On the 10th of August, a major earthquake shook the western region of Colombia. The temblor, which lasted for more than a minute, was centred in the ‘coffee-axis’ but the shock were felt throughout the country and as far away as Ecuador and Venezuela. Hundreds of people have died, injuries are in the thousands, and many dozens of buildings have been toppled or flattened in Cali, Pereira, Manizales and other cities.

We have many Sufi sisters and brothers in Colombia, but by divine Grace none of them were injured. Nevertheless, a number have lost their homes and their businesses as well, and like many in the country, are now asking themselves such basic questions as ‘where can we sleep tonight?” and “How do we begin to rebuild?” Reconstruction will inevitably be slow; the city of Armenia suffered an earthquake in 1999, and recovery took twenty years.

If you would like to help, there are two possible paths. The first is to offer your sincere prayers for the country and its people. Many have been repeating ‘Aman Ya Hafiz Ya Muhaimin’, ‘O Refuge, O Preserver, O Protector’ to focus their prayer, but any sincere thoughts and words are welcome. There is also a small number of people who have requested prayers for themselves and their families, names available through ‘info@sufimovement.org’.

The other way to help is with a financial donation. Our Sufi group has formed an informal pool to collect whatever aid is available and pass it on. No doubt this will be small-scale in comparison with government programs and established charities, but it can be direct and immediate. If you would like to offer something – small or large makes no difference, for good will adds many zeroes to the amount – write to <info@sufimovement.org> for details of the deposit path.

May the Lord of Mercy and Compassion
help each according to their need.