“And those who spend their wealth to be seen by people and believe neither in Allah nor in the Last Day. Whoever has Satan as a companion—what an evil companion he is!”

He then speaks of spending motivated by ostentation, the desire for acclaim, and lack of faith in Him: “And those who spend their wealth to be seen by people”—that is, so that people will see, praise, and esteem them—“and believe neither in Allah nor in the Last Day.” Their spending does not arise from sincerity, faith in Allah, or hope for His reward. This is among Satan’s steps and deeds, to which he calls his followers so that they may become inhabitants of the Blaze. Such deeds arise from them because he accompanies them and incites them to commit them. Hence He says, “Whoever has Satan as a companion—what an evil companion he is!” That is, how wretched is the companion and associate who seeks the destruction of the one he accompanies and strives relentlessly to bring it about.

Just as one who withholds what Allah has granted him ⦗179⦘ and conceals what Allah has bestowed upon him is a sinful, disobedient servant who defies his Lord, so too is one who spends and worships for the sake of other than Allah. He is a sinful servant, disobedient to his Lord and deserving of punishment, for Allah has commanded obedience and compliance with His command only when done sincerely for Him. As Allah Most High says, “They were commanded only to worship Allah, devoting worship sincerely to Him alone.” This is the deed that is accepted and for which its doer deserves praise and reward. Therefore, Allah Most High urges people to it by saying: