Ibn Khaldun, one of the truly intellectual geniuses that this Ummah has produced, wrote,
“It is rare that fame and public recognition is actually merited, in any field (viz., Islamic or otherwise), and this is the general rule…
And how many are the people whom fame eludes, yet are more deserving of it than those who are famous. And yes, occasionally, it does indeed hit its target, and the object of fame is worthy of it.”
Never judge the character and sincerity of a person because of what others say about him. How many are the people who are deemed popular and influential, yet in the eyes of Allah are corrupt and sinful! And how numerous are the righteous in the eyes of Allah who are unknown to the eyes of men.
Yes, it is true that one possible sign of sincerity is that Allah blesses those who are sincere with love and acceptance, in this world and in the next. But it is not a necessary sign; there are many who are given it, and there are many who are deprived of it. Sometimes, fame is a punishment to those who are insincere, in order to corrupt them even more in their insincerity.
In a hadith, we are reminded to always be humble, and put ourselves in our place. “Whoever humbles himself for the sake of Allah shall be raised up [in honor] by Allah” [Abu Dawud]. And thatis the real goal: to be honored by Allah, not necessarily by the people.
O Allah! Make us amongst the humble, the meek, the lowly in front of You!
O Allah! We seek refuge in being exalted by the people, humiliated by You!
O Allah! Grant us all sincerity, and make us of those exalted by You!
ameen
-Yasir Qadhi