Our Noble Scholar Muhammad
al-‘Uthaimeen (Rahimahullaah) said:
In this life, the description of a person’s
actions is based upon what is apparent, so we interact with people based upon
what is apparent from their conditions.
However, in order for a person’s actions to
be sound, his inner actions must match these outward actions. Also, what is
apparent from him must coincide with that which is hidden in him.
If a person’s actions contradict his
intentions, and his heart becomes engrossed with corrupt aims -and we seek
refuge with Allaah from this- then there is no greater loss for him! He tires himself by
doing deeds; yet, there is no reward for his effort.
The
end result of these sorts of actions is clarified in an authentic hadeeth. The
Messenger of Allaah, صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ‘Allaah, the Most High, said:
‘I
am not in need of any partners, whoever does an action
for me and for other than me, I have abandoned him and his
polytheism.’
[Collected
by Muslim]
[A Subtle Point]
The devil
(shaytaan) may come to you when you want to do a good deed and say, ‘You are
only doing this good deed to show-off.’ As a result, he decreases your desire
to do an action, and he discourages you.
Do not pay
attention to this, and do not obey him; rather, perform deeds, even if he says
to you: ‘You’re only performing this action to show-off or to gain a good
reputation.’ Ignore him, because if someone were to ask you, ‘Are you performing
this action to show-off?’ you would surely say, ‘No!’
Therefore, these
devilish whisperings that the devil entered into your heart, don’t pay
attention to them. Do good deeds. And do not say to yourself, ‘I am
showing-off’ and the like. (1)
[Benefits from Shaykh
‘Uthaymeen’s Speech] (2)
[1]: Allaah, the
Most High, is not in need of any partners.
[2]: The
Messenger’s clear manner in warning against polytheism
[3]: A lofty
encouragement to work solely for Allaah
[4]: We assess and
interact with people based on what is apparent.
[5]: It is
possible for the heart to become engrossed with corrupt intentions.
[6]: Doing deeds
for other than Allaah is a waste of time and effort; furthermore, there is no
reward for them.
[7]: The devil is
underhanded and diligent in misguiding us.
[8]: Ignore
devilish whisperings and perform as many good deeds as possible.
(1) Muhammad al-‘Uthaymeen,
Explanation of Riyaadh al-Saaliheen, 1/15-16
(2) Summary by the translator
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