prescribed acts is greater than the harm in displaying them for show, just as the harm in abandoning the outward profession of faith and performance of the prayers is greater than the harm in displaying them for show. Moreover, condemnation applies only to the corruption involved in doing so to be seen by people.

Second: Condemnation applies only to what Islamic law condemns. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:

“I have not been commanded to probe people’s hearts or split open their bellies.”

‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb said: “Whoever shows us good, we love him and extend our loyalty to him on that account, even if his inner state is otherwise. Whoever shows us evil, we hate him on that account, even if he claims that his inner state is sound.”

Third: Allowing such objections would lead people given to polytheism and corruption to condemn people of goodness and religion. Whenever they saw someone openly performing a prescribed act established by the Sunnah, they would say, “He is showing off.” Those who are truthful and sincere would then stop openly performing prescribed acts for fear of their disparagement and blame. Good would thus fall into disuse, while those who associate partners with Allah would retain their power, openly displaying evil with no one to condemn them. This is among the gravest harms.

Fourth: Such conduct is one of the hallmarks of the hypocrites: disparaging those who openly perform prescribed deeds. Allah Most High says:

“Those who find fault with the believers who give charity freely, and with those who can find nothing to give except what their meagre means allow, and ridicule them