Worship, Selfies and I
Studies show that there exists a strong correlation between attention-seeking and selfies. From an Islamic perspective, the danger in this is falling into the unlawful (haram) by showing off (riya’) — something that ruins the sincerity of your blessed deeds and efforts.
When you show off, you are expressing a lack of contentment (rida) with Allah Most High’s eternal promise and you are also being hasty in seeking appraisal. Our tradition teaches us that haste is from the devil, and that we should scupper his efforts to make us lose sight of eternity.
WHAT IS RIYA’?
Scholars of the Sacred Law explain to us that riya’ is “striving to attain some worldly benefit by working a righteous deed of the Hereafter.”
When we perform our worship and good deeds for other people, sincerity is effectively wiped away. Without sincerity, actions are of no weight or worth in the next life. The famed scholar of the inward and outward sciences, Ibn ‘Ata Illah, said: “Actions are but lifeless forms, and their soul is the secret of sincerity within them.”
WHAT IS WORSHIP?
Worship is an expression of slavehood, and not something which is supposed to be publicized. An intimate moment between servant and Lord, if you will. When the act of worship is done for the sake of others, they see it and then proceed to clap, were you intending Allah and the Hereafter? Is that the reward and joy you were seeking from the act?
Imam Baydawi defined worship as: “the utmost limit of submission and lowliness.” Pure, unadulterated worship is the greatest thing you can do in this life to attain unto ultimate felicity in the next. An example is that of a prayer before the Ka‘ba in which your eyes are moved to tears in feelings of unexplainable joy and closeness to Allah Most High. Similarly, a donation of hundreds of dollars to the needy family in the neighbourhood who had fallen behind on rental payments. I’m sure you can think of many cases yourself — moments that you will see the fruits of in the Hereafter.
But when the act is insincere, done for another, even if only partially, it effectively turns to nothingness. On the Final Day, such people will be called upon to take their reward from those for whom they acted.
SELFIES, WORSHIP & RIYA’
Wanting others to see your worship and wanting them to praise you are telltale signs of a problem in the heart.
Let’s take an example. If you were to take a selfie as you wept in front of the Ka‘ba, captioned: “My tears of repentance… happening right now!” This would be an insincere act. Even if you did it for Allah, but you wanted others to see, this would be riya’. If there is a fundraiser and you raise your hand at the five thousand dollar request because you want others present, and those online to see your generosity, by saying, “Me: raising my hand at $5K. God help me!,” it is riya’. Again, even if you actually do want to give for Allah Most High’s sake. Another example: “Here’s me at 3am with my tahajjud outfit!”
So what’s the upshot? Well, sincerity is crucial in acts of worship, so selfies don't belong in your private devotions.
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