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The question

Is it considered hypocrisy to beautify one's prayer when people are present and shorten it when one is alone, and do good deeds become nullified because of it?

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Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

Performing (prayer) well in the presence of people but neglecting it when alone may indicate ostentation (riya') and corrupt intention, which is a form of minor (polytheism). Performing many supererogatory prayers (nawafil) in the presence of people but abandoning them when alone may indicate a lack of sincerity. A Muslim must be mindful of Allah in their worship, not seeking the praise of people. As for rejoicing in people's praise without the intention of ostentation, we hope there is no harm in it, and it may be glad tidings for the believer. The advice is to strive for sincerity to Allah, to maintain prayer when alone, and to perform many sunan (supererogatory acts) at home, because people can avail nothing against Allah.

Summary from Ftawy's records · added here

Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.

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Where this answer came from
Source platform
Ftawy
Original fatwa ID
104257
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.
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Read the full answer on Ftawy