The purpose of our gatherings is reform or fame

Are our gatherings for reform or for fame?
Religious gatherings and reformative meetings have always been an important and effective means in the history of the Muslim Ummah. It is through these gatherings that the heat of faith is refreshed in hearts, minds drowned in negligence are awakened, and individuals are encouraged to return to Allah Almighty. The original purpose of the pulpit and niche, and preaching and advice, has been that a person should review their deeds, correct their intentions, and try to mold their life according to the Book and Sunnah. But today, a question stands before us that needs serious consideration, and that is whether our current religious gatherings are really becoming a means of reform or are gradually tending towards fame, display, and crowd-gathering. This question is not an accusation against any particular individual, group, or institution, but rather an invitation to collective self-accountability, because the work of religion does not leave an impact on hearts unless it is done with sincerity.
The foundation of religion is based on sincerity; if the intention is correct, even a small deed becomes great in the sight of Allah, and if there is impurity in the intention, even large gatherings lose weight. It is with regret that we have to say that today, in some religious gatherings, more importance is being given to fame, applause, and outward success instead of the pleasure of Allah. The glitter of the stage, the presence of cameras, the talk of the number of attendees, and the concern for influence on social media force us to think that we are not moving away from the goal. Religion enters hearts with silence, simplicity, and sincerity, not with noise, display, and self-promotion.
Similarly, the status of religious scholars is certainly high, and their respect is the responsibility of the Ummah, but it is also important to understand the difference between respect and display. In some gatherings, scholars and speakers are welcomed in such a way as if a political leader has arrived, slogans are raised, applause is given, and unnecessary protocol is given, whereas the requirement of religious dignity is simplicity, politeness, and moderation. The real respect for scholars lies in listening to their words, acting upon them, and benefiting from their knowledge, not in outward noise and commotion.
The growing trend of slogan-shouting in religious gatherings is also a matter of concern. Arousing emotions is correct in its place, but when the slogans become so numerous that the original advice and message go into the background, the purpose is lost. People return home with temporary enthusiasm, but without practical change. However, the purpose of a religious gathering should be that the listener feels some responsibility within themselves, makes a decision, and takes a step towards improving their life.
Another weakness that is often seen in gatherings is the lack of clarity of the topic and purpose. Neither the organizers have a clear direction in mind, nor are the speakers given any specific topic to adhere to, as a result, each speaker speaks according to their preference, and the audience disperses without any clear message. If a religious gathering is really for reform, then its purpose should be clear, the conversation should be coherent, and the listener should understand what aspect of their life they need to change.
Punctuality is also an important principle of religion, but unfortunately, it is the most neglected in religious gatherings. People are kept sitting for hours after being told about a short program, neither does the beginning happen on time nor is there any estimate of the end. This behavior not only affects people's routines but also gradually leads to hearts becoming detached from religious gatherings, which is a dangerous trend.
Similarly, in some gatherings, stories, jokes, and humor become so dominant that serious religious discussion is left behind. There should be gentleness and wisdom in preaching, but when the whole speech becomes mere entertainment, the purpose of reform is not fulfilled. Religion invites us to think, understand, and act, not just to laugh.
The methods of collecting donations and the imbalance of expenses are also noteworthy. Giving receipts and bags to children and having them roam in the gathering, repeatedly drawing attention, and on the other hand, spending lavishly on speakers while giving a meager salary to local imams and teachers who are engaged in the service of religion, all these are question marks on our collective attitudes. The use of resources in religious work should be with balance, wisdom, and honesty.
All these things are not being said to humiliate anyone or for the sake of criticism, but rather they have been written with the intention that we should seriously review our religious environment. If we want our gatherings to really have an impact, then we have to give priority to the correction of intentions, simplicity, a clear purpose, punctuality, and a practical message. There should be fewer but purposeful gatherings, awareness instead of noise, and an invitation to thought and action along with emotions. It is possible that many people may disagree with this writing, but if this disagreement forces us to self-accountability, then this is the success of this writing. May Allah Almighty grant us sincerity, insight, and the ability to serve religion in the right direction, and may He make our gatherings a real means of reform, not just of fame. Amen, O Lord of the Worlds.