A Smile Rooted in Sincerity

We often assume that success must come with recognition, being seen, praised, and acknowledged by others. Yet some of the most beautiful successes are born in deep silence and quiet, unassuming smiles; moments when a person steps aside so that “God’s work” may shine more brightly.

The late Sheikh Abbas Qumi recounts such a moment from his life, a moment perhaps more impactful than thousands of sermons and books.

He narrates: “One day, I had just completed and published my book Manāzil al-Ākhirah. Not long after, a copy reached a pious scholar known as Sheikh Abd al-Razzaq Mas’ala-go, a man who would sit daily in the courtyard of the shrine of Lady Ma‘ṣūmah (peace be upon her), teaching religious rulings and offering spiritual counsel to the people.

My father, a simple and sincere man, was deeply devoted to him and never missed his gatherings. For several days, this noble scholar had been opening Manāzil al-Ākhirah and reading from it to the people.

One day, my father returned home, his face glowing with excitement. Before he had even recovered from his fatigue, he turned to me with great enthusiasm and said:
‘Sheikh Abbas! I wish you could become like this Sheikh Abd al-Razzaq… Look at the beautiful book he reads and how it moves hearts!’

In that moment, my heart trembled…

Words rose to my lips, a simple sentence, yet filled with ego: ‘Father, that book… I am the one who wrote it.’

But something deep within me gently called me to silence.

I said to myself: Why should I taint this pure atmosphere with self-display? Why should I claim for myself the sweetness of this guidance?

I lowered my head, smiled, and said softly:

‘Father, please pray for me… Pray that God grants me the success to one day offer such a service.’

My father nodded with satisfaction, and I… in that silence, experienced one of the sweetest moments of my life, a moment in which I realized that sometimes, remaining unseen is the most beautiful form of being seen.

That day, Manāzil al-Ākhirah found its way into hearts not through my name, but through sincerity. And I learned that when something is done for God, He Himself ensures it reaches its destination.

Lessons from This Preaching Experience

1. Sincerity is the soul of true impact: When the goal is to guide people, not to gain recognition, even nameless efforts penetrate hearts. What endures is not the name, but the intention.
2. Humility is the adornment of knowledge and preaching: A true scholar does not use knowledge as a means of self-elevation. Sometimes, a humble silence speaks more powerfully than countless claims and introductions.
3. Remaining unseen for God leads to honour before Him: In a world where everyone seeks visibility, this story reminds us that sometimes, being hidden from people is what raises a person in the sight of the Creator.