Hadith #4280

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the deceptive nature of those who engage in showing off. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, draws our attention to the fact that the words of someone who seeks to impress others may appear beautiful on the surface, but their intentions and inner state are tainted with a disease.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (lisān) "لِسانُ" refers to the tongue or speech, emphasizing the verbal aspect of showing off. The term (al-murā'i) "المُرائي" is derived from the root word (ra'a) "رَءَى", which means to see or to show. It refers to someone who displays their actions or qualities to gain admiration or praise from others. The word (jamīl) "جَميلٌ" means beautiful or pleasing, indicating that the words of the one who shows off may appear attractive and impressive.

However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that despite the outward beauty of their words, the heart of the one who shows off is afflicted with an internal disease. The word (ad-dā') "الدَّاءُ" refers to a disease or illness, while (ad-dakhīl) "الدَّخيلُ" means internal or hidden. This disease is not visible to others, but it corrupts the sincerity and purity of their intentions.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the dangers of showing off in Surah Al-Ma'un (Chapter 107), where He says:

(Quran 107:4-7)

Woe to those who pray, but are heedless of their prayer, who make show [of their deeds], and withhold [simple] assistance.

In these verses, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) condemns those who perform acts of worship, such as prayer, but do so without sincerity and mindfulness. They engage in showing off, seeking recognition and praise from others, rather than seeking the pleasure of Allah alone. Their actions may appear righteous on the surface, but their intentions are tainted by the desire for worldly validation.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the hypocrisy of those who show off their acts of charity:

(Quran 2:264)

O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders or injury as does one who spends his wealth [only] to be seen by the people and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day.

These verses emphasize the importance of sincerity in our actions and intentions. The one who shows off may gain temporary admiration and praise from others, but their deeds hold no value in the sight of Allah if they are not performed with true faith and devotion.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the consequences of showing off. When our actions are driven by the desire for worldly recognition, we become disconnected from the true purpose of our worship and good deeds. Our focus shifts from seeking the pleasure of Allah to seeking validation from others. This disease of the heart corrupts our intentions and diminishes the spiritual rewards of our actions.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to purify our intentions and seek the pleasure of Allah in all that we do. Our actions should be driven by a sincere desire to please Him alone, without seeking any worldly recognition or praise. Let us remember the words of Allah in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (Chapter 60), verse 4:

(Quran 60:4)

There has already been for you an excellent pattern in Abraham and those with him, when they said to their people, 'Indeed, we are disassociated from you and from whatever you worship other than Allah. We have denied you, and there has appeared between us and you animosity and hatred forever until you believe in Allah alone.'

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to purify our intentions and protect us from the disease of showing off. May He accept our sincere efforts and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter. And may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.