How Can The Believer Stay Away From Showing Off

How Can The Believer Stay Away From Showing Off

Questioned posed to the Allaamah Shaykh Zayd al-Madkhalee (may Allaah preserve him):

Q. Noble Shaykh, how can the believer stay away from showing off in his actions and is the praise of the people for him because of his worship something that can harm him?

A. "The actions are based upon the intentions. Therefore the one who has been praised by the people for the action of good and he didn't do the action except seeking the pleasure of Allaah, the praise of the people does not harm him. Their praise of him is actually a testimony from them for that which he i upon and this doesn't harm him. If he senses something in his heart of amazement when he is praised by the people or when he hears the one who praises him, it is upon him to turn to Allaah azza wa jall and it is upon him to say the narrated supplication on the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam): 

"Allaahumma Innee A'oodhu Bika An Ushrika Bika Shay-an 'A lamuhu Wa As-tagh-firuka Limaa T'alam"

 
-Oh Allaah indeed I seek refuge with you that I associate anything with you that I am aware of. And I seek Your forgiveness for that which You know.-

With the permission of Allaah that which is in the heart of weakness or amazement will leave with might of Allaah and His power."

Translated by: Abu Yusuf Khaleefah Brooklyn NYC

Taken from "al-'Iqdu al-Munaddawdu al-Jadeed" pg. 27 Question # 11.