Allah says in the Quran:
وَمَا تُنفِقُونَ إِلَّا ابْتِغَاءَ وَجْهِ اللَّهِ “And you do not spend except seeking the countenance of Allah.”
— Al-Baqarah: 272
One must never seek publicity or recognition for the help rendered to others. The assistance given to a person should never be reminded of or flaunted. Doing so deprives the individual of the spiritual reward (thawab) for that good deed and, instead, invites sin.
Some people donate items like rice to public causes such as mosques and madrasas, yet they seek publicity even in those acts. Similarly, advising someone and later boasting, “I was the one who reformed him,” is severely detestable.
People often provide electrical appliances or fund the construction of buildings, only to fix nameplates and plaques on those very objects. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) strictly disliked such actions. One must look for rewards for their assistance only from God, not from fellow human beings.
The Power of Secret Charity
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
When Allah created the earth, it began to shake and remain unstable. So, Allah placed mountains upon it as anchors, and the earth became stable and still.
The angels were amazed by this and asked Allah, “O our Lord! Have You created anything stronger than the mountains?”
Allah replied, “Yes, iron is stronger than the mountains.”
The angels asked again, “Have You created anything stronger than iron?” Allah replied, “Yes, fire is stronger than iron.”
When the angels asked, “Have You created anything stronger than fire?” Allah replied, “Yes, water is stronger than fire.”
They asked further, “Is there anything more powerful than water among Your creations?” Allah replied, “Yes, the wind is more powerful than water.”
Finally, the angels asked, “Have You created anything more powerful than the wind?” To this, Allah replied, “Yes, the son of Adam (man) is powerful; but only when he gives charity with his right hand in such a way that his left hand does not know what he has given.”
— Tirmidhi
God has created man to be superior and more powerful than all other creations on earth. However, it is the hidden help extended to someone—without others knowing—that truly strengthens a person. Helping someone can take many forms: financial aid, offering sound advice, interceding/recommending on their behalf, teaching beneficial things, or making supplications (dua) for them.
The Consequence of Showing Off
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
On the Day of Resurrection, when Allah gathers all of mankind together, He will declare: “Whoever associated anyone else in a deed that was meant to be done for Allah alone, let him go and seek his reward from that associate.”
— Tirmidhi
