Karbala Blood Drive Honors Past While Saving Lives in Texas

The Shia Muslim community in the Dallas-Fort Worth area this week hosts blood drives on three dates and in three locations in hopes of maximizing the numbers of community members who can make a blood donation with Carter BloodCare during the Karbala Blood Donation Campaign.

 The timing of the blood drives coincides with the annual 10-day remembrance of the Battle of Karbala, during which Muslims reflect on the tragedies endured by Hussein [the son of] Ali, grandson of Prophet Muhammad [PBUH], who was killed for standing up against tyranny in support of justice and equality.

Blood drive coordinators say that Muslims are inspired by Hussein’s [AS] sacrifice and give blood for the good of the community.

November is the month that begins the American holiday season. Historically, blood centers around the country experience a pattern of decreased frequency of blood donation, even among regular donors, as families get busy with holiday activities. The blood collected during the Karbala Blood Drive is helpful at this time of year. Carter BloodCare needs at least 1,100 donors every day to meet the community needs.

Potential blood donors from three different mosques across the area are encouraged to give blood. The men in each congregation will pray and cook meals in preparation for the blood drive. The drive comes during the month of Muharram – when the Battle of Karbala took place. It is also the first month in the Islamic Lunar calendar.

The event started on Nov. 8th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m at Iilm Center in Plano. It is underway today at Momin Center in Irving and will continue tomorrow from 10th, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Imam Ali Islamic Center in Grand Prairie.

Source: Dallas News