A Little Muslim Girl!

Society Religion & Philosophy
1

Could someone please help me decide on what to do about this issue I have.
Recently in our building here downtown a group from WORLDVISION had a child sponsorship program set up. I went by and the person there talked to me about the program. I kind of got discouraged when I found out it is a Christian organization and I thought its not for me, I figured, I may as well support a muslim organization since I am a muslim. She assured me they don’t encourage anyone to become christian or anything, they “say” they just provide basics of living regardless of race culture, etc…

She came to know I am a muslim and she showed me a picture of a little muslim girl in Bangladesh who she wanted me to sponsor. I hesitated at first but then when I saw the little girls name, it was the same name as my mother, I don’t know, I just filled out the form right there. The girl there told me I could cancel anytime I wanted if I decided not to continue with it.
I have the pamphlet with the little girls picture and its bothering me.
The money is not an issue for me, its the fact its a christian organization. Would I be overall supporting a christian cause which I certainly don’t want to do. What I am saying is, I don’t want to help build churches, I may as well help build mosques.
Whats your opinion?

[This message has been edited by STRONGMAN (edited December 22, 2000).]

2

i don't think along those lines....they r human first...then they are chirstian or whatever....my uncle sponsored a kid in africa....christian....just think of it as a way of helpin out khuda ki makhlooq....hindu, muslim, sikh, christian...we r all his creation....don't think there is anythin wrong in doind so....god looks at ure niyaat...ure only intention is to help out a person in need....that's all that counts

3

Brother,

You won't score half as many points for helping a Christian, as you would for helping a Muslim. Each has equal merit in the eyes of God.

I was a member of a Christian charity for years. Yet, by chance, I came across more muslims who needed help than Christians... and I helped as best I can for all of them.

It's funny how things work out!

4

well think of it this way.. ur supporting a muslim girl arent u???
just make sure ur money does go to her.. see if theres a way of finding out if shes getting it or not..
just think of how many Dua’s she will be saying for u.. a good deed and it probably brings a smile to the girls face…

http://www3.pak.org/gupshup/smilies/smile.gif

5

i was also thinkin bout doin the same thing, i think the charity keeps u and ur sponcer in touch with letters and pics and they give u a report on how the child u have sponcered is progessin, also i don't think they'll cheat on u, if they say ur sponcerin a muslim child then u will be

6

Because of this did We ordain unto the children of Israel that if anyone slays a human being - unless it be (in punishment) for murder or for spreading corruption on earth - it shall be as though he had slain all of mankind; whereas, if anyone saves a life, it shall be as though he had saved the lives of all mankind. ...'(5:32)

I don't think there is anything wrong with it islamically if they do not try to indoctrinate anyone with their own beliefs....but i understand why people might be more hesitant and reserved when it comes to donating to organizations that are religiously based but run by non-muslims. Many people believe we are paying them to take people away from islam....and with world vision i don't know, i know that in the schools they run, they do teach the beliefs of christianity.... I guess to be on the safe side, its better to give to our own muslim organizations which have been set up for the same purposes of aid and relief....

7

From http://www.understanding-islam.com/ret/et-006.htm

Answer:

My dear brother, poverty and need has no religion. To support the poor and to help the needy is one of the basic goods that any person can aspire to do, irrespective of what the beliefs of such poor and needy are. You may have noticed that at numerous occasions, the Qur’an has prompted its followers to support the needy, to feed the hungry and to help the poor, yet at not even a single instance has the Qur’an made such help conditional upon the beliefs of the needy, the hungry or the poor.

As far as extending helping to the needy through an organization is concerned, the only thing that needs to be secured (that too only at a possible level) is that the money shall actually be spent for the cause for which it is being donated. A good deed is a good deed, irrespective of who performs it. In fact, the Qur’an has directed the Muslims to cooperate with others in all that is good and to refrain from extending direct or indirect cooperation in matters, which entail disobedience toward God. The Qur’an has unequivocally declared:

“Do not let the hatred of a nation – because it stopped you from the Masjid e Haraam – incite you to transgress. Cooperate in matters of goodness and piety; do not extend your cooperation in matters of injustice and transgression. And fear God. Indeed God is strict in reckoning.” (Al-Maaidah 5: 2)

At another instance, the Qur’an says:

“Believers, be maintainers of justice, bearing its witness for God; Do not let hatred of a people incite you to do injustice. Maintain justice, for that is, indeed, closer to piety.” (Al-Maaidah 5: 8)

In view of these clear directives of the Qur’an, one should indeed very closely judge whether the deed that is being financed is one, which may be termed as ‘goodness’ and ‘justice’; nevertheless, the fact that it is a Christian or a Jewish or a Hindu organization that is seeking your help for the purpose, is absolutely immaterial in a Muslim’s decision in this regard.

I hope this helps.

Regards,

Moiz Amjad

They shoot partypoopers, don’t they?

8

Thanks Mr Partypooper...really.

*Believers, be maintainers of justice, bearing its witness for God; Do not let hatred of a people incite you to do injustice. Maintain justice, for that is, indeed, closer to piety.(5:8) *

SubhanAllah....