A Reflection on Sincerity in the Age of Social Media
Today, social media has placed human beings in a unique kind of trial. In the past, people sought praise in gatherings and social circles. Now, many people determine their worth by looking at the number of likes, comments, views, and followers displayed on their mobile screens.
When a post receives many likes, they feel happy. When the numbers are low, they become anxious. When followers increase, they feel proud; when they decrease, they experience a sense of inadequacy.
This is not merely the use of social media. It becomes a form of psychological slavery when a person’s happiness and self-confidence become dependent upon the reactions of other people.
The Qur’an and Sincerity
Allah Almighty says:
وَمَا أُمِرُوا إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ
Translation:
“And they were commanded only to worship Allah, being sincere to Him in religion.”
(Surah Al-Bayyinah, Verse 5, Part 30)
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ also warned us against showing off and seeking recognition from people:
“Whoever performs an action to make people hear of it, Allah will expose him on the Day of Judgment; and whoever performs an act of worship to show it to people, Allah will expose his faults before them on the Day of Judgment.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab ar-Riqaq, Chapter: Showing Off and Seeking Fame, Hadith 6499)
Therefore, the real question is not:
“How many people liked my post?”
The real question is:
“For whom did I make this post?”
If I receive no likes, will I still perform this good deed?
If the answer is yes, then there is hope for sincerity.
But if the answer is no, then there is a need to examine and correct the intention.
Sayings of the Pious
1. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr as-Siddiq رضي الله عنه
The first Caliph, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr as-Siddiq رضي الله عنه, is reported to have said:
“There is no goodness in an action whose purpose is not the pleasure of Allah Almighty.”
(Hilyat al-Awliya wa Tabaqat al-Asfiya, Vol. 1, p. 30)
2. Sayyiduna Ali al-Murtada كرم الله تعالى وجهه الكريم
Sayyiduna Ali al-Murtada كرم الله تعالى وجهه الكريم said:
“Pay greater attention to the acceptance of your deeds than to the deeds themselves. A small deed performed with piety is great, and once an action is accepted, how could it be considered small?”
(Hilyat al-Awliya wa Tabaqat al-Asfiya, Vol. 1, p. 75)
3. Imam Sufyan al-Thawri رحمه الله
Imam Sufyan al-Thawri رحمه الله said:
“There is no deed more virtuous than learning Hadith, provided that the intention is correct.”
(Hilyat al-Awliya wa Tabaqat al-Asfiya, Vol. 6, p. 366)
4. Fudayl ibn Iyad رحمه الله
Fudayl ibn Iyad رحمه الله said:
“If you are capable of remaining unknown, then choose it. There is no harm if people do not praise you. If you are praised in the sight of Allah, then being criticized among people will not harm you in the slightest.”
(Hilyat al-Awliya wa Tabaqat al-Asfiya, Vol. 8, p. 89)
5. Bayazid Bastami رحمه الله
Bayazid Bastami رحمه الله said:
“A sign of the one who knows Allah is that he does not become lazy in remembering Him, does not become weary of fulfilling the rights of servitude, and does not attach his heart to anyone besides Allah.”
(Hilyat al-Awliya wa Tabaqat al-Asfiya, Vol. 10, p. 39)
A Necessary Reminder
Likes themselves are not inherently unlawful, nor is every form of praise considered riya (showing off).
The real concern lies in the intention and attachment of the heart.
If a person performs a good deed sincerely for Allah and people happen to praise him for it, that is a different matter.
However, when the heart becomes dependent upon people’s praise and recognition, it becomes a cause for concern.
Do Something That No One Sees
Today, we need to make an effort to perform some good deeds that the world does not see.
Give charity without taking a picture of it.
Perform an act of worship that no one knows about.
Do something good without posting it on social media.
Then ask your heart:
“If all my followers disappeared today, would my relationship with Allah disappear as well?”
This question deserves sincere reflection.
Likes Are Numbers, Sincerity Is the Treasure of the Hereafter
Remember:
Likes are merely the movement of a finger.
Followers are simply numbers.
But sincerity is an investment for the Hereafter.
Being popular in the eyes of people is not true success.
Being accepted in the sight of Allah Almighty is the real success.
May Allah Almighty grant us the ability to understand these matters, purify our intentions, and act upon what is pleasing to Him.
Ameen, bi-jahi an-Nabiyy al-Ameen ﷺ.
A Humble Request
After reading this article, please share it with your friends and other groups with the intention of spreading beneficial knowledge and earning reward.
