Hadith #5169

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous successors.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The smallest amount of showing off is polytheism.

This impactful Hadith highlights the gravity of showing off, or riya' in Arabic, and equates it to the sin of polytheism. To fully understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words used.

The word "riya'" refers to the act of performing religious or virtuous deeds with the intention of seeking praise or recognition from others, rather than solely for the sake of pleasing Allah. It is a form of hypocrisy that corrupts the sincerity of one's actions and diminishes their reward in the sight of Allah. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that even the slightest amount of riya' is tantamount to polytheism, or shirk, which is the gravest sin in Islam.

To further comprehend the gravity of riya', we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Ma'un (Chapter 107), Allah says:

(Quran 107:4-7)

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

This verse condemns those who perform their prayers merely for show, without true devotion and sincerity. It emphasizes that the act of showing off in worship is not only futile but also detrimental to one's spiritual growth. It is a clear indication that Allah values sincerity and purity of intention above all else.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2), Allah warns against the dangers of riya' in the context of giving 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.

This verse cautions against the act of giving charity solely for the purpose of gaining recognition and admiration from others. It highlights the importance of maintaining sincerity and seeking Allah's pleasure in all acts of worship and benevolence.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to constantly examine their intentions and purify their hearts. It urges us to strive for sincerity in all our actions, ensuring that they are solely for the sake of Allah and not driven by the desire for worldly recognition or praise.

The consequences of falling into the trap of riya' are severe. It not only diminishes the reward of our deeds but also tarnishes our spiritual state. When we seek validation from others rather than Allah, we become susceptible to arrogance, hypocrisy, and the erosion of our faith. Our actions lose their value and become empty rituals devoid of true devotion.

On the other hand, cultivating sincerity in our worship and righteous deeds brings about numerous benefits. It strengthens our relationship with Allah, increases our spiritual growth, and allows us to attain His pleasure. Sincere actions are more likely to be accepted by Allah and rewarded abundantly.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening Hadith, we must strive to purify our intentions and seek Allah's pleasure in all that we do. We should constantly remind ourselves that our actions are solely for the sake of Allah and not for the admiration or recognition of others. By doing so, we can safeguard ourselves from the dangers of riya' and ensure that our deeds are sincere and worthy of Allah's acceptance.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to purify our intentions and perform all our actions solely for His sake. May He protect us from the trap of riya' and guide us on the path of sincerity and righteousness. And may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon Muhammad (ﷺ), his family, his companions, and the righteous successors.