How to start as a Muslim volunteer

Before you start

• Decide how much time you can giveAn hour a week you can keep is worth more than a big promise you can’t.
• Pick what you are good at, or want to learnCooking, driving, teaching, design, listening, organising: every skill is useful somewhere.
• Choose a cause close to homeYour mosque, a food bank, a hospital, a school, a care home or a local charity.

Finding a place

• Ask at your mosqueMost mosques need help with cleaning, events, classes, iftars, funerals and welcoming visitors.
• Search the national directoriesDo-it (do-it.org) lists volunteering roles across the UK by postcode, and gov.uk explains how volunteering works.
• Contact local charities directlyMany small charities don’t advertise; a friendly email or call often opens a door.

Getting ready

• Expect a check if you will work with children or vulnerable adultsOrganisations may ask for a DBS check; they usually arrange it for volunteers.
• Ask for a short inductionA good organisation explains its rules, safeguarding and who to go to with a problem.
• Keep your intention for AllahActions are judged by their intentions (Sahih al-Bukhari 1). Volunteering quietly, without needing thanks, is part of its beauty.