True Freedom from People’s Praise and Criticism
Reflection on a statement of Malik ibn Dinar رحمه الله
Malik ibn Dinar رحمه الله, one of the great early ascetics and scholars of Islam, once said:
“Since I’ve learned the reality of people, I don’t care who praises or criticizes me; as they’ll be excessive in both.”
[Az-Zuhd of al-Bayhaqi (154)]
SubhanAllah. What a statement — and what a deep truth it carries.
🌱 Understanding the Reality of People
Malik ibn Dinar is not just dismissing people’s words. He’s pointing to something deeper: the inconsistency of human judgment. One day people will lift you on their shoulders with praise, calling you righteous, noble, inspirational. The next day, perhaps for the same actions, they may call you a hypocrite, too strict, or too soft.
People are fickle. Their hearts change. Their words change even faster.
Imam ash-Shafi’i رحمه الله once said:
“People’s satisfaction is a goal you will never reach. So seek that which will benefit you and hold fast to it.”
That’s exactly what Malik ibn Dinar lived by. He wasn’t motivated by people’s opinions — whether they cheered him on or tore him down. Why? Because he realized something many of us still struggle with: people will always exaggerate. Their praise may be more than we deserve, and their criticism may also be unfair. Neither should sway us.
💎 Focus on Allah, Not the Crowd
When you stop living for praise or fearing criticism, you become truly free. You stop becoming a slave to people’s reactions. You work for the pleasure of Allah ﷻ alone.
This mindset transforms your sincerity (ikhlas). You stop decorating your actions so others notice. You stop hiding your flaws just to protect your image. Instead, you worry about your standing in the sight of Allah, not your image in the eyes of people.
As Allah says in the Qur’an:
“So do not claim yourselves to be pure; He is most knowing of who fears Him.”
(Surah An-Najm 53:32)
🕊️ A Message for Our Times
In an age of likes, shares, followers, and “cancel culture,” this quote of Malik ibn Dinar is gold. Many live for approval, for comments, for attention. They tailor their speech and image to suit the crowd, not the Creator.
But those who understand the reality of people… they live above that noise.
So take this advice to heart: Live for Allah. Please Him. Speak the truth. Be sincere.
And when praise comes — don’t let it fool you.
And when criticism strikes — don’t let it break you.
Because in both cases, as Malik ibn Dinar says: they’ll likely be excessive anyway.
