THE DANGER OF COMPARING YOUR DEEN JOURNEY TO OTHERS

It starts so quietly. You open your phone, scroll through a few Islamic pages, and before you know it, you’re not just inspired  you’re intimidated.

Someone’s memorized half the Qur’an.
Another person attends classes every week.
Someone else posts their perfect Tahajjud setup, glowing in candlelight.

And you? You just struggled to wake up for Fajr.

That’s how comparison begins  not loudly, but with a whisper. A whisper that says, “You’re not doing enough.”

 When Motivation Turns into Measurement

There’s nothing wrong with being inspired by others. Islam encourages learning from good examples. The danger begins when admiration becomes measurement  when you start valuing your worth in the sight of Allah by the visible progress of others.

You forget that what people show is only a fraction of what they struggle with.
No one posts their spiritual lows, their doubts, or the nights they felt empty despite praying.

When you start comparing, you stop focusing on your own private connection with Allah and begin performing for an audience  sometimes, without even realizing it.

 The Subtle Shift in Intention

Riya’ (showing off) doesn’t always begin with arrogance. It often begins with insecurity.
You start thinking, “If others are doing so much, I should post too  so people know I’m trying.”

And just like that, sincerity (ikhlas) gets diluted.
What was once done for Allah now seeks validation from people.

The Prophet ﷺ warned,

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

Even a drop of insincerity can turn a beautiful deed into something hollow.

 Everyone’s Journey is Tailored by Allah

Your deen journey is as unique as your fingerprint. Allah knows your circumstances, your tests, and your timeline.
He knows the mother praying with her baby crying.
He knows the student trying to balance exams and dhikr.
He knows the person battling depression who still whispers “Alhamdulillah” through tears.

You don’t need to match anyone’s pace. You just need to be sincere in your own lane.

The goal isn’t to look like the most religious it’s to be the most real with Allah.

 Return to the Private Moments

The most powerful worship is the one no one sees.
Your secret du’a.
Your quiet tears.
Your small act of charity that only Allah knows.

Social media may reward visibility, but Allah rewards sincerity.

So post reminders if they benefit others, but don’t let likes define your level of faith. Your worth in Allah’s eyes isn’t measured by engagement  it’s measured by intention.

Final Reflection

Don’t compare your Chapter 3 to someone else’s Chapter 20. The only comparison that matters is between who you were yesterday and who you are today in front of Allah.

Keep your heart sincere, your worship private, and your focus on the One who sees what no camera ever can.

Because the most beautiful deen journey  is the one written quietly between you and Allah.