Refers to the one who performs good actions only for worldly benefits, respect and desire for fame. Such individuals become a scholar and perform Hajj (for fame and praise). They partake in battle to attain (wealth), meaning war spoils.

Because his actions were not performed to attain the Hereafter. From this we come to know that the one showing off is deprived of reward [in the Hereafter], albeit his action is valid in terms of Shar’iah. [For example] the obligation (Fard) of Salah of the one showing off will be fulfilled, but he will not gain reward, which is why the verse states ‘فِی الآخِرۃِ’. (Noor-ul-‘Irfan, p. 774)

Dear Islamic brothers, we too should refrain from performing actions to show off, build a name for ourselves or gain respect in society. We should do good deeds only to please Allah Almighty and better our Hereafter.

The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم stated: ‘If any one of you performs an action in a cave that neither has an entrance nor an entry point for light, even then his action will become known. And whatever is supposed to be will come to be.’ (Musnad Ahmad, vol. 4, p. 57, Hadith 11230)

The famous Quranic exegetist Hakeem-ul-Ummah Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه wrote the following in the explanation of this Hadith: ‘The meaning of this blessed saying is,why do you ruin reward by showing off! Perform actions with sincerity. Worship secretly. Allah Himself will reveal your good deeds to people. You will be considered pious in the hearts of people. This is something tried and tested. Some people offer the vigil prayer (Tahajjud) in secret, and people happen to start referring to them as someone who offers the vigil prayer (Tahajjud). The refulgence (noor) of offering the vigil prayer appears on the face, as does the refulgence of every good deed. This is observable on a daily basis. People refer to Ghaus al-A’zam and Khuwajah Ajmer