Is it obligatory for the Imam to stop leading people in prayer if he is overcome by a feeling of showing off (riya') when beautifying his voice or his recitation of the Qur'an, knowing the warning against one who recites so that it may be said of him, "He is a reciter"?
Hypocrisy (Riyaa') is one of the most dangerous matters, and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, warned against it. It is more subtle than the creeping of an ant. One can guard against it by saying: "O Allah, we seek refuge in You from associating anything with You knowingly, and we seek Your forgiveness for what we do not know." Sincerity () is a great blessing that Allah bestows upon whom He wills. The servant must strive to attain it and beware of the traps of Satan, who seeks to corrupt the Muslim's worship.
People's gratitude and praise for a servant who performs a righteous deed does no harm unless the servant seeks it out. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said concerning the man who performs a deed and people praise him for it: "That is the hastened glad tidings for the believer." The questioner is advised not to cease leading prayers (Imamah) or other acts of obedience, and to seek Allah's help and supplicate frequently. Al-Fudayl ibn 'Iyad said: "Abandoning a deed for the sake of people is hypocrisy (riyaa'), and doing a deed for the sake of people is polytheism (). Sincerity is that Allah protects you from both."
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Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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