Therefore, before performing any deed, its purpose should be kept in mind. If you find showing off in it, immediately rectify your intention and keep in mind that only those deeds will be accepted which are performed for the pleasure of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ. If I perform a deed to show off or to make people hear about it, then I will deserve the torments of Hell, let alone the deed being rejected! Though Satan will use every trick, it is equally essential to avoid an intention to show off and make a good intention, thus removing satanic obstacles.

صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب       صَلَّى اللّٰهُ تَعَالٰى عَلٰى مُحَمَّد

6. Refrain from satanic whispers while performing worship

Dear Islamic brothers! The sixth cure for showing off is to refrain from satanic whispers, because Satan constantly tries to whisper into our hearts. Sincerity is the key to the acceptance of deeds. As it is necessary to create sincerity in one’s heart before performing a good deed, it is also equally important to maintain sincerity during the performance of every good deed and worship. Three things are necessary to avoid satanic thoughts during worship: (1) To detect the satanic whisper (2) To despise it (3) To refuse to accept it.

For instance, a person started performing Salat-ut-Tahajjud with good intentions. During the Salah, Satan puts the satanic whisper of showing off into the heart of this person that people will get very impressed with him when they become aware of his Tahajjud. It is now absolutely essential for this person to immediately recognise that this whisper is from Satan. After recognising this, he should also despise it since the act of impressing people with this religious deed instead of doing it for the pleasure of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ is similar to inviting Divine wrath. He should then ignore the satanic whisper. Although difficult, it is not impossible to prevent satanic whispers in this way. Indeed, it seems difficult in the beginning, but once a person is steadfast in doing this with patience for a long time, it becomes easy for him by the blessings and bounties of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ. We must put in our efforts, as success is granted by Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ. (Nayki ki Da’wat, pp. 94)