Signs of Riya and Nifaq

Walekumussalam warahmatullahi wabaraktuh,

Riyā' (showing off) and nifāq (hypocrisy) are two of the most dangerous spiritual diseases of the heart. A believer should always hold themselves accountable and examine the sincerity of their deeds. However, merely fearing, "What if I have fallen into riyā' or nifāq?" is not, in itself, a sign of hypocrisy. Rather, if this concern stems from a sincere desire to reform oneself, it can be a sign of faith. Even the noble Companions (رضي الله عنهم), despite their lofty rank, feared hypocrisy for themselves.

Signs of Riyā' (Showing Off)

The greatest sign of riyā' is that a person performs acts of worship or righteous deeds seeking people's praise, recognition, or honor alongside—or instead of—the pleasure of Allah.

Allah says regarding the hypocrites:

«﴿إِنَّ الْمُنَافِقِينَ يُخَادِعُونَ اللَّهَ وَهُوَ خَادِعُهُمْ ۖ وَإِذَا قَامُوا إِلَى الصَّلَاةِ قَامُوا كُسَالَىٰ يُرَاءُونَ النَّاسَ وَلَا يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا﴾»

«"Indeed, the hypocrites seek to deceive Allah, while He leaves them to the consequences of their deception. When they stand for prayer, they stand lazily, showing themselves to the people, and they remember Allah only a little."»

(Surah An-Nisā': 142)

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

««أَخْوَفُ مَا أَخَافُ عَلَيْكُمُ الشِّرْكُ الْأَصْغَرُ». قَالُوا: وَمَا الشِّرْكُ الْأَصْغَرُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ؟ قَالَ: «الرِّيَاءُ»»

«"What I fear most for you is the minor shirk." They asked, "O Messenger of Allah, what is the minor shirk?" He replied, "Riyā' (showing off)."»

(Musnad Aḥmad)

A person should be concerned about correcting their intention if they notice that:

- They enjoy worshipping more in front of people than when they are alone.

- They become pleased when praised and disheartened when they receive no recognition.

- They perform righteous deeds so that others will regard them as pious.

Signs of Nifāq (Hypocrisy)

Major (creedal) hypocrisy—concealing disbelief while outwardly professing Islam—is an extremely serious matter. However, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ also described the signs of practical hypocrisy (nifāq 'amalī) so that Muslims can protect themselves from these characteristics.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

««آيَةُ الْمُنَافِقِ ثَلَاثٌ: إِذَا حَدَّثَ كَذَبَ، وَإِذَا وَعَدَ أَخْلَفَ، وَإِذَا اؤْتُمِنَ خَانَ»»

«"The signs of a hypocrite are three: whenever he speaks, he lies; whenever he makes a promise, he breaks it; and whenever he is entrusted, he betrays that trust."»

(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)

Another narration states:

««وَإِذَا خَاصَمَ فَجَرَ»»

«"And whenever he argues, he transgresses all bounds."»

(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)

Likewise, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

««أَرْبَعٌ مَنْ كُنَّ فِيهِ كَانَ مُنَافِقًا خَالِصًا، وَمَنْ كَانَتْ فِيهِ خَصْلَةٌ مِنْهُنَّ كَانَتْ فِيهِ خَصْلَةٌ مِنَ النِّفَاقِ حَتَّى يَدَعَهَا...»»

He then mentioned these four traits: betraying trusts, lying, breaking promises, and transgressing when disputing.

(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)

These narrations show that if a person possesses these characteristics, they have signs of practical hypocrisy, and they should repent sincerely and strive to reform themselves.

How to Protect Yourself from Riyā' and Nifāq

- Purify your intention before every act, seeking only the pleasure of Allah.

- Keep voluntary acts of worship and charity hidden whenever possible.

- Frequently seek Allah's forgiveness and ask Him to grant you sincerity (ikhlāṣ).

- Recite the Qur'an regularly and reflect upon its meanings.

- Hold yourself accountable every day by asking whether your deeds are truly for Allah alone or whether you are also seeking people's admiration.

It is authentically reported that ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (رضي الله عنه) would ask Ḥudhayfah ibn al-Yamān (رضي الله عنه)—the Companion entrusted by the Messenger of Allah ﷺ with the names of the hypocrites—whether the Prophet ﷺ had ever mentioned his name among them. This demonstrates that even the most righteous believers never felt completely safe from hypocrisy; rather, they constantly examined themselves and sought self-reformation.

Therefore, if a person sincerely worries about the condition of their heart, regularly examines their deeds, asks Allah for sincerity, and feels remorse over their shortcomings, they should not fall into despair. Instead, they should continue striving to improve themselves. However, if they notice any signs of riyā' or practical hypocrisy within themselves, they should immediately repent, renew their intention, and sincerely ask Allah to grant them sincerity and steadfastness.