Lahore — 11 April 2026: In the profound teachings of Sufism: The Soul of Islam, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman provides a detailed analysis of Pretence (Riya). In the path of Faqr, this trait is considered a “hidden idolatry” because it shifts the focus of worship from the Creator to the creation. When a person performs a good deed to gain the admiration of people, they are essentially making the people their “deity” for that moment. This post explores how to safeguard your soul from this destructive trait.
(Note: Set the Alt-Text of this image to: “Overcoming Pretence in spiritual worship”)
Recognizing Pretence in Devotion
The first step to purification is understanding how Pretence manifests in daily life. It often creeps into our actions silently. For instance, a person might lengthen their prayer (Salat) only when they notice others watching them, or they might give charity with the secret hope that their generosity will be discussed in social circles. Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen explains that such behavior acts like a thief that steals the reward of your hard-earned devotions, leaving the seeker with nothing but physical exhaustion and spiritual emptiness. To avoid this, one must constantly audit their intentions before, during, and after every act of worship.
Pretence and the Warning of the Prophet ﷺ
The gravity of Pretence is emphasized through the sacred Hadiths. Prophet Mohammad ﷺ expressed deep concern for his Ummah regarding this issue. He described it as a “creeping ant” that enters the heart unnoticed. The book highlights that on the Day of Judgment, those who practiced any form of show will be told to seek their rewards from the people they were trying to impress. This warning serves as a reminder that Allah only accepts that which is pure and dedicated solely to His Countenance. Any devotion mixed with a desire for worldly status is spiritually void.
The Cure for Pretence in the Heart
How does one cure the disease of Pretence? The Sarwari Qadri teachings suggest that intellectual knowledge alone is not enough to fix a spiritual ailment. The root of the problem lies in the ego (nafs), which naturally craves validation and fame. To eliminate this, the seeker must engage in the invocation and contemplation of Ism-e-Allah Zaat. As the light of the Divine Name enters the heart, it burns away the desire for worldly recognition. When the heart is truly filled with the presence of Allah, the opinions of people become irrelevant, effectively ending the cycle of showing off.
Reaching Sincerity Beyond Pretence
True sincerity (Ikhlas) is the direct opposite of Pretence. It is the state where one’s hidden actions are the same as—or better than—their public actions. Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen teaches that a seeker should strive to hide their good deeds just as they hide their sins. By practicing “death before dying,” the seeker annihilates their ego, ensuring that every breath and every movement is for Allah alone. This level of purity is the hallmark of the true friends of Allah (Awliya), who remain untouched by the shadows of hypocrisy or the need for public approval.
The Role of the Murshid in Ending Pretence
Finally, it is important to recognize that a seeker can rarely identify their own Pretence without the help of a Murshid Kamil (Perfect Spiritual Guide). The ego is deceptive and can even make a person feel proud of their “sincerity,” which is a secondary form of the same disease. The Murshid acts as a spiritual mirror, reflecting the hidden flaws of the seeker back to them. Under the watchful eye of Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen, seekers are trained to recognize the subtle whispers of the ego and stay focused on the Divine Essence, ensuring their path remains pure.
Join the Path of Sincerity
Overcoming the inward habit of Pretence is a journey that leads to ultimate peace. If you feel your worship is burdened by worldly thoughts or the desire for status, you are warmly invited to find spiritual clarity.
Visit us at Masjid e Zahra, Village Rangeel Pur Sharif, Sundar Adda, Multan Road, Lahore, to begin your journey toward a heart free from all forms of show and hypocrisy.
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