Avoiding Riya’ in the Age of Social Media

Islamic texts have warned against the consequences and dangers of riya’ (hypocrisy), describing it as the lesser form of shirk (polytheism). The Prophet ﷺ said: The thing I fear most for you is minor shirk—riya’. Allah, the Exalted, will say when He recompenses the people for their deeds: Go to those for whom you used to show off in the world, and see if you find any reward with them.” (Narrated by Ahmad)

Riya’ is one of the actions that nullifies deeds and causes the complete loss of their reward. Allah says, “And We will regard what they have done of deeds and make them as dust dispersed.” (Al-Furqan: 23) These are people who appear outwardly in a way contrary to their reality to deceive others, but they cannot deceive Allah, who said regarding those whose actions are aimed at pleasing people rather than seeking Allah’s pleasure: “Indeed, the hypocrites [think to] deceive Allah, but He is deceiving them. And when they stand for prayer, they stand lazily, showing [themselves to] the people and not remembering Allah except a little.” (An-Nisa’: 142)

Riya’ is the opposite and nullifier of sincerity. Ibn al-Qayyim defines sincerity as: “It is that which is not known by an angel so he could record it, nor by an enemy so he could ruin it, and not even admired by oneself to invalidate it.” ⁽¹⁾

Riya’ involves prioritizing the approval of people over the approval of Allah. One feels embarrassed in front of others and beautifies himself before them, all the while ignoring that Allah is observing him at every moment, He knows the treachery of the eyes and what the hearts conceal. The hypocrite fears people more than he fears his Lord and seeks from them praise and recognition, though with Allah he may be despicable in soul and lowly in character.

Guidelines for Using Social Media

The morals of a Muslim and the value system by which he lives require that he remains within the boundaries of Islamic rulings. These should govern his behavior, speech, gaze, and beliefs, so he is not surprised one day to find his religion slipping through his hands without realizing it.

Among these guidelines, which must be followed to preserve sincerity and conduct, are:

1. Time Management on Social Media

One must control the amount of time spent on social media, so that it does not distract from obligatory acts like prayer, honoring one's parents, perfecting a job done for the sake of Allah, or striving to reconcile between Muslims. Ironically, these platforms have severed relationships more than they’ve connected them, despite being called “social networks.”

2. Fearing Allah in Shared Content

It is necessary to fear Allah regarding the content posted or shared and to be careful in verifying its authenticity. A person should not circulate false information lightly, unaware that he might be recorded with Allah as a liar. “O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true.” (At-Tawbah: 119) Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Adhere (you people) to truth, for truth leads to good deeds and good deeds lead to Paradise, and if a man continues to speak the truth and makes truth his object he will be recorded as truthful before Allah. Avoid (you people) falsehood, for falsehood leads to wickedness and wickedness leads to Hell, and if a man continues to speak falsehood and makes falsehood his object he will be recorded as a liar before Allah.” (Agreed upon)

Some people chase after “trends” and rush to post false news. When it turns out to be a lie, they do not even bother deleting or correcting it. This may involve the honor and reputation of fellow Muslims, leading them to immoral behavior, all while thinking it's just harmless jokes. Allah says, “And, [O Muhammad], you are not [engaged] in any matter or recite any of the Qur'an and you [people] do not do any deed except that We are witness over you when you are involved in it. And not absent from your Lord is any [part] of an atom's weight within the earth or within the heaven or [anything] smaller than that or greater but that it is in a clear register.” (Yunus: 61)

3. Protecting the Privacy of Muslim Women

It is necessary to maintain modesty and privacy, especially concerning Muslim women and girls. No images should be published that provoke desires, even if not real or personal photos. Some people have dared to post pictures with their wives or daughters just to collect comments and likes. They are delighted when someone praises their beauty or appearance—unaware that this act may bring them under the label of dayouth (cuckold), which may lead to being denied Paradise or even approaching it.

‘Ammar ibn Yasir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Three people will not enter paradise: the ad-Dayooth, the mannish woman, and the persistent drunkard.”
They asked: “O Messenger of Allah, we know who the persistent drunkard is, but who is the ad-Dayooth?” He ﷺ said: “The one who does not mind who enters upon his family.” They asked: “And what is the mannish woman?” He said: “She who imitates men.”

4. Avoid Using Social Media to Mock Others

One must not use these platforms to mock others or ridicule them under the guise of “making jokes.” Allah says, “O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.” (Al-Ḥujurat: 11)

5. Keep Children Completely Away from These Platforms

Children must be kept away entirely from using social media. Educators and parents must try to fill children’s time with beneficial activities such as education, guidance, and memorization of the Book of Allah.

Psychologists and educational experts have warned about giving children uncontrolled access to smartphones. This causes issues like isolation, depression, sleep disorders, and even symptoms of autism. The child starts to replace his family with a device. But if not from his family, from where will he learn manners, values, and religion? Who will give him the love, care, and compassion he needs if not his own parents?

6. Avoiding the Traps of Hypocrisy on Social Media

One should avoid anything that leads to riya’ through these platforms, such as posting pictures of oneself at the mosque, during ‘Umrah, or giving charity to the poor. Every “like” or compliment received could feed one's vanity and desire for praise, nullifying the very deed he thought would earn reward.

-------------------------------------------------------------

1-      Al-Fawa'id, by Ibn Qayyim pg. 144.

Read the Article in Arabic