By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of mankind, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. We seek His help, His guidance and His forgiveness. We testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, and we testify that Prophet Muhammad is His servant and messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, companions, and all those who follow his path until the Day of Judgment.
Dear brothers and sisters in Islam, fear Allah as He should be feared and know that this worldly life is temporary. People may appreciate you today and forget you tomorrow. They may praise your efforts today and criticize you the next day. Human recognition changes, but the reward from Allah never fails.
Many people become discouraged when their good efforts are ignored. Some work sincerely, support others, help their families, serve society, or struggle honestly in their workplaces, yet they receive little appreciation. Sometimes, those they assist may even repay them with ingratitude. This can make the heart heavy.
But as believers, we must remember that our deeds are not primarily for people; they are for Allah.
Allah the most High says in the Noble Qur’an: “Is the reward for good anything but good?”
This is a powerful promise from Allah. Every sincere effort, every sacrifice, every hidden act of kindness, every truthful word, and every moment of patience is known by Him.
A person may not thank you, but Allah sees you. People may fail to recognize your sincerity, but Allah records it.
Others may overlook your struggle, but Allah never overlooks even the weight of an atom of good.
The believer therefore works with sincerity, not for applause, not for fame, not for recognition, but seeking the pleasure of Allah alone.
Brothers and sisters, One of the greatest qualities in Islam is sincerity. A sincere person continues doing good even when nobody is watching. He remains honest even when cheating appears easier. She continues helping others even when appreciation does not come.
Today, many people only act when there is recognition. Some only help when cameras are present. Some only support others when there is something to gain. But the true servant of Allah does good quietly and sincerely.
Prophet Muhammad taught us that actions are judged by intentions. If your intention is pure, your reward with Allah is secure, even if people misunderstand you.
Sometimes, you may support people and they later turn against you. You may stand for truth and people may mock you. You may work sincerely among others who are lazy or dishonest. Do not allow their behaviour to change your character.
Do your best sincerely. Remain truthful. Remain dependable. Remain kind. Remain just.
Do not reduce your goodness because others fail to appreciate it. A candle does not stop giving light because some people dislike brightness.
Dear Muslims, One of the tricks of Shaytan is to make people feel that goodness is useless. He whispers: “What is the benefit of helping people?” “What did you gain from being honest?” “Why continue doing good when nobody cares?” But the believer knows that Allah never wastes good deeds.
Allah says that He does not allow the reward of those who do good to be lost. Every prayer you perform sincerely, every lawful effort to feed your family, every assistance you render to the needy, every encouragement you give to someone in pain, every sacrifice you make for peace and unity, all are preserved with Allah.
Even a smile is rewarded. Even removing harm from the road is rewarded. Even speaking kindly is rewarded. Imagine then the reward for years of patience, sincerity and sacrifice.
Brothers and sisters, The stories of the prophets teach us this lesson clearly. Many prophets preached for years with few followers. Some were mocked and rejected by their own people. Yet they remained steadfast because they sought Allah’s pleasure, not human approval.
Consider Prophet Nuh who preached for many years despite rejection. Consider Prophet Ibrahim who stood firmly for truth even when opposed by his people. Consider Prophet Musa who endured hardship and opposition repeatedly. Their sincerity made them successful in the sight of Allah.
Success in Islam is not only measured by worldly applause. True success is when Allah is pleased with you. A person may be unknown on earth but honoured in the heavens. Another may be celebrated among people but empty before Allah. So ask yourself: Who am I trying to please? Whose reward am I seeking? Whose judgment matters most?
Dear faithful, We must also learn to appreciate good people around us. Islam teaches gratitude. The one who does not thank people does not truly thank Allah. Encourage those who are sincere. Pray for those who help others. Speak good words to people who strive honestly.
Sometimes, a kind word can strengthen a tired heart. Sometimes, appreciation can encourage someone to continue doing good. Do not mock sincere people. Do not discourage honest workers. Do not frustrate those trying to make positive change. Instead, support goodness and discourage evil.
At the same time, if appreciation does not come, never allow bitterness to enter your heart. Continue your good deeds for Allah.
If people praise you, thank Allah. If people ignore you, still thank Allah. If people criticize you unjustly, remain patient. The believer’s heart remains attached to Allah, not to human validation.
Brothers and sisters in Islam, life is short. Wealth will perish. Positions will end. Fame will fade. But good deeds done sincerely for Allah remain forever.
On the Day of Judgment, many hidden deeds will appear before Allah. A small act done sincerely may outweigh great deeds done for show.
Therefore: Do your work sincerely. Fulfill your responsibilities sincerely. Help your family sincerely. Serve humanity sincerely. Worship Allah sincerely. And leave your reward to Allah.
Never become tired of doing good because of people’s attitudes. Remember always: "The reward for good is nothing but good.”
May Allah make us among the sincere servants whose deeds are accepted. May He purify our intentions and keep our hearts firm upon goodness. May He reward every sincere effort we make in secret and in public. May He protect us from hypocrisy, pride and seeking praise from people alone.
May Allah bless our homes, guide our leaders, strengthen our communities and grant ease to all those passing through hardship.
May Allah send His peace and blessings upon Prophet Muhammad, his family, companions and all righteous believers. Ameen.
Abdul-Kadir Abdullah is the President of Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Edo State Chapter.
