The Prophet ﷺ said:

“What I fear most for you is the lesser shirk: showing off.” (Ahmad, 23630)

When you first start giving Da’wah, it’s pure. You speak because you love Allah, because you ache for people to know Him. But over time, something subtle can creep in - likes, followers, attention, praise. You begin to measure your worth not by your connection with Allah, but by your impact on people.

This isn’t arrogance; it’s human.

And that’s exactly why it’s dangerous - because it feels good and looks righteous.

1. When Da’wah Becomes an Identity

At first, you give Da’wah. Eventually, you become “the Da’ee.” It’s no longer what you do; it’s who you are.

People expect you to always be wise, humble, and spiritual. You start playing the role, even when your heart isn’t aligned. The danger? You begin protecting the image of sincerity instead of the reality of it.

“They perform their prayers only to be seen by people.” (Qur’an 107:6)

The Qur’an doesn’t just warn about public display; it warns about habitual display - when the act becomes routine and identity replaces intention.

2. The Dopamine of Da’wah

Every “mashallah,” every view count, every emotional message can feed your nafs. It’s spiritual dopamine - and it can slowly replace your connection with Allah with a connection to validation.

You start checking analytics more than you check your heart.

You start performing, not remembering.

And you tell yourself, “I’m doing it for Allah,” even when deep down, you’re chasing that next high of being needed or admired.

3. Signs That Your Sincerity Is Slipping

Ask yourself:

• Do I feel disappointed if my post gets little engagement?
  
  

• Do I feel secretly proud when people call me “religious” or “knowledgeable”?
  
  

• Do I rush to share good deeds but hide my private worship?
  
  

If yes - it’s time to pause. Because these are gentle warnings from Allah that your heart is asking for purification.

“And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, making the religion sincerely for Him.”

(Qur’an 98:5)

4. The Cure: Re-Center the Heart

Every da’ee needs hidden worship - actions no one ever sees. Private tahajjud. Silent charity. Dua made in secret.

These become anchors that protect your soul when fame or recognition shake it.

The scholars used to say:

“Hide your good deeds as you hide your sins.”

Every time you feel yourself being admired, whisper a silent istighfar and say:

“O Allah, make me better than what they think of me, and forgive what they don’t know about me.”

5. The Test of Public Work

Being seen doesn’t make you insincere - but it tests your sincerity. Even the Prophet ﷺ was visible, praised, and followed - but his heart was fully for Allah. The key is to keep renewing your niyyah (intention) every time you post, speak, or act.

Before pressing “publish,” ask:

“If no one saw this except Allah, would I still do it?”

If the answer is yes, your Da’wah remains pure.

If not, pause - purify - then proceed.

Practical Tip

Write down three acts of worship that no one but Allah knows about - and guard them.

Let them be your secret reservoir of sincerity.

When you feel your heart drifting toward recognition, visit that secret - and remind yourself Who you really serve.

Closing Reflection

Da’wah is a gift, not a badge.

It’s a trust from Allah, not a title to hold.

The more you grow in influence, the more your ego will whisper, “You’re special.”

But the truth is - you’re chosen to serve, not chosen to shine.

Protect your heart. Purify your intention.

Because on the Day of Judgment, the da’ee will not be asked, “How many followers did you have?” but “For whom did you do this action?”