My journey with Islamic Help began in 2017 when I joined as a volunteer for Mission Possible. After my first trip, I was eager to go again the following year. On my next mission to Tanzania, I witnessed firsthand the incredible work Islamic Help was doing. It was a truly eye-opening experience that ignited a passion in me for their unique projects. This experience not only opened my eyes but also helped me grow as a person, marking a significant turning point in my personal development.
Before I became deeply involved in hands-on charity work, my efforts focused on fundraising, which is crucial to sustaining any charity’s work. I threw myself into a range of fundraising initiatives, organizing events, doing street collections, climbing Snowdon, and even skydiving. These efforts pushed me out of my comfort zone—far easier said than done—but the courage it took was worth it. Once I was back in the field, I found myself wishing I had raised even more.
Volunteering isn’t just about making a difference for others; it’s also a journey of self-growth. The time and energy you give to a charitable cause often return to you in the form of personal development. You don’t just help others—you grow yourself.
My time with Islamic Help has been a learning experience that’s helped me both personally and professionally. I became more productive and more engaged in the work. Starting as a volunteer has been incredibly fulfilling and has left a lasting impression on me.
Seeing the sustainable changes, we were helping create was eye-opening. Meeting the beneficiaries, listening to their stories, and witnessing their struggles firsthand offered a perspective I couldn’t have gained any other way. I learned that real, effective change comes from engaging directly with the people you’re helping and incorporating their input into the plans. The impact we can make on their lives is profound.
In Islam, charity, or sadaqah, is one of the most significant acts of service. It extends beyond financial donations; even a smile, a kind word, or offering help to someone in need counts as charity. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Every act of kindness is charity.” [Sahih Bukhari]
As a volunteer, one of my most meaningful roles was distributing food and essential supplies to those in need. But Islamic Help doesn’t just stop at immediate aid—they work on sustainable projects that make a lasting impact. Engaging directly with families, hearing their stories, and understanding their struggles deepened my sense of empathy and strengthened my commitment to making a difference. I’ve learned that even the smallest act of kindness can ripple out, creating change in ways you might not expect.
Volunteering often takes you out of your comfort zone, which leads to personal growth and new skills. Whether you’re organizing events, fundraising, or even mentoring, you’re learning on the job. Volunteers often find themselves improving communication by interacting with diverse groups, gaining leadership skills by coordinating efforts, learning problem-solving techniques to overcome challenges, and developing project management skills to handle logistics and deadlines.
While this experience has been deeply rewarding, it hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the toughest moments was witnessing the difficult conditions people were living in. Yet, seeing this firsthand has made me incredibly grateful for everything I have.
Volunteering with Islamic Help has been a transformative experience, and I hope to continue contributing my time and energy to make a difference, one act of kindness at a time.
Volunteering is one of the most impactful ways to give back, not only to others but to yourself. When you volunteer, you become part of something larger than yourself, making tangible differences in the lives of people who need it most. It’s an opportunity to step out of your daily routine, gain new perspectives, and grow personally and professionally. Whether you’re distributing food, organizing events, or simply offering a kind word, your efforts can create lasting change.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to contribute to the world, I encourage you to take that first step—volunteer. You won’t regret it.
More about Kiren Shafiq:
Kiren Shafiq is the Mission Possible & UK Programmes Coordinator at Islamic Help. In this dual role, she works closely with volunteers, guiding them through international volunteer deployments and leading impactful projects abroad. Additionally, Kiren leads on UK Programmes, focusing on empowering local communities to become self-sufficient and resilient. Her leadership and dedication help create sustainable change both locally and globally.
