Global crisis vs national indifference

By Cherine Badrawi

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On many occasions I have felt compelled to express my concern regarding a current social or political issue. Eight days after the mammoth tsunami disaster it is not "concern" that has compelled me to write but rather a mixture of disappointment, sadness and anger.

While the international community -- rich and poor -- has rallied to the aid of those afflicted by the world's most geographically far reaching natural disaster, Arab governments have collectively pledged a mere $60 million! $60 million from countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait in comparison to $500 million from Japan! Is my surprise unjustified?

This is a global crisis affecting people of all faiths and backgrounds and most of the world has reacted accordingly. The Arab world has been noticeably silent although many individuals have made private donations and several Muslim groups have supported the relief effort. However a collective call by prominent or religious leader has been virtually absent.

I have tried to make sense of this "muted reaction". What worries me is that the "indifference" and the "apathy" I sense are not confined to the tsunami disaster appeal but have become part of our national psyche. We have become insular, passive and afflicted by an inexplicable form of lethargy. No one appears to care about anything beyond their own personal interest. We have reached the point that even the upkeep or maintenance of anything outside our front door is not considered to be our domain. We have reached a point where we neither defend our rights or the rights of others. We do not understand civic duty, we no longer have a sense of community and even our legendary hospitality is disappearing.

I reject the argument that we have enough of our own problems to deal with because my anger is obviously not directed to the poor and under-privileged. My disappointment is towards those who have the ability to contribute but feel absolutely no compulsion to do anything at all.

It is important to recognise that all over the world fund raising has taken place on many levels with school children contributing pocket money and the less fortunate donating old clothes and blankets. Members of our community need to deliver the message that "wanting" to share in other peoples grief and suffering is more important than the actual amount of money given. In Afghanistan people have lined up to give blood!

I cannot explain the apathy that surrounds us. Over the last decade we have witnessed an alarming growth of religiosity that dare I say is almost suffocating. What puzzles me is that with this excessive piety I would have expected an outpouring of charity following a catastrophe such as this. After all one of the five pillars of Islam is the zakat. The Qur'an implores us again and again to look after those less fortunate than ourselves, to care for the poor, sick and the orphans. Are we doing this today? Are religious leaders instructing or directing Muslims to assist their fellow-Muslims? Are members of the religious community collaborating in any way towards the global appeal? Are we teaching our children the value of giving to those in need?

Like millions of others I have been incredibly moved by the plight of the tsunami victims and their unimaginable suffering. At the same time I have been equally moved by the unprecedented reaction of Western civil society whose generosity has clearly prompted governments into donating vast amounts of money. In many countries the public have exceeded their government's donations, for example in a nation of just five million, the Finish government have donated $6 million whereas the public have given $18 million.

I honestly believe that this should have been the case here. There should have been a far more active attempt by the privileged members of our community to come together during this enormous catastrophe. It is not too late, the momentum must continue for several months if not years and there is plenty of time for us to join the astounding efforts of the global community. My concern is that if a disaster of such extraordinary proportions can do little to move our hearts and souls then it is unlikely that we can do enough to help the poor and needy in our own communities.