The Conditions for the Acceptance of Deeds, Showing Off, and Advice for Women

Question:
He asks, saying: As for the conditions...

Answer:
Among the conditions for the acceptance of deeds is sincerity for Allah and following the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). This is correct: sincerity for Allah, such that there is no major or minor shirk (associating partners with Allah), no showing off, and no seeking fame; if anything other than the Face of Allah is intended by it, it is not accepted. The second condition is following the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), such that there is no bid'ah (religious innovation). Indeed, bid'ah is rejected, as he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: But this person says that something of showing off overtakes him; something of showing off overtakes him. We say: if something of showing off overtakes you, repent to Allah the Exalted, make your intention sincere, and remember—remember—that showing off invalidates the deed. So if you return to sincerity and abandon showing off, then Allah will accept your deed. But if the showing off persists with you, if the showing off persists with you, then your deed is invalidated. So if the love of praise or the love of commendation occurs to you, or that...