Valley of Hell for show offs

Dear Islamic brothers! Ponder over the definition of showing off once again while keeping the above-mentioned examples in mind. Worshipping with the intention other than seeking the pleasure of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ is called showing off. As if to assert pre-eminence over others in worship; drawing praise, admiration and honour or having the intention of acquiring gifts, food, sweetmeats, an envelope of money or clothing, by carrying out any good acts etc., are forms of showing off. Hubb-e-Jah, i.e., ‘Desire for fame and honour’ has also been mentioned in the examples as the desire for fame and honour is the major reason for showing off.

Remember! The abovementioned examples of showing off are aimed at motivating the listener and reader to detect showing off in their own deeds only, not in those of others. Showing off is, in fact, related to the heart and not everyone can be aware of the intentions in the hearts of others. Therefore, one should never have evil opinions about a Muslim by suspecting him to be involved in the evils mentioned in the examples. To have an evil thought about a Muslim is a Haraam act that leads to Hell. Similarly, to look for someone’s sins, to find signs of showing off in him and to reveal his faults to others in order to defame him are all Haraam.

The aim of presenting these examples is to check our own good deeds, because the hidden showing off enters the good deed slower than the pace of an ant and ruins the deed completely. One of the reasons of suffering from this is that the pleasure one receives from showing off can neither be found in delicious foods nor in an abundance of wealth, therefore, it is absolutely necessary to refrain from this pleasure as it leads one to Hell. Therefore, if anyone suspects even a bit of showing off in any of his good deeds, he should fearfully repent of it as the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has stated, ‘Without doubt, there is a valley in Hell from which Hell seeks refuge four hundred times daily. Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ has prepared this valley for those people who show off, from the Ummah of Muhammad, who are Haafiz of the Holy Quran, give charity for [anything or anyone] other than Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ, perform Hajj of the house of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ and travel in the Divine path.’

(Al-Mu’jam-ul-Kabeer, vol. 12, pp. 136, Hadees 12803)