Worship in Islam is built upon sincerity (ikhlās) doing every act of devotion solely for the sake of Allah. But one of the greatest threats to sincerity is riya, showing off in worship. It is when deeds meant for Allah are performed to gain the praise, approval, or recognition of people. Though subtle, riya is among the most destructive diseases of the heart because it corrupts deeds from within, turning them into acts of hypocrisy rather than devotion.
WHAT IS RIYA?
Riya is when worship is done with mixed intentions outwardly directed at Allah but inwardly seeking people’s admiration. It may appear as sincerity on the surface, but the heart’s intention tells another story.
The Prophet ﷺ described it as the “hidden shirk,” saying:
“The thing that I fear most for you is the minor shirk: showing off (riya).”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)
This hadith highlights the seriousness of riya. Though it may seem small, it is a form of associating partners with Allah — seeking people’s approval instead of Allah’s alone.
HOW RIYA APPEARS IN DAILY LIFE
Riya can creep into even the most sincere intentions. Some common examples include:
Lengthening one’s salah when others are watching.
Donating publicly with the hope of being praised.
Reciting Qur’an beautifully for recognition, not remembrance.
Volunteering in community service to be seen, not to please Allah.
Sharing every act of worship on social media for likes and validation.
The danger is that riya is not always obvious. A believer may not even realize when pride or the desire for attention has slipped into their worship.
WHY RIYA IS SO DANGEROUS
Riya carries heavy consequences because it affects both the dunya and the akhirah:
It nullifies deeds: Allah does not accept any deed unless it is purely for Him.
It earns no reward: The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Allah says: I am the most self-sufficient of partners. Whoever does a deed for someone else’s sake as well as Mine, I leave him to the one he associated with Me.”
(Sahih Muslim)
It corrupts the heart: A person addicted to riya becomes dependent on people’s approval instead of Allah’s mercy.
It leads to hypocrisy: Consistently showing off in worship is a trait of the munafiqeen, who pretend to worship while their hearts are empty of sincerity.
THE SIGNS OF RIYA
Some signs that riya may be present include:
Feeling lazy in private worship but energetic in public.
Becoming upset if good deeds are unnoticed by others.
Seeking fame or praise for acts of worship.
Performing deeds more carefully when people are watching.
HOW TO PROTECT AGAINST RIYA
The cure for riya lies in strengthening ikhlās and reminding oneself of Allah’s presence:
Check your intention: Before every act, ask yourself: Am I doing this for Allah or for people?
Remember the unseen reward: People’s praise fades quickly, but Allah’s reward is eternal.
Do hidden deeds: Perform acts of worship privately so they remain between you and Allah.
Make dua: The Prophet ﷺ taught:
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from associating anything with You knowingly, and I seek Your forgiveness for what I do unknowingly.”
(Musnad Ahmad)
Reflect on death: When you stand alone in your grave, people’s opinions will not matter only Allah’s acceptance will.
CONCLUSION
Riya is a subtle but deadly trap of Shaytan. It transforms worship into wasted effort and deprives the believer of Allah’s acceptance. True honor and success lie not in the fleeting approval of people, but in the eternal pleasure of Allah.
Sincerity is the shield of the believer. When every deed is done purely for Allah, it becomes a light in this world and the next.
