{"_id":"68196a9a2f18a0987f28535d","title":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"Does riya (ostentation) apply to worldly actions?\\n\"}]}","question":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"I would like to understand riya and showing off. Is riya defined simply as doing something to impress a person? Does it only apply to religious actions, or also to worldly things? For example, does dressing well to impress a potential spouse count? What about doing things to impress one’s wife after marriage, or showing off a new watch? Does showing off apply only to religious deeds, like reciting the Qur’an, or also worldly actions?\\n\"}]}","answer":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"Riya (ostentation) is defined by Imam al-Ghazali as seeking status or recognition in people's hearts through acts of worship and devotional works. It specifically relates to religious or spiritual actions done with the intention of earning praise or admiration from others rather than seeking Allah's pleasure.\\n\\nHowever, actions not tied to worship or devotional practices, such as dressing well to impress a potential spouse, or doing something to please your wife, do not fall under the definition of riya. Similarly, dressing well in public to maintain your dignity and avoid ridicule is not considered ostentation.\\n\\nImam al-Ghazali also noted that a certain level of care for how others perceive you is natural and can even be beneficial. For example, maintaining a respectable appearance or working to build strong, positive relationships is permissible. However, an excessive focus on seeking approval or admiration from others can distract a person from the remembrance of Allah and lead to spiritual harm.\\n\\nIn summary, riya applies specifically to religious or devotional acts performed for the sake of impressing people. Actions in worldly matters, like dressing well or impressing a spouse, are not considered riya unless they involve an element of insincerity in worship or a misplaced intention in acts meant to be solely for Allah's pleasure.\\n\"}]}","tags":[{"_id":"668da0320b76658b4c2330a7","tag":"Worship: Tazkiyyah","count":87},{"_id":"668d9ff10b76658b4c2329d2","tag":"Relationships: Opposite Gender","count":80},{"_id":"668da0150b76658b4c232daf","tag":"Relationships: Spouse","count":42}],"createdOn":"2025-05-06T01:49:14.090Z"}