Give for Allah, not for praise
“A desire just needs to be channeled in the correct way.”
The human desire for attention, appreciation, and validation should be channeled toward Allah through sincere service and giving without expecting recognition from people.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Human beings naturally seek attention and appreciation at both personal and public levels.
- Human impermanence means these needs should be directed toward Allah rather than worldly recognition.
- Surah al-Insan presents serving the needy without seeking thanks and introduces four levels of giving.
- A mayonnaise anecdote shows how resentment can corrupt service and why intentions must be renewed.
- Stories of the unnamed hairdresser, Ubayy bin Ka'ab, and unnamed martyrs show that Allah's recognition matters more than public fame.
- The khutbah closes by urging listeners to use the desire for validation as fuel for good deeds.
In the khateeb's words
“Those who give without expecting to receive anything in any way, shape, or form.”
“Sometimes the nafs just needs to be channeled. A desire just needs to be channeled in the correct way.”
“They are nameless amongst us but they are not nameless with Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.”
For the dinner table
The khutbah says that wanting attention and appreciation is a natural part of being human, not something we must simply crush. We should guide that desire toward Allah by serving others, giving without demanding thanks, and renewing our intention when disappointment appears. The speaker reminded us that Allah sees and rewards efforts even when people do not know our names. Stories of a courageous hairdresser and unnamed martyrs showed that quiet deeds can have lasting value with Allah. We can let the hope of being remembered by Allah motivate us to do good this week.
- What is one helpful thing you can do this week without waiting for a thank-you?
- How can you remember Allah when someone does not notice your effort?
- Would you rather be famous to people or known by Allah, and why?
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