I would like to commit my free time to some social work activities. Can you highlight some organizations for teenage boys and girls, where I could volunteer?
Answer: Dear sister in Islam, your request for information about organizations where you could volunteer is very encouraging, and specially your interest in working with teenagers, who are an integral part of any society. Youth can be innovative, full of energy and can steer nations. Let’s look at some guidelines for social work that is greatly emphasized in Islam.
Firstly, the only motive of this service should be as described in the following Ayah, in which Allah (swt) says: “And I (Allah) created not the Jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone).” (Adh-Dhariyat 51:56)
Therefore, the essence of service to Allah (swt) is, firstly, to worship Him and Him alone and, secondly, to render service to His creatures for His pleasure. These are the two duties prescribed for the mankind. As regards the latter, let’s look at the following Ayah: “Those who spend (in Allah’s Cause) in prosperity and in adversity, who repress anger, and who pardon men; verily; Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (the good-doers).” (Al-Imran 3:134) Spending mentioned here would include all the tangible and intangible blessings a person may be bestowed with in different phases of life.
A great encouragement and motivation is expressed in a beautiful Hadeeth, which reflects the reward of visiting the sick: “The one, who visits the sick, is, in fact, like one, who is in the fruit garden of Paradise, as long as he does not return.” (Muslim)
Moreover: “Allah shows not mercy to them, who are not merciful to people.” (Muslim)
Now, let’s have a look at a few options, where you can volunteer. Do try to give your best for the volunteering work! Even time-wise – make conscious effort to contribute quality time, instead of just your free time, which is left over after your other engagements. Give to Allah (swt) your best!
At “Al-Huda”, volunteers can support the weekly children and youth programmess. Summer courses start in July in all branches. Help is needed with Dawah work, through promoting Dawah audio and written materials. Volunteers can also teach at the street children school run in PECHS, help emergency relief work in case of natural calamities and assist in packing during Ramadan food drives. For more information about welfare projects, visit http://www.farhathashmi.com/dn/WelfareDawah/tabid/641/Default.aspx
To register for volunteer work, write to: sadia@alhudapk.com
“Active Saturdays” is a series of programs for 11-19 years old boys, which involves them in fun and knowledge-enriching activities in an Islamic environment. Within the series, boys are involved in field trips with social implications, i.e., Darul Sukoon, Edhi Children’s Home, Civil Hospital, Husseini Blood Bank, Edhi Mortuary, etc. They also have such short social work projects as fundraising for digging a well, earthquake relief, etc. These are being held in various centres in Karachi. For further information, contact Saeed Motiwala at 0333-213-1788 or at saeedm@rocketmail.com.
Amidst other options is “Behbud Association” working towards poverty alleviation, especially among women. Contact: Behbud Center, 25 Mehmoodabad Road or St. 9, Block 1, Kehkashan, Scheme 5, Karachi. Ph: 021-5862093. Website: http://www.behbud.org
“Society for Educational Welfare” (SEW), which has a network of “Baithak Schools” for the under-privileged children all over Pakistan, is always in need of volunteers. SEW has started a Collaborative Community Development Programme (CCDP), whereby students can come to the “Baithak Schools” on Saturdays and share their knowledge and time with the underprivileged children. For more details, contact their office at 021-4800325-6, 9 am to 4 pm.
“Al-Khidmat Foundation” is also one of the places where you can volunteer. For more information, visit http://Al-khidmatfoundation.org
May your desire to volunteer encourage others to follow in your footsteps, Ameen.
About author
