The second category of minor polytheism is the hidden kind: associating partners with Allah in one’s motives and intentions—such as showing-off (riyā’) and seeking fame. A person may perform an act meant to draw him nearer to Allah, yet he seeks the praise of people—for example, perfecting his prayer or giving charity so that he will be applauded and commended; or he recites aloud, beautifying his voice with remembrance and Qur’an so that others will hear him and speak well of him. When ostentation contaminates a deed, it invalidates it. Allah the Exalted says: “So whoever hopes to meet his Lord—let him act righteously and never associate anyone in the worship of his Lord” (al-Kahf 18:110).

The Prophet ﷺ said, “The thing I fear most for you is minor polytheism.” They asked, “Messenger of Allah, what is minor polytheism?” He replied, “Ostentation.” 1

This includes working for worldly gain—such as someone who performs the pilgrimage, calls the adhān, leads the prayer, seeks sacred knowledge, or even fights, but only for money. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Wretched is the slave of the dinar, wretched is the slave of the dirham, wretched is the slave of the cloak, wretched is the slave of the velvet; if he is given, he is pleased, and if he is not given, he is displeased.” 2