Developing the Muslim Personality “The Hidden Shirk” Developing the Muslim Personality Presented by Sister Ameenah and Sister Jordan

Developing the Muslim Personality “The Hidden Shirk” What is Riyaa- the Hidden Shirk? II. What are the Causes and Symptoms of Hidden Shirk ? III. How we can go about Curing and Avoiding the Hidden Shirk?

Tawheed is essential to the development of the Muslim Personality Tawheed is the belief in and worship of Allah alone without partner. Tawheed Is the Foundation of Islamic Belief Opposite of Tawheed is Shirk

Shirk: Allah (swt) tells us in the Quran: refers to the act of assigning partners to Allah and one of the main ways one can commit shirk is through worship. This form of shirk occurs when any act of worship is directed to other than Allah. Allah (swt) tells us in the Quran: “And I created not Jinn and Mankind except that they should worship me” (Quran 51:56)

The Hidden Shirk? What is Riyya? Definition: Hidden Shirk is the practice of performing any various forms of worship in order to be seen or praised by people. Opposite of Tawheed= SHIRK

“Should I inform you of that which I fear for you even more than the dangers of the Dajjal? It is the Hidden Shirk.” (Sahih Sunan ibn Maajah, vol. 2, pg 410 no 3389) “Actions are only by intention, and every man shall only have what he intended.” (Sahih Bukhari)

Shirk destroys the very purpose of our Creation! “Verily Allah the Exalted is pure. He does not accept but that which is pure.” (Sahih Muslim) Shirk destroys the very purpose of our Creation!

The Prophet has told us: “Allah will bring forth the severest Hour, and then all the Believers, men and women, will prostrate themselves before Him, but there will remain those who used to prostrate in the world for showing off and for gaining good reputation. Such people will try to prostrate (on the Day of Judgment) but their backs will be as stiff as if it is one bone.” (Sahih Bukhari Book 60, no 441) Punishment

(Abu Dawud vol. 3, p 1039, no 3656 and Ibn Majah, vol.1, p144 no 252) The Prophet has told us, “Whoever gains knowledge that should be learnt for the sake of Allah, (with) the intention of (benefit in) this world will not even smell the fragrance of Paradise on the Day Of Judgment.” (Abu Dawud vol. 3, p 1039, no 3656 and Ibn Majah, vol.1, p144 no 252) Humiliation

“And Al-Muttaqoon ( the pious and righteous) will be far removed from it (Hell). He who spends his wealth for increase in self-purification, And have in mind no favor from anyone for which a reward is expected in return, Except only the desire to seek the Countenance of his Lord, the Most High; He surely will be pleased (when he will enter Paradise)” (Quran 92: 17-21)

“And they (the believers) give food, despite their love for it, to the poor, the orphan, and the captive, (saying), “We feed you seeking only the Blessings of Allah’s, We neither wish for reward, nor thanks from you.” (Quran 76:8-9)

SHIRK weakens the Eeman and takes us away from Tawheed Disease in the Heart “They try to deceive Allah and those who believe, but they only deceive themselves and do not even realize it! In their hearts is a disease (of doubt and hypocrisy), and Allah has increased their disease….” (Quran 2:9-10) SHIRK weakens the Eeman and takes us away from Tawheed

In order to protect the heart from the disease of Hidden Shirk, it is important to know and understand the: ….Causes of ....Symptoms of ….Cures for ….how to Avoid Hidden Shirk

Causes and Symptoms of Hidden Shirk There are three symptoms of riyaa and it is important that a believer avoid all of them: >1. Love of Praise >2. Fear of Criticism >3. Greed for People's Possessions The primary cause of Hidden Shirk is a weakness in Eemaan. When a person does not have strong faith in Allah, he will prefer the admiration of people over the pleasure of Allah.

(Sahih Muslim, vol. 4 #6349, Sunan Aboo Dawood, vol. 3 #4079) The Prophet said, “Allah, Most Great and Glorious said: Pride is My cloak, and greatness is My robe, so whoever competes with Me, with respect to either of them, I shall cast him into Hell” (Sahih Muslim, vol. 4 #6349, Sunan Aboo Dawood, vol. 3 #4079) Love of Praise

DANGER! The Love of Praise is dangerous and leads to one becoming arrogant and boastful. The Prophet (saw) said: “Allah, Most Great and Glorious said: Pride is My cloak, and greatness is My robe, so whoever competes with Me, with respect to either of them, I shall cast him into Hell” (Sahih Muslim, vol. 4 #6349, Sunan Aboo Dawood, vol. 3 #4079)

Do not be like the Jews or Christians “Do not assume that those who rejoice in what they have done, and love to be praised for what they have not done, think not that they are absolved from punishment, (but rather) for them is a painful torment.” (Quran 3:188) Do not be like the Jews or Christians

Fear of Criticism Two Categories: First category describes a person who neglects a commandment of Allah in order to avoid the criticism of his peers. Second Category describes a person who obeys certain commandments of Islam, not for the sake of Allah, but because he fears people will look down on him and criticize him if he does not do it.

Greed for People's Possessions Pure intentions can not exist in the heart of a believer that yearns after the possessions of others. Greed for People's Possessions

The Cure for and How to Avoid the Hidden Shirk 1. We should remember that Allah is always watching us. 2. We should seek the help of Allah to rid ourselves of the habit of showing off. 3. Know the effects of showing off and how it will be judged in the hereafter. 4. Think about the punishment in this world for showing off. 5. Conceal worship and do not make a display of it.

The Believer Can Avoid The Hidden Shirk-Showing Off In These Ways: 1. By increasing knowledge of Islam 2. Making Du'aa to Allah. 3. By reflecting upon Heaven and Hell. 4. By hiding one's good deeds and reflecting upon your shortcomings. 5. By accompanying the pious and having knowledge of Hidden Shirk.

May Allah Help and Give us Guidance as We Strive to Develop the Muslim Personality Ameen