May Allah (SWT) accept our Ramadan and guide us to carry the benefits from Ramadan forward throughout the year.

Don’t forget: as we enjoy the company of our fellow Muslims and fill our bellies after a month of fasting, remember our brothers and sisters suffering from Famine in Somalia and Africa. Make dua for them and contribute to elleviate their suffering any way you can!

The Reality on the Ground:

Insufficient rains have left many of the country’s cereal crops barren and much of the country’s livestock (many of which have herds greater than 100) drastically reduced (in some instances to less than 5) since the drought began. The drought has forced scores of rural populations to walk days and even weeks to the cities in hopes of finding food and water, however, the rising food prices and ongoing civil war in the capital seem to only compound the already ominous situation. Even those who are fortunate enough to make it to refugee camps in Kenya and Ethiopia, are still faced with lack of clothing, shelter, and medication. In addition, the Red Cross Red Crescent Societies are currently only one of a few international aid organizations on the ground that are able to reach those in need in the most affected areas .

The Next Step:

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works closely with and provides substantial support to the Somali Red Crescent Society (SRCS), the ICRC’s main operational partner in Somalia.

Donations are being accepted online with the ICRC at: http://www.icrc.org/eng/donations/index.jsp

For decades the Muslim nations have been under rule,

By ruthless dictators who are nothing but cruel,

Spreading injustice, fear, violence, and corruption,

Because wealth and power had become their addiction.

They claim to be with our friends and families,

But you see them shaking the hands of our enemies,

Secretly telling those killing our sisters and brothers,

“Let us stay in power and do what you want with the others”.

It started with the ouster of Ben Ali,

Who saw the power of the people and decided to flee,

Followed shortly by a criminal who ruled for 30 years,

Driven out by the brave Egyptians who overcame their fears.

And now Gaddafi is using all of his resources,

Firing bullets indesciminately at opposition forces,

Thinking his arrogance will earn him an ultimate victory,

But in reality he has lost all of his dignity.

While events unfold the media implements its strategy,

To put down Islam in the name of ‘democracy’,

Saying Islamic extremists want to take over these nations,

And turn them into their ‘terrorist stations’.

Sadly many Muslims still do not understand,

The way of the Prophet (saw) is the best way to rule the land,

And to establish a strong and successful society,

Based on peace, freedom, justice, and equality.

Until then, enjoy some of these pictures from One Ummah, One Love!

[Show as slideshow]