Covert polytheism is for one to perform acts of deeds for some worldly gain, and not sincerely for Allah. Worldly gain is for some worldly motive such as fame, honour, wealth or recognition. Although, this act does not take one out of the fold of Islam, it is a loathsome act, and can be a means of nullifying one’s deeds. Hence, care should be adopted when performing deeds, and a person should verify that his deeds are only for Allah, the Almighty.
A covert form of polytheism
عَنْ شَدَّادِ بْنِ أَوْسٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَنْ صَلَّى يُرَائِي فَقَدْ أَشْرَكَ وَمَنْ صَامَ يُرَائِي فَقَدْ أَشْرَكَ
‘Shadad Ibn Aws narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him) said:
‘Whoever offers prayer, so that he may be seen, has indeed associated partners with Allah. Whoever fasts so that he may be seen, has indeed associated partners with Allah.’
[Musnad Bazar: 2967]
Another warning of doing deeds for other than Allah, is mentioned in the following hadith:
‘Whoever seeks the world while pretending to work for the Hereafter, his face is disfigured. His name is thrown into oblivion and recorded in Hell.’
[At Targhib wa’t Tarhib]
[Musnad Ahmad]
