Riya

Riya is doing a good deed so people notice and praise it, rather than seeking God's approval alone.

What it means for me: Scholars call this the lesser shirk because of how quietly it enters the heart, often without the person noticing at first. It does not always ruin a whole life of worship. It can spoil a single act while other sincere acts remain sound.

Example: A man prays extra prayers in the main hall so others notice his devotion, rather than in a quiet corner. Scholars describe this specific act as touched by riya, whatever his other worship is like.

Do not confuse with: Ikhlas, sincerity. Riya is its direct opposite: seeking to be seen rather than seeking God's pleasure. Scholars broadly separate riya that shapes an intention from the start from simply feeling pleased at unsought praise afterward. They treat the second far more leniently.

If scholars differ: This distinction between riya from the start and pleasure felt afterward is widely reported, not disputed as a category. Scholars differ mainly on how to recognize riya in one's own heart, and on how much mixed intention spoils an act's reward.