The Muslims of Houston decided to ensure they did their part in helping the people who were pushed out of their homes due to Hurricane Harvey.
The gymnasium at the Champions Islamic Center is filled with blankets and mats on the eve of Bakr-Eid. The Muslims opened their doors to 15 of Hurricane Harvey evacuees Muslim and non-Muslim.
The mosque will be filled with hundreds of people for prayer on Friday but the leaders of the mosque have clearly stated that no matter how many people attend the prayers, the evacuees will remain to stay there until the danger passes.
The president of the Islamic Society of Greater Houston, M.K. Khan said, “They are the No. 1 priority. They will not be disturbed, they will not be displaced, they will not be moved. People who come, if they have to pray in the parking lot, they’ll pray in the parking lot.”
Houston’s Muslim community is estimated at 200,000 people and many of them have opened their community centers for the evacuees and even sent volunteers to help rescue people from the floods and hand out food to the ones in need.
The leader of Detroit area mosque, Imam Hassan Qazwini was quoted saying, “The ultimate goal of holding and practicing all of these rituals … is to help others.” He intends to dedicate his time this Eid to raise money for storm victims.
Professor Liyakat Takim described this situation perfectly, he said, “Muslims are very much part of American society and they should contribute in any way possible. If you cannot be a good human being, you cannot be a good Muslim. … The primary identity is not as a Muslim — the primary identity is humanity.”
