Sumʿa
Definition
Sumʿa is the specific form of riya that operates through speech rather than visible action — saying things in order to be known as someone who says such things: mentioning one's worship in conversation, alluding to one's spiritual achievements, or sharing one's religious experiences in a way designed to enhance one's reputation for piety. Al-Ghazali notes that sumʿa is in some ways more insidious than visual riya because it can be disguised as teaching, sharing, or encouraging others — the person who mentions their tahajjud 'to encourage the listener' may be telling the truth about the secondary effect while concealing the primary motive from themselves.
As understood in the classical tradition of Imam al-Ghazali and the scholars of his school.
Appears in
1 book in the library
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