دولتِ اِخلاص ہم کو دیجئے     کیجئے رَحمت اے نانائے حسین

صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب       صَلَّى اللّٰهُ تَعَالٰى عَلٰى مُحَمَّد

Cure disease instead of giving up good deeds

Dear Islamic brothers! Think carefully, how terrible and dangerous is the act of showing off that desire to acquire a little fame or praises and false self- acquired respect of this world and publicizing of one’s deeds for the sake of getting a few coins may plunge one into the horrible valley of Hell, on the Day of Judgement, from which Hell itself seeks refuge four hundred times daily. Therefore, it is better to perform good deeds for the pleasure of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ, rather than seeking the pleasure of the people. Overcome by the tricks of Satan and Nafs-e-‘Ammarah (the uncontrollable desires inclined to evil) if anyone indulges in showing off, assuming that it is very difficult to avoid showing off; how should I stop the tricks of the Nafs-e-‘Ammarah? How should I get out of this dangerous trap of Satan? Sometimes such types of people fill this idea in their minds that if they are unable to perform good deeds without showing off, then it is pointless to perform good deeds. Thus, they gradually stop performing good deeds and turn away from good fortune and rewards.

Therefore, all these types of Islamic brothers are requested to cure this disease if it appears while calling themselves to account. Disregarding any disease after considering it incurable is not an act of wisdom. On the contrary, the more serious is the disease, the greater care it needs. As showing off is an internal disease, therefore, its treatment is the most practical solution rather than neglecting it. If a fly sits on one’s nose then it is the fly that is removed, not the nose. Thus, virtuous acts should not be given up due to the fear of showing off, one should rather strive to get rid of showing off.

Ruling on showing off

The renowned commentator, a great thinker of the Ummah, Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه has stated, ‘Remember that showing off does not make worship unlawful (that is, offering Salah with showing off will not be deemed