Riyā’—doing good deeds to be seen or praised—is a hidden danger that can quietly corrupt your worship and intentions. Even sincere believers can fall into it without realizing. But Islam gives us clear ways to protect the heart and purify our actions so that what we do is truly for Allah alone. Here's how to guard your heart against showing off, while still doing good publicly when needed.

 

1. Start With Sincere Intention (Niyyah)

Before any act, silently remind yourself: “I’m doing this for Allah.” Ask: Would I still do this if no one saw it, liked it, or praised it? If yes—you’re aligned.

 

2. Make Private Acts of Worship a Habit

Do secret deeds that no one knows—Qur’an recitation, charity, night prayer, dhikr. These become a fortress for your sincerity and a proof that your worship isn’t performative.

 

3. Remember That People’s Praise Doesn’t Add to Your Reward

Only Allah accepts or rejects deeds. Public applause doesn’t increase your standing with Him. Focus on divine acceptance, not human reaction.

 

4. Keep Your Heart Focused During the Action

Even if your intention was pure at the start, check yourself midway. Say in your heart: “O Allah, accept this only from me, and protect me from riyā’.”

 

5. Avoid Talking About Your Deeds Unnecessarily

Be mindful of mentioning your acts of worship, charity, or spiritual experiences unless there’s a clear benefit—like inspiring someone or teaching.

 

6. Say the Du‘a of Purification Often

“Allāhumma inni a‘ūdhu bika an ushrika bika shay’an a‘lamuhu, wa astaghfiruka limā lā a‘lamuhu.”

(O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowingly associating anything with You, and I seek Your forgiveness for what I don’t know.) — Ahmad

 

7. Reflect on the Temporary Nature of Praise

People forget, opinions change, and praise fades. But deeds done for Allah remain written forever. What do you want to be remembered by: posts or prayers?

 

8. Focus on the Akhirah Audience

Imagine standing before Allah with your deeds. Will they hold weight if they were done for likes, validation, or status? Let the Day of Judgment be your motivator.

 

9. Be Real, Not “Religiously Impressive”

Don’t force spiritual image. Just be sincere in what you know and do. True humility is more beloved than curated righteousness.

 

10. Ask Allah Constantly to Accept and Purify

Say: “O Allah, accept this from me with sincerity, and remove any showing off from my heart.” Your awareness is part of your sincerity.

 

11. Know That Being Seen Isn’t the Problem—The Why Is

You can do good publicly and still be sincere. What matters is who you're trying to impress—people or Allah?

 

12. Be Wary of Riyā’, But Don’t Let It Stop You From Doing Good

If you delay or avoid good deeds out of fear of riyā’, Shayṭān wins. Do the deed—and purify your intention as you do it.

 

13. Keep Returning to Tazkiyah (Self-Purification)

Make your heart work a priority. Clean hearts don’t seek spotlight. The more you connect with Allah privately, the less you need worldly recognition.

 

14. Remember: Allah Loves the Deeds Done Just for Him

The reward for a pure, hidden deed is beyond imagination. Let that be enough for your heart.

 

Showing off is subtle—but sincerity is powerful. Keep checking your heart, keep renewing your intention, and keep doing good. Allah sees, even when no one else does—and that’s all that truly matters.