Be the Change You Wish to See in the World

Times are such that every single time we open our social media accounts, power on the television or even speak to someone; we are greeted by the news of someone, somewhere in the world having gone through or undergoing a calamity. Every single day we hear that some human being in some part of the world has had their entire world shattered. We read those headlines, shudder as we think about it and then are grateful that we aren't in that person's position. However, that's just step one. Just because we aren't directly impacted does not give us the license to avert our eyes. It is our moral duty, our responsibility, to do whatever is in our capacity to ease the difficulty of our fellow human kind. In times like this, no step is inappreciable. If each member within a community assumes responsibility, then the amalgamation of everyone's effort can cause a colossal positive impact. So who is this 'community' composed of? You and I.

Perhaps that is why it is said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world".

One of the first things we should do, when disaster hits someone around us, is to educate ourselves. Make an effort to understand the intricacies of what has happened. This not only gives birth to or deepens empathy and compassion within us but also gives a more sound and attuned understanding of what the people hit by a certain disaster need. For instance, if an area has been hit by an earthquake and people have been rendered homeless, they may need immediate shelter whereas on the other hand if there has been bloodshed, those individuals might be in dire need of immediate medical aid.

The next step can be to spread awareness. Ensure that the chatter around the incident doesn't die down and people around you are also inspired to help the victims. This may be done through various means, included but not limited to; use of social media handles and word of mouth.

Donation is another indispensable step. Accumulating funds through fundraisers or donating items that are needed is also a great way to make things easier for those in pain.

Furthermore, one can also volunteer with various organizations such as Alkhidmat, and provide your physical assistance.

Lastly, prayers are a step that are possibly of paramount importance.

“I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor) " (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:186)

Combine your other initiatives with honest, heartfelt prayers for those that are immersed in trials and tribulations.

As a community, and more importantly as human beings, we should strive to do all that we are able to in order to help those that have fallen. Remember, at the end of the day, not a thing that we do to help others is trivial. It all matters.

"In a gentle way you can shake the world".