The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, He who so acts to show off, Allah will disgrace him on the Day of Resurrection, and he who does good deeds so that people (may hold him in high esteem), Allah will expose his hidden evil intentions before the people on the Day of Resurrection. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] The Sin of Riyaa (Showing Off) Riya refers to doing things that are pleasing to Allah with the intention of seeking admiration from others. The intention in such cases, therefore, is usually to show off one’s good deeds to win praise and admiration of others. It amounts to practicing virtue out of vanity, with the aim of achieving popularity among people. Riya makes us focus on earning appreciation from people rather than seeking Allah’s favor and acceptance. It makes us focus on people’s appreciation of our virtuous acts, which means we give importance to them, and not to Allah the Most Benevolent. Considering the temporary nature of things, our chief concern instead should be on the long-term rewards, and thus to do good to earn Allah’s pleasure because that can benefit us both in this world and the next. But Satan knows how easy it is to fill our hearts with vanity and he arouses in us the desire for a good name and reputation, making our deeds fruitless, by distancing us from Allah. The Prophet (SAWS) described Riya’ by giving the example of a person performing prayer for Allah, and improving his rendering of the Salat when he knows that others are watching him. Allah says: So woe unto those performers of Salat (hypocrites), Those who delay their Salat (from their stated fixed times). Those who do good deeds only to be seen (of men). And prevent Al-Ma’un (small kindnesses) - Surah Al-Maauun (107:4 – 7)
Posted on: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 18:58:05 +0000
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