CAIR urges Muslims and all faiths to support victims of Hurricane Katrina

MUSLIMS URGED TO AID HURRICANE VICTIMS -

CAIR asks Americans of all faiths to offer prayers of support

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/31/05) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today urged American Muslims and other people of conscience to offer whatever assistance they can to help alleviate the suffering of those impacted by Hurricane Katrina.

This week, Katrina left a trail of death and destruction along the Gulf Coast. Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco is declaring Wednesday a day of prayer.

In a statement, the Washington-based Islamic civil rights and advocacy group said:"We join Gov. Blanco in urging Americans of all faiths to pray for the victims of this unprecedented national disaster. As stated in the Quran, Islam's revealed text: 'Seek help with patience and prayer: for God is with those who are patient in adversity.' (2:153) We also offer condolences to the loved ones of those who died as a result of the hurricane's impact and urge everyone to contribute whatever they can, in both financial and human resources, to help alleviate the ongoing suffering."

CAIR asked mosques and Islamic centers throughout the Untied States to hold special blood drives, prayers and fundraising efforts for disaster relief.