In this age of digital exposure, even acts of worship have sadly become a subject of display. We often come across people constantly sharing their tahajjud routines, Quran journaling, ultra personal moments of challenges and crossroads, family and couple life all in public view. While their intentions may not always be questionable, the impact it leaves on the rest of us can be dangerous. We start believing that they are the closest to Allah, the most pious, the most accepted. And in trying to catch up, without taking into account our personal capacity, emotional state, or life circumstances, we push ourselves into a cycle of spiritual multitasking.
We try to imitate everything, praying more than we can maintain, fasting beyond what we can manage, taking on tasks of dawah and study, all at once. In our minds, we think just a few months and we’ll be there too. But when reality hits — fatigue, inconsistency, guilt — we crash. Our ibadah becomes a burden. Our hearts feel empty. We lose track of sincerity. And slowly, we give up altogether, feeling like failures in the path of Allah.
But before blaming ourselves, we must pause. We must take a step back and reflect: Am I doing this for Allah or to feel accepted in the eyes of people?
The Prophet ﷺ beautifully said:
“Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately, and know that your deeds will not make you enter Paradise, and that the most beloved deed to Allah is the most regular and constant even if it were little.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 6464)
True growth in deen is not through comparison but through quiet sincerity. Stay consistent. Stay sincere and hidden, for Allah sees your heart.