Page 58 - Satan: The Sworn Enemy of Mankind

SATAN: THE SWORN ENEMY OF MANKIND

He Encourages Religious Observance Merely
for Show
One of the most subtle vices in this world is people's desire for
recognition from others.
The manner of seeking recognition usually depends on the cir-
cumstances of the person. Where money is valued, then it is wealth
that will be boasted of; where prestige is esteemed, then social status
will be most prized. Satan seeks to exploit this desire when believers
set out to fulfill their religious obligations. For those without true
faith in their hearts, religious duties are things performed, not to
gain the good pleasure of Allah, but to acquire prestige in the reli-
gious community. Such people are referred to in the Qur'an in the
following terms:
So woe to those who perform prayer, and are forgetful of
their prayer, those who show off... (Surat al-Ma`un, 4-6)
A very important religious observance that Satan will divert
from its true intent, and misuse as a means of showing off is "giv-
ing," the spending of one's wealth in the cause of Allah. Those who
look for acclaim from others, rather than the good pleasure of Allah
in fulfilling this obligation, have instead become the friends of
Satan:
And [We have prepared a humiliating punishment] also for
those who spend their wealth to show off to people, not be-
lieving in Allah and the Last Day. Anyone who has made
Satan his comrade, what an evil comrade he is! (Surat an-
Nisa´, 38)
Giving in the cause of Allah is one of the most important op-
portunities by which a believer may purify himself and seek to at-
tain the Hereafter. If showing off, one of Satan's more vile habits, is
confused with such an important observance, then this purification

56