Is showing off (riyaa') specific to religious matters like acts of worship, or does it include worldly actions such as helping out at work to show affection?
Ostentation (riya') is when a servant performs an action with the intention that people see it, seeking status, money, or fame. It is forbidden and nullifies the deed if it is in acts of worship, for Allah Almighty says: "I am the One Who is most free from the need of associating partners with Me. Whoever performs a deed and associates with Me someone else in it, I will abandon him and his ." As for actions other than worship, it is not forbidden merely for seeking status, such as the statement of Yusuf (peace be upon him): "Indeed, I am a knowing guardian." However, it becomes forbidden if it leads to arrogance and rejection of the truth, for the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Arrogance is the rejection of truth and looking down on people." Helping a friend is a good deed for which you will be rewarded.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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