Extending a helping hand to immigrants, American Muslims have kicked off a new campaign to bail out detained migrant parents, helping to reunite their families as soon as possible.

“The Muslim community extends its hands to help provide relief to immigration jail detainees – specifically parents – who cannot afford to pay bail,” the fundraising page on Launchgood read.

“By reuniting these families, we wish to respond to hardship with hope, as our faith instructs us, and send a message of compassion through action.”

The crowdfunding campaign, titled Muslims for Migrants, was kicked off last week.

It is managed by CelebrateMercy, working alongside the National Bail Fund Network. Campaign advisors are Imam Zaid Shakir and Imam Omar Suleiman.

The campaign hit its initial goal only one week after kicking off, raising more than $117,000.

Every $10,000 raised can reunite one family, paying bail for incarcerated parents who cannot afford to. Friends of all faiths are welcome to donate.

“In just 1 week, we raised over 100k to free migrant parents and reunite them with their families. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude to all of you who have supported this campaign and ask you to keep giving so that we can keep on reuniting,” Imam Suleiman wrote on Facebook.

Imam Ziad Shaker also shared a support message urging people to donate.

“I’m honored to serve with Imam Omar Suleiman as an advisor on this Muslim-led campaign by CelebrateMercy. Donate to reunite migrant families, freeing detained parents who can’t afford bail. Every $10K we raise will reunite 1 family!” he wrote on Facebook.

“In a week, we’ve already raised over $100,000 and have reunited 5 families (more planned for next week). We also encourage masjids and other groups to become Community Partners,” he added.

Zakat or charity is the Third Pillar of Islam. Being charitable and providing for the needy are important features of the Muslim character.

Several categories of charity are defined in Islamic Shari’ah, the two most important being zakat (obligatory charity) and sadaqa (voluntary charity).

Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: “Whoever relieves someone in difficult circumstances, or relieves someone’s debt, God will shelter him in the shade of His Throne on the Day of Resurrection, when there will be no shade except its shade.” (Tirmidhi, 1306)

He also said: “Show mercy to those on earth, and the One in Heaven will show mercy to you.”