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Muslim Groups Raise $59,000 And Counting To Rebuild Black Churches

July 10, 2015

After eight predominately black churches burned down following the shooting in Charleston, South Carolina, last month, three Muslim groups have started an online fundraiser to help rebuild the churches.

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"These church burnings happened within the span of 10 days. Three were undoubtedly set by arsons," reads the message on the fundraising page.

"ALL houses of worship are sanctuaries, a place where all should feel safe, a place we can seek refuge when the world is too much to bear... As Muslims we know the importance of protecting the vulnerable and respecting people who call on God in their various tongues. We want for others what we want for ourselves: the right to worship without intimidation, the right to safety, and the right to property."

In less than a week, the effort has already met its goal of $30,000, which is triple its original goal of $10,000, said Dustin Craun, founder of Ummah Wide and one of the organizers. As of July 10, the funding is at $59,000.

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What has been great to see, Craun said, is that the money has not been just coming from Muslim supporters; he called it an "interfaith" effort. Donations have also been coming from abroad - a Pakistani media organization was one of the first to write about the fund.

Funding ends on July 18, 2015.