Honestly, there have been many times when I’ve cried while watching videos on TikTok. It’s not because I’m watching something funny or a movie scene, but because I see Somalis going through great hardships in their lives. Some are suffering from hunger and thirst, while others don’t even have a place to sleep at night.
When I see a mother in tears saying, My children are hungry please, give me something to feed them, it breaks my heart. When I see fathers who cannot afford to feed their families, young children growing up in suffering, and girls and boys living in very difficult conditions, I cannot look at these images without feeling deeply saddened.
Last night, the story of a four-year-old boy who couldn't hear really touched me. I saw his mother crying and asking people to help him. That video really moved me. Sometimes I wonder: What did these children do to deserve starting their lives with so many difficulties?
There are young men who volunteer and engage in humanitarian work, and who film these people so that the rest of society can learn about their situation and come to their aid. I have great respect for their efforts, because they shed light on realities that some people, living elsewhere, might never have the chance to see. But I also wish that people in need weren’t always forced to cry in front of a camera to receive help. No one likes to expose their suffering in front of everyone, but sometimes necessity leaves them no choice.
What hurts me even more is the thought that some people throw food away or spend their money on unnecessary things and gambling, while others are simply struggling to find something to eat for the day. I don’t understand how anyone can see the suffering of their own Somali brother or sister without feeling anything in their heart.
Sometimes I wonder: Have our hearts become so callous? Where has our sense of brotherhood gone? If every person whom Allah has blessed with wealth and resources were to help those in need, how many families would have food, shelter, and a better life today?
My brothers and sisters, the wealth and resources we possess are a test. Today, you may be the one with resources, but tomorrow, you might be the one who needs a helping hand. So don’t forget those in need. The money you spend on unnecessary things could perhaps feed an entire family for a day or enable a sick child to get the medicine they need.
I ask Allah to come to the aid of mothers and fathers who are suffering, children who are hungry, the homeless, and all those who are going through difficult times. I also ask Allah to fill our hearts with compassion and to guide those who are wealthy so that they may devote a portion of their wealth to helping their brothers and sisters.
My dream is to one day become someone who can help these people. I’d like to be able to feed a hungry mother, find medicine for a sick child, and provide a place to sleep for a homeless family. But what makes me sad is that today, I myself am among those who don’t have the means to do much. I have this determination and deep desire to help, but I don’t yet have the necessary resources to make this dream a reality.
Despite everything, I hope that one day Allah will open a door for me that will allow me to fulfill this dream. I believe that helping others doesn’t necessarily start with a large sum of money. Sometimes, a comforting word, a gesture of support, or a little help can make a big difference in someone’s life.
My brother, if you have the means today, don't forget those who have nothing. What may seem like a small thing to you can mean the world to someone else.
image edited with chatgpt
Translated from Somali to English with the help of ChatGPT and DeepL