A reflection on Surah Al-Insan 76:8-10 - giving that seeks neither thanks nor recognition, only Allah's acceptance.
One of the harder habits to build in any student, or in ourselves, is doing good without needing anyone to notice. Surah Al-Insan describes the righteous doing exactly this.
Giving Despite Personal Need
Allah (SWT) describes their generosity in a striking way:
وَيُطْعِمُونَ ٱلطَّعَامَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِۦ مِسْكِينًا وَيَتِيمًا وَأَسِيرًا
"And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive," (Surah Al-Insan 76:8)
They give not from excess, but despite their own attachment to what they give, to the poor, the orphan, and the captive alike. Then comes one of the most beautiful statements in the Qur'an:
إِنَّمَا نُطْعِمُكُمْ لِوَجْهِ ٱللَّهِ لَا نُرِيدُ مِنكُمْ جَزَآءً وَلَا شُكُورًا
"[Saying], "We feed you only for the face [i.e., approval] of Allāh. We wish not from you reward or gratitude." (Surah Al-Insan 76:9)
Seeking Acceptance, Not Applause
This is sincerity in its purest form. They do not give to be remembered or praised. Their concern is Allah's acceptance, not people's recognition. The Prophet (SAW) said: "Charity does not decrease wealth..." (Sahih Muslim 2588)
Teaching Students to Give Quietly
We encourage our students to practise small, unseen acts of kindness, help given without mention, charity given privately. The habit of seeking Allah's reward above people's praise is built through repetition, not a single grand gesture.
May Allah (SWT) accept every act of sincerity from our students, especially the ones no one else ever sees. Ameen.