The Sunnah of Activism

Quick Recap – Keep the End in Mind

The first step of not only activism, but every good deed is to ensure that we keep our intentions noble and sincere throughout our effort. As Muslims every good deed done to attain the pleasure of Allah ﷻ will be immensely rewarded, on the contrary, if we do things for name and fame, then we shouldn’t expect any reward from Allah.

So, keep the end in mind – that one day we will have to stand in front of Allah and we will have to account for all our deeds.

The Spirituality of an Activist

Beyond the Spotlight

تَعِسَ عَبْدُ الدِّينَارِ وَعَبْدُ الدِّرْهَمِ وَعَبْدُ الْخَمِيصَةِ، إِنْ أُعْطِيَ رَضِيَ، وَإِنْ لَمْ يُعْطَ سَخِطَ، تَعِسَ وَانْتَكَسَ، وَإِذَا شِيكَ فَلاَ انْتَقَشَ، طُوبَى لِعَبْدٍ آخِذٍ بِعِنَانِ فَرَسِهِ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ، أَشْعَثَ رَأْسُهُ مُغْبَرَّةٍ قَدَمَاهُ، إِنْ كَانَ فِي الْحِرَاسَةِ كَانَ فِي الْحِرَاسَةِ، وَإِنْ كَانَ فِي السَّاقَةِ كَانَ فِي السَّاقَةِ، إِنِ اسْتَأْذَنَ لَمْ يُؤْذَنْ لَهُ، وَإِنْ شَفَعَ لَمْ يُشَفَّعْ

Abu Hurayrah RA reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: Wretched is the slave of gold, silver, and fine clothes. If he is given, he is pleased, but if he is not given, he is displeased. May he perish and relapse, and if he is pierced with a thorn, may this thorn stay in his body forever! May Allah bless with Paradise another slave, who holds the reins of his horse to strive in the path of Allah, with his hair unkempt and feet covered with dust. The one who, if appointed in the vanguard, he is perfectly satisfied with his post of guarding, and if he is appointed at the rear of the army, he is fine with his position. He is so humble in the eyes of people, so much so that if he asks for permission to be with the elite, he is not permitted, and if he intercedes for someone, his intercession is not accepted.’ [Bukhari]

In a world often dazzled by glamour and recognition, a timeless teaching draws a sharp contrast between two types of people. The first is enslaved by gold, silver, and fine garments — their contentment hinges on what they receive. If granted their desires, they are pleased; if not, they are consumed by discontent. They are prisoners of the material, forever at the mercy of their wants.

The second type, however, is the true servant of a higher purpose. Picture a person with dusty feet and unkempt hair, holding the reins of his horse, dedicated wholly to a noble struggle. He couldn’t care less about his position — whether he is placed at the front lines or supporting from the rear. His humility is so profound that if he seeks entry among the esteemed, he is denied; if he intercedes for another, his plea is overlooked. His satisfaction comes not from human validation but from the silent awareness of divine approval.

This powerful juxtaposition lies at the core of meaningful action. When one works with this level of selflessness, the need for the spotlight dissolves. The goal shifts toward inner excellence – Al-Ihsan — the profound state of acting as if you see the Divine, knowing that even if you don’t, you are always seen. This consciousness fills the heart with a recognition far greater than any public praise. The admiration of others then becomes merely an overflow from a heart already full.

This principle is vital for anyone engaged in serving their community. Activism and organized efforts often come with visible rewards: social media followers, stages at major events, and public acclaim. But these very attractions can quietly erode the spirit of the work, stripping it of its spiritual value and blessing. A poignant metaphor warns that a person’s craving for wealth and status can ravage their spiritual life more fiercely than two hungry wolves unleashed upon a flock of sheep.

History offers a stirring example of this ethos in action. Before a decisive battle – the Battle of Yarmuk, Hadhrat Umar RA grew concerned that the army’s dependence on their brilliant commander, Hadhrat Khalid bin Walid RA might overshadow the true source of victory. In an act of deep wisdom, the commander was discreetly replaced. The outgoing leader’s response was legendary: “I fight to please the Lord, not for the sake of any man.” Without a hint of resentment, he seamlessly transitioned back into the ranks, his eyes fixed on a higher reward.

Such purity of intention protects the heart from the diseases that can tarnish good deeds. Among the greatest threats are a society ruled by greed, where desires are followed blindly, and where leadership leads people astray. Success in the hereafter depends on a sound heart—one that remains uncorrupted by these spiritual illnesses.

What, then, is the essence of true service? It is found not in grand conferences or intellectual debates alone, but in the simple, profound acts of lifting burdens from others: soothing a worried mind, settling a debt, relieving hunger, or simply walking alongside someone until their need is met. These grassroots actions are, in fact, among the most beloved deeds to the Divine.

Ultimately, service to others is not just about changing the world; it is about refining the self. It is a spiritual training that softens the heart, polishes one’s character, and roots the soul in humility. The most impactful work begins not with overlooking people’s immediate struggles, but by seeing them, hearing them, and being a genuine source of benefit in their lives. That is where true change — and true spirituality — begins.