Rawha Volunteer Academy
Serving Without Boundaries”
The Rawha Volunteer Academy (RVA) is a trailblazer project through which we aim to develop civic leadership, by means of high quality volunteering opportunities enabling students, parents and community members to serve their local neighborhoods (as well as through our partner organisation’s) through the concept of Khidma – Servitude. For us the Volunteer Academy means commitment to pledge oneself to a noble cause and for the good of others.
The meaning of khidma – volunteerism in Islam is the offer of time, energy, efforts, skills, talent and knowledge for the sake of gaining God’s pleasure. Volunteerism is thus the most fundamental act of citizenship in our society as well as a distinctive expression of one’s faith.
A person can attain Allah’s blessings and rewards for every good work that he is involved in, as long as he makes his intention that he is doing so in the pursuit of seeking Allah’s pleasure.
The RVA will be the backbone in achieving The Rawha Academy’s aspirations and making a real difference to the Communities that we serve.
Volunteering through the lenses of the Quran and the sayings of the Prophet (upon him be peace)
Allah (Glorified Be He) says:
“Help one another in righteousness and piety.”
(Quran 5:2)
You shall not attain righteousness until you spend out of what you love (in the way of Allah). Allah knows whatever you spend.
(Quran 3:92)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Allah will not cease to help His servant as long as that servant is helping his brother.” – Sahîh Muslim
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever guides another to a good deed will get a reward similar to the one who performs it.” – Sahîh Muslim
The Prophet (peace be upon him) has told us:
“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother – or his neighbour – what he loves for himself.” – Sahîh al-Bukhârî
Volunteerism involves giving, one of the dynamics of fulfilling society’s needs. In this way, the values of cooperation, love, and civic duty are cultivated. Social harmony is achieved. The spirit of brotherhood is fostered.
Helping other people brings happiness to the heart. There is nothing like the satisfaction that one feels when he sees the joy that he has brought to the lives of others or when he sees that his efforts have removed their hardship and put an end to their despair.
Engaging in unselfish work purifies our souls. It makes us love the good fortune of others and allows us to share in their joys. We then truly love for others what we love for ourselves.
Volunteering is the lifeblood of any community, and because of volunteers communities are able to run organisation’s, charities, social services, conferences, playgroups, drop-in centres, feed the hungry, education, shelters for the homeless, open libraries, run schools, set up food banks, and the list goes on.
In Islam there is a strong ethic of volunteerism, which includes running events, workshops or cleaning the masjid. As Muslims, we see our role as world citizens, building more inclusive societies. Through the Volunteer Academy we have developed a sectorial approach to volunteerism identifying five key sectors:
- young people and women,
- social welfare and charitable causes,
- health and environment,
- education, masjid and madrassa,
- sports, art and heritage.
The act of volunteerism will reinforce the noble virtue of sincerity and servitude (khidma) in us. Volunteerism will enhance the compassion and kindness amongst individuals in the community and will bring about calmness in us, and satisfaction to our souls. When we help others, we will be more thankful to God for the blessings that we have received from Him, and also because we use these blessings to help others.
As Muslims we have a duty to improve the communities we live in by visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, teaching people to read, helping people who have no one to turn to. It is by translating our love of God into good actions so that we strengthen our faith and make this world a better place for all.
If you would like to get involved in the Rawha Volunteer Academy and offer your skills and experience in service to your Creator then please register your interest by contacting:
RawhaAcademy@gmail.com or call 07518 836056
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