Islam is known to stand on five pillars. However, these pillars appear to have varying importance. While Ramadan and pilgrimages are just as important as the daily prayers for which mosques are being built everywhere, it appears that the pillar of benevolent donations for the needy is not so meaningful. The moneybag of the faithful brethren for the flood catastrophe in Pakistan remains closed.

The Swiss BLICK inquires: How do Islamic countries really help?

For immediate aid, the UN needs 550 million dollars. The reconstruction, according to early conservative estimates, will cost $15 billion.

After a beginning hesitation, a wave of solidarity has been started in Western democracies. In the daily rhythm of things, the governments are raising their promises of money and material aid. Within one day, the Chain of Fortune gathered in over 16 million francs.

And that, in spite of the fact that Pakistan is considered one of the most corrupt countries in the world, and the Taliban is rejecting not only Western money but also the aid from the countries of the infidels. The Islamists have even threatened with violence against foreign aid.

The Taliban has had to bet more against the Muslim countries than the West. They have been a little more like tight-wads to this point. Of the five million dollars that have come in from the Red Cross and the Red Crescent, only a tenth comes from the Islamic world. On the official donor list of the United Nations, the only Muslim countries listed so far are Oman and Egypt.

Remaining Money from the Saudis, Great Words from Iran

The promised 100 million dollars from Saudi Arabia is not fresh money. It was directed over from the budget for the victims of earlier natural catastrophies in Pakistan. And Iran indeed is touting with generous aid projects. However, Teheran doesn’t intend to disclose the details.

That the West, above all the US, is bring aid to the oppressed Pakistan, the Middle East Relief Organization considers normal: after all, the enemies of Allah are responsible for Pakistan’s poverty.

Everything else is a surprise to us.

(Many thanks to all contributors! / Translation: Anders Denken)

Islam is known to stand on five pillars. However, these pillars appear to have varying importance. While Ramadan and pilgrimages are just as important as the daily prayers for which mosques are being built everywhere, it appears that the pillar of benevolent donations for the needy is not so meaningful. The moneybag of the ...

PI, 30. Aug 2010 |  Print This Post |  Email This Post | post a comment    
Kategorie: Islam is peace™, Pakistan;

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