Showing off means performing good deeds to attract the attention of others, and it is recognized in the Quran as a grave sin.
In the Holy Quran, the issue of showing off and hypocrisy is clearly addressed. Showing off refers to performing good deeds in such a way that they are visible to others, not for the sake of God, but to attract attention and praise from people. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 264, Allah says: "O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders or injury as one who spends his wealth only to be seen by the people." This verse clearly states that some acts of righteousness are only valuable when performed with a pure intention and solely for the sake of Allah. If a person seeks to attract others' attention, that deed will be rendered null. Additionally, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 54, Allah warns the believers that showing off and hypocrisy will prevent the acceptance of their good deeds: "O you who have believed! Whoever of you should revert from his religion - Allah will bring forth for the people whom He will love and who will love Him....." Hence, showing off is regarded as one of the most disliked sins in the Quran, and one must strive to avoid it. In this context, a hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) states: "Beware of showing off your good deeds, for whoever shows off will not be resurrected by Allah on the Day of Judgment." Thus, it can be concluded that showing off is a sin of the heart that necessitates performing actions with a pure intention.
O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders or injury as one who spends his wealth only to be seen by the people.
O you who have believed! Whoever of you should revert from his religion - Allah will bring forth for the people whom He will love and who will love Him.
One day, a man sat by the sea contemplating his deeds. He knew he should act for Allah's pleasure, yet he had doubts within. Suddenly, he realized that some of his actions had been merely to attract others' attention. He decided to purify his heart and, from that day forward, only perform deeds for Allah. With this shift in intention, he felt a greater sense of lightness and peace.