Question:
Could you kindly give a reference for this?
It is narrated that Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said: “There are four qualities of a show-off; He is lazy when alone, he is [only] active when among people, he [only] increases in deeds if he is praised and he decreases actions when admonished.”
Answer:
This statement of Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) has been cited in non primary sources like Tambihul Ghafilin. A shorter version appears in Ihya ‘Ulumid Din as well. I have not come across the complete chain.
(Tambihul Ghafilin, pg. 30. Ihya ‘Ulumid Din, vol. 6 pg. 332)
Imam Abu Nu’aym (rahimahullah) has recorded a similar narration as the statement of Wahb ibn Munabbih, a Tabi’i.
Wahb ibn Munabbih (rahimahullah) said: “…And there are three signs of a hypocrite: He is lazy when alone, he as active [in carrying out good deeds] when joined by someone, he eagerly carries out all actions based on the amount of praise he receives…”
(Hilyatul Awliya, vol. 4 pg. 47)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar