FIMA Year Book 2010-2011 - Federation of Islamic Medical ...

Humanitarian Relief:
Volunteerism HUMANITARIAN Or Obligation
RELIEF:
VOLUNTEERISM OR OBLIGATION
Hafeez Ur Rahman *
Hafeez
and Aly
Ur
A.
Rahman
Misha’l
* and Aly A. Misha’l
Abstract:
Humanitarian relief is a popular slogan earning enormous respect across the world. Volunteerism is an
act of providing time, effort and resources for the benefit and welfare of others, as a gesture of moral
and social responsibility, without any expectations of material returns or rewards.
In the broader sense, volunteerism in relief work is looked upon as a self-motivated act provided in a
spirit of sacrifice towards benefiting others.
The paradigm in which we look at voluntary relief work has a paramount effect on performance, spirit,
scope and continuity of relief activities. If volunteerism in relief work is looked upon as purely
voluntary work, adopted by individuals or groups, subject to their willingness or mood to put forth their
efforts , then this mindset subjects relief work to inevitable pitfalls, interruptions and limitations.
An alternative paradigm views humanitarian relief as a social, moral and religious obligation and this
mindset unleashes a powerful altruistic drive which transforms the entire work ethics of the volunteer.
Throughout the course of human history, the spirit of volunteerism to help and benefit others has been
inspired by all religious beliefs.
This article attempts to outline the various paradigms of volunteerism in humanitarian relief work with
particular attention to the “rahmatan lil alamin” (mercy to mankind) outlook as espoused by Islam.
Keywords: Relief, volunteerism, community service, worship, Islam.
Introduction:
Voluntary work is invariably performed by highly
self-motivated individuals, and may include
physical, intellectual or financial contributions,
provided to benefit others, especially at times of
urgent need.
Volunteerism is a lifeblood of communities,
through which organizations are established and
various social, health, educational, environmental
and charitable activities are conducted. Relief and
volunteerism are human endeavors intimately
connected to the concept of charity and altruism
among all human societies.
Relief work is highly respected and condoned in
all religious beliefs since the beginning of
humanity.
There are voluminous evidence to document this
noble endeavour. Every religion believes that
relief is a sanctimonious activity and promotes it
unreservedly.
The following are relief related examples in the
Jewish scriptures:
“Three signs identify this people: They are
merciful; they are bashful; and they perform deeds
of loving-kindness” 1
*Prof. Hafeez Ur Rahman
Chairman- Ophthalmology Department
Peshawar Medical College- Pakistan
E-mail: fimasavevision@dsl.net.pk
FIMA YearBook 2010-2011
1