On International Volunteer Day (IDV) today (Monday) Adnan bin Khalil Basha said volunteer work has become almost obligatory in view of the importance of Takaful and solidarity among human race, especially in an era where there is great need to mitigate the dangers of calamities, support the poor and achieve the Millennium Development Goals.
Basha stressed Islam has outraced the whole world and all international organizations in the call for voluntary work as a basic pillar in society and as an outstanding human behavior embodying the noble meanings of benevolence, charity and good work.
He explained Islam has always propagated giving and helping others, the crux of voluntary work.
Basha said the Holy Qur’an is replete with verses urging Muslims to give and to do good to others, while promising them rewards from Almighty Allah. Among others, these verses included: “By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely) of that which you love most” (Al-Imran).
The secretary general said Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) was very keen to inculcate in his followers the value of giving and voluntary work to the point that he considered even a smile in the face of others a kind of charity.
Basha pointed out that IIROSA has made great strides in spreading the culture of volunteering and benefiting from the energy of people with sufficient expertise and scientific specializations in various fields.
He called for increasing awareness of the significance of volunteering and further promoting it at local, regional and international levels. He said IDV provides a rare opportunity for individuals and organizations to increase their participation in voluntary work and contribute to improving development and alleviating poverty.
The secretary general called for supporting the efforts of the United Nations in this domain and said the voluntary work was crystal-clear evidence of the progress and prosperity of nations. “It is a symbol of civilization and advancement,” he added.
Basha urged all people to support the efforts of governments and other official circles in volunteering. “The complications of contemporary life and the rapid political, social, economic and cultural changes produce new situations that necessitate the mobilization of the efforts of both the public and private sectors,” he said.
The secretary general recalled the organization established a special unit for voluntary services, utilizing its accumulated experience of more than 30 years in charity and humanitarian work. “This specialized unit aims to apply the institutional aspects in the management of voluntary work in a manner that is compliant with IIROSA’s rules, mechanisms and vision,” he said. Basha explained that, among others, the objectives of the unit include contributing to the spread of a volunteering culture in a clear and simple manner and attract volunteers and train and qualify them among others.
“The unit will attempt to activate and promote voluntary work as part of the charity, relief and humanitarian efforts IIROSA is undertaking locally and externally by increasing the number of people in all kinds of voluntary work,” he said.
In this regard, Basha pointed out that the organization has a number of men and women volunteers who are ready to undertake their responsibilities whenever duty calls. He mentioned the rain and floods disasters in Jeddah in November 2009 and January 2011, when volunteers got together to assist the organization in distributing food baskets, relief supplies and medicine among the victims.
“Voluntary work will contribute to the achievement of national cohesion and to the realization of closeness among all human beings. It will project solidarity among society members, help achieve the nation’s development and progress, alleviate poverty and enhance the spirit of giving without waiting for reward,” he concluded.
