Q:
1. I don’t like people around me hearing me recite during prayer as my recitation is not good (I’m in the process of learning correct pronunciation) so whenever people are around me while I pray I adjust how silently I pray accordingly. Is this considered as riya?
2. If I try to recite a bit smoother when I know someone else in the room, not because I want to please or to show off, but because I feel embarrassed about my recitation, is this riya?
3. Also, if someone comes into the room while you are praying and you feel glad that they see you praying, but you don’t necessarily adjust your prayer, is this riya? Do you prayers become invalidated because of it?
Lastly, if you didn’t know certain acts were considered showing off during worship/prayer, but then learn it later, do you have to make them up?
A:
1. No
2. No
3. If you are pleased and thankfull to Allah Ta’ala that he caused the person to see you in the state of ibaadat and not sin, then this feeling is not riyaa.
4. Sincerely repent to Allah Ta’ala.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)