes that Prophet(peace be upon him) said that Allah Ta'ala says that sometimes, He intends to send a calamity to a land; but the idea is given up; seeing those men who populate His houses(Masjids) and recite "ISTIGHFAAR" (forgiveness)in the late hours of the night; and He witholds the calamity. (BAYHAQI)

Jabir(R.A.) and Hazrat Abu Talha(R.A.) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) has said that whosoever helps a Muslim at the time of loss of honour and humility; will receive Help from Allah when he is in need of help.( ABU DAWOOD)

This is a time for unity and solidarity with the innocent people who are under attack. We are urged to do whatever we can for them, from the smallest action to the greatest.
LET US PARTICIPATE IN SOME HUMBLE WAY - FOR THE SAKE OF PEACE AND SANCTITY OF LIFE.

For feedback and further information contact us at:
revival_group@yahoo.co.uk

Sajid Iqbal
Editor, The Revival
http://www.therevival.co.uk