Hide Good Deeds
Today’s Friday khutbah (sermon) focused on ikhlas (sincerity) and gave the antithesis of ikhlas: tiga serangkai penyakit hati (trio of diseases of the heart) namely riya’ (showing off), ‘ujub (self-admiration) and suma’ah (seeking praise).
(‘Ujub reminds me of this song that only baby boomers know, “You’re So Vain” [You probably think this song is about you]… 😊)
Example of riya’ given was posting pictures or videos (including of acts of worship) on social media to gain likes or praise.
Example of ‘ujub: flaunting one’s consistency (including in religious practice) or looking down on people who do less.
Suma’ah example: Telling others in detail about the good you’ve done just to earn admiration.
One of the dangers highlighted was that these traits can be considered as minor shirk (associating partners with God) – a hidden poison that robs acts of worship of their spiritual value.
How to heal and guard ikhlas:
🔸Muraqabah: always stay conscious of Allah’s presence.
🔸 Hide good deeds unless revealing them is necessary for inspiration or education.
🔸 Avoid excessive praise – don’t seek flattery or feel proud from people’s compliments.
🔸 Pray for protection from shirk, as the Prophet ﷺ taught in his supplications.
🔸 Anchor your niat/niyyah (intentions) – act purely to seek Allah’s pleasure, blessings, inner peace, and consistency.
Exception to hiding of good deeds:
— Revealing good deeds is not blameworthy if the intention is to inspire others or to educate them.
Checklist of permissibility of revealing good deeds:
☑️ Your intention is pure—to encourage others to follow good actions, or to educate them about how to do it.
☑️ You do not feel proud or superior in doing so.
☑️ You are not seeking praise or approval from others.
☑️ It benefits the listener, by making them feel motivated rather than discouraged.
Caution from the khutbah:
— Even in permissible cases, the sermon warns:
🚨The boundary between sincere sharing and subtle showing off is thin.
🚨Muhasabah (constant self-checking of your heart) is crucial.
🚨If in doubt, it’s safer to keep deeds hidden, as Allah values what’s done secretly and purely for Him.
As I listened to the khutbah, I began to compare the checklist against my actions in posting to social media, writing blog posts, conversations with people, my websites and promotions, copywriting, seeking testimonials, etc.
🌟 Final Reminder from the Sermon
— “Be among those who, when unseen by people, are still upright in the sight of Allah.”
Let every sharing be an act of service, not of self.
Click here for full text (in Malay) of the khutbah.
