Who is this statement attributed to and could you mention the reference please?
ترك العمل من أجل الناس رياء والعمل من أجل الناس شرك والإخلاص أن يعافيك الله عنهما
Answer
Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) has recorded this as the statement of Fudayl ibn ‘Iyad (rahimahullah).
(Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 6469. Also see: Ar Risalah Al Qushayriyyah, pg. 479)
Translation
Leaving out an action for people is ostentation, doing a deed [to show] people, is shirk. Sincerity is that Allah protect you from these two qualities.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar