Small Acts of Kindness

Sometimes it takes a very small act to make a great deal of difference. I have a memory of my school years which changed my thinking about the effect of our actions for the rest of my life.

As part of a school trip the class was to meet at the local train station and my mum happily waved me off with a £10 note. I had to take the bus to get to the train station and when the bus finally arrived, the driver refused to take my note. Not having any change, I begun to panic, until the lady getting on behind me paid the 20p it cost for a child fare then. Such a small thing, only 20p, but such a big thing to me. It meant I could get to the station on time, go on the trip and not be left out. The lady did not know me but she taught me that sometimes it only takes the smallest action to make a big impact.

Sometimes we feel we cannot do much, we feel bound by our lack of resources, our lack of time, our duties, the restrictions on us because of our cultures or our family, especially as woman. But sometimes a very little is enough, a kind word for a stranger, paying for someone’s tea or sandwich because they found their purse unexpectedly empty in the canteen, a visit to your neighbour, a kind word or hug for a sister, calling your parents to ask how they are, even a smile for no other reason than to serve another and be true to your innate fitrah to help others and of course to please Allah (SWT) in the process. Better still, to be a living example of what beauty and mercy there is in Islam.

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) has said: 'Your smile for your brother is Sadaqah.' (Bukhari)

Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.” Shirley Chisholm

Muslim Youth Helpline Acts of Random Kindness