The Qur’anic Approach to Voluntary Work:A Basic Study

Abstract

I have endeavoured in this paper to define the concept of volunteering, linguistically and as used by Islamic scholars, sociologists and various international agencies. I explain institutionalised voluntary work, which is predominant in our world as it is adopted and financed by large organisations and governments. I outline the advantages of such institutionalised voluntary work. I then lay down the basis of voluntary work as mentioned in the Qur’an, listing the Qur’anic verses that specifically use the word ‘voluntary’ before adding the verses that refer to the idea of voluntary work. I add a brief explanation of these verses, so as to make their meaning clear without dwelling too long on that. I follow that with practical examples of voluntary work mentioned in the Qur’an and undertaken by prophets or devout people who personally did voluntary work.

The final part of the paper outlines the main conclusions identified by my research, such as: 1) The Qur’an encourages voluntary work in several verses, showing it as one of the best reward-earning good actions; 2) The area of voluntary work is very broad, unlimited to any particular model. It incorporates all that serve people’s interests; and 3) Voluntary work is a method of training which encourages people to give. I then list some recommendations which I believe will help the development of voluntary work within the Muslim community.

May God bestow peace and blessings on Prophet Muhammad and his household.