The Muamalat Newsletter Vol.1 2023

37 FEM Newsletter | June 2023 undoubtedly affected volunteering in Malaysia, it is likely that there is still a strong culture of volunteerism in the country, with many individuals and organizations continuing to support their communities through volunteering initiatives. In addition, volunteerism helps people to overcome feelingsof anxietyandpowerlessness as well as to improve people’s life satisfaction, emotional, and social wellbeing. Further, most of Malaysians are aware and agree with the important and benefits to be part of a volunteerism and to be involved in any volunteering activities (Rabun et al., 2017). Some popular volunteering opportunities in Malaysia include: 1. Teaching and Education : Many volunteers choose to work with schools of non-profit organizations to help improve access to education for underprivileged communities. 2. Environmental Conservation : Malaysia is a home to a diverse range of ecosystems, and many volunteers participate in projects aimed at preserving and protecting the country’s natural resources. 3. Disaster Relief : Malaysia is prone to natural disasters such as floods and landslides, and volunteers often provide assistance during these times of crisis. 4. Health and Welfare : Volunteers can participate in programs that focus on improving health outcomes and providing support to marginalized communities. 5. Animal Welfare : Many animal rescue centers and shelters in Malaysia welcome volunteers who are passionate about animal welfare. There are also numerous organizations in Malaysia that help connect volunteers with volunteering opportunities, such as the Malaysian Red Crescent Society, Biji-biji Initiatives, and the Malaysian Nature Society. Additionally, there are many online platforms that allow volunteers to connect with organizations and individuals in need of support. Conclusions As a conclusion, volunteering activities provide an opportunity to give back to society, help those in need, help build a sense of community, and also social cohesion whereby working together towards a common goal, volunteers can create strong bonds and foster a sense of belonging. Volunteering activities also are an important way to make a positive impact on society while also benefiting oneself. By volunteering, individuals can contribute to their communities, develop new skills, and gain a sense of personal fulfilment and purpose. Not only that but volunteering in Islam is also seen as a way to fulfil one’s duty to Allah and to serve the needs of others. It is considered an act of worship that not only benefits those being served, but also brings blessings and rewards to the volunteer. References: Al-Quran Abdullah Sahimi, Nur Aishah Hamizah and Suandi, Turiman and Ismail, Ismi Arif and Hamzah, Siti Raba’ah (2018). Profiling youth participation in volunteer activities in Malaysia: Understanding the motivational factors influencing participation in volunteer work among Malaysian youth. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities, 26, 49-62. Clary, E. G., Snyder, M., Ridge, R. D., Copeland, J., Stukas, A. A., Haugen, J., & Miene, P. (1998). Understanding and assessing the motivations of volunteers: A functional approach. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 74(6), 1516-1530. New Straits Times (2021, July 20). Pandemic sparks volunteerism, Retrieved on November 25, 2022 from https://api.nst.com.my/opinion/letters/2021/07/709969/pandemic-sparksvolunteerism Team Stage (2022). Volunteering Statistics for 2022: How Charitable Are We?, Retrieved on November 29, 2022 from https://teamstage.io/volunteering-statistics/ Authors’ email: 1. amalina.mursidi@usim.edu.my 2. nuriffahnasir@usim.edu.my 3. n.adilahasbullah@usim.edu.my 4. norfhadzilahwati@usim.edu.my 5. suhaidaherni@usim.edu.my