Benefits of volunteering

It was a pleasant scene when young men who found themselves at home due to lockdowns volunteered their time and effort to help authorities carry out their duties during the fight against COVID-19. Volunteers are found in hospitals, carrying out organizational duties, sterilizing equipment, and making sure patients coming in follow instructions put out by the health ministry. Volunteers are seen in co-ops as requested by the commerce ministry, even in some cases making sure that no violations are taking place. Some volunteers were taken by the civil defense and medical emergencies departments and trained by qualified instructors to help out when called upon.

Volunteering allows society members to be involved in activities, and more importantly, they add to the efforts of official authorities. It allows youth to learn how to be positive in the society as they carry out their social responsibilities. Volunteer work reins in youth and takes them away from bad behavior, making them spend their time in beneficial action, making them feel that they are wanted, while at the same time this voluntary participation will lead to having the society being able to help itself with the efforts of the volunteers.

It is known that voluntary work is a civilized social action that is in the form of physical effort or even financially to give time, experience or an idea to help people, without actually waiting for a reward. Islam as a religion encourages volunteer work, as the Holy Quran says: “And whoever volunteers good - then indeed, Allah is appreciative and knowing.” (2:158). Islam is keen on directing man’s ability towards good and constructive deeds and encourages forgiveness, and working for what brings happiness to people.

In fact, the volunteer must be an example to others, should feel for others and must be proactive, besides having goodwill and being ready to do any job no matter how small it is. But all work and efforts must be within the law of the land. Let us not forget the family’s role in backing voluntary work in the society, as children should be raised in a way that instills social values and a culture of cooperation in them.

Voluntary work has many positive returns - it satisfies the psychological needs of the person, gives a sense of satisfaction and provides them with comfort and satisfaction. Indeed, volunteering gives the opportunity to individuals to learn firsthand and practically self-discipline and good deeds, while being patient and calm in dealing with others in different situations.

Final word: “The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size but by the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others.” — DeAnn Hollis