Doha, March 28 (QNA) – According to preachers and experts in the field of volunteer work, the holy month of Ramadan represents a valuable opportunity to spread and enhance volunteerism in society.
In statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), they mentioned that volunteer work is a key aspect of strengthening social cohesion, especially during Ramadan as Muslims aim to do good deeds including volunteer work.
Islamic preacher Dr. Ayesh Al Qahtani, a member of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS), told QNA that Islam placed volunteer work in high regard because of the great benefit it brings to the individual and society and it also brings the person closer to Allah.
Dr. Al Qahtani said that interest in volunteering increases at certain periods notably during Ramadan in which reward for good deeds doubles. Volunteering also increases in times of conflict, disasters, and crises due to the urgent need for it. Volunteer work leads to the cohesion and strengthening of society, assists the country with some of the duties and reduces problems resulting from poverty and need.
Director of Volunteering and Local Development Sector at Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) Hussein Aman Al Ali told QNA that QRCS’s volunteer database includes more than 29,000 people.
Al Ali added that there is a great demand during Ramadan to volunteer and participate in QRCS’s events and activities. The holy month represents an opportunity to expand volunteer work in Qatar since there is an increased sense of compassion and willingness to do good. Volunteering is a valuable opportunity to help people in need and society as a whole. It also promotes social solidarity, instills positive values, develops new skills for volunteers and achieves self-satisfaction.
He explained that the QRCS works to draw both men and women into volunteer work. It has training programs that meet their skills, competencies, and educational and leadership levels. It also aims to spread the culture of volunteering in society by organizing courses throughout the year and provides various opportunities through its community initiatives and activities that meet the interests of individuals thus further engaging and encouraging them to partake in volunteer work.
The Director of Development and Local Development Sector at QRCS said that the disaster and crisis camp is one the most notable programs that receive volunteers. Uniquely organized by the QRCS, the program provides specialized courses under the supervision of a group of qualified trainers and experts specialized in the field of disaster management.
Director of Volunteering and Local Development Sector at Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) Hussein Al Ali pointed out the role of volunteers during the holy month of Ramadan in contributing to the service of individuals and society, as they work to distribute food baskets and meals to break the fast to workers in several places in the country, and they also respond effectively to support the efforts of the internal departments of QRCS and various government agencies.
A proactive plan was developed in preparation for the holy month by training a number of volunteers and providing them with logistical support, Al Ali pointed out, adding that QRCS creates its activities from the standpoint of being part of Qatari society, aiming for its good, its advancement, and meeting the needs of its citizens and residents, through cooperation with governmental and non-governmental institutions, and with the donation of people of goodness and benevolence, in order to achieve its humanitarian mission, and contribute to achieving Qatar National Vision 2030.
With the advent of the month of Ramadan, QRCS Ramadan campaign is launched, which began its implementation more than two decades ago, to include several projects and programs, including supporting the families most cared for within the country, and strengthening the bonds of solidarity and brotherhood between the able and the unable, Al Ali added.
For her part, Head of Initiatives and Volunteering Fatima Al Ali said that the holy month of Ramadan is a great opportunity to promote and spread the culture of volunteer work, confirming the increasing demand for volunteering during the holy month.
She explained that volunteering during Ramadan enhances community cohesion and positive spirit, and also contributes to providing assistance to those in need, noting the diversity of volunteer opportunities during the month of Ramadan, from distributing food, supervising tables, helping in mosques to recreational activities for children. (QNA)
