Humanity First: Reflections on the Essence of Humanitarian Work and Field Experiences

By Dr Salah Da’aak
Working in international organisations and voluntary efforts is among the noblest pursuits a person can engage in during their lifetime. It is a true opportunity to give and to make a meaningful impact. Many people mistakenly believe that giving is limited to financial contributions, but in reality, giving can take many forms: money, physical effort, time, or even emotional and spiritual support.
One of the wonders of the Qur’an is that it presents examples of physical giving, such as in the story of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him):
“So he watered [their flocks] for them; then he turned back to the shade and said, ‘My Lord, indeed I am, for whatever good You would send down to me, in need.’”
This was a pure act of selfless giving. He sought no reward, nor did he wait to engage with the two women or admire their beauty as some young men might. Instead, he turned away to the shade—this is the height of etiquette and sincerity.
Then there is spiritual and emotional giving: smiling at your brother is charity; patting the head of an orphan can bring comfort and love. These are simple acts that cost nothing yet leave a lasting impact. Even removing a harmful object from the road brings a reward. Giving half a date, if that’s all one has, still counts. In fact, researchers have shown that one of the deepest sources of happiness comes from the act of giving. One might even say—all without exaggeration—that every fard kifayah (communal obligation) is a voluntary act at its core. Whatever you do voluntarily for the benefit of others, if done by some, relieves the burden from the rest.
One of the earliest examples of voluntary work is when Cain learned from the crow how to bury the body of his brother Abel. Though he committed a terrible act, he still did good by not leaving the body exposed to scavengers. The crow taught him. This could be considered the seed of voluntary action in humanity.
Despite the joy and nobility of humanitarian work, if not conducted properly and within the correct framework, it becomes like ploughing the sea. It must be grounded in principles and values that guide the behaviour of volunteers and workers in the field, ensuring efforts remain focused on serving human dignity, away from bias, self-interest, and corruption.
Foundational Principles of Humanitarian Work
1. Sincere Intention (Niyyah):
Your actions should be for the sake of God, not for fame or position. While international protocols may not explicitly mention this, in our faith, intention is the foundation. We begin everything with niyyah, seeking God’s pleasure, which transforms humanitarian work into righteous deeds that earn reward in both this life and the next.
2. Voluntarism:
Work should stem from free will. The volunteer should give their effort out of a belief in doing good—not out of compulsion or solely for material gain.
3. Humanity:
The core aim must be to preserve human dignity and reduce suffering. Anything that compromises that dignity, whether in the type of aid or how it’s delivered, must be avoided. Beneficiaries should be consulted, and help should be provided to all in need, regardless of identity—unless security concerns for workers prevent it.
4. Impartiality:
Assistance must be based solely on need, without discrimination based on race, religion, colour, gender, or political affiliation.
5. Neutrality:
Organisations must refrain from taking sides in conflicts. Their role is strictly to provide aid, not to engage in politics or anything that diverts the work from its humanitarian purpose.
6. Independence:
An organisation should maintain its independence in decision-making and funding, free from political or economic influence. It must be free to carry out its activities without external interference.
7. Transparency and Accountability:
Organisations must work with integrity, implementing projects as agreed upon with donors and partners, respecting the host nation’s laws and policies, and maintaining the trust of both the community and staff.
8. Partnership with Communities:
True partnerships with the communities served are vital. Consulting communities prevents failure and waste. Respect for local culture, traditions, and customs is essential for project success.
9. Justice and Equality:
Everyone must be given equal opportunities to benefit. Efforts should be made to rectify social injustices where possible.
10. Cooperation and Coordination:
Organisations should work with other humanitarian actors, not in isolation. Strength lies in unity and collaboration, not in working alone.
11. Respect and Dignity of Beneficiaries:
Treat people with kindness and confidentiality. They are the priority and the very reason the organisation exists.
12. Sustainability and Impact:
Short-term solutions are not enough. Long-term thinking is needed—sustainable development, community empowerment, and building self-reliance.
Field Lessons and Realities
These principles are essential for anyone in the humanitarian field. I recall in 2012, while working as a regional director in Jordan for a British organisation, I oversaw operations in several Middle Eastern countries, including Sudan. We formed a partnership with Sudan’s Humanitarian Aid Commission for a Swiss-funded capacity-building project. It was a successful collaboration where numerous national organisations were trained in humanitarian principles and project management.
However, despite its structure and perceived order, humanitarian work can be dangerous. Many staff and volunteers have lost their lives—some in car accidents, others crushed during chaotic aid distributions, or even directly attacked.
In 2004, I was managing health projects in West Darfur with an international organisation. One evening, a dear friend working with an American NGO visited me in Geneina for a five-day market survey. I invited him to stay at my residence. That evening, we decided to get fresh cow’s milk from near Geneina hospital—one of the few places still open before the 9pm curfew.
It was drizzling lightly, and the smell of dasha (rain on dry earth) filled the air. We set off in a car, five of us. Suddenly, one colleague yelled from the back seat: “Someone is shooting at us!” Bullets shattered the windows. We ducked as one shot pierced below the dashboard, heading directly toward our guest. Thankfully, it hit the car door instead.
We exited the vehicle once the shooting stopped. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the car was severely damaged—oil, water, and fuel leaking. The shooter, a soldier no older than 19, claimed we’d broken curfew. Yet, it was only 7:30 pm. He had mistimed it due to rain and darkness. We returned home without the milk, grateful we had survived. That guest later became a professor, a minister, and now leads a major Arab organisation. We still reflect on that moment with deep contemplation.
I also recall the dangers in Mogadishu in 2011. I was attending a major aid conference. Just three days after we left our hotel for the airport, a truck bomb destroyed the very hotel we’d stayed in. We thanked God we were spared.
Understanding Culture is Crucial
Successful humanitarian work depends on engaging with beneficiaries—understanding their needs and consulting them. Ignoring cultural nuances can lead to failure.
In Afghanistan, for instance, an NGO built concrete latrines in a camp, but no one used them. We later discovered they faced the qibla, violating local beliefs. The organisation had to rebuild them at great cost.
In a Sudanese village, trained midwives were rejected. The community preferred traditional birth attendants. When asked why, they said: the new midwives were unmarried and had never given birth—a cultural requirement for trust. The NGO hadn’t considered this.
In Bangladesh, while overseeing projects in South Asia, a programme to support poor families insisted on granting income-generating projects to women only—excluding men, assuming men would misuse funds. Despite my advice to involve the whole family, the lead insisted. A year later, many women succeeded, but over half ended up divorced due to conflict. The project succeeded, but the family failed.
Final Thoughts
Humanitarian work is not easy. It is complex and demands experience, cultural awareness, and deep respect for communities. Success requires entering communities through the right doors—chiefs, elders, local leaders—while respecting customs and state policies. Humanitarian work is not just slogans. It is a blend of sincere intention, knowledge, understanding, and respect.
Today, Sudan is in dire need of organisations focused on reconstruction and development, grounded in humanitarian principles that place human beings at the heart of all efforts.
May God lift the suffering from Sudan, ease the burdens of war, bring peace to its people, and bless all sincere efforts toward rebuilding this wounded nation.
O Allah, be the support of those who wish to do good, ease the paths of righteousness, and bless every hand that reaches out to comfort the afflicted, rescue the distressed, and build a dignified future for this homeland.

Shortlink: https://sudanhorizon.com/?p=6869