Should the questioner continue her work despite having mixed intentions of showing off and social necessity, and will she be rewarded for it? How can she purify her intention and rid herself of showing off and the hardship of living at the same time? Is her joy in helping people and her desire to be the upper hand considered arrogance or joy in doing good? Is her refraining from helping people, fearing falling into showing off, correct?

It is permissible for a woman to work even if she is not in need of money, as long as the work adheres to Sharia guidelines. Reprehensible showing-off (riya') applies to pure acts of worship. However, permissible matters that become acts of worship through intention, such as seeking provision and spending on one's family, are not subject to reprehensible showing-off. One should turn away from Satan's whisperings to abandon good deeds out of fear of showing-off. Rather, one must be keen to perform good deeds and strive to achieve sincerity. It has been reported that being pleased with charity is commendable, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Indeed, some pride is abhorred by Allah, and some is loved by Allah. As for the pride that Allah loves, it is a man's pride when fighting, and his pride when giving charity. As for that which Allah abhors, it is his pride in transgression." There is a difference between reprehensible self-admiration (ujb) and rejoicing in Allah's bounty and grace, which is commendable.