Libyans unite in the face of crisis and call for change

Within the country, citizens from all regions have banded together to establish grassroots fundraising and humanitarian supplies’ campaigns. Libyans all around the world have also been spearheading critical fundraising and relief efforts with extensive international reach.

While the political divisions in the country have given the perception of a divided people, this crisis has shown that is simply not the case. The Libyan people themselves are united and demanding that the country’s politics and governance now unify to form a stronger Libya.

As people in the country have been hearing often in the days since the floods hit, ‘the death of a city has given birth to a nation’. This rallying cry signals not only that the Libyan people have come together en masse to support each other in this crisis, but also to demand action and not allow the tragedy of Derna to pass without meaningful change.

As we reflect on the magnitude of this crisis for the country, we note that many Libyans will be turning to their faith for comfort during this tragedy.

In Islam, those that die from drowning – as was the case for most people in the floods – are considered martyrs. Martyr’s Day in Libya was this past Saturday (16th September) but passed with minimal celebration this year due to the floods tragedy. The occasion remembers those who died fighting for Libyan independence, but more broadly includes all those who have died as martyrs, as defined in Islam.

As such, to commemorate Martyr’s Day and to honor those who died in the floods, we share a prayer with you for the souls of the deceased:

إِنّا للهِ وَإِنَا إِلَـيْهِ رَاجِِعُـون 

We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.

Every contribution to the relief effort for the floods will make a difference. Should you wish to contribute, please see our other post here with details of organisations and fundraising campaigns specifically for the Libyan floods.