Why should one not show off in worship?

Quranic Answer

In the Holy Quran, the issue of showing off in worship is strongly condemned and regarded as one of the greatest pitfalls and dangers for the faith of believers. 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 to be seen by the people...' This verse clearly states that showing off acts of worship to gain the attention of others ultimately leads to the destruction and invalidation of that worship. Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu’minun, verses 1-2, Allah describes true believers as those who are humble and devoted in their prayer. Showing off in worship means deviating from the purest and most sincere form of devotion that a person should direct towards Allah. When one performs acts of worship with the intention of showing off, they are distancing themselves from the mercy of Allah. This critical issue is emphasized in the Quran through numerous verses and stories. Professor Ashwari discusses this topic in his book, highlighting that sincere worship goes far beyond appearances and is rooted in the depth of one's heart and intention. Thus, we must always remain vigilant to ensure that our acts of worship are genuine and solely for Allah to benefit from His blessings and mercy.

Related Verses

Short Story

One day, a man went to the market, wishing to buy the best and most beautiful clothes for prayer so that everyone would notice him when he goes to the mosque. However, along the way, he thought of a verse from the Quran that enlightened his mind: 'Showing off in worship invalidates the action.' He decided to pray only for Allah's sake, not for the attention of others. With this decision, he felt a deep sense of peace and his prayers were performed with greater sincerity.