Service without expecting anything in return

In a world where most actions are measured by return, recognition, or reward, Islam presents a radically different understanding of service. True value lies not in what we gain from others, but in what we give sincerely for the sake of Allah (swt), without expecting anything back.

Every year, Arbaeen brings this principle to life on a global scale. Millions of pilgrims travel to Karbala, while countless volunteers open their homes, kitchens, clinics, and hearts to serve them. Food is shared, water is distributed, shelter is offered, and care is given freely. No contracts, no payments, no expectations of repayment. Only devotion, sincerity, and love for Imam Hussain (as).

Arbaeen becomes a living reminder that khdimah (service) in Islam is not transactional. It is spiritual, transformative, and deeply rooted in intention.

A culture of giving without limits

Along the Arbaeen route, generosity is not reserved for those who have excess. Many families spend months saving from modest incomes just to host pilgrims. Some even give from what they themselves need, prioritizing the guests of Aba Abdillah (as) over their own comfort.

This reflects a powerful Quranic principle:

“The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah (swt) is as the parable of a grain growing seven ears, in every ear, there are a hundred grains; and Allah (swt) multiplies for whom He pleases; Allah (swt) is Ample-giving, All-knowing.” (2:261)

The message is clear. What is given for Allah (swt) is never lost. It is multiplied beyond human calculation.

Arbaeen shows this in action. People give not because they expect return, but because they trust the promise of Allah (swt).

Sincerity over visibility

One of the most powerful lessons of Arbaeen is that good deeds are not about being seen. They are about being sincere. Some acts are public, others are hidden, but both are accepted when the intention is pure.

Allah (swt) says:

"If you give alms openly, it is well (from the social point of view because it will encourage others to do the same); and if you hide it and then give it to the poor (away from the eyes of the public), it is better for you (individually because it is far removed from showiness; and such a charity) will remove from you some of your sins. Allah (swt) is aware (of your intention and) of what you do." (2:271)

Imam al-Sadiq (as) has also reportedly to have said:

"Do not give charity openly for people to see and commend you for it, for verily when you do that, you have already received your reward for it (in their commendation). However, if you give with your right hand such that your left hand does not come to know it, then the One for whose sake you have secretly given charity will surely reward you for it openly." (Bihar al-Anwar, v.78, p.284, n.1)

Arbaeen volunteers embody this ethic. Many serve anonymously, not seeking recognition, but seeking nearness to Allah (swt).

When expectations become a barrier

Islam also warns against letting expectations shape our actions. When we serve while expecting praise or repayment, even sincere deeds can lose their purity.

Imam Ali (as) has reportedly said:

"There is no end to expectation." (Ghurar al-Hikam, n.1010)

He has also reportedly said:

"The fruit of expectation is the spoilage of deeds." (Ghurar al-Hikam, n.4641)

And in another narration, he has also reportedly said:

"A man who has high expectations is deficient in his action." (Bihar al-Anwar, v.77, p.421, n.40)

Expectation shifts focus from Allah (swt) to people. It makes service fragile, dependent on response rather than rooted in faith.

Arbaeen teaches the opposite. Service continues even when no one is watching and no one is repaying it.

The Ahlulbayt (as) model of giving

The Ahlulbayt (as) provide the highest example of selfless service. Their lives were marked by giving without expectation, even when they themselves were in need.

One of the most well-known examples is the household of Imam Ali (as), Lady Fatima al-Zahra (sa), Imam Hassan (as), and Imam Hussain (as). After fasting, they gave away their food for three consecutive nights to those in need, prioritizing others over themselves.

Their actions reflected complete sincerity and trust in Allah (swt). They served others without seeking gratitude, recognition, or any worldly return. Their example captures the very spirit that fills the roads of Arbaeen today, where countless volunteers dedicate themselves to serving pilgrims purely for the sake of Allah (swt) and out of love for Imam Hussain (as).

Imam al-Baqir (as) has also reportedly advised:

"Equip yourself with low expectation for this world's life." (Tuhaf al-Uqul, n.286)

Lowering expectations of this world strengthens sincerity and frees the heart to serve purely for Allah (swt).

Living the spirit of Arbaeen beyond the journey

Arbaeen is not only a pilgrimage. It is a lesson in how life itself should be lived. Every believer can carry its values into daily actions.

Selfless service can be as simple as helping someone in need, giving quietly in charity, volunteering time, supporting vulnerable families, or showing kindness without recognition. What matters is intention.

Allah (swt) says:

“Those who spend their wealth by night and by day, secretly and openly, for them is their reward with their Lord, and they shall have no fear, nor shall they grieve.” (2:274)

This consistency of giving reflects a heart connected to Allah (swt) rather than people.

Arbaeen calls us to live with that same mindset wherever we are.

Serve the path of Hussain (as)

The journey to Karbala is carried not only by those who walk it, but also by those who serve it. Behind every pilgrim are thousands of people providing food, shelter, medical care, and safety through mowkebs and community support.

Supporting these efforts ensures that the spirit of Arbaeen continues to reach millions. It helps sustain those who dedicate their time, wealth, and energy to serving the zuwar purely for the sake of Allah (swt).

Millions journey towards Imam Hussain (as). Support the people and communities serving this extraordinary movement.

By giving, your charity becomes part of the same path of devotion, helping others serve without expectation and continue a legacy rooted in sacrifice, humility, and love for Allah (swt).

Frequently asked questions

What does Arbaeen teach us about selfless service?

Arbaeen shows that true service is done solely for the sake of Allah (swt), without expecting payment, praise, or recognition. Volunteers serve pilgrims with food, shelter, and care as an act of devotion and love for Imam Hussain (as).

Why is sincerity important when serving others in Islam?

Sincerity ensures that actions are accepted by Allah (swt). Islam teaches that charity should be given for His sake alone, not for status or recognition, as intention determines the true value of a deed.

How can I practice selfless service in my daily life?

You can practice selfless service by helping others quietly and consistently, whether through charity, volunteering, supporting neighbours, or small acts of kindness done purely for the sake of Allah (swt).

How does supporting Arbaeen services continue the message of Imam Hussain (as)?

Supporting Arbaeen services helps sustain the mowkebs and volunteers who care for millions of pilgrims. It continues the legacy of Imam Hussain (as) by enabling service, sacrifice, and hospitality on a global scale.