Fires in France: the CFCM calls on mosques to prayer and solidarity

The French Council of Muslim Worship (CFCM) on Saturday called on all mosques in France, their leaders and Muslim faithful to mobilize in the face of the fires affecting several regions of the country. In a press release, the Muslim organization invites places of worship to combine spiritual mobilization and concrete actions of solidarity in favor of the affected populations.

The CFCM expresses its “deep compassion” for the victims, their loved ones and all those affected by the fires. He emphasizes that these fires caused significant damage, led to the evacuation of many families and endangered human lives as well as French natural heritage. The body also expresses its support for residents forced to leave their homes and those who live in areas directly threatened by the progression of the flames.

The Council also pays tribute to the firefighters, rescue personnel, security forces and volunteers engaged in the field. He salutes their courage and dedication in the operations carried out to protect the populations, secure the areas concerned and try to control the various sources of fire. The CFCM calls on mosque leaders to devote special time to this situation during the next Friday prayer or during any other religious gathering.

The faithful are invited to formulate invocations in order to ask God to preserve the country, to protect the populations, to support those affected and to grant strength and protection to firefighters, rescuers and all those who fight fires. In this context, the CFCM recommends in particular the recitation of the traditional prayer of “Al-Laṭîf”, in reference to one of the divine names meaning “The Most Benevolent”.

This invocation is traditionally recited in times of trial in order to implore divine mercy, the protection of populations and the alleviation of difficulties. The organization also calls for material mobilization of the faithful, mosques and Muslim associations. She encourages them to participate in donation collections, to provide material aid and moral support to victims, or to welcome displaced people when conditions permit.

The CFCM specifies that these various initiatives must be carried out in coordination with the competent authorities and in compliance with the official systems put in place. This coordination must in particular make it possible to identify real needs, avoid the dispersion of aid and guarantee the effectiveness of solidarity actions. Muslim associations are thus encouraged to get closer to local communities, emergency services and organizations already working with affected populations.

This appeal from the CFCM shows that mosques are not only places of prayer. They can also play an important role in mutual aid and solidarity, particularly during natural disasters. The press release thus combines two forms of mobilization: prayer, to morally support the victims and relief workers, and concrete action, through donations, material aid or welcoming evacuees. The CFCM also seeks to place this mobilization within a national framework. By insisting on coordination with the authorities, he wishes to avoid disorganized initiatives and allow Muslim associations to provide truly useful help.

This call finally reminds us that solidarity goes beyond religious affiliations. Faced with the fires, the CFCM invites Muslims in France to act alongside all citizens and participate in the collective effort. In its press release, the Council insists on the need for mobilization going beyond religious affiliations. He believes that fraternity, mutual aid and solidarity must bring together all citizens, whatever their beliefs, in the face of a disaster affecting the national community as a whole.

The CFCM concludes its appeal with an invocation asking the “Most Benevolent” to preserve France from these disasters, to protect the people involved in the field and to bring comfort and hope to the victims.