BAHAYA RIYA DALAM BERAMAL SALEH

Summary

This sermon emphasizes the importance of sincerity (ikhlas) in performing good deeds in Islam, particularly in worship. It warns against 'riya' (showing off), where actions are performed not for the sake of Allah, but for the approval of others. The speaker highlights Quranic verses and Hadith that stress the significance of genuine devotion and the danger of 'riya,' likening it to a form of minor shirk (associating partners with Allah). The consequences of insincerity are also discussed, emphasizing that those who perform deeds for human praise will find no reward from Allah on the Day of Judgment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Islam teaches that when performing good deeds, one should do so purely for the sake of Allah and not for worldly recognition.
• 😀 Allah commands believers in Surah Al-Bayyina (5th verse) to worship Him sincerely, without any hidden motives or intentions for praise from others.
• 😀 Some Muslims may perform good deeds, but not with sincerity for Allah's sake; this behavior is criticized in the Quran.
• 😀 In Surah Al-Ma'un (107:4-6), Allah warns those who perform acts like prayer without sincerity, especially those who show off or neglect their duties.
• 😀 Riya (showing off) is the act of performing religious duties or good deeds to gain praise or admiration from others rather than to please Allah.
• 😀 The opposite of sincerity (ikhlas) is riya, which leads to a person performing good deeds to be seen by others, not for Allah’s approval.
• 😀 The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) expressed concern about 'minor shirk' (small polytheism), which can arise from riya (showing off).
• 😀 The Prophet clarified that minor shirk (riya) is a form of hypocrisy and that it is dangerous to seek recognition from others rather than Allah.
• 😀 On the Day of Judgment, people who performed deeds for worldly recognition will be told to seek their reward from those they sought praise from, rather than from Allah.
• 😀 Shirk (polytheism) is classified into two categories: major shirk (such as idol worship) and minor shirk (such as riya), with the latter being a serious issue for believers.

Q & A

What is the significance of performing actions with sincerity for Allah in Islam?

In Islam, performing actions with sincerity for Allah, known as 'ikhlas', is essential because it ensures that the deeds are done purely for the sake of Allah and not for worldly recognition or praise. This sincerity is crucial for achieving rewards and ultimately attaining paradise.

What does the Quran say about the requirement of sincerity in worship and good deeds?

The Quran in Surah Al-Bayyina (Verse 5) emphasizes that believers are only commanded to worship Allah with sincerity, following the straight path in their religion. This highlights the importance of doing good deeds with a pure intention for the sake of Allah.

What does the term 'riya' mean in Islam?

'Riya' refers to performing good deeds or acts of worship with the intention of showing off or seeking praise from others rather than doing them for the sake of Allah. It is considered a form of insincerity and is contrary to the concept of 'ikhlas'.

What is the Quranic reference that condemns performing deeds for show or riya?

In Surah Al-Ma'un (107:4-6), Allah condemns those who perform acts of worship like prayer but do so carelessly or with the intention of showing off to others. These people are warned of misfortune due to their lack of sincerity.

How does the concept of 'riya' relate to the idea of shirk in Islam?

'Riya' is considered a form of minor shirk (shirk al-asghar), where a person performs actions for the sake of others rather than for Allah. It is a subtle form of associating partners with Allah, as it shifts the intention from Allah to human recognition.

What is the distinction between major shirk and minor shirk in Islam?

Major shirk (shirk al-akbar) involves actions like worshiping idols, deities, or other beings besides Allah, which leads to eternal punishment in hell. Minor shirk (shirk al-asghar) includes acts like riya, where a person’s intentions shift from Allah to seeking human praise, but it does not place the person outside the fold of Islam.

How does the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warn against the dangers of 'riya'?

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned that 'riya' is a form of minor shirk and can lead a person astray from sincerity in worship. In a hadith narrated by Imam Ahmad, the Prophet emphasized that he feared minor shirk, especially riya, for his followers.

What does Allah say to those who performed deeds for show on the Day of Judgment?

On the Day of Judgment, Allah will tell those who performed deeds for the sake of showing off to go to those whom they sought praise from in the worldly life. This signifies that their deeds will not be rewarded, as they sought recognition from humans instead of from Allah.

Why is it important for Muslims to avoid riya in their religious practices?

Avoiding riya is critical because it preserves the purity of one’s intentions, ensuring that all acts of worship and good deeds are done solely for Allah’s pleasure. Riya corrupts the sincerity of the worship, making it ineffective for gaining Allah’s rewards.

What role does sincerity play in the acceptance of worship and deeds in Islam?

Sincerity plays a vital role in the acceptance of worship and deeds in Islam. If deeds are done with the correct intention for the sake of Allah, they are accepted and rewarded. However, if they are done for worldly gain or recognition, they lose their value in the sight of Allah.