OK, let’s talk about “riyah” today. This stuff really messed with my head at first. So, I started digging into it. I mean, I really started from scratch, you know?
First off, I tried to get a handle on what riyah actually means. I read a bunch of articles and watched some videos. But honestly, it was all pretty confusing. People were using big words and talking about concepts that were way over my head. I felt like I was drowning in information, but none of it was sticking.
Then, I decided to change my approach. Instead of trying to understand everything all at once, I took it one step at a time. I started with the basics. What does the word “riyah” mean? What are the different forms it can take? How can I recognize it in myself and in others? I started to ask myself these simple questions.
I also started to pay attention to my own actions and motivations. Why was I doing the things I was doing? Was it for the sake of Allah, or was it for something else? It was tough to be honest with myself, but it was necessary. I needed to confront my own ego and see where I was going wrong.
Next, I wrote down some of the things that I felt were considered riyah. Then I compared my notes. After many rounds, I had a better picture of it.
- Helping a friend move, but making sure everyone on social media knows about it.
- Donating to a charity, but getting upset if my name isn’t mentioned prominently.
- Giving a religious talk and focusing more on how impressed the audience is with me, rather than the actual message.
- Praying in public with extra fervor, hoping people will notice how devout I am.
Gradually, I started to make progress. I started to see riyah in my life more clearly. And I started to take steps to combat it. I started to do good deeds in secret, without telling anyone. I started to focus on the intention behind my actions, rather than the outcome. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.
Slowly but surely, I felt like I was making headway. I was still messing up, of course, but I was learning from my mistakes. I was becoming more aware of my own shortcomings, and I was trying to do better. I began to appreciate the small, unseen acts of kindness. I started to find joy in doing things solely for the sake of Allah, without any expectation of recognition or reward. I started praying in private when possible.
I’m still working on it, you know? It’s a lifelong process. But I’m committed to it. I want to be a better person. I want to be sincere in my worship. And I want to help others on their journey, too. It’s an ongoing process, and I’m constantly reminding myself of the importance of sincerity and humility.
If you’re struggling with riyah, don’t give up. It’s something that we all have to deal with. But it’s possible to overcome it. Just keep learning, keep reflecting, and keep striving for sincerity. I’m still on this journey myself, and I know how tough it can be. But I also know that it’s worth the effort.
Practical Tips for Combating Riyah
Here are some things that have helped me in my battle against riyah. I hope these tips will be useful to you too.
- Do good deeds in secret. This is probably the best way to combat riyah. When you do something good, don’t tell anyone about it. Just do it for the sake of Allah.
- Focus on your intention. Before you do anything, ask yourself why you’re doing it. Is it for the sake of Allah, or is it for something else?
- Reflect on your actions. After you do something, take some time to reflect on it. Was your intention pure? Were you seeking praise or recognition?
- Seek knowledge. Learn more about riyah and how to combat it. Read books, listen to lectures, and talk to people who are knowledgeable about this topic.
- Make dua. Pray to Allah to help you overcome riyah. Ask Him to purify your intentions and to make you sincere in your worship.
It’s not a quick fix. It took a lot of trial and error to figure this out, but trust me, it’s worth it. I’m still figuring things out as I go, but I feel like I’m on the right path now. It’s a daily struggle, but it’s a struggle worth having. And if I can do it, so can you.
