Q: When I was reading the Quran someone was about to enter my room and I thought: continue reading so the person can listen to your tajweed. Then when that person entered I stopped reading and when the person left I started reading. Is there any riya (showing off) in this?
A: An Ibaadat like recitation can be stopped and restarted if there is a fear of Riyaa. Ibaadat like Salaah should not be broken if there is this fear.
Before any Ibaadat, make the intention that you are doing it for the sake of Allah and commence the Ibaadat. Ignore any thoughts that come thereafter during the Ibaadat. The intention in the beginning is firm and solid. The thoughts later are just thoughts and Waswasah, to be ignored.
Moulana Yusuf Laher