In response, the king said: ‘I do not see any good in him’, and he left from there.

After the king went, the pious individual proclaimed: ‘Praise be to Allah Who made the king go away from me. It is good that the king was not impressed by me, instead, he spoke of me in a negative way (meaning, this resulted in me being protected from desiring fame and showing off.’ (Uyoon Al-Hikayaat, p. 352, part 1)

Dear Islamic brothers, you heard of how our pious predecessors رَحِمَهُمُ الـلّٰـهُ disliked trying to establish their status amongst people and gaining respect and fame amongst royalty. These pious people would push aside gaining respect and popularity and busying themselves with worldly amusement. Instead, they opted for seclusion.

On the other hand, we have us: people who wish to gain respect and popularity amongst the common folk in all matters. Not only this, but inside our hearts there is a desire to become famous and known by people who are rich and of a high rank in society so that we are applauded, treated well and receive rewards. 

Contemplate on the Hereafter in this way

Dear Islamic brothers, if we find such desires and wishes to be in our heart, then address yourself by trying to think of the following: ‘For people to utter some words of praise about me, perceive me in a good way, or for me to become famous are all things which please my ego. However, for people to praise me will not guarantee me success in the court of Allah on the Day of Judgement, because on that day, these people themselves will be trembling out of fear of being punished.’ (Nayki ki Dawat, p. 87, part 1) By adopting this sort of mindset, we will get rid of the desire for fame that lives inside us اِنْ شَــآءَالـلّٰـه.