Sincerity of Intention and Divine Reward

A few years ago, at the invitation of a group of believers from a small village, I went to their community to preach during the first ten days of Muharram. The people there were not financially well-off, but they possessed the richest hearts filled with love and devotion for Imam Hussain (AS).

Despite their simple way of life, they welcomed me with unparalleled sincerity. Their mourning gatherings were held in a modest building made of clay and mud, which served as both a mosque and a Hussainiya. I, too, strived to fulfil my preaching duties responsibly and diligently to the best of my ability.

After the programs concluded, a small farewell ceremony was held at the Hussainiya. At the end, an elderly man came forward and handed me a packet containing a considerable sum of money, asking me to deliver it to the office of their Marja’ (religious authority) as Khums (Islamic tax). On my way back, I felt somewhat disheartened and thought to myself, “I wish they had set aside a small gift for me as well.” It even crossed my mind to inform the office of the religious authority, hoping that perhaps a portion of this Khums might be returned to me as an honorarium. But at that very moment, I decided not to say anything, to keep my intention pure, and to place my hope solely in divine reward.

A few days later, to my great surprise, a group of people from that same village came to see me again. They handed me an envelope and said with a smile, “This is your honorarium for the days of preaching.” When I opened it, the amount inside was far greater than what I had ever imagined. Right then, I understood that if a person’s intention is sincere, God grants a reward that not only compensates but far exceeds one’s expectations.

Lessons from This Experience

1. Sincerity multiplies the value of preaching and protects one from material impurities.
2. Trust in divine promise, replaces attachment to material rewards and brings inner peace.
3. The sincere love of people, even in the simplest living conditions, is a great asset for a preacher.