Hadith #4279

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The smallest amount of showing off is polytheism.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the gravity of the sin of riya' (showing off) and its association with shirk (polytheism).

The word "riya'" in Arabic refers to the act of performing religious deeds or acts of worship with the intention of seeking praise or recognition from others, rather than solely for the sake of pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a form of hypocrisy and insincerity, as the individual's intention is not solely directed towards pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but rather towards gaining worldly recognition and admiration.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that even the smallest amount of riya' is considered as shirk, which is the gravest sin in Islam. Shirk refers to associating partners with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in worship or attributing divine qualities to anyone or anything other than Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a sin that negates the fundamental principle of Tawhid (monotheism) and undermines the essence of Islam.

To understand the severity of this sin, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Nisa, verse 48:

Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills. And he who associates others with Allah has certainly fabricated a tremendous sin.

This verse clearly highlights the gravity of shirk and emphasizes that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not forgive those who associate partners with Him. However, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) may forgive other sins if He wills, as He is the Most Merciful and Forgiving.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Munafiqun, verse 4, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

When you look at them, their bodies please you; and when they speak, you listen to their words. They are as blocks of wood propped up. They think that every shout is against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded?

This verse describes the hypocrites who engage in riya' and highlights their true nature. They seek praise and admiration from others, but their actions are hollow and devoid of sincerity. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns the believers to be cautious of such individuals and to distance themselves from their deceitful ways.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate their intentions and purify their hearts. It reminds us that our actions should be solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and not for the approval or recognition of others. Sincerity in worship is a fundamental aspect of Islam, and any form of showing off or seeking worldly gains undermines the essence of our faith.

We must strive to develop a deep sense of consciousness and awareness of Allah's presence in all our actions. Our intentions should be solely directed towards pleasing Him and seeking His pleasure. This requires constant self-reflection, humility, and a sincere desire to purify our hearts from the diseases of the ego.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the sin of riya' and grant us the ability to worship Him with sincerity and devotion. May He purify our hearts and grant us the strength to overcome the temptations of seeking worldly recognition. Ameen.