Anne McLaughlin MSP praises Muslim Council initiative

Dr Salah Beltagui, head of the Muslim Council of Scotland (MCS), has launched an urgent appeal to raise funds for Haiti. Basic shelter, food, clean water and medical supplies are all desperately needed to cope with the devastating impact of last Tuesday’s earthquake, measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale.

Commenting Dr Beltagui said: "The impact of the earthquake in Haiti has shocked the world. As our television screens continue to beam the scenes of devastation into our living rooms, the people of Haiti are left living the nightmare.

"Even the strongest nations in the world would be severely tested to cope with the damage of this quake. Haiti, being the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, is unable to cope on its own and it is vital that people come together to do their part in helping those who have been left with nothing. Unfortunately, it is often the poorest of the poor who are the worst effected.

"The Muslim Council of Scotland has written to Mosques around Scotland and we are delighted that many of them have pledged to donate their Friday collection towards the appeal. Muslims are taught from an early age that we must strive to help those who are suffering, regardless of faith or race, and with this initiative we are putting that teaching into practise.

"I am delighted that the Mosques are playing a vital part in Scotland's contribution to the aid effort and have no doubt this community spirit will be reflected across the country and Scotland will do her part in the global relief effort for Haiti."

Anne McLaughlin, MSP for Glasgow, praised the initiative saying: "This is brilliant news and I am delighted to see the Muslim Council of Scotland taking a lead on this. The Quran like the Bible teaches its followers that we have a duty to help those who are suffering. "The people of Haiti have nothing left, they need us and the many Mosques pledging their Friday collections to help them. This is a fantastic indication of the good and selfless works that faith groups can and regularly do."