INDONESIA: "Major role" for mosques in disaster

JAKARTA, 15 August 2011 - In the world's most disaster-prone country with the largest Muslim population, disaster-management experts and religious leaders say mosques can represent more than spiritual refuge.

Ali M. Noor Muhammad, country director for Islamic Relief Indonesia (IRI), told IRIN it was not only the physical structure of the mosque, but also the influence and respect of its religious leaders that should be tapped in the event of a disaster.

"These religious leaders will be trained and inspired to touch the humanitarian side and cooperation between people for support, development and relief of suffering... as their message is so effective and well-received and applied by communities," he said.

Read more: INDONESIA: "Major role" for mosques in disaster

Islamic Relief launches Australia office

Saleh Saeed CEO Islamic Relief Worldwide

With the help of our generous donors, we help people who are suffering regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender, expecting nothing in return’ said Saleh Saeed, CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide

 

Islamic Relief has launched its Australia office. The grand opening was attended by Australian Government Ministers, voluntary sector figures and Muslim community leaders.

 

Read more: Islamic Relief launches Australia office

Islamic Relief delivers aid to Syrian refugees in Lebanon

Thousands of Syrians have poured into north Lebanon this month using illegal border crossings to escape the violence unleashed on protesters by security forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad. It is estimated that 6,000 Syrians have been displaced amongst Lebanese villages in Akkar

Read more: Islamic Relief delivers aid to Syrian refugees in Lebanon