The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), under the leadership of its President, Alh. Rasaki Oladejo FCS, who also doubled as the Deputy President-General (South), Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has expressed sadness over the tragic loss of lives in the Turkey-Syria Earthquake which unfortunately happened on Monday, February 6th, 2023 at about 4:15 am local time.
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck south-central Turkey near the Turkey/Syria border and just about 11 minutes after, a 6.7 magnitude aftershock wave followed.
These series of events left over 20,000 people dead and over 50,000 injured in Turkey and Syria combined.
“We will certainly test you with a touch of fear and famine and loss of property, life, and crops. Give good news to those who patiently endure— who, when faced with a disaster, say, “Surely to Allah we belong and to Him we will ˹all˺ return.” They are the ones who will receive Allah’s blessings and mercy. And it is they whom are ˹rightly˺ guided. Al-Baqarah 155-157.
The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) sent its deepest condolences to the families and nations of Turkey and Syria who were affected by the devastating earthquake that struck their borders.
MUSWEN said;”This tragedy has unfortunately also caused severe damage to the infrastructure of both countries.
Since the occurrence of this saddening disaster, we have continually sent our fervent prayers to Allah (SWT) for the repose of the souls of the departed ones while praying for the quick recovery of the injured. It is also our prayer that almighty Allah grants the family of the diseased the equanimity to bear the irreparable loss. Allah says in the Qur’an “…but give glad tidings to the patient ones”.
In the words of MUSWEN President and Deputy President-General (South) of NSCIA, Alh. Rasaki Oladejo FCS, “This tragedy is a reminder of our vulnerability and of how fragile life can be. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this earthquake, and we urge the world to come together to provide the necessary support for the affected populations.
“While MUSWEN mourns the loss of lives and properties, we identify with the call by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the leadership of His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and call on well-meaning people of Nigeria and governments around the world to assist in the provision of relief items for the affected nations. We urge the international community to come together in solidarity and provide the necessary support for the affected populations in order to help them rebuild their lives.
We hope that with the support of the international community, the people of Turkey and Syria will be able to recover from this tragedy and rebuild their lives. MUSWEN is ready to coordinate efforts of providing relief of all kinds as called by the NSCIA in South West Nigeria.
“Anyone who is willing and ready to provide relief items to our brothers and sisters affected by the untold hardship should contact MUSWEN on the following contact details:
Telephone number: +2348066096937
Email: [email protected]
As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuhu!” MUSWEN concluded.
