[2] The Meaning of Sum’ah In this saying of the Imam...

[2] The Meaning of Sum’ah In this saying of the Imam, the word sum’ah appears alongside riya . Scholars have identified a slight distinction between these two terms. Ayatollah Makarim Shirazi mentions two interpretations of this distinction: First, Sum’ah refers to a situation in which a person performs an action sincerely for God and with a divine intention, but afterward begins to think about making it known to others in order to gain reputation through it.

This is what, according to jurists, does not invalidate the act itself, because it occurs after the action has already been completed. However, it reduces its reward or may even nullify its spiritual merit. Second, from the very beginning of the act, the person’s intention is that people hear about it and speak well of him. This kind of act is no different from hypocrisy, except that in hypocrisy, one performs the deed for others to see, while in sum’ah , one does it for others to hear.

In both cases, there is no divine motive, and thus the act becomes invalid, for sincerity of intention is lost. [3] In any case, riya and sum’ah are among the greatest dangers to acts of worship and devotion. Because hypocrisy and showing off can creep into human deeds in subtle and complex ways, the Quran and traditions have repeatedly warned against them. The Corrupting Effects of Hypocrisy 1.

Polytheism The most serious harm of hypocrisy is that it destroys the spirit of monotheism and throws a person into the pit of polytheism, for belief in divine unity teaches that everything is in God’s hands, reward , honor, respect, reputation, and sustenance all depend on His will. But the hypocrite, by contaminating his worship and good deeds with hypocrisy, seeks these things from others. This is clear polytheism.

Imam Ali (AS) said about the connection between hypocrisy and polytheism: “Be aware that hypocrisy and showing off, even in the smallest measure, is a form of polytheism” . [4] In a narration from Imam Sadiq (AS), it is stated: “Every act of hypocrisy is polytheism. Whoever acts for people, his reward is upon people; and whoever acts for God, his reward is upon God” .

[5] Traditions tell us that on the Day of Resurrection, when all inner secrets are revealed, the hypocrites will be addressed: “O disbeliever, O sinner, O breaker of promises, O loser! Your deeds are void, your reward is lost, and today there is no salvation for you” .