The holy month of Ramadan is vitally important for the spiritual development of Muslims. If done correctly, fasting provides people with an insight into the suffering of fellow humans, an insight which they might not normally have at other times of the year. Muslims learn again what it is to be hungry and thirsty. In the spirit of Ramadan, we therefore welcome the recent initiative of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to launch an aid campaign for the famine-hit people of Somalia. He has appealed to citizens and expatriates alike to contribute generously to alleviate the plight of the many thousands of men, women and children suffering under both environmental and man-made catastrophes in that devastated country. Here is now another opportunity for Muslims to open their hearts and wallets to help their brothers and sisters. Their charity is greatly needed. It should be noted that even before Ramadan, the King had earmarked $60 million in food and other aid to that country. Other initiatives underway and supported by the Kingdom, include the campaign by the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) to raise funds. The OIC has formed an alliance of Humanitarian Partners to provide emergency relief to Somalia. The partners include the Saudi Red Crescent Society, International Islamic relief Organization (IIRO), World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) and Islamic Solidarity Fund. The OIC has set up a special account to receive donations for the Somali people. We should be reminded that the United Nations has officially declared famine in a number of areas in Somalia for the first time this century, including in Mogadishu and four southern Somali regions, and warned that the famine could spread further. More than 30,000 children under the age of five have died over the last four months, with a further 500,000 on the brink of starvation, according to some estimates. There are 3.5 million people threatened by the famine. This is the scale of the tragedy unfolding in Somalia. It is therefore necessary for all Muslims, especially over the last 10 days of Ramadan to make sure they contribute to the worldwide humanitarian effort. As the Prophet, peace be upon him, has taught believers, it is not enough to simply perform the rituals of Islam. It is action, more than anything else, that counts. Action from Muslims is needed right now. __
