By We all know the importance of healthcare to be able to look after our physical and mental health. But unfortunately, in an age where capitalism is prevalent, not everyone can afford this. Healthcare is a necessity, not a luxury, which is why this Ohio mosque has opened up a free medical clinic for those who can’t afford healthcare.
Islamically, the Quran teaches us to help those less fortunate than us and to promote peace around the world. Mosques are not just a place of worship for Muslims across the world, they are also place of refuge, peace, and solace for anyone who wishes to go there. They are a place to educate others and give aid to people.
After the Christchurch terror attacks in New Zealand, and many more hateful attacks against mosques around the world, we cannot allow the narrative and perception of our mosques to change. Yes, we go there to pray, but by this Ohio mosque providing free healthcare to people of all religions, we can help break down negative perceptions of mosques and Muslims. The #MyMosque hashtag on Twitter is the perfect example of this.
“This is for everybody…we learn in medicine that sickness and disease affect every human being. We don’t ask when we put our stethoscope on a patient, ‘Which part of the world are you from?’”
Currently, the Cleveland-based clinic is led by 20 Muslim doctors from Ohio who volunteer on a rotation basis. One of the practitioners by the name of Dr. Ahmed said, “This is for everybody…we learn in medicine that sickness and disease affect every human being. We don’t ask when we put our stethoscope on a patient, ‘Which part of the world are you from?’”
Already, over thirty patients have been treated, and a ribbon cutting event happened on the 27th of March. The inauguration of this free clinic also marks the opening of the first free clinic in the Northern Ohio region. As stated by Dr. Sulaiman Abawi, the motive behind starting this clinic was the intention to look for “opportunities to give back to our community, our neighbors.”
Of course, the reality of developed countries having a plethora of people unable to afford healthcare is not unique to the United States. It affects people across the world. Who knows, maybe more mosques in other countries will adopt this approach too! After all, it is these small acts of kindness that go a long way in creating a more fair future for all.