Is the desire to read Islamic books—after feeling a lack of knowledge during a religious discussion—considered hypocrisy if there is a fear that it might not be solely for the sake of Allah?
The intention behind seeking knowledge after a situation that revealed ignorance varies. If it is to remove ignorance and benefit oneself and Muslims, then it is a sound intention. However, if it is out of fear of being called ignorant or a desire for people's praise, then it is a reprehensible intention that harms its owner. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, warned against showing off (riya') and seeking reputation (sum'ah). It was narrated that the first to be fueled by the Fire will be a scholar, a worshipper, and a martyr whose intentions were not purely for Allah. Therefore, it is obligatory to purify one's intention for Allah when seeking knowledge, and to beware of the whispers of Satan that call for abandoning knowledge out of fear of showing off.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/111953
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 111953
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy