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Muslim Group Donates 30,000 Bottles of Water To Flint, Michigan

Dismayed by the fate thousands of residents face in Flint, Michigan, many have stepped up to help alleviate the crisis.

Not only did Cher donate 180,000 bottles of water to the residents, but another group – one often unfairly generalized as ‘terrorists’ – is donating 30,000 water bottles to the affected citizens, as well.

The Washington Times reports that the Michigan chapter of international Muslim organization Who Is Hussain? pledged to donate 30,000 bottles of water to the town which is presently under a state of emergency due to lead contamination in the water supply.

The crisis began two years ago when the state of Michigan decided to switch the city of Flint’s water supply from Lake Huron to Flint River, which is highly corrosive. Because the water was not treated, the pipes began eroding, eventually causing iron and lead to leach into the water supply.

Residents were wary of the safety of the water to begin with – and became increasingly nervous once health conditions started appearing, but weren’t taken seriously for months. In fact, only recently did the local, state, and federal governments all declare a state of emergency over the contaminated water supply.

The residents haven’t had safe, clean water in over a year, which is why Who is Hussain? is donating the thousands of bottles of water.

Said Dr. Azizi Askari of the organization:

We saw what needed to be done and we decided to do it. We reached out to schools, neighbors, friends, mosques, anyone and everyone to help us by donating a case of water, or money towards a case.”

The organization hopes to allay some of the burdens on the community by distributing the gifted water.

Prophet Mohammed taught us ‘Your neighbor comes before your own household,’” filmmaker and Who is Hussain? volunteer Mohammed Almawla told the Times. “As a resident of Detroit, this is not only a Flint problem, this is a Michigan problem, and I feel obligated to help to the best of my ability.”

If you’re wondering, the organization’s name Who is Hussain? honors Hussain ibn Ali, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad honored by Shia Muslims. He was refused water for days before being killed in a massacre.

Since 2012, Who is Hussain? has taken part in blood donations, food drives, and other honorable charity work.

Hopefully, this beautiful demonstration of compassion and charity will help to dissolve Islamophobia in America.

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