The Reality of Riya' and the Difference Between It and Being a Role Model

The questioner:
Abu 'Abdullah from al-Kharj says: May Allah bless you. When I do a charitable deed, doubt and riya' (showing off) trouble me regarding my work. What is true riya'? Does my work also contain riya'? And what is the difference between riya' and being a role model?

The Shaykh:
Fear of riya' is good. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to his Companions: It is minor shirk. He was asked about it, and he said: It is riya'. This fear indicates faith. The Companions used to fear it for themselves, but this fear must not exceed its limit. That is, some people leave off good deeds and say, "I am afraid of riya'." This is from Shaytan. Let him do the good deed and make his intention sincere for Allah (Mighty and Majestic). Riya' is dangerous, but the fear of riya' must not be a barrier between the servant and doing acts of obedience. Rather, he must be sincere. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) explained the reality of riya' in his saying: toward him. If the Muslim's intention in worship is that people praise him, speak well of him, and see him, then that is riya', and I seek refuge in Allah from that. This nullifies the deed; it nullifies the deed in which it occurred. As for sum'ah, it is when a person loves for people to hear his words and his remembrance of Allah, and to hear his recitation of the Qur'an, and he beautifies his voice for the sake of people's praise. Yes.

The questioner:
May Allah reward you. Is there a difference between riya' and being a role model?

The Shaykh:
Being a role model is good. Being a role model is doing good so that others may follow your example. This is not from riya'. This is from teaching good and spreading good. Yes.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you