Hubb-e-Jah (Love of Status), Fame and Their Spiritual Dangers
Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani Sahib advice during breakfast : Iceland – Reykjavík Hotel Odinsvè – Tuesday, 20 October 2026 via Quba academy
Topic: Hubb-e-Jah (Love of Status), Fame and Their Spiritual Dangers
Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani Sahib (دامت برکاتہم) is currently visiting Iceland, accompanied by a number of respected Ulama who have joined the journey to benefit from his company, knowledge and spiritual guidance.
During breakfast this morning, Hazrat was seated with his son and several other companions. A number of Ulama, including Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam, Mufti Abdurrahman Mangera, Maulana Hanif Dudhwala, were also present.
The conversation turned to Hazrat’s extensive travels around the world. Those present began discussing how many countries Hazrat had visited over the years. Their estimate was approximately 92 or 93 countries, with Iceland most likely being the 92nd.
Some of the brothers expressed the hope that Hazrat might reach the milestone of visiting 100 countries. They discussed the possibility of arranging visits to another eight countries, praying that Allah grants Hazrat continued health, strength and the ability to undertake further journeys.
This conversation naturally led to a discussion about the immense love, affection and respect that people have for Hazrat.
A Remarkable Letter Expressing Love and Devotion
During the discussion, Hazrat recalled a letter he had received from someone expressing extraordinary love and affection towards him.
The writer had expressed sentiments to the following effect:
“Hazrat, if I had only two days left to live, I would spend the entire first day making du’a for you. I would spend the entire second day making du’a that Allah raises people who will continue making du’a for you.”
In other words, the writer wished to devote the final day of his life to praying that even after his passing, there would always be people in this world who would continue praying for Hazrat.
As this incident was being discussed, the conversation developed further towards the subject of people’s love, admiration and the spiritual implications of receiving such recognition.
Hazrat Recites His Own Poetry
In this context, Hazrat recited a couplet from his own poetry:
میرے پیچھے ہر آن یہ خلقت کا ہجوم
اب خدا جانے یہ عزت ہے یا رسوائی
“At every moment, crowds of people follow behind me;
Only Allah knows whether this is an honour or a humiliation.”
Hazrat used these words to draw attention to the dangers of Hubb-e-Jah (love of status and recognition) and Hubb-e-Shuhrat (love of fame).
The Spiritual Dangers of Hubb-e-Jah and Fame
Hazrat explained that when large numbers of people gather around someone, show them affection, respect them and follow them, there is a danger that the person may begin to develop an attachment to such recognition.
A person may begin thinking:
“So many people love me. So many people follow me. So many people respect and admire me.”
Such thoughts can become an opportunity for Shaytan to influence the heart, gradually giving rise to self-admiration, pride and a sense of personal importance.
Hazrat emphasised the importance of guarding one’s heart and intentions, even when receiving genuine love, affection and respect from others.
The Example of Two Hungry Wolves
Hazrat then referred to a well-known hadith of Rasulullah ﷺ:
مَا ذِئْبَانِ جَائِعَانِ أُرْسِلَا فِي غَنَمٍ بِأَفْسَدَ لَهَا مِنْ حِرْصِ الْمَرْءِ عَلَى الْمَالِ وَالشَّرَفِ لِدِينِهِ
Translation:
“Two hungry wolves let loose among a flock of sheep are not more destructive to it than a person’s greed for wealth and status is to his religion.”
(Jamiʿ al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2376)
Hazrat explained that if two hungry wolves were released among a flock of sheep, they would cause tremendous destruction.
However, Rasulullah ﷺ warned that a person’s excessive desire for wealth and status can cause even greater damage to their religion.
The hadith highlights two particularly dangerous spiritual diseases:
1. Hubb al-Mal (حُبُّ الْمَالِ): Excessive love of wealth, material possessions and the desire to accumulate worldly riches.
2. Hubb al-Jah (حُبُّ الْجَاهِ): The desire for status, fame, popularity, recognition and importance in the eyes of others.
Hazrat particularly emphasised the dangers of Hubb-e-Jah, explaining that the desire to become famous, popular or respected by others can be harmful to a person’s religion, especially when it begins to affect their intentions and sincerity.
In this context, Hazrat once again recited his couplet:
میرے پیچھے ہر آن یہ خلقت کا ہجوم
اب خدا جانے یہ عزت ہے یا رسوائی
“At every moment, crowds of people follow behind me;
Only Allah knows whether this is an honour or a humiliation.”
Thus, a conversation that began with a discussion about Hazrat’s travels around the world and the extraordinary love and affection people have for him developed into a profound reminder about the spiritual dangers of seeking fame, recognition and status.
There are many valuable lessons in this brief yet thought-provoking conversation from which each and every one of us can learn and reflect upon our own lives.
May Allah Ta’ala grant Hazrat a long life filled with health and well-being, continue to benefit the Ummah through his knowledge and guidance, and protect us all from pride, self-admiration, the love of status and the desire for fame.
Ameen Ya Rabb al-Alameen.
Written by
Ustadha Fahmina holds a Sanad in Alimiyyah (6-year Dars-e-Nizami) from two recognized Islamic institutes and a Master's degree in Arabic . She teaches Qur'an, Tafsir, Hadith, and Fiqh following the Hanafi school within Ahl al-Sunnah wal Jama'ah. She founded Islam Hashtag in 2015 to bring authentic Islamic learning to Muslim families online. She also holds a degree in Optometry and is the founder of Optometryskills.com.
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