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Many people think that volunteer work is for everyone else but them. Often people think there is nothing they can really do, or they just leave it to the others. But the reality is that there is so much for everyone to do. It just takes a little bit of imagination and networking, and you’ll find yourself busy doing useful things.
When it comes to summer holidays and thinking about what you could be doing, you might think about entertainment—for yourself! But wait a minute, spare a thought for those who are cooped up this summer due to illness or an accident or bad circumstances. Maybe it’s time to take a positive role and reach out to someone in your community. If you feel shy to visit hospitals and sit with or read to the sick, or visit an orphanage and make a little child happy, then take a friend with you. Better still, take a few friends! If you don’t know any needy people, you could contact your local mosque. The imam there is sure to know someone you could help. But a word of warning: Be careful, because volunteer work is addictive! Once you start helping people, you start to feel so good inside that you just can’t stop.
Spare some time for yourself, too, this summer. Think about different ways you could become a better and nicer person, someone who is sincere to Allah the Almighty and seeks His pleasure in every activity. Reading the Qur’an everyday, performing your prayers on time, and being good to your family—that’s a good start.
If you browse around the Internet you could “visit” some Muslim countries and learn about how people live in different parts of the world. As you “travel” this summer through cyber space, you will notice how Muslims are really the same wherever they are. It’s their love and fear of Allah and obedience to His commands that draw us all together. Get to know your brothers and sisters in Islam all over the world, and then share what you’ve learned with the people you visit in the hospitals and orphanages.
Now when you and your friends go around the hospital wards visiting people who are feeling left out and feeling unwell, remind them to make du`aa’ and to ask Allah for whatever they need. Remind them to be patient and seek Allah the Almighty’s reward. Smile and be positive. It’s contagious!
Find out if your local Islamic center is running any activities this summer, and if it isn’t, then organize some yourself! You and your friends could start to talk to people and express the importance of getting involved with the youth. Explain some ideas like camps, gatherings, and circles for learning. Make a program with the youth in your area to visit or reach out to the Muslim youth you know who would greatly benefit by attending such functions. Get the parents involved and the people in your community. If you make the start, chances are the others will follow, and you will receive the reward from Allah for being the initiator.
Don’t expect any reward or praise from anyone. Being a volunteer means you only look for your reward from Allah, and that, indeed, is the best reward.
Once your local Islamic center gets active, you could sit with the imam and whoever is interested and think of ways to reach out to the non-Muslims in your area. Perhaps you could organize an Open Day or invite the people you know to attend a seminar. Brainstorm your ideas. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the result in sha’ Allah.
Don’t let shyness or nervousness stop you from being a volunteer in your area. Any effort you make, if it is done sincerely for the sake of Allah, will be counted in your book of good deeds. Don’t waste any chance to fill that book up!
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), said, “The believer who mixes with the people and has patience and tolerance with them is better than the believer who doesn't mix with the people.”
Always try to keep away from people and places where haram things are practiced. Even keeping away from such things and not attending such places is part of being a good example.
Wherever you go, keep your head raised high and be proud you are a Muslim. Obey Allah and be good and kind to everyone. Trust in Him and He will suffice you. That is a promise from Allah the Almighty. By being a good example to others, you will be surprised how far-reaching the effects will be. Correct the distorted image of Islam by obeying Allah and the Prophet (peace be upon him). Good people are loved by good people.
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