Before discussing some of the cures for this disease, let us focus on some of what may contribute to Riya in the first place.
“Weakness of faith (Eeman)” – When a person doesn’t have strong faith in Allah, he’ll prefer the admiration of people over the pleasure of Allah.
“Fear of criticism” – One might make a display of his good deeds to avoid being criticized. For example, a person might pray in the mosque out of fear of being criticized by people for not doing it.
“Envy of people’s possessions” – Giving undue importance to worldly possessions and coveting what others have of status, position, or wealth urges one to show off his own acquisitions.
To ward off the temptation of showing off, one should focus on the following:
REMEMBER THAT ALLAH IS ALWAYS WATCHING HIM
Awareness of standing before Allah (SWT) is the status of “ihsaan” (perfection in worship).
Abu Hurairah (r.a.) reported that in answer to a man’s question about ‘Ihsaan’ the Prophet (SAWS) explained:
“Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you do not achieve this state of devotion, then (take it for granted that) Allah sees you.”
[Sahih Bukhari Vol. 6, Book 60, Hadith 300]
Consciousness of Allah arouses in us respect and fear of Allah. What others think then becomes insignificant. Undue concern about this world is fruitless. The more importance we give it, the more it entangles us in a web of never ending desires and ever expanding ambitions that traps one in the fleeting pleasures of this transitory world. With a heart inclined towards preparation for the eternal life, one has to seek the pleasure of Allah before leaving the world and entering the grave.
CONCEAL WORSHIP AND NOT MAKE A DISPLAY OF IT
Satan is always on the look out for the one who shows any inclination and weakness towards impressing others and arouses in him the desire for riya. One can counter this by making a conscious effort not to publicize his or her noble deeds unless it is obligatory such as praying in congregation for men, etc. Care should also be taken not to make any difference in one’s prayers in people’s presence or absence.
The Prophet (SAWS) said:
“He who lets the people hear of his good deeds intentionally, to win their praise, Allah will let people know his real intention (on the Day of Resurrection), and he who does good things in public to show off and win the praise of the people, Allah will disclose his real intention (and humiliate him)”
[Sahih Bukhari Vol. 8, Book 76, Hadith 506]
REFLECT UPON ONE’S OWN SHORTCOMINGS
Besides not giving importance to the opinion of people, one should keep a constant check on one’s own short comings. Awareness of our weaknesses is a sure way of keeping our feet firmly planted on the earth, not allowing us to get carried away by any praise that comes our way. By thanking Allah All Mighty for our achievements, we become conscious that it is He Alone Who makes us capable of all that we might achieve, and this effectively curbs the desire to take credit for our good deeds.