Seeking Reputation
\r\nSeeking reputations entails informing others of one's acts of obedience after they had been performed free of blemishes.
\r\nThis results from some causes of showing off. A good deed becomes corrupted when telling others of it. But should you repent, [the deed's goodness] is restored.
\r\nSimilar to this are deeds done so that others may hear about them. The one who does this is also considered a seeker of reputation, according to those with insight.
\r\nThe great brigand [al-Shizaz] who robs all of these wayfarers is covetousness.
\r\nThis is the cause of every iniquity, such as backbiting, lies, preoccupation of the heart during one's prayers, and insincere praise of others. Indeed, one will inevitably resort to hypocrisy as a result of it.
\r\nIf one recognizes that [creatures] are incapable of benefitting anyone even themselves, then [covetousness] wanes.
\r\nCompiled From:
\r\n "Purification of the Heart" - Hamza Yusuf, p. 74