Sheikh `Abdul-Majeed Subh, a prominent Azharite scholar, states: “Eminent scholars are usually humble people who strive hard to practice what they preach. Hence, we advise our dear brother in Islam to commit himself to seeking knowledge for the sake of Allah while striving hard to put into practice what he calls others to do.
One way of warding off vanity and showing-off is that the caller should translate his words into deeds in order to be an example for others. He should study the history of early Imams and scholars thoroughly for this kind of study may guide him to put his finger on the fault. He should also study the biography of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).”
The well-known Muslim scholar, Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, adds: “The one who truly works for Islam should strive hard to abandon the vainglory of this world, and to turn his back to Satan. Allah Almighty says: ‘(Remember) when the wife of Imran said: My Lord I have vowed unto Thee that which is in my belly as a consecrated (offering). Accept it from me. Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Hearer, the Knower!‏’ (Al `Imran: 35)
The word ‘consecrated‘ uttered by Mary’s mother denotes that the Wisdom of Allah dictates that He will not accept any deeds except those that are solely dedicated to Him alone.
Those who faithfully do goodness for the sake of Allah should not show off. Instead, they should hide their light behind a bushel and rise above the mere seeking of personal interests. They are the true heirs of Prophets even if they are unsung among people, and even if they lead a life of abject poverty. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying: ‘Many a person with disheveled hair is turned away from the doors (whereas he is held in such a high esteem by Allah) that if he were to adjure in the name of Allah (about anything) Allah would fulfill that.’ (Reported by Muslim)
The material trappings of this world should not enslave the true soldier of Islamic creed. To him, the shining glory of authority and social prestige are nothing if compared to the generous reward offered by Allah. His high aim is to pass the test successfully.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) divided people into two different categories. The first category covers self-seekers whose aim is to fulfill their sexual urge, gather and accumulate money while being driven by their carnal desires.
The second category constitutes those who are virtue incarnate in the sense that they do their best in the Cause of Allah, and do that which is good for its own sake. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘Let the slave of Dinar, Dirham, and Khamisa perish as he is pleased if these things are given to him, and if not, he is displeased. Let such a person perish and relapse, and if he is pierced with a thorn, let him not find anyone to take it out for him. Paradise is for him who holds the reins of his horse to strive in Allah’s Cause, with his hair unkempt and feet covered with dust: if he is appointed to the vanguard, he is perfectly satisfied with his post of guarding, and if he is appointed to the rearguard, he accepts his post with satisfaction; (he is so simple and unambiguous that) if he asks for permission he is not permitted, and if he intercedes, his intercession is not accepted.’ (Reported by Al-Bukhari)