Hadith #3413

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 our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Do not perform any good action in order to show off and do not abandon it out of shame.

This amazing Hadith emphasizes the importance of sincerity and intention in our acts of worship and good deeds. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (riya'an) "رِياءً" in the Hadith refers to showing off or seeking attention from others. It is when one performs a good deed not for the sake of Allah, but to gain praise or recognition from people. Allah warns us against this in the Quran, saying, (Quran 107:4-6)

So woe to those who pray [but] who are heedless of their prayer - those who make show [of their deeds]

This verse highlights the condemnation of those who perform acts of worship solely for the purpose of showing off.

On the other hand, the word (hay'an) "حَياءً" in the Hadith refers to shame or embarrassment. It is when one refrains from performing a good deed due to fear of what others may think or say. Allah advises us against this in the Quran, saying, (Quran 31:18)

And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful

This verse reminds us not to be concerned with the opinions of others when it comes to fulfilling our obligations and performing good deeds.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that our intentions should be solely for the sake of Allah, and not influenced by the desire for recognition or the fear of judgment from others. Our actions should be driven by a genuine love for Allah and a desire to please Him alone. This concept is beautifully emphasized in the Quran, where Allah says, (Quran 6:162)

Say, 'Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds'

When we perform good deeds with sincerity, solely for the pleasure of Allah, we are rewarded not only in this world but also in the Hereafter. Allah promises in the Quran, (Quran 31:8)

Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds - for them are the Gardens of Pleasure

This verse reminds us that true success lies in the sincerity of our actions and the purity of our intentions.

Furthermore, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that our actions should not be influenced by the opinions or judgments of others. We should not allow the fear of being criticized or ridiculed to prevent us from doing what is right. Allah assures us in the Quran, (Quran 3:139)

So do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers

This verse encourages us to remain steadfast in our beliefs and actions, regardless of the opinions of others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of sincerity and intention in our acts of worship and good deeds. We should strive to perform our actions solely for the sake of Allah, without seeking recognition or fearing the judgments of others. By doing so, we attain true success and earn the pleasure of Allah. May Allah guide us all to sincerity in our actions and grant us the strength to overcome the desire for showmanship and the fear of judgment.