In moments of national tragedy and public emergencies, acts of courage often rise above social divisions and political narratives. Across India, over the past six years, numerous Muslim individuals, volunteers, organisations, and humanitarian groups have played significant roles in rescue and relief operations, earning recognition for their selfless service during some of the country’s most challenging crises.
From providing oxygen and ambulance services during the COVID-19 pandemic to rescuing trapped workers in Uttarakhand, assisting flood victims in Maharashtra, and risking their lives during the recent Malviya Nagar hotel fire in Delhi, these stories highlight a remarkable commitment to humanitarian values and public service.
COVID-19: A Humanitarian Response
The COVID-19 pandemic remains one of the most devastating public health emergencies in modern Indian history. During the first and second waves of the pandemic, hospitals struggled with shortages of beds, oxygen supplies, medicines, and medical personnel. Lockdowns disrupted livelihoods, while thousands of families faced illness, bereavement, and economic hardship.
Amid this unprecedented crisis, Muslim organisations, mosques, charitable groups, and youth volunteers across cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Srinagar, Lucknow, Bengaluru, and Kolkata mobilised extensive relief efforts.
Volunteers arranged oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators, ambulance services, plasma donations, food packets, and ration kits for families affected by the pandemic. Many community centres and mosques were converted into temporary relief hubs that coordinated emergency assistance round the clock.
Most notably, volunteers stepped forward to conduct the last rites of COVID-19 victims whose families were unable to travel due to lockdown restrictions or were themselves infected. In many instances, Muslim volunteers helped perform Hindu, Sikh, Christian, and Muslim funeral rites with dignity and respect, ensuring that victims received proper final ceremonies regardless of their faith.
JIH Nationwide Relief Effort
Among the organisations actively engaged in pandemic relief was Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), which launched extensive humanitarian initiatives across the country.Through its network of volunteers and sister organisations, JIH distributed food packets, ration kits, cooked meals, medicines, hygiene products, and other essential supplies to thousands of vulnerable families, including migrant workers, daily wage earners, and economically disadvantaged communities.
The organisation also conducted public awareness campaigns on COVID-19 prevention, vaccination, hygiene practices, and social distancing through digital platforms, seminars, and grassroots outreach programmes. These initiatives sought to combat misinformation while encouraging responsible public behaviour.
During the deadly second wave, JIH expanded its activities by providing oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators, ambulance services, hospital support facilities, and emergency helplines. Volunteers worked alongside civil society organisations and local authorities to assist patients and connect families with medical resources.
Beyond material assistance, the organisation also offered emotional and spiritual support to affected families, emphasising interfaith cooperation and collective responsibility during a national emergency.
Uttarkashi Tunnel Rescue: Rat Miners Become National Heroes
One of the most celebrated examples of courage and determination emerged during the Uttarkashi tunnel rescue operation in Uttarakhand in November 2023.Forty-one workers were trapped inside the collapsed Silkyara tunnel for 17 days after a section of the under-construction tunnel caved in. Despite the deployment of sophisticated drilling equipment and multiple rescue strategies, authorities faced repeated setbacks in reaching the trapped workers.
In a crucial breakthrough, a team of experienced rat miners was brought in to manually clear the remaining debris. Working in extremely dangerous and confined conditions, the miners crawled through narrow steel pipes and painstakingly removed rubble manually.Their efforts ultimately proved decisive. The miners successfully created the final passage that enabled rescuers to reach the trapped workers and bring all 41 men safely to the surface.
The operation drew national and international attention, with the rat miners receiving widespread praise for their bravery, skill, and perseverance. Their contribution demonstrated how human determination and expertise can sometimes succeed where advanced machinery falls short.
Courage During Floods and Water Emergencies
Across several regions of Maharashtra, Muslim youth groups and local volunteers earned recognition for participating in rescue operations during floods and water-related emergencies.Seasonal flooding has frequently affected parts of the state, leaving residents stranded in rapidly rising waters. In numerous incidents, local volunteers have acted as first responders, using boats, ropes, and improvised rescue methods to evacuate trapped families before official rescue teams arrived.
Community members have often risked their own safety to save children, elderly residents, and stranded motorists. While many of these rescues receive limited national media attention, they have left a lasting impact on affected communities and strengthened local traditions of mutual assistance.
Delhi Hotel Fire Reveals Extraordinary Civilian Bravery
A recent example of civilian heroism emerged during the devastating hotel fire in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area on June 3, 2026.The blaze claimed 21 lives and injured dozens of people, triggering scenes of panic as guests became trapped inside the burning building. Before emergency services could fully secure the area, local residents rushed to assist those attempting to escape.Among them was Riyazuddin Mansoori, a mattress trader. Witnessing desperate guests trapped on the upper floors, Mansoori and his son Arman quickly emptied their shop and spread mattresses and quilts on the road below, creating a makeshift safety cushion for those forced to jump from the building.According to reports, their rapid response helped save eight lives. Despite suffering losses estimated at more than ₹2 lakh due to damaged merchandise, the family focused entirely on rescue efforts.
Another key figure in the operation was Wasim Raza, a security officer employed at Max Hospital. Upon witnessing the incident, Raza immediately joined the rescue efforts. Working alongside police personnel and local residents, he helped position mattresses for evacuees, assisted individuals trapped in the basement, and continued helping survivors despite sustaining injuries himself.Reports indicate that his actions contributed significantly to the rescue of at least seven people.
Several other local youths, including Afzal, Mohammad Shah Rukh, Mohammad Anees, Mohammad Aamir, and Mohammad Waseem, repeatedly entered smoke-filled sections of the building to assist trapped guests. They also administered CPR to unconscious victims and supported emergency responders throughout the operation.
Their bravery received praise from public representatives, including local BJP MLA Satish Upadhyay, who described the rescue efforts as an example of humanity transcending religious and social boundaries.
Faith, Service, and Humanitarian Values
Many of these acts of service reflect values deeply rooted in Islamic teachings. The Qur’an emphasises the sanctity of human life and teaches that saving one life is akin to saving the entire humanity. Islamic traditions encourage charity, compassion, care for the sick, assistance to the poor, and support for people facing hardship regardless of their social or religious background.
The teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺsimilarly stress mercy, generosity, and service to others as fundamental aspects of faith.For many volunteers and humanitarian workers, these principles serve as a moral foundation for community service and disaster relief efforts.
Taken together, these examples form a powerful narrative of courage, sacrifice, and public service. At a time when public discourse is often shaped by division and polarisation, such stories offer a reminder that acts of compassion continue to unite communities across religious and social boundaries.