الَّذينَ هُم يُراءونَ

Those who show off.

EXEGESIS

Yurāʾūn is an imperfect third form plural verb derived from the root word r-ʾ-y. In its trilateral form the verb (raʾā) means to see, but in the third form (rāʾā) it means to perform certain actions for others to see.‎‎^{‎‎‎[1]Mizan, 20/426.} Ibn Manẓūr mentions that murāʾī, which is the active participle of yurāʾūn, is one who presents himself because he wants to show off his actions to people so that they praise him for what he has done.‎‎^{‎‎‎[2]Lisan, 14/296.} Consequently, he also states the verbal noun riyāʾ is used when a person presents himself contrary to his reality.‎‎^{‎‎‎[3]Lisan, 14/296.} On the other hand, Abū Hilāl al-ʿAskarī states that riyāʾ is presenting the good (within an individual) with the desire and intention of being praised by people and not to be rewarded by God.‎‎^{‎‎‎[4]Muʿjam al-Furūq al-Lughawiyyah, p. 547.} It appears, based on what the exegetes have mentioned, the latter meaning is more appropriate in this verse, i.e. they show off a good action or their character so that they are praised by people.

EXPOSITION

This verse highlights another quality of those who deny retribution. They perform certain rituals or good actions, or improve the quality of their deeds, in order for other people to see or recognise them. According to some commentators, this verse is a continuation of the previous one which indicates that the deniers of retribution, in addition to being negligent of their prayers, try to show off whatever meagre acts they perform.‎‎^{‎‎‎[5]Suyuti, 6/400.} An individual who does not believe in the reward or punishment of the hereafter is not concerned with pleasing God or complying with His commands; rather, he strives to receive more recognition and esteem in the eyes of people. Therefore, such an individual would perform devotional acts when he is in public for people to see him, or so that they hear about his virtues. In Arabic, the former is referred to as riyāʾ and the latter is referred to as sumʿah.‎‎^{‎‎‎[6]Raghib, under s-m-ʿ.} In both cases, the individual seeks recompense from people and is negligent of the rights and position of God.

INSIGHTS FROM HADITH

Imam Ali (a) is reported to have said: ‘Those who show off refers to the hypocrites. These are individuals who have no hope in God’s reward and have no fear of God’s punishment [as to whether] they prayed or did not pray. Such people are ignorant of their prayers until the allocated time for prayers passes. Furthermore, whenever they are with the people of faith they pray to show off, and when they are alone they do not pray at all.’‎‎^{‎‎‎[7]Farsi translation of Tabrisi, 27/304.}

Imam al-Ṣādiq (a) is reported to have said: ‘All of your good deeds are accepted by God apart from those actions that have been performed for other people to see you.’‎‎^{‎‎‎[8]Tuhaf, p. 223.}

Imam al-Ṣādiq (a) is reported to have said: ‘God says: “I am the best of partners, whoever includes a partner in an action they perform for Me, I leave it for My partner. I do not accept any deeds except that which is performed sincerely for My sake.”’‎‎^{‎‎‎[9]Kafi, 1/12.}

Imam Ali (a) is reported to have said: ‘Those who show off have three signs: in public they are happy and motivated [to do good], they are lazy and idle when alone, and they like other people to praise them for what they do.’^{‎‎‎[10]Kafi, 2/295.}

INSIGHTS FROM OTHER TRADITIONS

1. And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.‎‎^{‎‎‎[11]Matthew 6:5.}

[1] Mizan, 20/426.
[2] Lisan, 14/296.
[3] Lisan, 14/296.
[4] Muʿjam al-Furūq al-Lughawiyyah, p. 547.
[5] Suyuti, 6/400.
[6] Raghib, under s-m-ʿ.
[7] Farsi translation of Tabrisi, 27/304.
[8] Tuhaf, p. 223.
[9] Kafi, 1/12.
[10] Kafi, 2/295.
[11] Matthew 6:5.