Chapter VIII: Evils of Status and Ostentation
(2) Second stage. In this stage of show, a man intends to have merits but it is weak as when he remains alone, he does not do it.
It is near the first stage. (3) Third stage. In this stage, the intentions of getting merits and of show are equal as without them, he gets no encouragement for divine service. For this, his divine service is not wholly good. It does not go for him or against him. (4) Fourth stage. In this stage, the intention of merits is strong and that of show is weak. In other words, he gets encouragement in divine service before the people but he does not give it up even when alone. He would not have prayed if his object was solely show. The Prophet said: God says: I am free from Shirk.
(2) The subject matter of show. The second basic matter of show has got three stages in divine service.
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The Book of Destructive evils Vol-III
(a) First stage isshow in faith which is worst and such a man will live in Hell forever. He utters Kalema Shahadat openly but does not believe it inwardly. He openly says that he is a Muslim but inwardly does not believe in Islam. The Quran mentions of this class of hypocrites in many places. God says: When the hypocrites come to you, they say: We bear witness that you are the Prophet of God. God knows well that you are the apostle of God. God testifies that the hypocrites are telling lies. God says:
There are men whose talks will please you in this world's life but God sees what is in their minds. God says: When they meet you, they say: We have believed. When they go away, they grind teeth in rage over you. God says: They act for show of people and they do not remember God except a little. They turn to this side and that fide.
(b) Second stage. In this stage, the basic principles of religion are believed but there is show therein. This is in the lower stage than the first. For instance, a man prays in congregation but does not pray when alone. He fasts among people but does not keep fast when alone. He does this for fear of men. This is show along with basic faith. He believes that there is no deity but God. If he is ordered to worship others, he does not do it.
(c) Third stage. In this- stage, there is no show in the compulsory duties, but in additional or optional duties. If optional duties are given up there is no sin, but on account of idleness, that is not done when alone, for instance, to pray in congregation, to see a patient, to pray Tahajjad at night, to fast other than Ramazan etc.
(3) The reasons of show. There are three stages so far as the reasons of show are concerned.