During my teenage years, I was once told by my father that helping others is obligated in every Muslim. This way, one becomes a better Muslim. This became a driving force as to why I entered Siraj in my undergraduate years at Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan.
From then, I imbibed the sense of helping others in all that I do. This is especially prevalent when asked from a fellow Muslim. I did not hesitate to extend my hand to them when they needed it. What I am also grateful for is the fact that they reciprocate our generosity. We have received so much help in times of difficulty. As what the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said in the hadith: Whoever helps ease someone in difficulty, Allah will make it easy for him in this world and in the Hereafter.
My sense of helping developed into volunteering when I entered college in a Jesuit university. Xavier University taught us to be compassionate, and to have empathy for the community.
During our theology classes, we learned about ‘sadaka’ (charity) which we are lucky to conduct community service of our choice. We served a muslim community with less privileged children. The moment we see faces of smiling children makes up our day. Nothing feels as good or as rewarding when we recite the word Alhamdullilah!
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Nur Hussain Maba is the Program Officer of the Al Qalam Institute of the Ateneo de Davao University. He is a graduate of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, with an AB English major. He is an alumni of Siraj, the Muslim Student Association of XU.
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