performing righteous deeds without seeking the Face of Allah, but only so that people will praise them. Someone may give charity so that he will be applauded, or pray, or pursue sacred knowledge, or carry out any act of worship—not out of desire for obedience and reward, but merely to win people’s admiration and approval. That is showing-off, and it nullifies one’s deeds, as Allah the Exalted says: “So whoever hopes to meet his Lord, let him act righteously and not associate anyone in the worship of his Lord” (al-Kahf 110). The Prophet ﷺ said, “The thing I fear most for you is the lesser associationism.” When he was asked what that was, he replied, “Showing-off.” Thus showing-off invalidates the deed and is classified as minor associationism.

It is a grave danger and one of the attributes of the hypocrites, for Allah says: “The hypocrites seek to deceive Allah, yet it is He who deceives them. When they rise for prayer, they rise lazily, showing off before people, and they remember Allah only a little” (al-Nisāʾ 142).

Showing-off is a deadly disease and a perilous illness. A Muslim must dedicate his actions sincerely to Allah alone, seeking neither display nor reputation through them.

With regard to “those who withhold simple assistance,” the assistance (al-māʿūn) meant here is the article one lends to another. Offering such a loan to a person in need is an act of obedience and kindness for which one is rewarded. Therefore, whoever refuses to lend an item to someone in need, when doing so would cause him no harm, falls under this severe warning.

The term māʿūn has been explained to include things such as a cooking pot, an axe, a rope, a bucket—indeed, anything people require for their essential needs. Lending such articles to those who need them, when the owner is not harmed and can spare them, is an act of righteousness, whereas withholding them incurs the threat mentioned in this noble verse.