The Founder of the Scout Mission, Sir Robert Baden Powell, once said, “Leave this world a little better than you found it.”
Charity, most typically, has been defined as money given to those in need through an established non-profit organization or as philanthropic donations to the poor and marginalized communities. It was a phenomenon limited to the elite who had the means to succour and provide help. Yet, over the years, it has acquired a variety of meanings - an act of kindness, tolerance in judging others, voluntary aid or selfless care to any around - that have made it a notion quite simple to comprehend and accessible to all of mankind; one that has no set boundaries and financial limitations.
Aligning with this ideology of selfless giving, the UN General Assembly in 2012 declared the International Day of Charity to be observed annually around the world. Commemorated with fundraisers, awareness events and charitable efforts globally, the International Day of Charity in 2020 marks the eighth year of this convention. It is central to acknowledging altruistic actions and aims to provide a common platform for charity related activities for individuals and volunteer organisations for their own purposes on any level. Most importantly, it serves to enhance and increase social responsibility and solidarity amongst us all, and to increase the public’s support for humanitarian causes.
For many years now, the Aga Khan Scouts and Guides Group (AKSG), as community volunteers and responsible members of civil society, have been viewed as a shining example when it comes to ‘doing their duty to God and their country’ and demonstrating social conscience through their actions. Founded in 1983, the organization is registered under the Dubai Scouts Mission and currently has over 300 members. Some members started volunteering as early as the age of seven. AKSG has always served willingly, dedicating Friday evenings to serve the community and also volunteer at non- denominational social events taking place at the Ismaili Centre Dubai and beyond. This includes events such as serving Iftar during Ramadan and leading Blood Donation drives.
The AKSG Band Group has depicted the true essence of philanthropy by performing at a number of initiatives that raise awareness regarding social issues including but not limited to: the Emirates NBD Unity Run for Down Syndrome Children, Dubai Cares Walk for Education, Sandscapes and the Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research. The Band also participates at the annual Emirates Environmental Group Clean Up Campaign, for the prosperity of the wider society within the country, exhibiting charity not only to humankind but also the environment.
Nabeel Shiraz, the Captain of the UAE AKSG Band Group, mentions that he wishes to play his part as a leader and a pivotal member of society “by further looking into social causes to support and contribute to the community at large.” Zohaib Jalal, an experienced AKSG member, believes that “AKSG outlines the meaning of voluntary service to the youth and is one of the ways to experience the tenets of Islam.”
His Highness the Aga Khan, on several occasions, has expressed how his duty to serve and enable the less fortunate holds a special place in the eyes of Islam. At the Conference of Indigenous Philanthropy, held in Islamabad, Pakistan in the year 2000, His Highness said “the best of charity, in Islamic terms, can go beyond material support alone. It can take the form of human or professional support such as the provision of education for those otherwise unable to obtain it, or of the sharing of knowledge to help marginalised individuals build different and better futures for themselves.” In our religion, charity lays at the foundation and is paramount to the teachings of Islam and its history. It strongly emphasizes the significance of charitable work and the collective responsibility we have as a community toward anyone in need.
In light of this year’s International Day of Charity, let us recognise the work of volunteers worldwide, our institutions and global organisations that contribute unwaveringly to the betterment of society. Let us think about our actions and how we can collectively lend a hand, to leave the world a bit better than we found it.
Written by: Insha Bandeali
