I read the Asian image (November 2005) and must say that was a little shocked at the comments made by the columnist Saimina Virmani about how or rather WHY the community got together to help raise funds for the South Asia Earthquake victims.

I would like to point out that when natural disaster struck USA, America refused foreign aid and why not, America is a rich country where as Pakistan isnt.

As for us Muslims uniting, it is refreshing to see that though differences exist in our community (Most memorable being the Blackburn Riots), when disaster struck, Alhamdulillah, we ignored any differences we may have and all tried to do our best to help out.

We should be very proud of this achievement and though it is sad that it takes natural disasters for us as Muslims to unite, we have proved to ourselves that we really do care for one another after all.

May the Almighty give us the courage to always help one another and help others as well.

After all, we should not forget that it is better to Give charity than to receive charity and we are very fortunate that we give Zakaat rather than receive it.

Yes most Muslims gave Zakaat to the Earthquake victims, but isnt it fortunate that we were sensible enough to realize that these victims lost everything in the earthquake and were possibly more needy than some other places where we normally give Zakaat.

Via e-mail

Salma Patel