A question about the concept of riyaa in Islamic practice.
[AR_ID:1014]
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1 Answer
Peace be upon you,
It is important, dear questioner, to distinguish between fleeting thoughts (whispers) and the stable inner state of the soul that drives one to act. The difference between them is clear within your own self.
Fleeting thoughts are transient ideas and often can be compulsive.
On the other hand, the driving force is a stable matter within the soul.
Riyaa is from the latter and not the former, meaning that if you perform an action with the intention of being praised by people and elevating your status in their eyes, that is clear riyaa.
Riyaa is derived from the word 'to see' and refers to seeking a position in the hearts of people by showing them good qualities.
However, not every act done in front of people with the desire for them to see it is riyaa and contrary to the intention of seeking closeness to Allah. For instance, if you give charity in front of others to encourage them to give as well, that very showing can also bring you closer to Allah.
As for the thoughts and whispers that come to mind after the primary intention was to seek the face of Allah, you should not pay much attention to them. It has been narrated from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) that Allah has forgiven my nation for the whispers of their hearts, and he also said: Allah has overlooked what my nation talks about within themselves unless they act upon it [Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 72, p. 127].
It remains essential to maintain carefulness in dealing with yourself and the thoughts that cross your mind, but without reaching the level of obsession, otherwise, that is one of the traps of Satan and his soldiers.
May you be successful in all that is good.