Appreciating other people’s efforts: A forgotten moral

In this journey of life, we walk side by side with humans who God created in different sizes. Some are given strong strength, some are physically weak. There are those who have extensive knowledge, there are those who are still crawling in learning. There are those who have free time, there are also those who are limited by the mandate of family and work. All those differences are sunnatullah, a sign of Allah’s wisdom in dividing the abilities of His servants.

However, one of the mistakes that often arises in society, even in educational and da’wah environments, is the habit of blaming or belittling people who have tried their best, just because the results achieved do not match hopes and expectations.

Sometimes just because the results are not as beautiful as our hopes, we forget that behind the efforts there is a fighting heart, there are sincere intentions, and there are limits to abilities that only Allah can give us. Story who knows.

In fact, God Story himself has rebuked such an attitude through his words,

There is no way against those who do good

“There is no way to blame those who do good.” (QS. At-Taubah: 91)

This verse contains a deep message that as long as a person has good intentions and tries as hard as possible, it is not appropriate for anyone to criticize or embarrass him. Because in the eyes of Allah what is judged is not the size of the results, but the sincerity of intentions and honesty of efforts.

God judges intentions and efforts, not just results

In human eyes, sometimes the results are seen as more important than the process. We are used to judging by what we see, not by what we strive for. However, in the eyes of Allah, the measure of the greatness of a charity lies not in the magnitude of the results, but in the sincerity of intention and persistence in trying.

Someone may only be able to give a little, but their heart is more sincere than someone who gives a lot.

There are those who want to help further, but their bodies are weak, their time is limited, or their families need attention.

There are those who don’t seem to contribute much, even though they are struggling with conditions that only Allah knows.

Surah At-Taubah verse 91 was revealed about people who want to wage jihad, but have physical limitations, health or other conditions that prevent them. Even though they could not be present on the battlefield, Allah said they did good because their intentions were strong, their determination was sincere, and they had done what they could.

There are people who do not attend activities not because they are lazy, but because they are sick or because they are carrying a heavy burden in silence.

There are those who are unable to give much, not because they don’t care, but because of limited economics.

There are also those who appear less active, even though they are struggling to take care of their family, maintain their trust, or manage their limited time.

Therefore, criticizing someone without understanding the condition is a form of injustice. Meanwhile, appreciating his efforts, even though they are small, is part of the noble character that Allah loves Tax.

Prophet May Allah bless him and grant him peace said,

God doesn’t look at your photos and money, but He looks at your heart and actions.

“Indeed, Allah does not look at your appearance and wealth, but Allah looks at your heart and your deeds.” (HR. Muslim)

In another narrative,

He who is ungrateful to man is ungrateful to God

“Whoever does not thank men does not thank God.” (HR. Abu Dawud no. 2970 and Ahmad no. 7926 with authentic sanad, see As-Sahih NO. 417)

Also read: Noble Morals, a Sign of a Muslim’s Islamic Perfection

Appreciating it fosters empathy and softens the heart

Respecting other people’s efforts is a moral of the Prophet May Allah bless him and grant him peace. He never underestimates the abilities of his friends, even though they have shortcomings. Instead, he praised their good intentions and encouraged them.

During the Tabuk war, Rasulullah SAW May Allah bless him and grant him peace saw that the companions had walked far away, while Abu Dzar was left behind. He did not criticize this backwardness, instead he said in a form of appreciation,

May Allah have mercy on Abu Dzar, he walked alone, died alone, and was resurrected alone.

“May God forgive Abu Dzar! He walked alone, he died alone, and he will be resurrected alone.” (HR. Al-Hakim and Adz-Dzahabi in Takhrij Siyar A’lam al-Nubala’, 2: 56)

This attitude is very important in the modern world:

In da’wah organizations, appreciation can strengthen ukhuwah and increase enthusiasm.

In families, appreciation makes members feel valued and loved.

In work, recognition of even small businesses can increase loyalty and work quality.

On the other hand, inappropriate criticism, especially belittling, can certainly kill enthusiasm, trigger divisions, and make someone reluctant to try again.

Distinguish between evaluating and judging

It needs to be understood that appreciating effort does not mean closing the door to evaluation. Da’wah, work and any activity still requires improvement. But the differences are:

Evaluation focuses on process and solutions, delivered in a gentle and fair manner. Meanwhile, judgment and blame focus on the individual, conveyed with emotion or condescension.

Allah does not like people who find fault in people who have tried well. In fact, Allah commands us to see the good that has been done as a form of respect for their hard work, as is the rule in the Koran,

There is no way against those who do good

“There is no way to blame those who do good.” (QS. At-Taubah: 91)

Set an example for improvement

In Islam, improving a job is not just by giving directions, but by providing real examples of how the job should be done. When someone sees a direct example, a neat way of working, a trustworthy attitude, or polite service, it is easier for them to understand and imitate.

Rasulullah May Allah bless him and grant him peace he exemplifies this. He not only ordered his friends to do good deeds, but showed that goodness in every deed they did.

Prophet May Allah bless him and grant him peace said,

Allah is pleased if one of you does a job, he does it well.

“Indeed, Allah loves if one of you does a deed (work), then perfects it.” (HR. Abu Ya’la and At-Tabari)

Therefore, if we want work in families, institutions or communities to be better, start by showing real examples. Show how to complete tasks thoroughly, how to keep time, how to work without complaining, or how to serve with heart.

Examples like this not only teach, but also move.

God willing Story soften our hearts to respect each other, imitate each other, and make all efforts a path of goodness that is blessed.

Also read: The truth of Tawadu is that other people are always better than us

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Writer: Arif Muhammad Nurwijaya

Article Muslim.or.id

Reference:

It’s a lifestyle, by Sheikh Dr. Umar bin Abdullah al-Muqbil.