Deployment It wasn’t the exotic locations or adrenaline-pumping activities that defined 2023 for me, rather it was the charity deployments in 2023. The quiet moments, the shared smiles, the unspoken connections that whispered tales of resilience and hope.
In the beginning of 2023, during a break from my work project and with some annual leave available, my friend Tayyab recommended that I accompany him on a charitable deployment trip to Africa.
This marked my first trip to Africa, and the stark divergence in living standards compared to the Western world left me profoundly amazed. Though I had previously explored regions contending with widespread poverty and underdevelopment, observing areas still trailing 80-90 years behind in progress truly felt like a journey to an ancient era.
Embarking on my subsequent journey, I travelled to Lebanon with the primary mission of extending support to Syrian refugees in the Beqaa Valley, who had sought sanctuary after escaping a brutal tyrannical regime. Alongside aiding Palestinian refugees who, more than seven decades ago, fled oppression and still lack a permanent home to return to, I noticed a troubling pattern. The local Lebanese population is slowly succumbing to economic turmoil, as a growing number of individuals find themselves slipping below the poverty line.
My concluding charitable journey took me to Morocco at the end of the year, where I witnessed the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that not only claimed numerous lives but also left a lasting and widespread trail of destruction. The affected communities were grappling with the profound impact on their lives, underscoring the urgent necessity for support and relief efforts. As the winter months set in, the temperature in the Atlas Mountains began to plummet, intensifying the challenges faced by the affected populations. The pressing need for winter aid became increasingly apparent, emphasising the importance of timely and targeted assistance to help these communities endure the harsh weather conditions and rebuild their lives.
Witnessing the resilience of the affected individuals and their determination to rebuild their lives in the face of such adversity was a humbling and eye-opening experience. This journey underscored the crucial role that compassionate outreach plays in helping communities recover and reconstruct after facing unimaginable challenges.
My worldview has been profoundly shaped by both my religious beliefs and upbringing. It is a perspective rooted in values of compassion, love, respect, and the mutual acceptance of diverse ideas. Rather than embracing a worldview centred on boundless greed for wealth, fame, and power, I subscribe to the belief that such pursuits do not contribute to a positive legacy.
Growing up, my parents exemplified a lifestyle marked by simplicity and humility, always emphasising the importance of appreciating what we have and never taking anything for granted. Their teachings have instilled in me a deep sense of gratitude and a recognition of the intrinsic value of every blessing.
Aligned with my religious principles, practicing charity, embracing compassion, and minimising wastage aren’t mere ideals but integral facets of my daily life. I’ve learned to perceive excess not as a symbol of prosperity but as an avenue to extend generosity to those less fortunate. This ethos guides even the smallest actions, emphasising the importance of ensuring that no morsel of food goes to waste – a practice underscored by the ritual of expressing gratitude through plate licking after completing a meal, a tradition passed down through the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
The following encapsulates a selection of my personal perspectives and significant insights obtained from my experiences during charity deployment trips:
- Gratitude: embracing gratitude, appreciating whatever we have, stands as a paramount mindset to adopt. In the Western world, contentment often eludes us, yet when conversing with individuals in remote locales where access to clean water is scarce, their lives are marked by genuine contentment.
- Greed: recognising the pervasive influence of greed on the world and its elite is crucial. The swift mobilisation of millions, if not trillions, of vaccines within a short period is a testament to what can be achieved. However, it’s disheartening that in the 21st century, significant parts of the world still lack access to clean water. If global leaders genuinely prioritised it, providing clean water to the entire world could be a reality within the next six months. Unfortunately, greed often hinders the realisation of such critical humanitarian goals.
- Humanity: unfolded before me during my visit to Lebanon, where Syrian refugees had been residing in tents for an extended period. Our journey coincided with the aftermath of an earthquake impacting Turkey and Syria, yet these refugees, despite their limited resources, demonstrated remarkable empathy towards others in similar situations. This experience brought to mind a profound teaching from Prophet Muhammad, who encouraged his Companions to prioritise the needs of others over their own. This sentiment is echoed in a message recorded in the Qurʾān: “Prioritising the needs of others over your own, even in the face of your own hardships.”
- Empathy: is more than just a response to news reports that can pull at your heartstrings; it’s like transforming blurry photographs into soul-searing clarity when you hear someone’s story directly. It goes beyond the act of donating money; the real magic happens when you are physically present. Witnessing the circumstances firsthand not only encourages you to give more but leaves an lasting impact. In every individual who embarked on these trips, there was a transformation—a personal connection that inspired a commitment to contribute further. It wasn’t solely about monetary aid. In Lebanon, I vividly recall instances where fellow volunteers, moved by the harsh conditions, selflessly removed their warm clothing to offer it to the beneficiaries. This exemplifies the profound effect of experiencing empathy on a tangible, personal level.
- Work behind the scenes: the often overlooked aspect of charitable giving is the intricate work transpiring behind the scenes. We tend to tap our cards, expecting aid to seamlessly reach its intended target instantly. However, the reality involves a complex web of logistics. It commences with the charitable organisation you donate to, necessitating the sourcing of relevant partners or employing on-the-ground staff to secure the aid. Subsequently, there’s the meticulous process of packing and transporting the aid to the designated locations. The final crucial step involves a team, often comprising volunteers, responsible for the on-site distribution of the aid. Unfortunately, the intricacies of these logistical efforts are rarely appreciated when funds are contributed.
In conclusion, the 2023 charity journeys became transformative journeys resonating deeply with humanity. From Africa to Lebanon and Morocco, each destination revealed the invincible human spirit amid adversity, offering lessons in resilience, empathy, and the logistics of charitable efforts. The defining moments of 2023 were characterised by shared smiles, unspoken connections, and quiet acts of compassion, fostering a heightened understanding of gratitude and prioritising others’ needs. The journey affirmed that charity goes beyond financial contributions, requiring direct engagement, presence, and a collective effort to create a more compassionate world. Ultimately, the charity deployments of 2023 served as a potent reminder that positive change demands empathy, understanding, and a genuine commitment to impact lives. These experiences should continue to shape our worldview, inspire action, and highlight the enduring power of humanity to drive transformative change.
May we reside in a world immersed in peace, shielded from the grievous repercussions of human greed that afflict millions worldwide. Let it be a realm where differences are warmly embraced, fostering harmonious coexistence. In this world, oppressors find no support, and the global community unites to depose such leaders, nurturing a shared commitment to justice and compassion. I also pray that Allah grants us the opportunity to persist in our efforts to assist others and allows charitable organisations like HWB to continue serving humanity across the globe.
By Mawlana Umar Abdullatif