Scholars and Donors Condemned to Hellfire for Ostentation and Riya

Sheikh Abu Abdullah Musthafa al-‘Adawy, in his work Fiqh Akhlak, explains the concept of sincerity. In Arabic, the word ’ikhlas’ derives from ‘khalasha’, meaning ‘clear’ or ‘pure from impurities and contamination.’ In the context of acts of worship, a person is considered sincere if they act solely for Allah. A sincere individual (mukhlis) avoids praise and attention from others, purifying their deeds of any taint.

According to al-’Adawy, one of the keys to maintaining consistent moral character is sincerity. “If you give, give only for Allah. If you love, love only for Allah, and if you hate, hate only for Allah,” he wrote.

Allah promises a great reward for those who give sincerely. “He who spends his wealth for the sake of purifying himself, not seeking any return from any person, but only seeking the pleasure of his Lord Most High, will surely find perfect contentment” (Quran 92:18-21).

Conversely, a severe punishment awaits those who lack sincerity. Insincerity remains a decisive factor before Allah. Even if a person is known during their lifetime as a Muslim of noble character, they may not attain paradise if they fall short of divine approval.

The story of martyrs, scholars and donors

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The first person to be judged on the Day of Resurrection will be a martyr. He will be brought before Allah, who will remind him of the blessings He bestowed, which the man acknowledges. Allah then asks, ‘What did you do with these blessings?’

He replies, ‘I fought for You until I was martyred.’

Allah says, ‘You lie. You fought to be known as a brave warrior.’ Then he is dragged into Hellfire.

The second person is brought before Allah. He is one who studied religious knowledge, taught it, and recited the Quran. Allah reminds him of the blessings he received, which he acknowledges. Allah asks, ‘What did you do with these blessings?’

He answers, ‘I studied knowledge, taught it, and recited the Quran for You.’