The true meaning of giving
Today I felt the need to write more about “The Real Meaning of Giving” in response to some of the queries I’ve received about people’s general definition of “giving.” I would like to shed light on the essence of giving in my opinion and point out that it is a much broader concept than many of us have confined it to. I’d also like to clear up some misconceptions about “giving” from the feedback I’ve received.
Perhaps the first two things that usually come to mind when we hear the word “giving” is charity, that is, giving money, or volunteering, that is, giving time, and although both areas are forms of widely accepted ways of giving in society, I say both. they are still a relatively large slice of a cake called “dar”. Also worth discussing here is the greater impact created by the form of “giving” that we choose to be a part of. Although it is a very noble way to contribute or help our less fortunate brothers and sisters around the world, most charitable and volunteer efforts tend to have a short-term impact on the recipients by providing basic necessities such as food, drink, housing and clothing. In my opinion, this will not help recipient individuals or communities maintain a long-term advantage, therefore help is expected to come again and the question here is, “What value has this type of donation added to the world?” until now?”
At best, there will be schools, hospitals, or larger investments made through humanitarian efforts to advance long-term social and economic values like education or health. In particular, I admire those projects or development initiatives that are launched to empower people or communities to manage their lives by giving them the right tools and, furthermore, teaching them how to use these tools to create a more promising future for themselves and their families. I commend programs that train and advise people on how to be productive members in society, how to get the right education that will brighten their lives, and in turn can be a blessing to others once they are self-sufficient. Can you imagine the kind of world we would be creating if each of us contributed by “giving” a solution to the problems of others that can change their lives instead of just “giving” them a meal or some money that can only last a day? . about. The beauty is in “giving” people hope by altering the way they choose to positively live their lives. For me, this is the true meaning of giving. On this occasion, I cannot fail to mention the Chinese quote that says: “Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day; Teach him to fish and you will feed him for a lifetime.”
Also, one of the most common misconceptions about “giving” that I wanted to clear up here, is that most people want to have a “holy” mindset when they think about “giving.” I’ve heard a lot of comments around: “if there is a personal gain for me in doing this or that, then how can that be related to giving?”, implying that “giving” must in all cases be one-sided or without giving. return. ! I don’t even know where that distorted image of “giving” originated from. In life, balance is required to ensure consistency and continuity. One thing we must understand is that God has created this universe with abundance. There is enough stuff for everyone here and even sharing will create a lot of supply.
Research has shown that people strive for reciprocity in the long run and that people who get some type of material or emotional reward as a result of their contributions are more likely to give more; and this is a basic human need as well. So, depriving yourself of yourself to give to others will mean that, although you give, you do not give with love, at the same time; your giving activities won’t last long because you can’t see the, “What’s in it for me?” Mother Teresa said: “It is not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.”
In the hadith of the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself”; it is a strong indication that this balance is a requirement of our human nature for healthy individuals and peaceful societies. You are an emotionally healthy person if you love things that are good for you. As important; it is that you must love for your fellow men the same good that you choose for yourself. If either of the two conditions is missing; then you are neither a true believer nor an effective giver.
To conclude, “giving” is a very profound term, we cannot limit it to a few activities just because this is what we see most common around us. The essence of “giving” is in freeing people from their psychological chains or idols, altering their way of thinking by providing them with solutions, revealing new possibilities that they have never heard of and empowering them to take charge of their lives once again. . I truly believe in taking personal time to share knowledge, coach, and coach others to help them succeed spiritually, mentally, and physically. Once they are successful, they are ready to make a greater impact in other people’s lives by helping them succeed as well. Here, I can proudly say that we have understood the true meaning of “giving”.