As said in the last piece, craving to be known and portruding one's chest in Islamic matters are some of the diseases eating up the intention.
This disease, only those safeguarded by Allaah are safe from it.
Al-Imaam Ash-Shaatibee - rahimahullaah - said:
آخر الأشياء نزولا من قلوب الصالØين Øب السلطة والتصدر
"The last thing to drop off the hearts of the righteous is the love to dominate (others) and puffing up the chest."
Whoever craves for popularity is on a dangerous path.
The first set of people to be punished on the Day of Resurrection are those who learnt or acted so that people can praise them (Hadeeth Muslim).
The Messenger of Allaah also said:
أخو٠ما أخا٠عليكم الشرك والشهرة الخÙية
"What I fear most for you is Shir'k and hidden fame." (As-Saheehah: 508)
Ibn Al-Atheer - rahimahullaah - said:
الشهرة الخÙية: Øب اطلاع الناس على العمل.
"Hidden fame is loving that people should discover one's act (as righteous)." (An-Nihaayah, 2/516)
Umar bn Khattab - radiyallaahu an'hu - faulted Ubayy bn Ka'b - radiyallaahu an'hu - when he saw people (learners) walking behind him. He said:
ك٠عن هذا، Ùإنها Ùتنة للمتبوع مذلة للتابع
"Stop this, it is a trial for the one being followed and a disgrace for the one following."
Craving for fame and popularity is a big chunk from Riyaa (show-off) and Sum'ah (mentioning one's goodness in the public).
It is an affliction except he whom Allaah protects.
O Allaah protect us from this disease.
The Salaf were the furthest people from love for popularity.
(To be continued, Inshaa Allaah).
