Riyya could be termed as the act of trying to show off for others while engaging in worship. Its something that many of us might suffer from while not even being aware. Its a problem and sometimes it scares me to think that after death we might realize that all our worship had been based on riyya.
While reading an article about the life of Aytollah Behjat(r.a) some lines really struck me. Here is the excerpt:
Even apart from riyya, we focus too much on what people think, or how they may react to us doing certain things. For example we sometimes nod our heads while people are gossiping just to be part of a group, or we have issue wearing hijab, keeping a beard or giving up music. We worry about the labels people might put on us. But what Ayt. Behjat(r.a) said was so simple, just change the focus. When we are getting the approval of the highest Authority, the one that matters the most, the Creator, Allah(swt) then why do we need to worry about anyone else? If he is happy with us what do others matter?
Please next time someone upsets you, insults you or stereotypes you...just remember that no one's opinion matters except that of Allah(swt). Just make it an aim to please him and no one else.
While reading an article about the life of Aytollah Behjat(r.a) some lines really struck me. Here is the excerpt:
Agha Behjat stated in reply, “Riya is only relevant in acts of worship (‘ibadat). And any act of worship that has riya associated with it is a sin, and it makes the act null and void.ref: Biography of Ayatollah Behjat
However, riya itself can become a counter and cure for riya, by simply changing the focus of who one is trying to impress! If a man can approach a president to sort out his problem directly, would he waste time in trying to convince the president’s servants? In the same manner, if a man has sense, he would raise his sights from the people, and attempt to impress and perfect his actions for God, who is the Creator of man - this attitude would itself become the cure for his riya.”
At another time, he said, “About riya, there is a hadith that says, “Whoever tries to impress the people by his manner of prayers (salat), will be resurrected in the form of a donkey.” And this is quite true because what can be more donkey-like than a man trying to impress the slaves of God instead of directing his attention to God Himself?! Now, if someone calls us a donkey, we feel insulted, but why should we feel insulted, if night and day our acts resemble those of a donkey?”
Even apart from riyya, we focus too much on what people think, or how they may react to us doing certain things. For example we sometimes nod our heads while people are gossiping just to be part of a group, or we have issue wearing hijab, keeping a beard or giving up music. We worry about the labels people might put on us. But what Ayt. Behjat(r.a) said was so simple, just change the focus. When we are getting the approval of the highest Authority, the one that matters the most, the Creator, Allah(swt) then why do we need to worry about anyone else? If he is happy with us what do others matter?
Please next time someone upsets you, insults you or stereotypes you...just remember that no one's opinion matters except that of Allah(swt). Just make it an aim to please him and no one else.
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