LAS VEGAS – Devastated by the huge number of victims in Las Vegas shooting, American Muslims have rushed to raise funds and offer help to families of victims and survivors of the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history.
As Muslim-Americans, we wish to respond to evil with good as our faith instructs us, sending a powerful message of compassion through action,” Celebrate Mercy, the organizers of the fundraising campaign, wrote on LaunchGood.
“Our Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: “Have mercy to those on earth, and the One in Heaven (God) will have mercy upon you.” His life exemplified a central commandment in the Quran: “Repel evil with that which is better” (41:34).”
The Sunday night shooting spree from a 32nd-floor window of the Mandalay Bay hotel, on the Las Vegas Strip, killed at least 59 people before the gunman reportedly turned a weapon on himself.
More than 500 were injured, some trampled, in the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history.
The gunman, identified as Stephen Paddock, 64, left no immediate hint of his motive for the arsenal of high-powered weaponry he amassed, including 34 guns, or the carnage he inflicted on a crowd of 22,000 attending an outdoor country music festival.
Though the campaign targeted Muslims, Celebrate Mercy said it is open to people of all faiths to join.
“Although this campaign is organized by Muslims, we welcome people of all faiths to contribute (all donations are tax-deductible),” the campaign read.
“No amount of money will bring back the victims, but we do hope to lessen their family’s burdens in some way. Let’s all stand together against the tragic killing of innocent lives.”
At the time of writing, the campaign has raised more than 8,100 British Pounds. It aims to reach 25,000 British Pounds by October 9.
It has been endorsed by the Islamic Foundation of Nevada, the Islamic Community of Lancaster (PA), Muslim Community Center (Indianapolis, IN), and Burmese Rohingya Association (Colorado).
National organizers also include CelebrateMercy, Emgage, Muslim Community Network, Yemeni American Merchants Association, CAIR National, Native Deen, Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), Zakat Foundation, and Poligon Education Fund.