Fifteen Inspirational Quotes from Famous People on Volunteerism

ICCNC: Dear friends and supporters, I was reading the definition of the word, "volunteerism", it inspired me to collect a list of quotes from Holy Quran, our Prophet (PBUH), Imam's and other famous individuals.  I wanted to share this work with you, hoping that as it inspired me will make you remember and celebrate the spirit of volunteering that shapes our lives, our communities and our nation.  As Imam Ali taught us, "look at what is being said, not who is saying it".  Enjoy and if inspired, volunteer at ICCNC.  First thing first, a definition of the word "volunteerism": 

the policy or practice of volunteering one's time or talents for charitable, educational, or other worthwhile activities, especially in one's community.

“What actions are most excellent? To gladden the heart of human beings, to feed the hungry, to help the afflicted, to lighten the sorrow of the sorrowful, and to remove the sufferings of the injured.” 

-Prophet Muhammad, PBUH

"The one who has the most blessed life is the one who supports others during her/his life"

- Imam Ali (AS)

"A person would not forget two types of faces in her/his life, the one who helped her/him in time of need and the one who left her/him alone in difficult time"

-Imam Hussein (AS)

“I'm for truth, no matter who tells it. I'm for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I'm a human being, first and foremost, and as such I'm for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.” 

- Malcolm X

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” 

- Muhammad Ali

“The intelligent way to be selfish is to work for the welfare of others” 

- The Dalai Lama 

“What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.” 

- Aristotle 

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” 

- William Shakespeare 

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” 

- Oscar Wilde 

“Only a life lived for others is worth living.” 

- Albert Einstein 

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

— Winston Churchill 

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” 

- Mahatma Gandhi 

“Whatever community organization, whether it’s a women’s organization, or fighting for racial justice … you will get satisfaction out of doing something to give back to the community that you never get in any other way.” 

- Ruth Bader Ginsburg 

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” 

- Audrey Hepburn 

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?” 

- Martin Luther King, Jr. 

"…help each other to do good and be conscious of God. Do not help each other to transgression and hostility. Be mindful of God.." -Surat al-Ma'ida: 2

"Whosoever wishes his prayer to be heard and his grief to be removed should remove the difficulties of one who has confronted a problem."

Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)