Within the last week, I had the honor of leading a team of Humanity First USA lawyers and volunteers in setting up a legal support booth for victims of the devastating fires in Los Angeles. The fires left a trail of heartbreak and loss that is hard to put into words. Over just a few days, we provided legal support and counsel to dozens of families — each one carrying a story that underscores the urgency and necessity of serving humanity without hesitation. The need is overwhelming, and we expect many more individuals and families to seek help in the coming days and weeks.
My motivation for this work is deeply rooted in my faith. Islam teaches that service to humanity is not just a noble act but a required duty. The Holy Qur’an repeatedly emphasizes the importance of helping those in need, regardless of their race, religion, or background. The example set forth by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) serves as my guide. He was indiscriminate in his compassion and relentless in his service to all humanity. Whether it was offering counsel, providing comfort, or ensuring justice, his life was a testament to the power of serving others without restriction.
As I met people who had lost everything — homes reduced to ash, treasured memories erased — I couldn’t help but reflect on these teachings. Families shared stories of despair, from not knowing where they would sleep after their insurance money ran out to facing predatory calls from opportunists trying to buy their properties at devastatingly low prices. Others described the pain of battling with insurance companies that seemed determined to shortchange them in their time of greatest need. Each story was a reminder that in times of crisis, humanity must rise to serve one another, and no one should be left to suffer alone.
These stories and the individuals behind them are why we must remain relentless in our efforts. My faith calls on me to act, to stand with those who are vulnerable, and to ensure that justice and compassion are not mere ideals but lived realities. Here are just a few of the stories that I feel compelled to share — stories of resilience, heartache, and the unyielding need for justice and humanity in the face of tragedy.
We counseled Jamal, a small business owner desperate to get back to work. His shop burned down, and he sought legal counsel on how to ensure his equipment and supplies would not be excluded from coverage. Given that his business included carpet cleaning and restoration from smoke damage, every moment it took for the insurance company to approve his claim meant lost resources.
We met Danielle. Her and her husband’s home was ravaged with fire and smoke damage, but thankfully still standing. Yet, she approached us not for herself, but to assist a neighboring family who had endured the unimaginable: losing their father unexpectedly, only to see their home destroyed by the Eaton fire just weeks later. We were able to guide her and her neighbor on how to best protect themselves from a denied claim, maximize their owed benefits, and how to ensure their FEMA claims are processed properly.
Then there was Lana, an artist who had spent decades building her career, painstakingly creating a body of work she could be proud of. Most of her prized pieces were destroyed in the fire, leaving her not just grieving but also wondering how to rebuild? We were struck by her resilience in the face of adversity, and her commitment to continue to push forward despite seemingly losing everything. Her faith in herself was truly inspiring, and a reminder of how much strength each of us has within us, even when facing the loss of our life’s work.
Some stories were still truly depressing. For example, I met and counseled Tony, who voluntarily shared that he was undocumented. Tony’s landlord committed fraud by filing a FEMA claim under Tony’s mother’s name without her knowledge and consent. Tony felt that his landlord was exploiting his immigration status for personal financial gain, knowing Tony would hesitate to report to the authorities, our team advised him on how to file a claim of fraud and protect his rights in the aftermath of this blatant exploitation.
We didn’t ask these families for proof of financial hardship. We didn’t inquire about their political affiliation, their religion. And we did not ask about their immigration status. We didn’t make these asks because that’s not what service to humanity looks like. Instead, we served everyone who came to us, and will continue to serve everyone we can, because human rights are sacred and inherent. Indeed, the measure of our society is how we treat one another in times of crisis. This week has been a humbling reminder that all of us are just one tragedy away from homelessness, from losing a loved one, from having to start over. And that is why we must always look out for one another.
Our work was immensely enhanced in partnership with the NAACP of Pasadena, who graciously offered their office space and resources to help us in our mission. We were also supported by Muslim Youth USA, whose mission statement is, “Serving the communities we live in isn’t just a civic responsibility, it’s the most important part of our faith.” Finally, we met with FEMA and Red Cross leadership to ensure they knew our legal services were available and were grateful for their gracious and ongoing support.
As the fires continue to blaze, we remain committed to providing legal aid, resources, and support to all who need it. Service to humanity is service to all humanity, without exception. If these stories resonate with you, I invite you to join our efforts. Your support — whether through a charitable contribution or by sharing this article — allows us to stay on the ground, helping those who need it most.
Together, we can ensure that no one faces these tragedies alone. Together, we can build a more perfect union. Thank you all for your continued trust, donations, support, and partnership to elevate each other’s humanity. As always, I welcome your subscription to Let’s Address This as we continue to advocate for absolute justice and universal human rights.
Qasim Rashid
Qasim Rashid is a human rights lawyer and author. He resides in Chicagoland with his wife and three children. You can find him on your preferred social media platform at @QasimRashid. He is an Interfaith America Vote is Sacred Fellow.
