They say your reputation is what people say about you when you’re not present.
Your reputation is built upon exposure of your character to the world.
People don’t have time to guess your intention, they just categorise you into either good, bad, or indifferent.
The story of Prophet Saleh (AS) in the Qur’an demonstrates the importance of having a good reputation, despite the results.
Let’s dive in!
Background
Prophet Saleh (AS) was sent to the people of Thamud, an ancient Arabian tribe known for their prosperity, strength and arrogance.
The people of ‘Aad preceded the people of Thamud (Hud AS).
Saleh (AS) grew up among them and earned their trust through his honesty and integrity.
Saleh (AS) was considered their Leader.
Despite their idolatry and moral decline, Saleh (AS) remained devoted to Allah (SWT)
During Prophethood
Saleh (AS) received divine revelation and called the people of Thamud to worship Allah (SWT) alone and abandon their idolatry.
He warned them of the consequences of their arrogance and urged them to repent.
Despite facing ridicule and opposition, Prophet Saleh (AS) remained steadfast in his mission.
Legacy:
Prophet Saleh’s (AS) unwavering commitment to truth serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of integrity and resilience in upholding divine principles.
While the people of Thamud ultimately faced divine punishment for their disobedience, Saleh’s (AS) legacy endures as a testament to the power of faith and truth.
Although Thamud rejected the message of Islam, Saleh’s (AS) reputation was not disputed (see verse below).
Saleh’s (AS) reputation was venerated and honoured in the Qur’an.
Application
The laymen would conclude that Saleh (AS) had failed in his mission because Thamud did not accept Islam.
This conclusion is very simplistic and not intelligible.
Saleh (AS) was ordered to only relay the message of Islam, Allah (SWT) controls the results.
Bridging these lessons to our lives; all we can do is take the appropriate action and wait for Allah’s (SWT) decree.
Be that in studying…
Business…
Relationships and more.
All Allah (SWT) asks from us is to try our best.
Let’s try to be the best versions of ourselves, emulating Saleh’s (AS) character.
Not concerned with the results of our efforts.
And see what an impact it has on our reputation and connection with Allah (SWT).
قَالُوا۟ يَـٰصَـٰلِحُ قَدْ كُنتَ فِينَا مَرْجُوًّۭا قَبْلَ هَـٰذَآ ۖ أَتَنْهَىٰنَآ أَن نَّعْبُدَ مَا يَعْبُدُ ءَابَآؤُنَا وَإِنَّنَا لَفِى شَكٍّۢ مِّمَّا تَدْعُونَآ إِلَيْهِ مُرِيبٍۢ
They argued, “O Ṣâliḥ! We truly had high hopes in you before this.1 How dare you forbid us to worship what our forefathers had worshipped? We are certainly in alarming doubt about what you are inviting us to.”
(1)They believed that Ṣâliḥ had the potential to be their future leader.
SURAH HUD ( V 62)
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