The Kent Refugee Action Network shared the frustration felt by people of compassion writing, “We are devastated to learn of the death of a 16-year-old boy in Sangatte. This death was completely avoidable.”

“Along with many other migrant and refugee organizations we have been calling for safe passage for some time now. Meanwhile the government’s response has been chaotic & callous, & utterly against a proud British tradition of offering refuge to those in need.”

Islam & Refugees

People leaving their homes to seek a better life have existed since the dawn of time.

From Prophet Abraham to Prophet Moses (peace be upon them), even the Muslim calendar is based on the date Prophet Muhammad migrated from Makkah to Madinah, to escape persecution.

It didn’t matter that Prophet Muhammad’s guide was a pagan, or that his safety or security was in the hands of a non-Muslim. Religion was not relevant in seeking or gaining support.

After pointing out in Qur’an (9:4) to keep peace with polytheists who honor their treaties of peace with Muslims, God continues to say in (9:6) in the Quran, “And if any one of the polytheists seeks your protection, then grant him protection so that he may hear the words of Allah . Then deliver him to his place of safety. That is because they are a people who do not know.”

And whether Muslim or non-Muslim – Prophet Muhammad did not discriminate – he famously said, “the rights of migrants are the same as those of their hosts,” showing that every human life, whether it is a migrant, a refugee or a person who is stable in their land, they should all have the same freedoms, the same opportunities and the same rights to dignity and life.

British Muslims and Charity

The top five countries in the world to host refugees are Turkey (1.59 million), Pakistan (1.51 million), Lebanon (1.15 million), Iran (982k) and Bangladesh (900k), in addition to Egypt and Jordan. These are all countries with Muslim majority populations.

By end of 2018, there were 126,720 refugees in the UK accounting for less about 0.25% of the population.

In recent years, British Muslims have donated over £100 million every year in charity.

In Qur’an 9:60, God refers to a category of people who should receive charity known as ibn al-sabil. Literally, this means ‘traveler.’ Yet, commentaries of the Qur’an, such as Ibn Kathir’s (Vol 4, p 169) defines the term as ‘the travelers passing a city who have nothing to help them on continuing their journey, even if they have property in their hometown.’

Perhaps British Muslims can therefore take a more active role with our charitable contributions,  directing them to causes on our doorsteps, such as financially supporting refugees who are seeking asylum and refugee in our nation?

As Siobhan Benita wrote, “I don’t know his story but he lost his life in search of a better one. Everything about this is utterly tragic and our only response should be one of compassion and shared humanity. The stories have to change. We can do that.”

May God Almighty bless us with means to be a part of that positive change, amen.