At a time in the world with people of various religions at each other’s throats, this young woman is a fresh of breath air because she is doing what her faith taught her…lead with compassion.

Faatimah Knight decided to reach out to a group of her Muslim friends and companions to try and help the black churches destroyed by fire. However, she didn’t have a clue that she would be able to raise so much money.

As of today, the young woman’s effort has raised over $60,000 and counting. The funds will be used to help the seven churces destroyed by fire in good ole southern America. The fires broke out after the Charleston massacre and the campaign against the Confederate flag, which was taken down today in South Carolina.

“We have been overwhelmed by how generous people have been,” Ms Knight, 23, told The Independent. “We will stop it today…We will figure out how to distribute the money.”

Ms Knight’s campaign – carried out as Muslims around the world marked the festival of Ramadan – followed a smaller, more modest enterprise she had set in motion in the days after the shooting dead of nine people at Charleston’s Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church on June 17. She and some friends wanted to gather $500 to send flowers; they ended up raising $900.

A number of Muslim organisations have responded to her call, including the Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative, the Arab American Association of New York and Ummah Wide, but she said people of other faiths had also donated.

“It’s Ramadan and we are experiencing firsthand the beauty and sanctity of our mosques during this holy month,” says a message posted on the launchgood.com website.

You can view and donate the LaunchGood account here:

Ms Knight, a Masters student at the Chicago Theological Seminary, said of her acquaintances some people had questioned the campaign and asked why she was raising money for Christian houses of worship, as opposed to a Muslim cause. But most were supportive.

She Islam taught of the need to protect the weak and vulnerable. She said while the black Christian communities of the South might not be weak, they were vulnerable.

“I’m a black person and I do identify with the wider black community at that level,” she said. “Historically, the black community has been vulnerable.”

She added: “Traditionally, when we have been on our best behaviour, we have created space for other faiths, and let people worship as they see fit.”

SOUND OFF: What do you think of this young woman’s efforts to make a difference?

Source: Independent.co.uk