Mogadishu (Sunatimes) Imagine waking up in the morning, anticipating death. Imagine making the decision to leave your 3 year old daughter on the side of the road to die, in order to save the rest of your family. Imagine thinking about what the rest of the world could possibly be busy with when 30,000 children have died in the span of a few months. Now imagine what you could do to help.

We've heard it all, and we've seen the numbers. Six hundred thousand children are now on the brink of starvation. Twelve million people are affected by this catastrophe in the horn of Africa. Statistics show that 240 children die every day (24 hours) because of this famine. In addition to starvation, many of these children die of preventable conditions including measles, cholera, and constant diarrhea. But as we see the pictures of children near death, we turn to our sides as if we have no obligation whatsoever.

It may seem as if I have more compassion for this crisis because I'm Somali, but this is a crisis that should be acknowledged by all of humanity. Whether it’s the floods in Pakistan, or an earthquake in Haiti, every soul should have enough dignity as a human to help in any way possible.

Somalia, a country who was inducted into the Arab league 37 years ago, has been completely neglected by the government of the Arab world. Yes, some countries including Kuwait and Qatar have financially helped to a certain degree. But where are the torch bearers of Islam? Saudi Arabia has pledged more than $1 billion towards rebuilding efforts in Palestine; a country who was also inducted into the Arab league 37 years ago. In the Arab world, Somalia is truly a world forgotten.

The Arab league have helped provide relief to other countries that are seemingly not associated with the them, as they have turned a blind eye to one of their countries facing the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. But, others whom the responsibility is not put upon have decided to step up. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Prime Minister of Turkey, has announced his plans to visit Somalia, bringing the much needed attention to this crisis.

This catastrophe is surely a test from Allah for those suffering day in and day out. But this is also a test for those fortunate enough to have the daily necessities of life. Every individual should find a way to help themselves, for only expecting others to help is as hopeless as expecting no help at all.

The most effective way of helping is to donate immediately. Give what you can, and don't for a second think your aid is insignificant, as every penny counts in this dire situation. The World Food Program, which is responsible for significant contributions by the will of Allah, says they'll run out of aid in three weeks.

Donate for the countless of children who resort to eating dust covered leaves. Donate for the two young parents who walked with their 7 children on a seemingly endless trip to find food, only to make a choice between dying or abandoning their weakest of children in hopes of saving the more stable ones. They each carried a child and walked away from the desperate cries of their dying children on the side of the road. Donate because there’s reward in it, as the Prophet (s.a.w) said: "Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity." – (Al-Tirmidhi).

Many agencies, non-profit organizations, and committed individuals have been able to contribute about $1 billion to this cause. Although this seems like a lot of aid, $2 billion is still needed in this emergency. This is a defining moment in the lives of so many, and now is certainly not the time to neglect the less fortunate. Start a non-profit organization for this cause, attend fundraisers, and raise awareness. Do anything, just as long as you’re apart of something greater than yourself. For we all know, just because you're not affected, doesn't mean you're not responsible.

By Elias Yabarow

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