Is Feeling Good About Worldly Pleasures Considered Showing Off?

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question

Is it considered showing off to feel good about attaining worldly pleasures?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate.

Showing Off

Showing off, or insincerity, is to perform an action for other than Allah. Insincerity is prohibited explicitly in acts of worship and devotion. These include acts of worship, seeking or teaching religious knowledge, and serving the religion. Such actions are not permissible unless they are done for Allah alone.

For example, if someone learns the Quran and their only reason for teaching it is to make money, this is not permissible. Insincerity or showing off in acts of worship and devotion is unlawful.

Blameworthy Qualities

As for worldly matters, insincerity is dangerous but not unlawful. For instance, if someone purchases a large car and another person buys an even bigger car simply to show who has more wealth, this is foolish and rooted in worldliness. It can lead to pride, arrogance, and a tendency to show off, and these traits can then infiltrate one’s acts of worship. While this behavior is not sinful in itself, it is from heedlessness, inclining toward the worldly, and following one’s whims.

Allah cautions against following one’s whims lest they cause one to veer away from the path of Allah.

Feeling good about worldly pleasures is not sinful in itself. However, it can cultivate blameworthy qualities that may eventually lead to showing off in acts of worship, and it can cause one to miss out on a greater opportunity regarding worldly blessings.

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,

“Whoever finds good, let them praise Allah for it.” [Muslim]

Thus, when one encounters a worldly pleasure or benefit, the proper response is gratitude to Allah. This gratitude transforms one’s perspective on life.

Gift from Allah and Gratitude

Allah Most High tells us,

“Whatever blessings you have are from Allah.” [Quran, 16:53]

And He also says,

“Say, ‘This is from Allah.’” [Quran, 4:78]

Everything is from Allah, and everything is a blessing from Him. Our duty, therefore, is gratitude.

Whether one finds religious good or worldly good, it should be seen as a gift from Allah, deserving of gratitude. One should not rejoice merely because a blessing has appeared through oneself, but rather rejoice because Allah has gifted it. True rejoicing is to say “All praise is for Allah” from the depths of one’s heart for any worldly good, to pause, recognize it as being from Allah, and thank Him for it.

When one forgets this, one should repent, rectify oneself, and commit to this higher way.

Allah promises,

“If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more.” [Quran, 14:7]

And Allah is the giver of success and facilitation.
[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.

Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.

In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.

Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.

Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School,” which was published by White Thread Press in 2004 and is a significant contribution to Islamic literature.

His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse.

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.