Is refraining from answering in a religious competition, out of fear of ostentation (riya') or humility before Allah, permissible, or does it lead to minor shirk?

Abstaining from participating in the competition is permissible and does not lead to shirk (polytheism), especially if it is due to a lack of desire for people's praise or fear of the evil eye. However, abandoning acts of worship that are religiously commanded out of fear of ostentation (riya') is forbidden. Therefore, a Muslim should be keen on performing acts of obedience and striving against their own self to achieve sincerity. Al-Fudayl ibn Iyad said: "Abandoning an action for the sake of people is ostentation, and acting for the sake of people is shirk."

It is stated in the Fatawa of the Permanent Committee that acting for the sake of people is shirk (minor shirk). However, abandoning an action for the sake of people is not unconditionally considered ostentation; rather, it is detailed according to the intention and may be a matter of sound Islamic policy if it is to ward off harm or mischief. As for obligatory duties, they must not be abandoned except for a legitimate religious excuse.

Ibn Muflih mentioned in "Al-Adab Al-Shar'iyyah" that one should not pay attention to the whispers of abandoning obedience out of fear of ostentation. Instead, a Muslim should do what Allah has commanded them, seeking His help and relying upon Him.