A Path I Never Chose
I never wanted to be famous. I never chased a platform. In truth, I feared it.
The spotlight was something I resisted. I loved my privacy. I loved my sincerity in worship and da’wah when no one was watching. But an old mentor once told me, “Your story could benefit others — you need to share it.”
I said no for 6 months. Yes, half a year. Finally, reluctantly, and after much prayer – I stepped forward. Cautiously. Hesitantly. What I didn’t realize was that once you step into the public light, you’re stepping onto a battlefield.
A battlefield of the soul.
The Intention War: When Shaytan Whispers Through Applause
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Actions are but by intention, and every man shall have only that which he intended…”
(Bukhari & Muslim)
That hadith should be branded on the heart of every da’ee and content creator. Because even if you start with sincerity, this world — this industry — will test it daily.
Every follower, every view, every share, every compliment — it all becomes a whisper from Shayṭān:
“Look how much good you’re doing. You’re important now. You’re special.”
And just like that, sincerity becomes infected. It becomes about growth, visibility, applause… ego.
And the scariest part? It’s subtle. It doesn’t feel wrong at first. But over time, the soul drifts — and you can be calling people to Allah… while slowly walking away from Him yourself.
Qur’an Warnings for the Callers
Allah ﷻ says:
“Say, ‘Indeed, I have been commanded to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion.’”
(Surah Az-Zumar 39:11)
“And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion…”
(Surah Al-Bayyina 98:5)
Sincerity isn’t optional in da’wah. It is the foundation. Without it, we’re just actors performing religious scripts.
When Good People Fall
I’ve met some of the most sincere du’aat — brothers and sisters who operate quietly, behind the scenes, helping others and crying at night for guidance. I envy their purity.
But I’ve also seen what happens when the da’wah becomes a business. When followers become currency. When the message becomes the brand.
We know the story — they started as a powerful speaker — started with a fire for Allah. But soon, sponsorships came. Then collabs with fitness influencers. Then photo ops. Then fans. And then scandals.
It doesn’t happen all at once. But it happens. Remember the story of Barsisa the Jewish Monk? Shaytan works in stages. It’s a slippery slope once you start making concessions.
The Prophet ﷺ warned us:
“The thing I fear most for my Ummah is minor shirk — showing off.”
(Musnad Ahmad – Sahih)
This path is dangerous. It’s like walking a tightrope with dunya pulling at you from every direction.
The Mercy of Taking a Break
There were times I felt myself slipping — craving validation, watching numbers, obsessing over “reach.”
So I pulled away. I unplugged. And I needed to.
Because Allah says:
“Do not be like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves.”
(Surah Al-Hashr 59:19)
Social media has a way of making you forget who you are. It feeds your nafs. It distracts your soul. Sometimes the most sincere thing you can do is walk away and reset.
You are not your content. You are a servant of Allah.
The Fitnah of Fame, Money & Women
I’ve seen it again and again: brothers who once walked humbly, now chasing engagements and designer thobes. Sisters who began with Qur’an recitations, now influencers with fashion deals and flirtatious energy.
This isn’t judgment — this is a warning.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Indeed, for every nation there is a trial, and the trial of my nation is wealth.”
(Tirmidhi – Sahih)
And in our age, wealth and fame are tied to your face, your followers, your brand.
The hijab becomes looser. The hair starts coming out. The hijab comes fully off. The clothes get tighter. The brand deals get bigger. The message becomes diluted. The fees get higher. The events get more “influential.” And eventually… the soul gets forgotten.
Social Media: The Addiction Engine
Let’s not sugarcoat this. Social media is built to destroy sincerity.
The stats say it all:
- The average person checks their phone 96 times per day.
- 40% of teens say social media makes them feel inadequate.
- 70% of influencers report anxiety, burnout, and depression.
- One in five influencers admit they would compromise values to grow their brand.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“There is a piece of flesh in the body — if it is sound, the whole body is sound, if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt… it is the heart.”
(Bukhari & Muslim)
And these platforms are designed to corrupt the heart.
True Legacy may be Hidden from the Public
You don’t need followers to leave a mark.
You don’t need likes to be beloved by Allah.
Take Uways Al-Qarni رضي الله عنه — unknown to the people, yet the Prophet ﷺ said:
“If you meet him, ask him to ask forgiveness for you.”
(Sahih Muslim)
This was told to Abu Bakr, Omar, & Ali, May Allah ﷻ brighten their faces and be pleased with them.
He wasn’t famous. He didn’t “go viral.” But his sincerity shook the heavens. And his duaa was always answered.
A Final Reminder — to Myself First
I’m writing this as a sincere advice. As a warning. As a plea for du’a. I’m writing it first to myself.
I never wanted the spotlight. And even now, I battle to stay sincere. I’m not immune — and neither are you.
If you benefit from my words, make sure to take heed. Constantly make duaa for the whole Ummah. If we ever slip, remind us. If we ever become arrogant, advise us. Because wallahi, these platforms are not worth our akhirah.
The Du’a of the Sincere
اللهم اجعل عملنا كله صالحًا، ولوجهك خالصًا، ولا تجعل فيه لأحد غيرك شيئًا
O Allah, make all of our deeds righteous, and make them sincerely for Your Face alone, and do not let there be any portion in them for anyone besides You.
If this message reached you, please share it with others — not to build a brand, but to build a brotherhood of sincerity.
-Your Brother in Iman and Heart, Forever
One Response
Assalamualaikum
May Allah helps you and many people who struggle with sincerity in their da’wah, sir…
I can’t help much except for a little du’a for you and people like you, also a little quote that I heard in the past:
“The ones who forget their God, also forget their fault”
This humble advice made me more self reminded of my shortcomings in the past. Who am I to feel “I am better now than before”, when God Himself grants me the power to push through all of those times? I should NEVER feel that way. What I should do, is being thankful, and keeping that way, to God and His Mercy for me to keep standing in (InsyaAllah) the righteous path…
Also, another one:
“Naseehah (sincere advice) doesn’t need to be elaborate, a wall of texts to be put on wall–a humble one will suffice, as long as you act upon it”
Have a good day, sir
Wassalamualaikum