There are people who walk quietly among us with no title, no fame, and no social media followers but who, in the sight of Allah (SWT), are the most influential people to have ever roamed the earth. Not because of how many eyes they’ve captivated, but because of how many people they have served, and how many hearts they have healed through their service. Their reward is neither applause nor brand deals, nor even magazine covers/features. It is something greater: the pleasure of the Most Merciful. This is the heartbeat of Islam. This is public service.
When we think of public service, we often imagine policies and programs, positions and politics. However, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has redefined this in the most human way. He comforted the grieving. He answered the call of the hungry. He would delay prayer just to tend to someone’s distress. He was accessible, patient, and present not only in moments of ease, but also in moments of great difficulty.
The Prophet (SAW) teaches us in a hadith, “The most beloved people to Allah is the one who brings the most benefit to others.” (Al-Mu’jam al-Awsat)
He didn’t just talk about justice. He lived it by walking alongside the oppressed, advocating for the voiceless, and defending the dignity of the forgotten. This was not a job for him. It was worship.
And, in the quiet hours of the night, when most of us are asleep, Ali ibn Abu Talib (RA) used to roam the streets of Madinah, with face covered so no one would recognize him. He carried sacks of flour on his back, going door-to-door feeding widows, orphans, and the poor. No entourage. No announcements. Just silent sincerity. Only after his martyrdom did people realize that the man who used to knock on their door with food was their fourth Caliph.
Allah (SWT) praises this type of action in The Quran when He (SWT) says, “…and give food—despite their desire for it—to the poor, the orphan, and the captive […].” (The Clear Quran®, 76:8)
This was service without spectacle. It was a legacy of mercy passed down from the Prophet (SAW) to his family, not for political gain, but because they understood the weight of serving Allah’s (SWT) creation. The early generations of this Ummah did not chase power, they feared it.
Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) once said, “If a mule were to trip and fall on the road to Iraq, I fear that Allah would hold me accountable and say, ‘Why did you not pave the road for it?’” This is the level of consciousness they had, and that, too, about a mule. Today, too many seek leadership as a badge of honor. But, in Islam, leadership is a responsibility that will be questioned. It’s not about sitting at the table, it’s about who you serve once you’re there. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Serving the people is not just for politicians or preachers. It’s for every believer. The mother raising her children with love…is public service. The neighbor checking on the elderly woman down the street…is public service. The teacher elevating her students beyond their textbooks…is public service. The young man who volunteers at a local animal shelter with sincerity…is also public service. We have forgotten that the Sunnah isn’t just what we wear or say, it is also how we give back to our community.
There will come a day when our wealth, our status, and our posts won’t matter. On that day, what will rise before Allah (SWT) are the burdens we lifted from others, the hearts we healed, and the good we quietly gave. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Whoever relieves a hardship of a believer in this world, Allah will relieve a hardship from him on the Day of Judgment.” (Sahih Muslim)
Every moment of service is a deposit in your akhirah. Every time you made someone feel seen, every time you helped without expecting thanks, Allah (SWT) saw it. He (SWT) will never forget.
You don’t need a stage. You don’t need a platform. You just need sincerity. Start small. Start local. Start with what’s in your hands. Ask your neighbor how they’re doing and actually listen to what they have to say. Feed someone who wouldn’t expect it. Advocate for the oppressed even when it’s uncomfortable. Stand up for justice even when it costs you something. Mentor a young person with no father figure. Uplift your community in the quiet hours when no one sees you but Allah (SWT). This is what the Prophet (SAW) taught. This is what his family lived. This is what the righteous died upon.
You were not created to consume the world. You were created to heal it, and to bring light to dark places. To reflect the mercy of the One who created you. So when you serve, serve with your heart. When you lead, lead with humility. When you give, give as if you’re feeding your own soul – because you are.
Oh Allah (SWT), make us keys to goodness, barriers against evil, and servants to Your creation for Your sake alone, Ameen!
