Last week, I came across a story that made a profound impact on me. It was about a nurse in Gaza. When asked about the unimaginable challenges she faced in the midst of a genocide, her response was profoundly unexpected: “I pray my Lord uses me and does not replace me.”
In the face of so much suffering, this simple yet powerful statement invites us to deeply reflect on our intentions: What truly motivates us when we help others? Are we acting out of the right intention? Do we have the right knowledge, skills, and actions to match our intentions?
This reminds me of something a dear friend once shared with me that has always stuck: “Never think of yourself as a savior when helping those in need. We are only in a position to help because Allah has put us there.” This shift in perspective is truly humbling. It reminds us that our ability to serve is not a badge of honor—it’s a responsibility, and we’re merely the instruments through which GOD does HIS work. It reminds us that service, at its core, is not about us—it’s about fulfilling a purpose far greater than ourselves.
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with many charitable and philanthropic organizations. While most begin with a sincere drive to make a difference, it’s easy for that focus to blur as they grow. It’s important to remember that good intentions aren’t enough on their own. Without the right actions to support them, they can quickly become hollow promises. I’ve seen organizations struggle with this balance, especially as they expand. They often start with a clear mission—helping those in need—but as time goes on, they lose sight of living up to that mission in a consistent way. As Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) beautifully said, "Verily, actions are by intention." True sincerity doesn’t just mean having the right intentions; it means making sure our actions match them.
I often remind organizations that having the right intention to help is key, but it needs to be coupled with the right knowledge and effective controls. I've seen passionate organizations pour their hearts into their work, only to face serious setbacks like license revocations or fines due to non-compliance. Compliance might not be the most exciting part of charity work, but it’s essential. It ensures transparency, good governance, and protection for everyone involved—from the organization to the donors, and most importantly, the beneficiaries. Unfortunately, many only start thinking about compliance when something goes wrong. They get caught up in the mission or the urgency to raise funds, but in the process, overlook the groundwork needed for sustainable, ethical operations that meet regulations.
Time and again, I witness charities and non-profits struggle to build trust with service providers such as banks and payment processors, especially when they’re working internationally and need to send funds to high-risk areas where aid is urgently needed. The issue? They often failed to provide clear communication about managing and mitigating the risks involved and ensuring compliance with regulations. This doesn’t just hurt their credibility—it can delay or halt the delivery of aid to those in desperate need. What I always stress to my clients is this: financial institutions need confidence that partnering with your organization won’t expose them to unnecessary risk. This trust is built through strong risk management, clear processes, and transparent communication. When charities proactively address compliance and demonstrate sound governance, they not only build stronger relationships with financial institutions but also ensure smoother operations and long-term sustainability, ultimately delivering aid more efficiently to those who need it most.
Here’s a simple way to think about it: imagine you’re planning to bake the perfect chocolate cake. You might have all the good intentions, but without the right ingredients, method, and temperature, the cake won’t turn out well. Even if it does, people will need to taste it to see if it’s as good as you claim. Charity work is the same. It takes more than just wanting to help—you need a solid understanding of regulations, good risk management, and the right systems to make sure everything runs smoothly. On top of that, regular and unbiased audits are critical to confirm that everything’s on track. Building trust requires more than just words; it takes consistent actions, transparency, and a commitment to doing things the right way.
At the core of any successful organization are three things: INTENTION, KNOWLEDGE, and CONTROL. Without these, even the best intentions can fall short, and the organization risks losing its way.
A verse from the Quran perfectly captures this balance:
“And if they had intended to go forth, they would have prepared for it [some] preparation. But Allah disliked their being sent, so He kept them back, and they were told, ‘Remain [behind] with those who remain.’” (9:46)
This verse is a reminder that intention alone isn’t enough—we must prepare and act accordingly. Our ability to serve is a responsibility, and it's not something we choose for ourselves—Allah chooses us for this role. And with that comes the duty to fulfill it with sincerity, the right knowledge, and integrity. If we don’t honor that responsibility, it will be given to someone else who will carry it forward with care and commitment.
So the next time we say we want to serve the Ummah or those in need, let’s pause and reflect. Are our intentions aligned with the right actions? Is our dedication backed by proper compliance, strong governance, and ethical practices? Good intentions are essential, but even the most sincere efforts can fall apart without the right structure to support them.
Thank you for taking the time to reflect on this. Let’s stay true to our intentions, stay informed, and take the right actions. Real impact happens when we combine good intentions with solid preparation and action. And of course, let’s pray Allah keeps us steadfast and uses us to benefit others. Until next time, JazakAllah Khair!
Rahimah Kashim
Practicing leader At Oktriz