For Fellow Creators and Artists: A Personal Reflection

As-salamu alaykum, dear brothers and sisters in creativity. I used to believe that numbers were everything in my art-likes, shares, comments, followers. I thought those numbers proved my worth and showed that my work mattered, that my voice was being heard. When the numbers didn’t rise, I felt invisible, like I wasn’t good enough, like my words weren’t worth reading or listening to. I chased after those numbers as if they truly cared about me. But, alhamdulillah, over time my perspective changed. Now, I understand that the true value of my work isn’t measured by numbers. I see it in the heartfelt messages from strangers telling me my words stopped them from giving up. I see it in comments from someone struggling with loneliness who says my honesty made them feel less alone. Sometimes, I’ll create a song and share it with just my spouse. They might not even listen, but the act of creating and sharing means something to me now. None of my most cherished moments came with likes or shares. None of my best memories were trending. Yet, they were real and mattered far more than anything on a screen. I also realized that impact is often unseen. Sometimes, the best your work can do is plant a seed in someone’s heart that grows long after the piece is forgotten. Sometimes, what you create is meant to be a light for just one person on a difficult night. The impact isn’t in fleeting numbers on a screen-it’s in the work Allah sees, even when no one else does. So now I create without worrying about likes or follower counts. I create because I feel it’s my amanah (trust) and because it helps me heal and, hopefully, helps others too. I create with the hope that my words reach whoever needs them most, even if I never know who that is. Impact isn’t about fame. It’s about being sincere and faithful to the purpose Allah has placed in your heart. It’s about using your gifts to the best of your ability. Allah sees it all. Allah knows every effort. Even when numbers don’t show it, Allah sees it-and that is enough.