ٱلَّذِينَ هُمْ يُرَآءُونَ 6
Translations
Those who make show [of their deeds]
Transliteration
alladhīna hum yurā'ūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to those who perform their acts of worship and charity for show, seeking praise and recognition from people rather than sincerely for the sake of Allah. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, this describes hypocrites whose deeds lack sincerity (ikhlas) and are motivated by ostentation (riyā'), which nullifies the reward of their actions in the sight of Allah. The verse condemns this hidden disease of the heart that corrupts even outwardly righteous deeds.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the concluding verses of Surah Al-Ma'un, which was revealed in Mecca and criticizes those who neglect prayer and deny the Day of Judgment. The surah addresses hypocrites who maintain an outward appearance of religiosity while lacking true commitment. This specific ayah targets the insincerity that characterizes their worship, forming the climax of the surah's condemnation of false piety.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The first to be judged on the Day of Resurrection will be a man who died as a martyr. He will be brought forward, and Allah will make known to him His blessings, and he will recognize them. [Allah] will say: What did you do with them? He will say: I fought for You until I died as a martyr. He will say: You have lied. You fought so that it would be said [of you]: He is brave. And so it was said. Then he will be commanded to be dragged on his face into Hell.' (Sahih Muslim 1905). Also relevant: 'Actions are judged by their intentions' (Sahih Bukhari 1).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that the true measure of our deeds lies not in external appearances but in the purity of our intentions before Allah. We must consistently examine our hearts to ensure our worship and good deeds are performed exclusively for Allah's pleasure, free from the desire for human praise or recognition.