World Humanitarian Day has been established to pay tribute to the thousands of global humanitarian aid workers. Volunteers who spend their time, effort, and resources to help those in need. Sometimes they even end up giving their lives in the course of their work.

The Humanitarian Tragedy

The United Nations General Assembly founded this day in 2009; in remembrance and honor of the deaths of 22 U.N. aid workers, including the Special Representative of the secretary-general to Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello, in a bombing of the United Nations Baghdad headquarters on August 19th, 2003. 

Currently, according to the report by the Global Humanitarian Overview 2022, approximately 274 million people shall need humanitarian assistance and protection. The chart below sheds light on the daunting requirement of aid across countries around the globe.

While we talk about humanitarian crises globally, an unprecedented situation has been unfolding in Palestine for decades. According to European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations' recent report from Feb 2022, approximately 2.45 million Palestinians, out of 5.2 million, need humanitarian assistance. The crippled economy of Gaza has trapped the citizens in a constant cycle of poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity.

We would also like to shed light on the plight of Rohingyas, the sufferings of Yemen, and the man-made turmoil that Afghanistan has been facing for the past few decades. In April 2022, as part of the Ramadan Reconnect campaign, Bitsmedia in collaboration with UNICEF launched a fundraising drive concentrating on humanitarian action for children in Yemen, Syria, and Afghanistan and raised over USD $120,000.00. 

What Qualities does it take to be a Humanitarian?

We read about refugee crises and the millions displaced globally almost every day. You and I need to pay attention. Develop kindness for every person, regardless of who they are and where they come from. Focus on helping those in need.

The 5 characteristics of a humanitarian include:

1. Empathy

2. Compassion

3. Stamina/Strength

4. Communication Skills

5. Selflessness

Our global crisis is increasing as we speak. Professional Humanitarian degrees in universities and online equip individuals to turn their passion for serving humanity into Humanitarian careers.

Being a Humanitarian and a Muslim

The Prophet ﷺ said,

‏"‏ انْصُرْ أَخَاكَ ظَالِمًا أَوْ مَظْلُومًا ‏"‏‏.‏ فَقَالَ رَجُلٌ يَا رَسُولَ اللهِ أَنْصُرُهُ إِذَا كَانَ مَظْلُومًا، أَفَرَأَيْتَ إِذَا كَانَ ظَالِمًا كَيْفَ أَنْصُرُهُ قَالَ ‏"‏ تَحْجُزُهُ أَوْ تَمْنَعُهُ مِنَ الظُّلْمِ، فَإِنَّ ذَلِكَ نَصْرُهُ ‏"‏‏.‏

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Help your brother whether he is an oppressor or an oppressed," A man said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! I will help him if he is oppressed, but if he is an oppressor, how shall I help him?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "By preventing him from oppressing (others), for that is how to help him."

[Sahih al-Bukhari 6952]

We live by the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet ﷺ. We pray for ourselves and others. But, with dua also comes deeds. Let your deeds embrace and compensate for the sins of others as well. A small step shall create a ripple effect in the future. The art of giving is deep-rooted in our Islamic culture. Let us try and extend it to people beyond our borders and faith, individually and by supporting community initiatives around you.

What Can You Watch on Qalbox?

Head over to Qalbox and engage in titles related to #WorldHumanitarianDay as the world unites to commemorate frontline humanitarian workers every year on August 19th.

Titles on Qalbox under World Humanitarian Day: 2022 

1. The World Class

2. Delisa's Memorization of Prayer

3. Iran Teaching the Nomads

4. Afghan to The Top,

5. Men of Hope