Warriors serving one and all!

From saving poor people and improving their lives, fighting disease, protecting children, to giving hope to thousands of people around the world. These are all charitable deeds that very much count on what we do for others around us. Charitable activities are not only limited to donating money to the needy families and people or funding other charitable projects. Rather it goes further beyond these activities to even more human-touched doings. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Feed the hungry and visit a sick person, and free the captive, if he be unjustly confined. Assist any person oppressed whether Muslim or non-Muslim”.

We are social creatures by nature; our life purpose could be fulfilled by engaging with the society, charitable organisations and even those with whom we work or live. That is why some are doing charity out of their social commitment to give back to a nation, society or a certain segment of people, rather than as a religious obligation. It is true that charity begins at home, but it should never end there. Our charity deeds should extend beyond just family and relatives; charitable deeds make everyone a hero! Let’s all serve charity and become heroes.

This is why the International Day of Charity is introduced to highlight its significance worldwide. This day promotes awareness about charity and why it is important to help the needy people. Charity is essential as it allows us to reach out to wider sections of the society, assist those who need our help the most. International Day of Charity serves to increase and boost social responsibility across the world, growing our support for charitable and noble causes as well as bringing everyone together in harmony.

The day presents humans with a great opportunity to get involved in various charity events which are going on nationwide or worldwide. The day (September 5) was selected by the United Nations to commemorate an annual International Day of Charity as an official day of recognition and celebration. As the day marks the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa of Kolkata, it commemorates her works. She was the founder of the Missionaries of Charity, in 1950, which is active all over the world.

It manages homes for those who are dying of tuberculosis, leprosy, and HIV/Aids. It also runs schools, orphanages, family and children’s counselling programmes, mobile clinics and other activities. Over the years, Mother Teresa has been awarded many different honours such as the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, and the Tamon Magsaysay Peace Prize in 1962. Mother Teresa stated, “Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest to you”.

On the local front, there are many charitable associations spreading all over the country, making things much better compared to the past days. These charities are sparing no effort to provide different kinds of support to the needy families. Their support goes beyond providing daily rations and funding children’s school fees, but extends to building new houses and accommodations sometimes.

The voluntary warriors are making every possible effort to carry out the noble mission of giving. They sacrifice time and efforts to be with the needy people, children at homes or patients at hospitals. All are just after making others happy and enjoying a decent living. Helping others always creates an improved sense of purpose in life or work and inner satisfaction.

If a person performs a deed that continues to benefit others in a good way, s/he will keep collecting rewards for this single charitable act as long as it benefits others. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “When a person dies his works end, except for three: ongoing charity, knowledge that is benefited from and a righteous child who prays for him.” Charity always intends to serve bringing justice, balance and kindness to society.