By M. Zajam, TwoCircles.net,
Many times we have heard JFK’s famous quote “ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country”. We Indian tend to believe only in “what country can do for us”. When it comes to second part we fail miserably. Right from paying taxes to littering on the road, we simply become ignorant when it comes to play our part.
Similarly in our community, we have a tendency to blame Government for our present condition. We never thought, we can also play an important role in helping our community move forward. Islam give special emphasis in charity and helping others. The best Charity is to offer something we love and value. It may be in any form—one’s personal efforts, talents, skill, learning, property or possessions. It is unselfishness that God demands. But we merely get satisfied only by paying Zakat and it fulfils our responsibility to our community.
Can we do more for our community, yes we can.
Let us start with teenagers and students, how they can contribute to our community. They can help their friend in studies and planning for future. They can act as councillor for the misguided youth of the community.
Young professionals can provide valuable tips on career planning. They even sponsor poor student and help him in obtaining basic and professional education. They can be source of information for many not having access to internet by informing them about government schemes and scholarships. They even take printouts and place them on the notice board for local Masjids.
Young ones can pass on new technology/technics/ ideas freely available on internet to businessman and other self employed people of the neighbourhood. In turn it will help them by giving edge in the market.
Middle aged men can take some time out of busy schedule and spend some time in local Masjids and Madrasas. Off late there have been cases where management of Masjids and Madrasa falling under control of incapable persons. Having experienced persons managing affairs of Masjids and Madrasa will definitely help these important institutions run smoothly. With their help, Masjids and Madrasa will also improve financially and tradition of Madaris and Mauzin going door to door for donation will stop. New ideas can be brought into these institutions.
Middle aged women can take care of education of poor children of servants, drivers and neighbourhood. Even few hours daily can make a lot of difference to them. They can also be helped in getting admission in proper schools. Apart from helping them financially, sorting out their family problem can also be great help to them.
Retired person will be most valuable in this effort having experience and time with him. He can give his time to neighbourhood school and Madrasa. He can either get involved in management, teaching or just spend some time in these institutions. Sharing even some valuable experiences, discussing daily news or information about new development in field of technology with immensely help Madrasa students.
Retired persons can also act as watchdog of the community by keeping an eye on the biased reporting in Newspaper, Media and bringing it to notice of editor by pointing out anomalies in the reporting. They can also monitor the schemes initiated by government and inform people about it. Even they can help poor and illiterate in filling up forms and guiding them about the procedure.
We can help in general to improve the image of community by becoming good friend, colleague, neighbour, businessman, official and co-passenger.
It Is rightly said the when you point finger at some one, remaining fingers are pointing towards you. Small contribution to society can make a big difference to our demoralised community.
The least we can do for our community
Top Picture source: Flick R