.In Islam, every act of worship is judged by intention (niyyah). A small deed done sincerely for Allah can outweigh great actions performed for worldly recognition. However, when the desire for people’s praise enters the heart, worship turns into riya—showing off in acts of devotion.
Riya is one of the most dangerous spiritual diseases because it often remains hidden. Many believers fall into it unknowingly, assuming their worship is pure while sincerity slowly fades away. Islamic scholars have explained that riya has different levels, and some are more destructive than others.
The Most Dangerous Level of Riya: Worship Without Any Intention for Reward
This is the worst and most destructive level of riya. At this stage, a person performs acts of worship only to impress people, with no intention of seeking reward from Allah.
For example, someone prays regularly when surrounded by others but completely abandons prayer when alone. Such worship is driven purely by reputation and social image.
➡️ This type of riya completely cancels the reward of the deed and makes it unacceptable to Allah.
Riya with a Weak Hope for Reward
In this level, a person mainly desires praise and recognition from people but still keeps a weak hope for reward from Allah. However, when no one is watching, the person stops performing the act of worship.
This form of riya is very close to the first level and is also severely disliked by Allah, as sincerity is still missing.
Worship Performed for Both People and Reward
At this stage, a person wants two things:
- approval and admiration from people, and
- reward like that of righteous believers
If either of these is absent, the person no longer feels motivated to worship. This level is especially dangerous because the individual often believes they are improving themselves, while in reality they are falling deeper into hypocrisy.
➡️ Such self-deception can turn acts of worship into sources of sin instead of reward.
Riya That Increases Motivation but Does Not Stop Worship
In this level, a person continues to worship even when alone. However, when people are watching, their enthusiasm and effort increase noticeably.
✔ Because the original intention includes pleasing Allah, the person is not completely deprived of reward.
❌ However, the presence of riya exposes them to accountability and possible punishment.
This level is less destructive than the previous ones but still spiritually dangerous.
Minor Riya: A Subtle but Harmful Trap
Minor riya often appears in small behaviors. For example, someone intentionally shortens bowing and prostration while leading prayer so that people think positively of them. Although the act may look simple, it feeds the hidden desire for praise.
While considered minor riya, it is still forbidden and can slowly corrupt sincerity if left unchecked.
How to Protect Yourself from Riya
- Renew your intention before every act of worship
- Increase secret acts of worship that only Allah knows
- Avoid seeking praise or validation from people
- Regularly ask Allah for sincerity in worship
The Prophet ﷺ warned that riya is a form of hidden shirk, making it essential for believers to constantly purify their hearts.
If you want to understand what riya is and how it silently destroys good deeds, you can read this article:
👉 [What Is Riya in Islam? How Showing Off Ruins Worship]
You may also use this trusted Islamic resource as an external link:
👉 IslamQA – Showing Off (Riya) in Worship
https://islamqa.info/en/answers/9359
Final Thoughts
Riya is rarely obvious. Most of the time, it grows quietly within the heart, weakening sincerity and reducing the value of worship. By understanding the different levels of riya, believers can recognize hidden intentions and correct them before their deeds lose their worth.
True success lies in worshiping Allah with the same sincerity in private as in public. When intentions are purified, even small deeds become heavy on the scale of reward. Protecting the heart from riya is a lifelong struggle, but it is a struggle that leads to true spiritual success and eternal reward.
