Riya' (Ostentation)
Definition
Performing worship or seeking knowledge to be seen by others; al-Ghazali warns it ruins the seeker's intention from the outset
As understood in the classical tradition of Imam al-Ghazali and the scholars of his school.
How the scholars use Riya' (Ostentation).
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"A clarification of the essence of ostentation and what is ostentatious. A clarification of the levels of ostentation and what invisible ostentation entails, what invalidates an action due to ostentation and what does not, and clarification of the remedy and treatment for ostentation. A clarification of the lenience regarding displaying acts of obedience and concealing sins, and the issue of ceasing acts of obedience for fear of ostentation and afflictions."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 28: Condemnation of Status and Showing Off
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"Now, let's discuss the second pillar, which is worship performed for ostentation. This is divided into ostentation in the fundamentals of worship and ostentation in their characteristics. The first section, which is more severe, concerns ostentation in the fundamentals and has three degrees. The first degree is ostentation in the essence of faith."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 28: Condemnation of Status and Showing Off
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"Another report relates that the Prophet told a man who said, "I have fasted continuously," "You have neither fasted nor broken your fast." In contrast, if his intent changes to ostentation before completing the prayer, this can invalidate the prayer and nullify the act. If the inclination towards ostentation arises before completion of a prayer, for instance, yet was initially based on sincerity but is affected by ostentation partway, it may either be mere joy not impacting the act or ostentation motivating the act."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 28: Condemnation of Status and Showing Off
Appears in
1 book in the library
Hear the term in context.
Every book above uses Riya' (Ostentation) the way the classical scholars meant it. Listen with the full Study Kit in the app.