Balancing realism and responsibility in charity work

Charity work, through its institutions and individuals, represents a fundamental pillar in building communities and supporting those in need. However, these institutions are not immune to making mistakes, as they are part of human endeavors that are inherently flawed. Just as commercial or governmental institutions may face challenges and failures, charity work can also experience errors, whether in management, implementation, or even in the selection of individuals.

One of the common mistakes in dealing with charitable institutions is to view them with absolute sanctity as if they cannot err or be mismanaged. This idealistic perspective can lead to societal shock when any mistake occurs, no matter how small. Therefore, it is important to understand that charity work, like other fields, relies on human efforts that can both succeed and fail.

 The Incident of the Zakat Worker: A Model of Realism and Sound Leadership   

The incident of the zakat worker during the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) time provides a clear example of this realism. The Prophet's (peace be upon him) choice of a worker to collect alms was a human judgment, but it was later proven that he was not competent for the task. Nevertheless, this mistake did not lead to a loss of trust in the zakat system or its message; rather, it was addressed with wisdom and transparency, enhancing its reputation and credibility.

Leadership Lessons from the Zakat Worker Incident   

The incident of the zakat worker holds many leadership lessons that can be applied in managing charity work today:

1- Realism in Human Expectations: A successful leader recognizes that humans are prone to mistakes, even when chosen based on precise criteria. Therefore, it is essential to adopt continuous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure performance.

2- Transparency in Addressing Mistakes: The Prophet (peace be upon him) did not hesitate to confront the situation publicly, clarifying the mistake and reminding of its consequences. This underscores the importance of transparency when any malfunction occurs to maintain public trust in institutions.

3- Separation Between Individuals and the System: When the zakat worker made a mistake, it did not tarnish the image or message of the zakat system. This is an important lesson in distinguishing between individual errors and the goals of the institution and working to rectify the former without harming the latter.

4- Accountability and Justice: The Prophet (peace be upon him) applied the principle of accountability clearly, affirming that responsibility entails bearing the consequences of mistakes. This calls for establishing clear governance systems that hold workers accountable based on fair criteria.

5- Investing in Crises for Learning and Development: The Prophet (peace be upon him) did not merely resolve the issue; he exploited it as an opportunity to educate the nation on the principle of integrity in public work. Leading institutions can turn crises into lessons that enrich institutional work and prevent the recurrence of mistakes.

6- Developing Selection Mechanisms: The selection of staff was based on human effort, highlighting the importance of developing employee selection mechanisms according to clear criteria that include competence and integrity, while continuously training them on institutional values.

7- Establishing Integrity as a Core Value: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized that any public responsibility must be managed with the utmost honesty. This underscores the importance of integrity as a fundamental pillar in charitable work, ensuring the continuity of trust.

8- Balancing Criticism and Maintaining the System: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) addressed mistakes without allowing them to undermine the system of zakat. This illustrates the importance of constructive criticism aimed at reforming without threatening the continuity of work or losing community trust.

Avoiding Generalizations and Accusations

When a mistake occurs in a charitable organization, we must handle the event rationally without generalizations or sweeping accusations. Generalizing mistakes or accusing all workers in the sector harms the reputation of charitable work as a whole and discourages the efforts of dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to serve those in need. Criticism is necessary, but it should be constructive and specific, accompanied by solutions that help in reform rather than demolition.

Preserving and Purifying Charitable Work

 Despite the mistakes that may occur, preserving charitable work is a community duty, as it represents an important channel for providing humanitarian assistance and alleviating the suffering of vulnerable groups. Therefore, efforts should focus on purifying charitable work from incorrect practices through:

1. Enhancing transparency and accountability systems.
2. Developing criteria for selecting employees and continuously evaluating their performance.
3. Investing in training employees on integrity and work ethics.

Not immune from mistakes

Charitable work is not immune from mistakes, but at the same time, it is not a field for general accusations or excessive doubt. Realism requires us to acknowledge human shortcomings and work on correcting them without losing faith in the message of goodwill. Societies that skillfully manage criticism and promote an atmosphere of reform are the ones that can maintain these institutions as effective tools for spreading mercy and social justice.

The incident of the zakat worker is not just a historical event but a practical model for sound management, where the mistake was addressed transparently and justly while maintaining the community's trust in the system. If charitable organizations apply these lessons, they will become more efficient and capable of achieving their humanitarian mission, thereby enhancing their position as sources of benefit and benevolence in society.

Abdullah Al-Ruwaidan, may Allah have mercy on him, was known for calling to Allah through his manners, behavior, character, guidance, actions, and spending his wealth in the path of Allah and spreading the message, and increasing the number of youths in mosques. He was Abdullah Abdul Mohsen Al-Ruwaidan.

Birth and upbringing
Abdullah Abdul Mohsen Al-Ruwaidan was born on 2 Jumada Al-Akhirah 1382 AH / October 31, 1962, in the Al-Faiha area. At a young age, he got married and had one daughter and four sons: Mohammed, Abdul Mohsen, Fawaz, and Thamer.

From his good manners and behavior with others, he became close to the family he was staying with in London.

Education and work
Al-Ruwaidan studied elementary, middle, and high school in Kuwait, then joined the Kuwaiti Ministry of Awqaf, and later completed his university studies at the Faculty of Arts, specializing in geography. He worked in teaching for 3 years, then continued his educational career in the United States, earning a master's degree, and then a Ph.D. from Britain on the subject of "Endowments and how to invest in them."

His prominent characteristics
- High morals: His good manners and behavior with others were such that the family he was staying with in London became attached to him to the point that the lady of the house, an elderly woman, wanted to embrace him as one of her own sons due to his good manners and etiquette, but he refused, saying that it was not permissible in our religion.
- Love of reading: He was fond of reading and learning, evident from his conversations and broad knowledge.
- Humility: He was humble towards both the young and the old, the poor and the disadvantaged, helping and fulfilling their needs without showing any superiority over them.
He called to Allah through his manners, behavior, character, and guidance, spending his wealth in the path of Allah and spreading the message.
- Kindness to his parents: He was kind to his parents, especially his father and relatives, particularly the poor among them, and he was a lover and reciter of the Quran, constantly saying: "Oh Living, Oh Sustaining, in Your mercy I seek help." He was characterized by generosity, courage, purity of tongue, and fear of Allah.

His Da'wah role
He was known for calling to Allah through his manners, behavior, character, guidance, and actions. He spent his wealth in the path of Allah and in spreading the message, tirelessly working to increase the number of youths in mosques. He always said: "Nothing is wasted with Allah". Al-Ruwaidan, may Allah have mercy on him, represented the first model in deep faith foundation, with sacrifice and spending, being frugal on himself and supporting those around him.

Death
He passed away on Friday 12 Sha'ban 1423 AH / October 18, 2002, and his funeral was well attended. His friends remained at his grave for an hour, unable to leave him, praying and testifying for him. (1)

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• From the book " Al-Wafa Al-Surah for Biography of Reform Men " - Third Volume.

Khaled Al-Ruwaisheed, may God have mercy on him, was a prominent figure among the founders of the Islamic Guidance Society in 1950 in the Markhab area, and one of the first founders of the Zakat Committees, and one of the founders of the Social Reform Society in the early sixties, known for his high ethics and advocacy activities.
His Upbringing and Education
Khaled Ahmed Al-Ruwaisheed was born in 1929 in Saka Anza in Al- Qibla area, and he studied the early stages of education under Sheikh Qasim Hamada, where the study and curriculum were modest.
One of the founders of the Islamic Guidance Society in 1950 and the Zakat Committees and the Social Reform Society
His Work and Positions
Al-Ruwaisheed was among the pioneers of the founders with a group of Kuwaiti men for the Islamic Guidance Society in 1950 in the Markhab area.
He was also one of the first founders of the Zakat Committees, especially the Al-Aban Zakat Committee, and one of the founders of the Social Reform Society in the early sixties.
He worked in the warehouse department of the Ministry of Education, then moved to the Zakat Committee in the Ministry of Awqaf, and then to the Zakat House.
His Prominent Qualities
He had a mass of high ethics, which made anyone he met respect and admire him. He carried dignity and good conduct, was quiet, and only spoke when asked. His high aspirations embarrassed the youth, as he actively participated despite his age in all advocacy activities.
His Islamic belief, seriousness, and calm demeanor greatly impacted the education of his sons and daughters, and his emotional qualities were the biggest factor in nurturing them with Islamic values and ethics.
His Advocacy Work
When his uncle Abdul Aziz Al-Mutaw, may Allah have mercy on him, established the Islamic Guidance Society in 1950 in the Markhab area, Khaled Al-Ruwaisheed was among the founders, along with a group of Kuwaiti men at that time, such as Abdul Aziz Al-Mazini, Yusuf Bin Isa Al-Qinaei, Mohammed Al-Adasani, Khalid Saud Al-Fahid, and Abdullah Sultan Al-Kalib. He was also one of the first founders of the Zakat Committees, especially the Al-Aban Zakat Committee chaired by Sheikh Tayseer Al-Jumaili.
His death
Al-Ruwaisheed passed away at the age of 79, in the month of Ramadan / October 20, 2005.
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(1) From the book "Al-Wafa Al-Surah for Biography of Reform Men" - The First Group.

In a statement by the Chairman of the Union of Charitable Societies and Foundations, Saad Marzouq Al-Otaibi, regarding Kuwait’s humanitarian efforts to support the Gaza Strip, he stressed that Kuwait remains a bridge of humanity that reaches those most in need, through multi-directional movements by air, sea and land, led by His Highness Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Al-Otaibi explained that these movements are an extension of Kuwait’s giving record, enhancing its position as a global humanitarian center.  

Al-Otaibi continued: "We express our deep appreciation for the speech delivered by the representative of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect him, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, may God protect him, at the Third Summit of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue, when His Highness addressed the Palestinian issue. He pointed out that His Highness's emphasis on supporting the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination reflects Kuwait's steadfast commitment to human values ​​and justice. In the Union of Charitable Societies and Foundations, we support all efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region, and we hope that this summit will contribute to strengthening Arab and Islamic solidarity.

Al-Otaibi said: "Kuwait's humanitarian efforts towards Gaza come with direct support from government ministries; This enhances the sustainability of charitable work and makes Kuwait a beacon of humanity. The Ministry of Social Affairs has played an active role in organizing charitable work and ensuring adherence to transparency standards, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has coordinated to ensure that aid arrives quickly and smoothly in cooperation with international authorities. The Ministry of Information also provides comprehensive coverage of these campaigns, highlighting Kuwait’s efforts to enhance the country’s image as a major supporter of humanitarian work globally. The Ministry of Defense also plays a pivotal role, as the Air Defense Forces established the relief air bridge that transported nearly 50 aid planes, in an institutional cooperation that highlights the unity and concerted efforts of the state to serve urgent humanitarian issues.

Air Relief

Al-Otaibi explained that the Kuwaiti air bridge, which began in October 2023, is one of the most important initiatives that were made possible thanks to the “Faz’a (Flush of aid) for Palestine” campaign, in which more than 23 Kuwaiti charitable associations and organizations participated, as nearly 50 planes were sent loaded with medical, food and shelter aid. These planes represented a lifeline for the besieged people of Gaza, and provided the necessary aid to meet the needs of hundreds of families affected by the violent events in the Strip.

Marine Relief

Al-Otaibi added that in March 2024, the first Kuwaiti ship sailed from Turkey carrying 1,200 tons of basic food supplies such as rice, flour and canned food, and these supplies were distributed to the neediest families in Gaza.

Marine relief also continued with the launch of the “Gaza II” ship in April 2024 from the Turkish port of Mersin, which carried an additional 900 tons of basic relief supplies.

In August of the same year, the "Gaza III" ship set sail, also carrying 1,650 tons of food parcels and health supplies; which contributed significantly to supporting the people of the Strip.

Land Relief

As for land relief, Al-Otaibi indicated that Kuwaiti trucks loaded with hundreds of tons of medical and relief aid crossed Jordanian territory to reach Gaza, and coordination was made with the relevant authorities to ensure that this aid reaches those entitled to it in a timely manner. Al-Otaibi confirmed that Kuwaiti charitable societies are preparing to operate more land convoys in the coming days; which reflects Kuwait's commitment to continuing humanitarian support for Gaza.

Kuwaiti Medical Teams

On another level, Kuwaiti medical teams played a vital role in supporting the Palestinian people on the ground. Teams consisting of Kuwaiti consultants and surgeons entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing, where they provided specialized medical services in difficult and complex circumstances. Al-Otaibi praised the efforts of the Kuwaiti medical teams that did not hesitate to provide the necessary health care, thus embodying the highest meanings of human solidarity.

Local Relief Convoys

Al-Otaibi added that the "Goodness Convoys" campaign, which targeted the displaced in Gaza, contributed significantly to the distribution of food baskets and other basic aid. He explained that what distinguishes this campaign is its reliance on purchasing relief supplies from the West Bank, which contributed to supporting the local economy there. This step reflects Kuwait's strategic thinking in providing aid, as it seeks to achieve a positive and sustainable impact on the humanitarian and economic levels.

Al-Otaibi concluded his statement by stressing that Kuwait's humanitarian efforts towards Gaza reflect the noble values ​​​​held by Kuwaiti society, stressing that Kuwait will always remain a pioneer in humanitarian work, carrying a message of peace and hope to be afflicted peoples.

The Prophet ﷺ said, “Allah helps His slave as long as he helps his brother.” We live in Kuwait with a blessing Allah has bestowed upon us, which is the love of doing good for others. You will not find a household without a sponsor of an orphan, someone who has built a well or a mosque, or even participated in a charitable project. You will not find a woman who has not contributed to helping those in distress, nor a man whose hand has not extended to help those in need, even children have their share in doing good.

Kuwait, both government and people, extends a helping hand to all. This is a blessing we live when we visit different countries and hear them praying to and thanking Kuwait.

Interestingly, during a visit to the Kyrgyz ambassador in Kuwait, I shared with him the charitable works of the people of Kuwait in Kyrgyzstan. He promptly responded by saying: “I am close to your work; in fact, I support it.” He pointed out that one of his employees is a graduate of a university established by Kuwait, and another has taken a state position after graduating. I was delighted to see such fruits of charitable work.

The Mufti of Bosnia once told me that since the war in 1992, Kuwait has been the only country that has not ceased extending a helping hand to the Bosnian people.

In Africa, there are acknowledgments from governments and people for humanitarian work, whether in relief efforts or developmental work, such as health centers or development complexes. Many have learned skills through these projects to earn their livelihood.

In East Asia, thousands of families have benefited from development projects that relieve them from begging, but rather raising their hands in prayer for the benefactors.

There is hardly any crisis or disaster where Kuwait's hand has not extended to help, whether in Yemen, Syria, Palestine, or other Arab and Islamic countries. Their motto is “Kuwait is beside you.” Yes, it is Kuwait that symbolizes giving and goodness.

The Prophet ﷺ said, “The relationship of the believer with another believer is like (the bricks of) a building, each strengthens the other.” He (ﷺ) illustrated this by interlacing the fingers of both his hands. He also said, “Whoever fulfills the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs.”

Let us take pride in our Kuwait, the Kuwait of humanity, and in the Emir of Humanity, may Allah have mercy on him, and our official institutions; the Ministry of Awqaf, the Zakat House, the General Secretariat of Awqaf, the International Islamic charity Organization, and all the charitable associations and those who have followed this path and worked in it.

The fruits of these efforts are everywhere in the world, and we are certain that acts of kindness protect from destructive outcomes, serving as a safeguard for us in this world and a treasure for the Hereafter. We have an example in the Messenger of Allah ﷺ when Khadijah, may Allah be pleased with her, said to the Prophet ﷺ: “By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you, for by Allah, you keep good relations with your Kith and kin, speak the truth, help the poor and the destitute, entertain your guests generously and assist those who are stricken with calamities.”

May Allah, continue to bestow these blessings upon us, elevate the status of our Kuwait, and bless us with the grace of security and safety.

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