Drawing the Line between 'Being Seen of Men' and Setting a Good Example
Question
Recently, I have been immersed in a dilemma, which I am unable to resolve on my own. I know that the Qur'an condemns those who pray or engage in deeds of piety merely to "be seen of (other) men." I know that when we engage in righteous deeds, we are to do so purely in the service of God. Yet, I have also had the impulse, from time to time, to perform such deeds (or to pray) in the presence of my non-Muslim friends so that those of them who are not God-conscious may learn from my setting a good example. I then imagine myself having a conversation with my friends about the meaning of such deeds, the meaning of prayer, and the meaning of the role we play on earth as vicegerents of our Creator. What I need to know is whether or not this impulse is Satanic and condemnable. If it is, then I will have to make a conscious effort to avoid such thoughts. Of course, I wonder if the fruits of this inclination are to be cultivated, and are perhaps pleasing to God. Please clarify. Omar Sarwar
Answer
Only those deeds of piety shall be rewarded in the Hereafter, which are done for winning the pleasure of God. In view of this fact, we should always try to take a critical look at our deeds and carefully try to keep our minds and hearts focused on doing our deeds solely for the sake of God. Nevertheless, I do agree with you that one of the weapons of Satan is to discourage us from doing good deeds by making us skeptical about our own true intentions. At such instances, we should seek God's forgiveness for any wrong that we may have, intentionally or unintentionally, committed and to re-focus our intentions on winning the pleasures of God. I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad March 11, 2002 Answer published by Moiz Amjad
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