Sheikh Abdur Rahman ibn al-Jawzi رحمه الله has observed that if anyone disobeys Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله secretly, Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله will make it known, even at a later stage. One will find that people will talk of his sins committed secretly and he will face the subsequent humiliation. This is the punishment for all sins committed secretly.

Understand that Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله rewards or punishes every deed. He is All Knowing, nothing can be hidden from Him.

Similarly, if anyone does a good deed secretly, Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله will cause it to become apparent in the knowledge of the people and they will speak glowingly of him. By virtue of one concealing his good deeds; Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله causes the people to forget his sins. Undoubtedly, Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله makes apparent the reality of of our actions.

People will love or detest a person proportionate to his attachment with Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله. If one adopts piety, people will love him but if he chooses disobedience, people will abhor him. The hearts of the people are in sole control of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله. It is imperative that we fortify our relationship with Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله. If we compromise this attachment, those who had initially praised us will start criticising us. This is the reality of our actions; it is therefore our choice whether we desire to be accepted or rejected.