Many charitable organizations, including Muslim charities, provided assistance to the victims of Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas. One of our member organizations, The Zakat Foundation, not only sponsored a fleet of trucks that carried household goods and food supplies to the residents of Houston, Texas, it brought volunteer workers to Houston to assist with distribution of these needed supplies.
Recently, former President George Bush touted the accomplishments of the Zakat Foundation for its service to the citizens of Houston, Texas. President Bush commended the Foundation’s herculean efforts helping thousands of residents of Houston, Texas rebound from the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey.
For the Zakat Foundation to be singled out from the array of relief agencies that provided assistance to the people of Houston, Texas is noteworthy, not only because of the Foundation’s status as a charitable agency, but also as it pertains to its status as a Muslim charity.
Muslim charities, in the 1990’s and early 2000’s, were once raided, and their assets confiscated. Many were falsely accused of being money agents for terrorist groups. This image of Muslim charities still lingers in the mind of many American citizens. This endorsement by President Bush validates what we, as Muslims, have known from the beginning, our charities are here to serve the well-being of humankind.
Once again, congratulations to Hilal Demir, the board, and staff of the Zakat Foundation. You are a shining star for us all.