Surah Al-Maa'oun 107:6
ﱯ ﱰ ﱱ
Those who make show [of their deeds]
Tafsir of Al-Maa'oun 107:6
Tafsir
Mafatih al-Ghayb
Verse range: 107:6
Surah Al-Ma'un (The Small Kindnesses): Verse 6
٦. الذين هم يراؤون (Those who are showing off [their deeds])
Distinction between Hypocrite and Show-Off (Rā'ī)
Know that the difference between the hypocrite (munāfiq) and the show-off (murā'ī) is:
- The Hypocrite: One who outwardly displays faith while concealing disbelief in his heart.
- The Show-Off (Murā'ī): One who displays what is not in his heart—such as excessive devotion—so that those who see him believe he is pious.
- Alternatively: The hypocrite does not pray in secret, whereas the show-off's prayer is better when performed in front of people.
Obligation of Publicizing Rituals vs. Concealing Supererogatory Acts
It is obligatory to make obligatory acts of worship, such as prayer (Salat) and charity (Zakat), visible because they are the symbols (sha'ā'ir) of Islam. Whoever neglects them deserves condemnation, so the suspicion must be removed by making them public.
Concealment is reserved for supererogatory acts (nawāfil), unless one performs them publicly so that others may emulate him.
It is narrated that someone saw a man in the mosque prolonging his prostration of gratitude (sujūd al-shukr). He remarked: "How excellent this is! If only it were in your house [i.e., done privately]."
Despite this, the scholars say: One should not abandon supererogatory acts out of shyness (ḥayā') nor perform them for ostentation (riyā'). Avoiding ostentation is rarely easy. This is why the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Ostentation is more hidden than the crawling of a black ant on a black stone on a moonless night."
Meaning of *Murā'āh* (Showing Off)
If it is asked: What is the meaning of al-murā'āh?
We reply: It is a reciprocal action (mufā'alah) derived from the root irādah (will/intention). This is because the show-off displays his action to the people, and the people, in turn, display their praise and admiration for him.
Synthesis of Negations Regarding Prayer
Know that the verse: "Concerning their prayer, they are heedless" ('an ṣalātihim sāhūn) implies two things:
- Delaying the prayer beyond its prescribed time.
- Being absent-minded or inattentive during the prayer itself.
The verse: "Those who are showing off" (alladhīna hum yurā'ūn) implies ostentation (murā'āh).
Thus, it becomes clear that the prayer must be free from these three conditions (delaying, inattention, and showing off).