And obey Allah and the Messenger that you may obtain mercy.

The Arabic term riya’ is roughly translated as “showing off,” which means doing something to please others or to gain their approval and admiration, instead of focusing on receiving God’s approval, satisfaction, and pleasure. Riya’ is the opposite of the Arabic term ikhlas [purity of intention].

According to Islam, riya’ could make a pure act of worship, such as prayer, void of any reward and could even result in God’s punishment.

The Qur’an mentions this when describing the lazy state of the hypocrites as they go to prayer, dragging their feet, only so that people can see them performing prayers:

[Surely the hypocrites strive to deceive Allah, and He shall requite their deceit to them, and when they stand up to prayer they stand up sluggishly; they do it only to be seen of men and do not remember Allah save a little.] (An-Nisaa’ 4:142)

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When Khalid Ibn Al-Waleed (may Allah be pleased with him) reached Yarmook with his army to fight the Romans, he addressed them saying:

“Oh mujahideen! This is a memorable day. It is the day on which our faith will be tested and tried. Today we should avoid every kind of arrogance, pride and not contend for individual glory or egoistic bragging..

Oh mujahideen of Islam! Fight only to gain the Goodwill of Allah Almighty. In the Muslim army today there are many great generals: each of them is worthy and can be entrusted with the permanent command of this army. Today you have assigned me this honor of commanding the Muslim army. So I hope that for the honor and victory of Islam, today we will enter the battlefield of Jihad as one. Allah will be our Supporter and Defender.”

Then both the armies confronted each other at Yarmook. The Roman general, Mahan, scornful addressed his counterpart, Khalid bin Waleed (may Allah be pleased with him) and said:

“It looks as if poverty, nakedness and starvation has compelled you to come here. If you wish I am willing to give each of you ten dinars, expensive clothing and good food. You can take these things and leave. Next year too I can send you these things; you do not have to take the trouble to come here.”

Khalid bin Waleed (may Allah be pleased with him) was enraged on hearing these scornful and arrogant words, and answered:

“Mahan listen to me very carefully! You are mistaken about the reason why we are here. We are people who drink the blood of our opponents.

We have heard that Roman blood is very delicious, and we have come here to enjoy it!”

Excerpt from:

Commanders of The Muslim Army

By Mahmood Ahmad Ghandanfar