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This Group Of American Muslims Has Raised Almost $120,000 For The Families Of San Bernardino Shooting Victims

In just 6 days, they've almost met their goal of $140,000.

Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images

SAN BERNARDINO, CA - DECEMBER 6: People write messages, light candles, take photos, and pay their respects at a makeshift vigil at the street corner near the location of the recent mass shooting in San Bernardino, CA on Sunday, December 06, 2015. A heavily armed man and woman opened fire Wednesday on a holiday banquet for his co-workers, killing multiple people and seriously wounding others in a precision assault, authorities said. Hours later, they died in a shootout with police. (Photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
By Rae Paoletta
December 9, 2015 / 12:10 PM

After the horrific shooting in San Bernardino, Faisal Qazi, a Muslim man living in Southern California, decided he wanted to support the families of the 14 victims. Although his initial goal was to raise $20,000, he was encouraged to expand his idea -- and the results have been phenomenal.

In just 6 days, Qazi's LaunchGood project, Muslims United for San Bernardino, has raised almost $120,000.

Muslims United For San Bernardino/LaunchGood

"At least 14 people were killed and 17 more wounded in San Bernardino, California where up to 3 attackers went on a shooting spree at a regional center that serves those with special needs," the group's LaunchGood said. "The San Bernardino families lost their loved ones in a deplorable act of violence. This is why a collective of American Muslim leaders and groups have united to raise funds for the victims' families."

Muslim leaders and advocacy groups have endorsed the project, including CelebrateMercy, Islamic Networks Group, Islamic Society of North America and Mental Health for Muslims.

Qazi said his faith inspired him to launch the project. The LA Times reports that "Qazi had no idea the shooters who massacred 14 people in San Bernardino last week were Muslims, like himself. The Pomona-based neurologist only knew that the victims and their families were his Inland Empire neighbors and his faith obligated him to help."

Faith and compassion are at the core of the Muslims United for San Bernardino's mission. "We wish to respond to evil with good, as our faith instructs us and send a powerful message of compassion through action," the group's LaunchGood said. "Our Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: 'Have mercy to those on earth and the One in the Heavens (God) will have mercy upon you.' And the Quran teaches to 'Repel evil by that which is better.'"

The group hopes to raise $140,000 by December 30. According to the LA Times, "The money will be disbursed through San Bernardino County and the United Way to assist victims’ families with funeral expenses and other needs."

MTV News has reached out to Faisal Qazi for comment.

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