You often hear people say: “My organization operates legally.” This is the attitude of most organizations and bodies in the private and government sector, as well as those that operate in the voluntary and community sector. They entertain the faulty notion that they will not be legally penalized even if they commit crimes. There have been several instances of abuse of power and nepotism. At the same time, there have been situations in which those who are creative, intelligent and hardworking are marginalized. This scenario prompts some of them to bury their creativity and continue working hesitantly. Such situations in the workplace have the potential to shatter the huge dreams of many young people who are passionate to work hard in order to see their dreams materialize.
This eventually results in the emergence of an exhausted generation who are robbed of all their creativity. One of them might say: “I hated my younger days because they demanded me to be capricious just like a chameleon.” Some people feel threatened by young people and their drive for creativity. They have become increasingly pessimistic about what is going on in the region in terms of wars and disasters.
We may forgive those who are ambitious in their work and wish to gain a position and earn money. However, how can we overlook greed among those involved in voluntary work? There is no doubt that this is a huge calamity.
Of course, voluntary organizations operate in difficult situations. Those who run voluntary organizations sometimes give priority to divorcees and widows on the basis that these women were recommended by people they were acquainted with. Sometimes, they employ their friends and relatives.
When we join some voluntary organizations, we are often surprised by the behavior of the people running them. We repeatedly hear people say: “Don't do anything until receiving an order.” Working with such organizations is like working with a gang or the mafia. We not only have to work as directed but have to receive orders dictated by others.
What I am writing about is not a secret but the actual reality. It is something that we are forced to remain silent about.
As Muslims, we very much aspire to serve the community by following in the steps of those who were devoted to humanitarian work. There is a saying that there is nothing worse than a person with a great position and a reassuring voice, but no honesty.
