Assalaamu Alaikum (peace be upon you)

Why we need to be supporting the Kashmiris?

The semi-autonomous region of Kashmir has been a flashpoint between India and Pakistan for more than 50 years. In this time, hundreds of thousands have been killed, tortured and imprisoned in unrelenting violence that has on occasion turned into total war.

Oppression and neglect means rural Kashmiris are in a poor state. Widows, unable to remarry,abound. Poverty has forced orphans to leave school and become labourers. While ruling powers continue to bicker, the people of Kashmir are left to dwell in their misery.

The average annual income of families in Azad Kashmir is below the national average of Pakistan - itself unfeasibly low. Price rises of staple foods recently has pushed hundreds of thousands more families below the poverty line.

Difficulties have been compounded by the little support families have received since the earthquake in 2005. For many, homes and livelihoods that were destroyed have remained destroyed.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once had several coins that he asked his wife to distribute in charity. But due to the Prophet's illness at the time, she did not have an opportunity to give out the coins. When the Prophet learned of this, he asked for the coins, placed them in his hand, and then said: "What would God's Prophet think if he were to meet God, who is Great and Glorious, while (still) possessing these?" - Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 586