Showing true spirits of Islam, a small Muslim organization has launched an appeal for the victims of the Philippines typhoon, collecting money from mosques, schools and even shops.

“These poor people have lost their homes, their loved ones, their food and belongings and are left with nothing,” Dr Hojjat Ramzy, director of Oxford Islamic Information Centre (OIIC), told Oxford Mail on Tuesday, November 19.

The OIIC announced its appeal to raise £10,000 for the victims of the Philippines typhoon.

Typhoon Haiyan tore through the Philippines on Nov. 8th and 9th, killing at least 3,974 people and leaving 1,186 missing.

Counting the dead, the Philippines is facing an enormous rebuilding task, to revive the country back from the devastating typhoon, the strongest recorded in modern ages.

Over the past week, Philippines authorities and international aid agencies have been facing a mounting humanitarian crisis, with the number of people displaced by the catastrophe estimated at 4 million, up from 900,000 late last week.

Extending a helping hand, the OIIC held its first street collection in Oxford’s city centre last Saturday.

The event raised £2,000 to be sent to the Philippines via Muslim Aid and the Human Appeal International charities.

Dr Ramzy stressed that helping the poor is a deep rooted belief in Islam.

“In the spirit of Islam, which strongly encourages the giving of charity and aid to those in need, we are raising funds to help alleviate their struggles in the face of such tragedy,” he said.

“As the festive season arrives and we enjoy our comforts and security, let us spare a thought for those who have been stripped of their possessions and show them we care.”

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has launched a major appeal for the millions of people affected by Typhoon Haiyan.

DEC member Islamic Relief has been in the eastern Philippines from the first days to provide food, water and shelter to storm-battered communities.

Islamic Help, a UK registered charity and international NGO, has also launched an emergency appeal to rebuild destroyed areas.

A Muslim Hands Emergency Relief team from the UK has also been on the ground, working alongside staff in the region to mobilize and coordinate direct relief to those affected by the disaster.

Islamic Relief USA has also set an appeal to raise $1,000,000 for humanitarian efforts in Philippines, focusing on emergency assistance that may include food aid, shelter service or more.

The United Nations has launched a major appeal for almost a third of a billion dollars in aid to help relief efforts in typhoon-ravaged areas of the Philippines.

http://www.onislam.net/english/news/europe/466189-oxford-muslims-launch-philippines-appeal.html

https://islamstory.com/en/artical/16153/oxford-muslims-launch-philippines-appeal