Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 states that “Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health, and well being of himself and his family…”. The Preamble to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) constitution also declares that it is one of the fundamental rights of every human being to enjoy “the highest attainable standard of health”.
Unfortunately the sad reality is that there are millions of people on the Earth we all share who do NOT have access to basic health care, generally as a result of poor financial conditions.
In a recent visit to Pakistan, late 2011/early 2012, we found many living in the city of Karachi, which has a population greater than all of Canada, unable to afford basic medical services. As a result, many people are facing malnutrition and diseases, especially among the children and elderly.
By the Mercy of Allah Subhaanahu wa ta’ala, we decided to try and do what little we can to help and open a medical clinic in Orangee, a very poor suburb in Karachi Pakistan. The mission of the clinic is to:
offer free medical services to everyone
offer free medicine to the patients
treat patients with respect and dignity
We strongly believe that health care is a basic human right. Ash Shifa Clinic will exist to provide the widest scope of primary care possible to anyone who needs it. While care will be provided at no cost, it will also be provided within the constraints imposed by limited resources.
FUNDING
We are seeking donors who can commit to a monthly pledge to help support this clinic financially. We intend to have paid staff of doctors and administrators to manage the clinic, as well as the cost of the clinic, utilities and medicine. Our estimate is approximately CA$1500/month. Of course if you choose to give a one-time donation, it would not be turned down. We estimate the cost to increase to CA$2000/month once it is fully operational. Please note that 100% of the funds will be sent to be used for the clinic.
At this point, Alhumdulillah, we have secured pledges of CA$650/month. May Allah Subhaanahu wa ta’ala reward the brothers and sisters who are committed to helping the less fortunate, only to seek the pleasure of Allah Subhaanahu wa ta’ala.
The benefits of giving in the path of Allah Subhaanahu wa ta’ala cannot be measured.
We know that Indeed the best speech is the speech of Allah, and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (sal Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). So listen to what Allah tells us in Surah Baqarah:
“Those who spend their substance in the cause of Allah, and follow not up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury,-for them their reward is with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” (Qur’an 2:262)
AND
“Those who spend of their wealth (in charity) by night and by day, and in secret and in public have their reward with their Lord, on them there shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” (Qur’an 2:274)
NOTE:
“…on them there shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve…”
“…no fear come upon them, neither shall they grieve…”
And what does Allah Subhaanahu wa ta’ala warn us against in Surah Bakarah, ayah 268? What could mean:
“Satan threatens you with poverty and prompts you to commit what is indecent, while Allah promises you His forgiveness and bounties, and Allah has boundless knowledge” (Qur’an 2:268)
What else do we know about giving charity?
“By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you spend of that which you love; and whatever of good you spend, Allah knows it well.” (Qur’an, 3:92)>
“The likeness of those who spend for Allah’s sake is as the likeness of a grain of corn, it grows seven ears every single ear has a hundred grains, and Allah multiplies (increases the reward of) for whom He wills, and Allah is sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower).” (Qur’an, 2:261)
“When a person dies, his good deeds cease except for three: 1 – Deeds of continuous Sadaqa (Sadaqa Jariyah e.g. orphan home, a well for giving water to drink, building a mosque, a free medical clinic, etc.) 2- Ilm Naafiya (beneficial knowledge) , 3- Al walad as-Saalih (a righteous son or daughter who supplicates to Allah Subhaanahu wa ta’ala on his behalf).” (Narrated by Muslim)
We have NOT yet started the project as we are waiting to reach our goal of CA$1500/month in commitments. We have also NOT yet collected any of the pledges yet, unless and until we reach our goal Insha’Allah. Please help us help the less fortunate and be part of this Sadaqa Jariyah.
According to a recent article in The Express Tribune (http://tribune.com.pk/story/131565/one-child-dies-every-minute-in-pakistan-report/) on March 12, 2011, it was stated that “the situation of child health in Pakistan is abysmal… and thousands of children who die every year from preventable diseases.”
According to the annual health report of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) for the year 2011, one child dies every minute from diarrhea and acute respiratory infection (ARI). The report also reveals that every year about 400,000 infants die in the first year of their life.
Child mortality in Pakistan is a major cause of concern, with every one among 10 children dying before reaching the age of five and one among 30, just after they are born.
Just think of the last time your children were sick, or your parents, or you yourself. Imagine if you had to think twice before visiting the doctor because you couldn’t afford it. Imagine the thoughts that would have gone through you mind, knowing you need medical attention and medication to help relieve you of the pain and suffering. Imagine what may have been the outcome if you did not receive that medical care or medication.
Allah Subhaanahu wa ta’ala is the sole source of granting Shifa. But the means have been provided to us. Let us help those who cannot access those means by making a pledge, with Allah Subhaanahu wa ta’ala, and with Ash Shifa Free Medical Clinic.
To donate, please email us at shifa@trustit.ca with your contact information and how much you would like to donate Insha’Allah and we will follow up with more information as soon as possible. You may also send INTERAC money transfer to the same email address. Cheques can be mailed to:
Attn: Ash Shifa
120 Laguna Crescent
Markham, ON, L3S3G5
Jazak’Allahu Khayrun Katheera Fidarayn wa Ahsaanul Jaza wa BarakAllahu Feekum,
Assalaamu `alaykum waRahmatullahi Wabarakatoh.
…Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us: For Thou art the All-Hearing, the All-knowing. (Quran 2:127)
