Supplication - The Importance of Supplication

Supplication (Du’a) is a characteristic of devotion, the garden of the heart, and the paradise of this world. It is an easy way of worship, not restricted by place, time, or circumstance. It is the enemy of calamity, defending against it, treating it, and preventing it. It diminishes its impact if it happens. Umar ibn Al-Khattab said, "I do not carry the burden of answers; rather, I carry the burden of supplication. When I am inspired to supplicate, the response comes with it."1

It is a great honor for a servant to be in proximity to Allah during supplication. Allah, glorified be He, says,

By the permission of Allah, supplication unveils calamities and disasters, preventing the occurrence of punishment and destruction. It is the weapon of the believer, and nothing is more effective in reaching a higher degree in attaining what is desired than it. It holds the power to obtain blessings and repel afflictions like no other. It relieves worries and eliminates distress. It is sufficient honor for a servant to be in proximity to Allah during supplication. Allah, glorified be He, says;

وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِى عَنِّى فَإِنِّى قَرِيبٌ ۖ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ ٱلدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ ۖ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُوا۟ لِى وَلْيُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِى لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ ١٨٦

“And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.” 

(Surah Baqarah: Ayat 186).

The most helpless of people is the one who is incapable of supplication.

Through supplication, the soul transcends, aspirations rise, and greed for what is in the hands of creation diminishes. It is the arrows of the night released by the devout, and it is a stretched rope between the heavens and the earth. so, seek refuge in Allah alone in request and attainment, pour yourself out to Him in supplication and seeking refuge, and submit humbly before Him. Sustenance is treasure and their keys are in supplication. Have faith that Allah's provisions are full, and His generosity knows no bounds, continuously bestowing day and night. They are never diminished by giving.

Call upon Allah, the Most Generous, and surrender yourself before Him. Submit all your affairs to Him and be determined in your request, with great desire. The supplicant will not be turned away, and the seeker will not be disappointed.

Whoever is burdened by poverty and seeks assistance from fellow humans will find no relief in their poverty. However, those who bring their needs to their Lord will witness the wonders of His provision, for He is the most magnificent Provider.

Whoever thinks well of Allah, He will flood them with abundant goodness and pour upon them beautiful blessings. Therefore, persist in asking, for the Giver is generous, and the Revealer is capable. Do not rush the response when you supplicate, and do never consider it as slow if it is delayed. Whoever regularly knocks on many doors is likely to have one opened.

And whoever is afflicted by the hardships of life should turn to Allah. He protects and gives peace to the distressed when they call upon Him. Allah, glorified be He, says,

أَمَّن يُجِيبُ ٱلْمُضْطَرَّ إِذَا دَعَاهُ وَيَكْشِفُ ٱلسُّوٓءَ وَيَجْعَلُكُمْ خُلَفَآءَ ٱلْأَرْضِ ۗ أَءِلَـٰهٌۭ مَّعَ ٱللَّهِ ۚ قَلِيلًۭا مَّا تَذَكَّرُونَ ٦٢

“Is He [not best] who responds to the desperate one when he calls upon Him and removes evil and makes you inheritors of the earth? Is there a deity with Allah? Little do you remember.” 

(Surah An-Naml: Ayat 62)

This is similar to the situation of Yunus (Jonah) inside the belly of the whale. Through supplication, he was expelled from it unharmed.

With a single supplication, all the people of the earth were drowned, and Allah, glorified be He, saved Noah, peace be upon him, and those with him among the believers. Allah says,

"He said, 'My Lord, indeed my people have denied me. Then judge between me and them with decisive judgement and save me and those with me of the believers. So We saved him and those with him in the laden ship. Then We drowned thereafter the remaining ones.” (Surah Ash-Shuara, 26:117-120). Pharaoh was destroyed by the supplication of Musa (Moses), peace be upon him. Allah, glorified be He, said:

وَقَالَ مُوسَىٰ رَبَّنَآ إِنَّكَ ءَاتَيْتَ فِرْعَوْنَ وَمَلَأَهُۥ زِينَةًۭ وَأَمْوَٰلًۭا فِى ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا رَبَّنَا لِيُضِلُّوا۟ عَن سَبِيلِكَ ۖ رَبَّنَا ٱطْمِسْ عَلَىٰٓ أَمْوَٰلِهِمْ وَٱشْدُدْ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ فَلَا يُؤْمِنُوا۟ حَتَّىٰ يَرَوُا۟ ٱلْعَذَابَ ٱلْأَلِيمَ ٨٨

“And Moses said, "Our Lord, indeed You have given Pharaoh and his establishment splendor and wealth in the worldly life, our Lord, that they may lead [men] astray from Your way. Our Lord, obliterate their wealth and harden their hearts so that they will not believe until they see the painful punishment." (Surah Yunus: Ayat 88)

Allah bestowed upon Sulaiman (Solomon), peace be upon him, such a gift without measure through his supplication to the Bestower, saying;

قُلْ إِنَّ رَبِّى يَبْسُطُ ٱلرِّزْقَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ وَيَقْدِرُ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ ٣٦

وَمَآ أَمْوَٰلُكُمْ وَلَآ أَوْلَـٰدُكُم بِٱلَّتِى تُقَرِّبُكُمْ عِندَنَا زُلْفَىٰٓ إِلَّا مَنْ ءَامَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَـٰلِحًۭا فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ لَهُمْ جَزَآءُ ٱلضِّعْفِ بِمَا عَمِلُوا۟ وَهُمْ فِى ٱلْغُرُفَـٰتِ ءَامِنُونَ ٣٧

وَٱلَّذِينَ يَسْعَوْنَ فِىٓ ءَايَـٰتِنَا مُعَـٰجِزِينَ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ فِى ٱلْعَذَابِ مُحْضَرُونَ ٣٨

“He said, "My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom such as will not belong to anyone after me. Indeed, You are the Bestower. So We subjected to him the wind blowing by his command, gently, wherever he directed. And [also] the devils [of jinn] - every builder and diver. And others bound together in shackles.” 

(Surah Sad: Ayat 35-38)

Allah cured Ayub (Job) may Allah have mercy on him from his illness through his humble supplication. Allah, glorified be He, said:

۞ وَأَيُّوبَ إِذْ نَادَىٰ رَبَّهُۥٓ أَنِّى مَسَّنِىَ ٱلضُّرُّ وَأَنتَ أَرْحَمُ ٱلرَّٰحِمِينَ ٨٣

“And [mention] Job, when he called to his Lord, "Indeed, adversity has touched me, and you are the Most Merciful of the merciful;" 

(Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:83)

When people enjoy the comfort of their beds, raise their hands in prayer to the Allah in the darkest hours of the night. With supplication, circumstances can be transformed. The barren will have children, the sick will be healed, the needy will be provided for, and the miserable will find happiness.

Referensi

1 Majmu' Al-Fatawa by Sheikh Al-Islam (193/8)

Relying Upon Allah. - Having Good Thoughts Concerning Allah

 Optimism is having a good assumption about Allah. The Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him, admired this quality. He said, “I like Fal." They said, "What is the Fal?" He said, "A good word.” (Agreed upon})1

A believer is commanded to have a good assumption about Allah in all circumstances. Pessimism is having a bad assumption about Allah. When a servant's faith increases, their good assumption about their Lord also increases. And when their faith decreases, their doubts about their Creator worsen.

Among the bad assumptions about the Great Lord is the assumption that Allah does not support His monotheistic servants or elevate them, or the assumption that Allah will not manifest His religion. It is also a bad assumption for a servant to think that he can achieve what is with Allah through disobedience and opposition, rather than through obedience and seeking closeness to Allah, or thinking that if he leaves something for the sake of Allah, Allah will not compensate him with something better; or assuming that whoever does something for the sake of Allah will not be rewarded better than that; or assuming that if he is sincere in his desires and fears, humbles himself, asks Allah for help, and relies on Him, Allah will disappoint him and not grant him what he asked for; or thinking that generosity leads to poverty, assuming that one's wealth decreases through charity, or assuming that Allah will not fulfill His promise of reward for charity; or assuming that adhering to this religion does not elevate the status of its adherents. Whoever assumes any of these things has a bad thought concerning Allah and has fallen into what Allah has forbidden.

This is indeed a bad assumption about Allah because it assumes something about Allah that is inconsistent with His beautiful name, sublime attributes, and perfection. It attributes to Him what is not befitting His beauty, perfection, attributes, and qualities.

Most people assume something about Allah that is not true, a bad assumption regarding what concerns them and what He does with others. Only those who know Allah, His name, and His attributes, and understand the reasons for His wisdom and praise are exempt from this. 

Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said: 

"Most people, in fact, all of them except those whom Allah wills otherwise, assume something about Allah that is not true and have a bad assumption. The majority of human beings believe that they are wronged by fate, lacking in fortune and that they deserve more than what they have been given. Their words indicate that they think Allah has wronged them and denied them what they deserve, and their souls testify to that, while their tongues deny it and they do not dare to express it openly. If you search within yourself and delve into the depths of your hides, you will find in it a hidden fire, like fire hidden in a flint. Strike the flint of whoever you wish, and its sparks will tell you about what is hidden within it.

And if you were to search within anyone, you would see that they often blame fate, suggesting that the opposite of what happened to them should have occurred. This demonstrates their independence and arrogance. Therefore, examine your own soul. Are you free from such tendencies?

If you are immune from it, then you are immune from something great. Otherwise, I believe it would be difficult for you to find salvation.

The intellectually inclined individual who seeks goodness for themselves should take heed of this advice. They should turn to Allah, the Exalted, and seek His forgiveness continuously for entertaining negative assumptions about their Lord. Additionally, they should also be cautious of harboring negative assumptions about themselves, as this is the root of all evil and the origin of all harm."1

Therefore, it is obligatory for a Muslim not to assume a bad assumption about his Lord and to have a good assumption about Him in all matters. In a hadith sacred Hadith, Allah Almighty says, "I am as My servant thinks of Me." (Agreed upon)2

Referensi

1 Al-Bukhari, Book of Medicine, Chapter of No Contagion, Hadith No. 5776, and Muslim, Book of Salam (Peace), Chapter of Tiyarah (Superstitious Beliefs Related to Omens and Augury), Hadith No. 2224, from the narration of Anas ibn Malik, may Allah be pleased with him.

1 He is Mohammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab ibn Sulaiman Al-Tamimi Al-Najdi. He was born in 1115 AH and was an Imam of the Da'wah (Call) movement, a reformer of the twelfth century. He passed away in 1206 AH. "Ad-Durar as-Saniyyah fi al-Ajwibah an-Najdiyyah" (374/1) and "Tasheel as-Sabilah" (1643/3).

2 It is mentioned in, texts of Knowledge seeker, including footnotes of verification. Book of Tawheed (Monotheism), page 396

1 "Zad al-Ma'ad" (Provision for the Hereafter), (211/3).

2 Narrated by Al-Bukhari in the Book of Tawheed, Chapter: “They wish to change the words of Allah” Hadith No. 7505, and Muslim, Book of Dhikr (Remembrance), Supplication, Repentance, and Seeking Forgiveness, Chapter: The Virtue of Remembrance and Supplication to Allah, Hadith No. 2675, from the narration of Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him.

Relying Upon Allah. - The Results of Trusting in Allah

Trusting in Allah brings peace of mind, stability, and protection from the schemes of evildoers. It is one of the strongest means by which a servant can repel the harm and injustice inflicted upon him by others. By trusting on Allah, the soul becomes independent of what people possess. As Sheikh al-Islam says: "No one places his hope or relies on a creation except that their expectations are betrayed."1

Whoever entrusts his affairs to Allah attains his goals. This was evident in the case of Prophet Zakariya, peace be upon him, who, despite reaching a high age, was granted a son who was a great leader from the best of mankind and their prophets. Allah, the Most High, informed Zakariya of this good news, saying;

يَـٰزَكَرِيَّآ إِنَّا نُبَشِّرُكَ بِغُلَـٰمٍ ٱسْمُهُۥ يَحْيَىٰ لَمْ نَجْعَل لَّهُۥ مِن قَبْلُ سَمِيًّۭا ٧

"O Zakariy, indeed We give you good tidings of a boy whose name will be Yahya. (John) We have not been assigned to any before [this] name." 

(Surah Maryam: 19:7)

Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, was also given the glad tidings of a child. His wife expressed her surprise after a long wait, saying;

قَالَتْ يَـٰوَيْلَتَىٰٓ ءَأَلِدُ وَأَنَا۠ عَجُوزٌۭ وَهَـٰذَا بَعْلِى شَيْخًا ۖ إِنَّ هَـٰذَا لَشَىْءٌ عَجِيبٌۭ ٧٢

"Woe to me! Shall I give birth while I am an old woman and this, my husband, is an old man? Indeed, this is a strange thing!" 

(Surah Hud 11:72)

Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, left Hajar and Isma'il in a barren valley with no cultivation or water. But then, Ismail became a Prophet who commanded his people to establish prayer and give charity.

Prophet Yunus, peace be upon him, was not abandoned on the barren land shore. Allah, glorified be He, says;

۞ فَنَبَذْنَـٰهُ بِٱلْعَرَآءِ وَهُوَ سَقِيمٌۭ ١٤٥

وَأَنۢبَتْنَا عَلَيْهِ شَجَرَةًۭ مِّن يَقْطِينٍۢ ١٤٦

“But We threw him onto the open shore while he was ill. And We caused to grow over him a gourd vine.” 

(Surah As-Saffat: Ayat 145-146)

Al-Fudayl ibn 'Iyad , may Allah have mercy on him, said, "If you despair of people and do not desire anything from them, your Lord will grant you all that you desire."1

So, cast your worries before the All-Powerful, attach your hopes to Him, surrender your matters to the Merciful, sever your attachments to the creation, and hope for nothing except from Allah.

When trust and hope are strong, and the heart is focused on supplication, the call will never be neglected. Allah, glorified be He, says:

أَمَّن يُجِيبُ ٱلْمُضْطَرَّ إِذَا دَعَاهُ وَيَكْشِفُ ٱلسُّوٓءَ وَيَجْعَلُكُمْ خُلَفَآءَ ٱلْأَرْضِ ۗ أَءِلَـٰهٌۭ مَّعَ ٱللَّهِ ۚ قَلِيلًۭا مَّا تَذَكَّرُونَ ٦٢

"Is He [not best] who responds to the desperate one when he calls upon Him and removes evil and makes you inheritors of the earth? Is there a deity with Allah? Little do you remember." 

(Surah An-Naml, 27:62)

Therefore, turn to Allah with a humble heart, as a clear indication, and the door will be opened for you. Whoever attaches themselves to Allah, entrusts his needs to Him, seeks refuge in Him, and delegates all his affairs to Him, Allah will suffice him in all his concerns and make everything easy for them. But whoever relies on others, depends on his knowledge and intellect, and relies on his power and strength, Allah will forsake and degrade him.

Referensi:

1 Majmu' Fatawa Shaykh al-Islam (257/10)

Jami' al-'Ulum wal-Hikam (494/1)

Relying Upon Allah. - Putting Trust On Allah In Seeking Provision

Many people strive to seek provision. The young seek it, and the old pursue it. Most of life's concerns, conversations, and events revolve around it. However, the wise believer is the one who entrusts their provision to the Provider (Allah).

Provision, whatever portion you have of it, comes to you in your weakness and strength. Therefore, do not waste your time worrying about what is guaranteed for you in terms of provision. As long as your appointed time is still remaining, provision will come to you. Allah, glorified be He, says: 

۞ وَمَا مِن دَآبَّةٍۢ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ إِلَّا عَلَى ٱللَّهِ رِزْقُهَا وَيَعْلَمُ مُسْتَقَرَّهَا وَمُسْتَوْدَعَهَا ۚ كُلٌّۭ فِى كِتَـٰبٍۢ مُّبِينٍۢ ٦

"And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision, and He knows its place of dwelling and place of storage. All is in a clear register." 

(Surah Hud: : Ayat 6)

Some of the righteous predecessors said, "Rely on Allah, and provisions will come to you without effort or hardship."1

A servant of Allah has to be content with the provision He has given to him. 'Umar ibn Abdulaziz2, may Allah have mercy on him, said, "Between a servant and his provision is a veil. If the servant is content and satisfied, his provision will come to him. But if they trespass and breach the veil, his provision will not increase beyond what has been ordained for them."1

If one looks at those who are less fortunate than him in this world, it will divert his heart from worldly desires. The Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him, said, "Look to one who is lower than you, and do not look to one who is above you. For indeed that is more worthy (so that you will) not belittle Allah's favours upon you." 

(Muslim)2

So, rely on Allah with your heart while actively seeking provision with your efforts, relying on the Generous Creator. Additionally, beware of excessive eagerness to achieve your desires in life, as it may lead you away from relying on Allah, and struggling to achieve what you desire by contradicting the teachings of the Sharia, and you rely on the means in a way that makes you careless of delegating matters to the One who caused them.

So, whoever desires to be the strongest of people has to rely on Allah; and whoever desires to be the richest has to let what is in the hands of Allah be more trustworthy to him than what is in his own hands.

Referensi:

1 Jami al-'Ulum wal-Hikam (502/2)

2 Abu Hafs 'Umar ibn 'Abdul 'Aziz ibn Marwan Al-Umawi Al-Qurashi, Al-Khalifa Al-Rashid. He was born in 63 AH and passed away in 101 AH. "Siyar A'lam an-Nubala" (114/5).

1 Jame' al-'Ulum wal-Hikam (502/2)

2 Narrated by Muslim, Book of Asceticism and Heart-Softening Narrations, Hadith number (2963), from the narration of Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him.

Relying upon Allah. - Taking Action Does Not Contradict Putting Trust in Allah

 Taking Action Does Not Contradict Putting Trust in Allah

Focusing, only, on the causes diminishes Tawhid (monotheism), and eradicating the causes is a deficiency in intellect, and turning away from the means that we have been commanded to follow contradicts the teachings of the Sharia. so, a servant has to rely on Allah with their heart, not on the means.

The reality of Tawakkul is to take the necessary actions and rely on the One who causes them, believing that He has control over them. If He wills, He can prevent their consequences, and if He wills, He can make have an opposite effect, and if He wills, He may create obstacles and circumstances that hinder their effectiveness.

The monotheist who puts his trust in Allah does not rely on the means nor does he hope in them. However, he does not neglect or invalidate them. Instead, he engages in the means while constantly looking towards the One who causes them, glorified be He.

Achieving the reliance on Allah does not negate striving in the means that Allah has decreed. Allah has commanded us to take the means while also relying on Him. Striving in the means with our physical efforts is an act of obedience while relying on Allah with our hearts is an act of faith in Him.

People are only ruined by a lack of reliance on Allah and refrain from relying solely on apparent means with their hearts and attachments to them. That is why they exert great effort in pursuing the means, striving to the utmost level, but they only receive that which has been destined for them.

If they truly rely on Allah in their hearts, Allah would provide for them with even the slightest means, just as He provides sustenance to birds with the simple act of their flying out in the morning. This is a form of seeking and striving, but it is a minimal effort. As mentioned in Taysir al-Aziz al-Hamid1, “This is known through textual evidence and experiences.”

referensi;

1 Taysir al-Aziz al-Hamid, page 136.

Relying upon Allah. - The Status of relying upon Allah

Putting the trust in Allah (Tawakkul) holds a high status among the ranks of religion. Allah has linked it to worship in His saying;

وَلِلَّهِ غَيْبُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَإِلَيْهِ يُرْجَعُ ٱلْأَمْرُ كُلُّهُۥ فَٱعْبُدْهُ وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَيْهِ ۚ وَمَا رَبُّكَ بِغَـٰفِلٍ عَمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ ١٢٣

“So worship Him and rely upon Him.” 

(Surah Hud:123)

Allah has made it a means to attain His love, as He says;

فَبِمَا رَحْمَةٍۢ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ لِنتَ لَهُمْ ۖ وَلَوْ كُنتَ فَظًّا غَلِيظَ ٱلْقَلْبِ لَٱنفَضُّوا۟ مِنْ حَوْلِكَ ۖ فَٱعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَٱسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ وَشَاوِرْهُمْ فِى ٱلْأَمْرِ ۖ فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُتَوَكِّلِينَ ١٥٩

“Indeed, Allah loves those who rely upon Him.” 

(Surah Al-Imran :159)

In relying upon Allah, lies the pleasure of the Most Merciful as well as protection from Satan. The Prophets, peace be upon them, were the best of those who put their trust in Allah. Prophet Ibrahim (Alkhalil), peace be upon him, said;

قَدْ كَانَتْ لَكُمْ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌۭ فِىٓ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَٱلَّذِينَ مَعَهُۥٓ إِذْ قَالُوا۟ لِقَوْمِهِمْ إِنَّا بُرَءَٰٓؤُا۟ مِنكُمْ وَمِمَّا تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ كَفَرْنَا بِكُمْ وَبَدَا بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكُمُ ٱلْعَدَٰوَةُ وَٱلْبَغْضَآءُ أَبَدًا حَتَّىٰ تُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ وَحْدَهُۥٓ إِلَّا قَوْلَ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ لِأَبِيهِ لَأَسْتَغْفِرَنَّ لَكَ وَمَآ أَمْلِكُ لَكَ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ مِن شَىْءٍۢ ۖ رَّبَّنَا عَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْنَا وَإِلَيْكَ أَنَبْنَا وَإِلَيْكَ ٱلْمَصِيرُ ٤

“You already have an excellent example in Abraham and those with him, when they said to their people, “We totally dissociate ourselves from you and ˹shun˺ whatever ˹idols˺ you worship besides Allah. We reject you. The enmity and hatred that has arisen between us and you will last until you believe in Allah alone.” The only exception is when Abraham said to his father, “I will seek forgiveness for you,˹” adding, “but˺ I cannot protect you from Allah at all.” ˹The believers prayed,˺ “Our Lord! In You we trust. And to You, we ˹always˺ turn. And to You is the final return..” 

(Surah Al-Mumtahanah : Ayat 4)

And Prophet Shu'aib, peace be upon him, said;

قَالَ يَـٰقَوْمِ أَرَءَيْتُمْ إِن كُنتُ عَلَىٰ بَيِّنَةٍۢ مِّن رَّبِّى وَرَزَقَنِى مِنْهُ رِزْقًا حَسَنًۭا ۚ وَمَآ أُرِيدُ أَنْ أُخَالِفَكُمْ إِلَىٰ مَآ أَنْهَىٰكُمْ عَنْهُ ۚ إِنْ أُرِيدُ إِلَّا ٱلْإِصْلَـٰحَ مَا ٱسْتَطَعْتُ ۚ وَمَا تَوْفِيقِىٓ إِلَّا بِٱللَّهِ ۚ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَإِلَيْهِ أُنِيبُ ٨٨

“He said, “O my people! Consider if I stand on a clear proof from my Lord and He has blessed me with a good provision from Him. I do not want to do what I am forbidding you from. I only intend to reform to the best of my ability. My success comes only through Allah. In Him I trust and to Him I turn..” 

(Surah Hud : Ayat 88)

One who truly relays upon Allah will enter Paradise without any reckoning. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “Seventy thousand people of my Ummah would be admitted into Paradise without rendering any account. They (the companions) said: Who would be of those (fortunate people)? He said: They would be those who do not seek ruqya from others, not take omens, nor do they cauterize, but they repose their trust in their Lord. 

(Sahih Muslim)1

Referensi:

1 Book of Faith, Chapter on the evidence of groups of Muslims entering Paradise without any reckoning or punishment, Hadith number (218) narrated by Imran ibn Husain, may Allah be pleased with them.

Steps Towards Happiness - The Pursuit of Worldly Gain Through Religion

Religion is too noble to be tainted by the filth of worldly desires. Righteous deeds cannot be based on anything other than sincerity, and whoever diverts their actions intended for the Hereafter for worldly purposes will be punished. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “If anyone acquires knowledge that should be sought seeking the Face of Allah, but he acquires it only to get some worldly advantage, he will not experience the fragrance of Paradise” 

(Ahmed1 and Abu Dawood2)

Even if a person performs many righteous deeds, his intentions are corrupt, he will be led to destruction. Allah informed us about the hypocrites who pray, spend, and fight, and the Prophet, peace be upon him, stated that they recite the holy Quean. He described them by saying, "And the example of a hypocrite who recites the Qur'an is like a Raihana (sweet basil) which smells good but tastes bitter” 

(Narrated by Bukhari)3.

However, due to their lack of sincerity, Allah, glorified be He, says: 

إِنَّ ٱلْمُنَـٰفِقِينَ فِى ٱلدَّرْكِ ٱلْأَسْفَلِ مِنَ ٱلنَّارِ وَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُمْ نَصِيرًا ١٤٥

“Indeed, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire - and never will you find for them a helper” 

(Surah An-Nisa, 145)

The first group of people to be burnt in the Hellfire are the reciter of the Quran, the fighter in the cause of Allah, and who give charity with their wealth, but their actions were not sincerely for the sake of Allah. They did these deeds only to be praised by others, such as being called a reciter, a brave fighter, or a generous donor.

So, seek what is with Allah with your statements and actions, as it will remain, while everything else will perish.

If a servant performs an action that outwardly appears to be for the sake of goodness, but his intention behind it is to achieve worldly goals, then this is a form of practical hypocrisy. Ibn Rajab, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "One of the greatest characteristics of practical hypocrisy is when a person performs an action and shows that he intended good with it, but he actually did it to attain a malicious objective.

He completes his plan and achieves his goal through this deception, and he rejoices in his cunning and deceit, and people praise him for what he has shown. He reaches his hidden evil purpose. Allah has mentioned this in the Quran regarding the hypocrites and the Jews."1

Even worse than this is someone who loves to be praised for what they have not done. They are promised the torment of Hell. Allah, glorified be He, says: 

لَا تَحْسَبَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَفْرَحُونَ بِمَآ أَتَوا۟ وَّيُحِبُّونَ أَن يُحْمَدُوا۟ بِمَا لَمْ يَفْعَلُوا۟ فَلَا تَحْسَبَنَّهُم بِمَفَازَةٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْعَذَابِ ۖ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌۭ ١٨٨

“And never think that those who rejoice in what they have perpetrated and like to be praised for what they did not do - never think them [to be] in safety from the punishment, and for them is a painful punishment”. 

(Surah Al-Imran:Ayat 188)

1 In Al-Musnad, number (8457), from the narration of Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him.

2 In the book of knowledge, in the chapter on seeking knowledge for other than Allah, number (3664), from the narration of Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him.

Abu Dawud is Sulaiman ibn al-Ash'ath ibn Ishaq al-Azdi as-Sijistani. He was born in 202 AH and passed away in 275 AH. "Tadhkirat al-Huffaz" by Al-Dhahabi (127/2).

3 Narrated by Bukhari in the book of the virtues of the Quran, in the chapter on the sin of one who seeks fame, benefits, or pride through recitation of the Quran, number (5059), and by Muslim in the book of the prayer of travellers and shortening it, in the chapter on the virtue of a guardian of the Quran, number (797), from the narration of Abu Musa al-Ash'ari, may Allah be pleased with him.1 Jami' al-'Ulum wal-Hikam (493/2).

Steps Towards Happiness - The Punishment of Ostentatious

The hopes of the ostentatious are lost, and his efforts are in vain. He is treated contrary to his intention and is punished with two types of punishment: punishment in this worldly life and punishment in the Hereafter.

The punishment in the worldly life.

Allah exposes the ostentatious in this world and reveals his hidden intentions. The Prophet, peace be upon him, says, “He who wants to publicize (his deeds to get praised by people), Allah will publicize (his humility), and he who makes a display (of his deeds, to get praised by people), Allah will make a display of him” (Agreed upon).

Al-Khattabi1, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "Whoever performs a deed without sincerity, seeking to be seen and heard by people, will be punished by Allah exposing and disgracing them, and revealing what they used to conceal2."

Even if the ostentatious try to conceal his hidden intentions and secrets of the heart, Allah will make them clear and apparent. The Prophet, peace be upon him, says, "The one who creates a false impression of receiving what one has not been given is like one who wears two garments of falsehood" (Agreed upon)3

2. The Punishment in The Hereafter:

The ostentatious has been threatened with the Hellfire in the Hereafter. Allah, glorified be He, says: 

Whoever desires the life of this world and its adornments - We fully repay them for their deeds therein, and they therein will not be deprived;

مَن كَانَ يُرِيدُ ٱلْحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَزِينَتَهَا نُوَفِّ إِلَيْهِمْ أَعْمَـٰلَهُمْ فِيهَا وَهُمْ فِيهَا لَا يُبْخَسُونَ١٥ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَيْسَ لَهُمْ فِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ إِلَّا ٱلنَّارُ ۖ وَحَبِطَ مَا صَنَعُوا۟ فِيهَا وَبَـٰطِلٌۭ مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ ١٦

'Those are the ones for whom there is not in the Hereafter but the Fire. And lost is what they did therein, and worthless is what they used to do.” 

(Surah Hud, 11:15-16)

the prophet, peace be upon him, said: "The first of the people whose case will be decided on the Day of Resurrection will be a man who died as a martyr. He will be brought forward..." and he mentioned among them the martyr, the reciter of the Quran, the one who gave in charity, and those whose deeds were for other than Allah. Until he said: "Then it will be said to him: 'You have lied, but you did so in order to be called brave, and it has been said.' Then a command will be issued about him, and he will be dragged on his face and thrown into Hell."

Thus, the ostentatious is humiliated in this world, and will face punishment in the Hereafter; we seek refuge in Allah.

1 Abu Suleiman Hamad bin Muhammad bin Ibrahim al-Khattabi was born in 300 AH and died in 388 AH. Siyar A'lam al-Nubala (23/17).

2 A'lam al-Hadith (Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari) (3/2257).

3 Narrated by Bukhari, Book of Marriage, Chapter: "The one who wears two garments of falsehood that he did not deserve" (5219), and Muslim, Book of Clothing and Adornment, Chapter: "Prohibition of counterfeiting in clothing and other things, and wearing what one does not deserve" (2130), from the narration of Asmaa, may Allah be pleased with her.

Steps Towards Happiness -This matter is not driven by ostentation

Whoever performs a righteous deed purely for the sake of Allah, and then Allah bestows upon them good praise in the hearts of the believers—without seeking it or anticipating it—and rejoices in the favour of Allah and is delighted by it, then this does not harm, and it is not considered ostentation.

Abu Dharr1, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “The Prophet, peace be upon him, was asked about a man who does a deed for the sake of Allah, and people praise him for it’ He said: ‘That is the immediate glad tidings of the believer” (Muslim)2

However, as for someone who performs a righteous deed and embellishes it to be praised by people, then this is indeed ostentation.

References:

1 He is Abu Dhar Jundb ibn Junadah ibn Sufyan al-Ghifari. He was the fourth or fifth person to join Islam, and passed away in 32 AH. Asad al-Ghabah fi Ma'rifat As-Sahabah (357/1).

2 Book of Righteousness, Kinship, and Etiquette, Chapter: "Verily, the glad tidings of a righteous deed is itself a glad tiding; it does not detract from it," Hadith number (2642).

Steps Towards Happiness -Does Ostentation Enter Upon the Righteous?

Does Ostentation Enter Upon the Righteous?

The paths of Satan to deceive the servant are numerous. He dresses in the attire of each category of people to mislead them. He pushes the traders towards consuming usury, and he beautifies forbidden adornments for women. He enters upon the righteous through the door of ostentation.

At-Taybi1, may Allah have mercy on him, said about ostentation: "It is among the most harmful diseases of the soul, with hidden motives and concealed intentions. The scholars, worshippers, and those who struggle to be on the path of the Hereafter are tested with it."2

It is one of the most hidden and dangerous doors that Satan uses against the servant. It was mentioned in Taysir al-'Azeez al-Hameed3: "Ostentation is more fearsome for the righteous than the trial of the Dajjal (Antichrist)."

The Prophet, peace be upon him, used to warn his companions about it and said to them: “Shall I not tell you of that which I fear more for you than Dajjal?’ We said: ‘Yes.’ He said: ‘Hidden polytheism when a man stands to pray and makes it look good because he sees a man looking at him.” 

(Narrated by Ahmad)4

And the righteous person, if they show off with their actions, will be punished in the afterlife before others. The Prophet, peace be upon him, says: "The first to be judged on the Day of Resurrection will be a man who had died as a martyr. He will be brought forward. Allah will remind him of the favours He had bestowed upon him and the man will acknowledge them. Then He will ask him: 'What did you do to express gratitude for it?' The man will reply: 'I fought for Your Cause till I was martyred.' Allah will say: 'You have lied. You fought so that people might call you courageous, and they have done so.' Command will then be issued about him and he will be dragged on his face and thrown into Hell.

Next, a man who had acquired and imparted knowledge and read the Qur'an will be brought forward, Allah will remind him of the favors He had bestowed upon him and the man will acknowledge them. Then He will ask him: 'What did you do to express gratitude for it?' The man will reply: 'I acquired knowledge and taught it, and read the Qur'an for Your sake.' Allah will say to him: 'You have lied. You acquired knowledge so that people might call you a learned (man), and you read the Qur'an so that they might call you a reciter, and they have done so.' Command will then be issued about him, and he will be dragged on his face and thrown into Hell. 

Next, a man whom Allah had made affluent and to whom Allah had given plenty of wealth, will be brought forward, Allah will remind him of the favors He had bestowed upon him and the man will acknowledge them. He will ask him: 'What did you do to express gratitude for it?' The man will reply: 'I did not neglect any of the ways You liked wealth to be spent liberally for Your sake'. Allah will say to him: 'You have lied. You did it so that people might call you generous, and they have done so.' Command will then be issued about him and he will be dragged on his face and thrown into Hell." (Muslim)1 Reflect upon this hadith. The first people whose cases will be decided on the Day of Resurrection are the martyr, the scholar, and the generous person. If their intentions were corrupted, they will be dragged on their faces into the Hellfire, despite their actions being done for the sake of Allah. But the deviation of intention from sincerity deepened their fall into the abyss.

1 He is Al-Husayn ibn Muhammad ibn Abdullah At-Taybi, who passed away in 743 AH. Ad-Durar al-Kamimah fi A'yan al-Miah ath-Thaminah (185/2).

2 Explanation of At-Taybi on Mishkat al-Masabih (3374/11).

3 (p. 461).

4 In Musnad, Hadith number (11252) from the narration of Abu Sa'id al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him.

1 Book of Governance, Chapter: "Whoever fights with the intention of ostentation deserves to go to the Hellfire," Hadith number (1905), narrated by Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased