Acts of Service: A love language for the holiday season

‘Tis the season, and although the days are getting colder, the holiday cheer that is coming upon us is one that permeates warmth, joy, and the spirit of giving. While Muslims around the world may not celebrate Christmas, many take the opportunity to unite with others in the festive spirit by embodying the essence of the holiday season – one that shares a renewed sense of community, humanity, and generosity.

Simple acts of kindness and engaging in community service are ways in which we can become a part of the holiday cheer and celebrate together. The holiday season can be used to make a commitment to make small steps towards bettering our actions through helping and bringing joy to others. This is something that we are called to do in our faith, as the Quran says:

• “And help one another in goodness and piety…” (Quran, 5:2)
• “Do good as Allah has done good to you.” (Quran 28:77)

In fact, the Quran urges us to be the first and foremost in taking action, and not simply following the actions of others:

• “And they strive with one another in hastening to good deeds” (Quran, 3:114)

The Holy Prophet (SAW) has been recorded as saying, “The best among you is the one who brings most benefit to others, and the most beloved of deeds is making [one] happy, or relieving [one] of hardships…”

Helping others does not have to involve large showy acts. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has said “Even a smile is charity,” which demonstrates the impact that one can have as small and insignificant as it may seem.

Acts of service is a love language that has the power to bind together humanity in a way that effaces all outer labels, like race, religion, ethnicity or language.

Whether your interest lies in interacting with people face-to-face, working independently, using social skills or technical skills, there are a number of ways you can use your time and abilities to support the many initiatives of the Zahra Foundation and give back to the larger community.