Is a narrator who relates a devotional act or good deed after the death of its doer, when the doer had sworn him to secrecy, considered a breaker of his promise and a divulger of a secret? And is one's statement, "For forty years, I have not missed the opening takbir (takbirat al-ihram)," contrary to ethics and considered showing off?

It was the custom of the Salaf to conceal their deeds out of sincerity, and out of caution against ostentation (riya') and seeking reputation (sum'ah), as the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Indeed, Allah loves the pious, self-sufficient, and obscure servant."

However, a scholar may inform others of some of his affairs so that people may emulate him and follow his example, as Sa'id ibn al-Musayyab did.

So, whoever makes his deed manifest for an overriding benefit, such as for others to emulate him, then there is no blame upon him, and he will be rewarded for that. As for whoever makes it manifest for ostentation (riya') and seeking reputation (sum'ah), then that is the one upon whom all blame lies.