Time, skill and kindness
Be a Muslim volunteer: give an hour, change a day
Not everyone has money to give. Everyone has some time, some skill and some kindness.
Every skill counts · start with an hour a week · UK-wide
Become a Muslim volunteer
Volunteering in three numbers
- 3 ways to give when you have no money: work, help someone in need, do good Sahih al-Bukhari 1445
- 16 the age many roles open at; some from 14 with a parent’s agreement Typical UK volunteering roles
- 1 smile for your brother counts as a charity Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi 1956
Every kindness counts
Giving isn’t only money. The Prophet ﷺ said every act of kindness is a charity (Sahih al-Bukhari 6021), and named many: a kind word, a step towards the prayer, making peace between two people, lifting someone’s bags (Sahih al-Bukhari 2989). Muslims Around the World explains the many kinds of sadaqah, charity in Islam.
A small amount goes a long way: give sadaqah and follow it to the people it reaches. See the biggest Muslim charities in the UK and what they spend.
When you have nothing to give
Then help someone in need. Asked about a person with nothing to give, the Prophet ﷺ said: let him work with his hands and give; if he can’t, let him help someone in need; and if he can’t, let him do good and hold back from harm, for that is a charity for him (Sahih al-Bukhari 1445).
Helping others helps you
Allah helps the one who helps. Allah helps His servant as long as the servant is helping his brother (Sahih Muslim 2699). The Quran praises those who feed the poor, the orphan and the captive for the sake of Allah, wanting no thanks (Quran 76:8–9), and gives kindness to people of every faith its place (Quran 60:8).
Muslim volunteer questions
Does volunteering count as charity in Islam?
Every act of kindness is a charity (Sahih al-Bukhari 6021), and helping someone in need is named among the ways to give when you have no money (Sahih al-Bukhari 1445).
Can I volunteer for non-Muslim causes?
Yes. Kindness and fairness to people of every faith who don’t fight you is something the Quran allows and praises (Quran 60:8). Food banks, hospitals and local charities welcome everyone.
I’m young: can I volunteer?
Yes. Many roles are open from 16, some from 14 with a parent’s agreement, and your mosque will usually welcome help at any age with supervision.