Psychologists argue that the only way one feels a sense of fulfilment is by doing something for someone else, expecting nothing in return (For the sake of Allah). That is why Allah has linked the feeling of completion with helping others. Our very own human survival depends on serving one another and once practiced, trust emerges and our progress continues. A man once asked the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.): “What kind of person does Allah love most?” He replied: “The person who is most useful to others.”
Today many countries are experiencing a surge in their orphanage population, as a result of recent wars, epidemic diseases and natural disasters. The most excruciating experience for a child is to lose both parents, leaving them on their own, or in the hands of poorly aged grandparents and relatives. Below is a photo of the first Somali girl (an orphan) who became a shoe polisher, in an effort to assist her brothers and sisters. When many of us see such photos, we acknowledge the problem and show sympathy (we feel for you) without any action, but what is required is empathy (we feel with you) which leads to an act of support.
The issue is that many of us are complacent. Even those amongst us, who are concerned about the affairs of Muslims, often do very little to help. We are often seen seated in our spacious rooms, surrounded by luxury, enjoying the food extravagantly laid out before us. In this scene, the topic of the conversation is ‘brothers, people are suffering everywhere around the globe, so what is the solution?’ Mere discussions about what can be done will never solve the problem. The quality of the lives of those suffering, our Muslim brothers and sisters, will be determined by the actions of us.
There are varieties of ways in which we can help ease the suffering of the orphans and widows, including:
- If there are any orphans and widows that are closed relatives, you can directly support them financially and emotionally. If they live in another country, you can remit what you can afford to them on a monthly basis.
- You can donate to Help Yateem charity that supports orphans and widows. With your donation you will be helping widows and orphans to become self-reliant in the future. Donate whatever you can afford or pledge a monthly payment.
- You can volunteer to work for charities like Help Yateem for fundraising campaign and create awareness of the subject.
- You can work for Orphan charities abroad during your one year university work placement. Some students do work for charities abroad during the holiday period. It will be both beneficial for you and the charity you work for, as you gain complimentary social skills whilst giving your services to the charity.
Finally, it is important to note that one can easily benefit himself by lifting others and this is what real leadership is all about. During the moments you support others and help make positive impacts on their lives, you lead. Most of us wrongly view leadership as something beyond us or something, but helping others is all it takes.No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure.
