What is the ruling on one who performs a deed for the sake of Allah (Mighty and Majestic) and informs those he sees will perform a similar deed so that the good may spread?
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The questioner : This questioner from Makkah al-Mukarramah, Noura H. S. H., asks: What is the ruling on one who performs a deed for the sake of Allah (Mighty and Majestic) but informs those he sees will perform a similar deed so that the good may spread?
The Shaykh : Yes. There is nothing wrong with this, because it falls under the category of cooperating in righteousness and piety. An example of this is a man who is fasting, and a drink of tea, coffee, or water is offered to him, and he says, "I am fasting," in order to encourage others to fast; this is good. Or he stands up in the night and informs his brothers that he has stood in the night prayer to encourage them to do so. Or he gives charity and informs people about it in order to strengthen his brothers in giving; there is nothing wrong with this. And deeds are by intentions.
However, if he intends for people to praise him, there is no doubt that this is an incorrect intention, because the one who seeks the Face of Allah does not care whether people know about it or not. Yes.
The questioner : May Allah reward you and bless you.
The Shaykh : Yes. There is nothing wrong with this, because it falls under the category of cooperating in righteousness and piety. An example of this is a man who is fasting, and a drink of tea, coffee, or water is offered to him, and he says, "I am fasting," in order to encourage others to fast; this is good. Or he stands up in the night and informs his brothers that he has stood in the night prayer to encourage them to do so. Or he gives charity and informs people about it in order to strengthen his brothers in giving; there is nothing wrong with this. And deeds are by intentions.
However, if he intends for people to praise him, there is no doubt that this is an incorrect intention, because the one who seeks the Face of Allah does not care whether people know about it or not. Yes.
The questioner : May Allah reward you and bless you.