ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Pretension and Conceit Meaning of "pretension" The word "riya" (pretension) is derived from "ru'ya" ( vision, eyesight), just as the word "sum'a" (reputation) is derived from "sam'" (hearing), in essence, the meaning of pretension is that one seeks, through the medium of his good deeds, distinction and prominence in the hearts of people, even if this can be achieved through good deeds.

But the term, according to the Shari'a, requires this intention to materialize in the, rituals and in the deeds intended for seeking nearness to Allah as a condition for their acceptance according to the Shari'a. Thereupon, the meaning of pretension is what is supposed to be a deed for the sake of nearness to Allah with the intention to seek a status among the people". The leading imam, al-Khomeini, may Allah prolong his shade, has made a statement in this regard.

Its gist is that pretension, according to him, is not exclusively relevant to an act of worship but is broader than that. He says, "Be informed that pretension is showing people some good deeds, or commendable attributes, or true beliefs in order to achieve a status in their hearts and fame among them that he is kind, sound of belief, trustworthy and pious without truly seeking to please the Almighty.

This materializes in certain levels: FIRST LEVEL : It has two degrees: In the FIRST degree, one shows off the true beliefs and divine branches of knowledge so he will be famous for being pious and will have a status in people's hearts such as he may say, "1 see none effective in existence save Allah," or he may say, "1 rely on none save Allah". Or he may identify himself as being associated with true belief's by either affiliation or reference.

This type of pretension is the most widely circulated, For example_ when either reliance on Allah or accepting Ills decree is discussed at a gathering, the pretender will then sigh or move his head to beckon that he is on the path of those who rely on or who accept the decree of Allah. In the SECOND degree, he clears himself of or puts it above false beliefs, seeking distinction and prominence in the hearts whether explicitly or implicitly.

SECOND LEVEL : It, too, has two degrees: In the FIRST degree, one demonstrates the commendable attributes and the virtuous faculties seeking distinction and prominence.