khidmatekhalq

Khidmatekhalq, often rendered as khidmat-e-khalq or khidmat-e khalq, is a phrase used in Urdu, Persian, and related languages to denote service to humanity or to creation. The term combines khidmat (service) with khalq (creation or people). In religious and ethical discourse it describes acts of charity, aid, and social service performed out of compassion, duty, or devotion, with some traditions framing it as a form of service to God through service to fellow human beings.

Etymologically, khidmat-e khalq emphasizes practical help and benevolence extended to others, rather than symbolic or purely doctrinal acts. The concept appears in both religious and secular contexts, where it can refer to charitable giving, volunteer work, and organized social welfare.

Historically, the idea has been influential in South Asia and other regions, shaping the work of charitable trusts, mosques, NGOs, and community groups. Organizations and initiatives that adopt khidmat or khidmet-e-khalq often focus on basic services such as health care, education, disaster relief, and poverty alleviation, aiming to translate moral exhortations into concrete aid.

In contemporary usage, khidmate khalq is seen as a broad ethic of humanitarian service that spans religious and secular settings. Debates around the concept sometimes address the balance between charitable aid and systemic reform, accountability, and the potential for instrumental use. Nonetheless, it remains a widely cited ideal for organized efforts to help others and improve community well-being.