: Founder of Afghans for Afghans Dies at 26

By all accounts, Zainub Ashraf had a promising future before a tragic accident claimed her life last Tuesday. Along with friend Ann Rubin, Ashraf founded the group Afghans for Afghans, which encouraged Americans to knit blankets and sweaters for Afghan refugees, an endeavour which gained even more importance after the events of 9/11. Although she was born in Ohio, her background allowed her to help fellow Americans gain an understanding for the plight of Afghans and to sympathize with the concerns of Muslims and Muslim Americans. Although I never knew her, I know two of her friends that are heartbroken at the loss. She was one of those whose quiet struggle often gets overshadowed by terrorism and preconceptions of the Muslim world.

Zahed Amanullah is associate editor of altmuslim.com.  He is based in London, England.