Article: The major sin

Assalamualaikum w.b.t.

There are three signs of a show-off:
1. He is lazy when alone
2. active when with people
3. and does more work when he is praised for it and less when blamed for it

So be careful when doing a good deed. Remember for whom you should be doing it. Remember your purpose.

Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala mentions in the qur’an:
 

“When they stand up for prayer, they stand up unwillingly, to be seen by the people, and they do not remember Allah except a little.” [4:142]

He mentions:
 

“Woe to the worshippers who are unmindful of their prayer those who want to be seen (at worship), yet refuse small kindnesses.” [107:4-7]

And again:
 

“O, you who believe, do not cancel out your charity by reminders (of your own good deeds) and by offending (the recipients) like one who spends his wealth to be seen by the people.” [18:110]

The prophet salaAllahu a’alayhi wa salam said:
 

“If anyone causes his deeds to be heard of, Allah will make him heard of (unfavourably), and if anyone makes hypocritical display, Allah will make a display of him.” [HADITH]

He salaAllahu a’alayhi wa salam also said:
 

“The greatest fear I have about you [Muslims] is minor shirk. That is, doing good deeds for show. On the day when Allah will reward people for their deeds, He will tell them ‘Go to those people for whose attention and praise you did these deeds, and see if they will reward you.” [HADITH]

Allah is the all-Knowing and is aware of what is truly in your heart.

If you understand that Allah is the all-Seeing then why don't you do it secretly?