Islam Guidance

One Who “Shows-Off” is a Mushrik

One Who “Shows-Off” is a Mushrik

It is concluded from the authentic traditions that one who tries to show-off in religious matters is a mushrik and a hypocrite. He is inevitably condemned to Divine punishment. It is one and the same whether his show-off concerns the obligatory acts or the recommended acts.

Similarly he may simply exhibit outward piety or his aim may be to acquire honour and respect among the people. Even if he has a dual aim (of showing off and fulfilling his obligation) his act is classified as Shirk. A few Qur’anic verses are quoted for the benefit of the readers:

1) “Surely the hypocrites strive to deceive Allah, and He shall requite their deceit to them, and when they stand up sluggishly; they do it only to be seen of men and do not remember Allah save a little. Wavering between that (and this), (belonging) neither to these nor to those.”

(Surah an-Nisā’ 4:142)

 2) “So woe to the praying ones, who are unmindful of their prayers, who do (good) to be seen.”

(Surah Ma’Å«n 107:4-6)

  The Holy Prophet (S) said,

“Certainly what I fear for you most is the lesser Shirk.”

Someone enquired, “O Prophet (S), what is meant by lesser Shirk?” He replied,

“It is Riyah when Allah would reward His creatures for their deeds on the Day of Judgement He would address those who committed Riyah thus, ‘you approach those, to please whom you had performed all the deeds in the world. And obtain your rewards for your deeds from them.’

(Bihār al-Anwār).

 Is it possible to receive rewards from them? Absolutely not!

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