International Day of Charity is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a global call to action. As members of Our Islamic Charity, we feel its significance daily, as we strive to better the lives of those in need. We’re not just doing it because we’ve been asked to; we’re doing it because, for us, it’s a manifestation of our faith and commitment to humanity.
Introduction
International Day of Charity is an annual United Nations international observance held on September 5th each year. Here are some key things to know about the International Day of Charity:
- Purpose: The day aims to raise awareness about the role of charity in societies around the world and mobilize action in support of charitable causes. It highlights the importance of charity work for vulnerable groups.
- Origins: The International Day of Charity was proposed by the Holy See in 2012 to honor St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who dedicated her life to serving the poor and destitute. The UN General Assembly officially recognized the day in 2017.
- Significance: The day celebrates charity and philanthropy as a universal value that transcends cultural, political and religious boundaries. It recognizes that charity has the power to positively transform lives and build a more just, equitable and inclusive world for all.
An Intimate Conversation on Charity
Think about this for a moment: you’re walking through a lush, green orchard under a bright, sunny sky. The trees are heavy with ripe, juicy fruits, and the air is filled with their sweet fragrance. Now, imagine that you are not alone in the orchard. There’s a friend with you, someone who’s hungry and doesn’t have the means to get the fruit. What would you do?
If you’re like the majority of us, you’d probably share some of the fruits without a second thought. Why? Because it’s the human thing to do. It’s an instinctual response to alleviate the hunger of your friend. In the same vein, that’s what charity is all about, and this is the core of the message we want to share with everyone on International Day of Charity.
The Islamic Perspective on Charity
In Islam, charity, or ‘Sadaqah,’ holds a special place. It’s not merely about giving money or material possessions. It’s a broader concept that encompasses acts of kindness, time spent helping others, and even a friendly smile shared. It’s about creating ripples of goodness that can touch the lives of others in profound ways.
Every time we help a child get an education, provide medical aid to a sick person, or bring food to a starving family, we’re not just doing a good deed; we’re living our faith. It’s like planting a seed in the orchard of humanity and watching it grow into a tree that gives shade and fruits to others.
Our Role on International Day of Charity
International Day of Charity is an opportunity to amplify our efforts and spread this message of love, compassion, and giving. It’s a day when we, as a part of Our Islamic Charity, redouble our commitment to serve humanity.
We invite you to join us in this endeavour. Whether it’s by donating, volunteering, or just spreading the word, every effort counts. After all, as the saying goes, “Many hands make light work.”
In this spirit, let’s make every day a day of charity, a day of giving, and a day of love. Let’s turn our orchard of humanity into a garden of Eden that blooms with kindness and compassion. Because in the end, that’s what charity is all about. It’s not just about giving; it’s about making a difference.
So, on this International Day of Charity, let’s pledge to make that difference. Not because we have to, but because we want to. After all, a world with more charity is a world with more love, more compassion, and ultimately, more humanity. And isn’t that the kind of world we all want to live in?
In this way, we can ensure that the essence of International Day of Charity isn’t confined to 24 hours but is carried forward every day, through every act of kindness we extend to our fellow human beings. Remember, every act of charity, no matter how small, is like a fruit in the orchard of humanity. Let’s fill our orchard with an abundance of such fruits. After all, charity begins at home, but it shouldn’t end there.
