Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) said: What is manifestly clear is that many of the affairs of the inner self are hidden from a person and he does not realise them. There are many people in whose souls is a love of leadership yet he does not realise it; rather it may be that he is one sincere in carrying out acts of worship but his faults are hidden from him. The speech of the people (i.e. the scholars) in this affair is numerous and well known. And because of this, this affair is called ‘the hidden love of fame.”

[Majmoo al-Fataawaa: 16/346]