We campaign for other causes too – blood drives, elderly home visits, feeding the homeless, tree planting, street cleaning and interfaith peace conferences. But why the Poppy Appeal?
Source/Credit: i News
By Damir Musa Rafi | November 9, 2016
When you think of Islam, you may think of its early history, with its great leaps forward in Arts and Sciences. Or, more likely, you may think of the turmoil that currently consumes the Muslim world, with radicalisation, extremism and conflict sadly all too prevalent. But either way, it’s unlikely that you would immediately think of poppies.
Over the past century poppies have been enshrined in British culture as a symbol, both of commemoration and hope, a means of remembering fallen soldiers from the past two world wars. Despite this, there are those who say that wearing it shows you support unjust foreign wars, while others brand those who don’t wear it as “racist” or “unpatriotic”.
But I think the symbolism is clear: the funds raised from the appeal don’t fund foreign wars, but support veterans and their families, many of whom struggle with poor financial situations, employment and mental or physical distress. The beauty of the Poppy Appeal lies in its ability to help those in need.
With that in mind, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association – of which I am a member – has raised over £200,000 for the appeal over the past nine years.
Our members take to the streets with smiling faces come rain, hail, sleet or snow, aiming to raise as much as possible.
Why the poppy appeal?
We campaign for other causes too – blood drives, elderly home visits, feeding the homeless, tree planting, street cleaning and interfaith peace conferences. But why the Poppy Appeal?
Many may assume it is simply an opportunity to jump on a bandwagon to help reduce Islamophobia. But in reality, acts of charity such as these were practiced and encouraged by the Founder of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself.
He taught that the love of one’s nation is an essential part of one’s faith. He told his followers that the two essential components of Islam were love for God, and love for God’s creation. His conduct during wartime was unparalleled; his respect for enemy soldiers unmatched.
For example, in the height of conflict he is reported to have instructed Muslim physicians to tend to wounded enemy soldiers on the battlefield. This example demonstrates the respect that Muslims today should have for soldiers, and indeed to all people of all faiths without prejudice.
What poppies and Islam have in common
Perhaps in a strange way the poppy and this group of Muslims go hand in hand. In the midst of destruction, when vast areas of countryside had become barren and empty, it was the delicate and beautiful poppy that managed to grow, flourishing amidst a state of turmoil, resilient despite the chaos that surrounded it.
Similarly, today while much of the world is absorbed in conflict, we are trying to demonstrate the true peaceful nature of Islam.
After all, true Islam, like the true essence of the Poppy Appeal, signifies compassion, hope and beauty.
Damir Musa Rafi is the President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Students Association, the student arm of the AMYA.
Read original post here: Perspective: Why I and other young Muslims have raised over £200,000 for the Poppy Appeal | Damir Musa Rafi
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