Is it considered major disbelief for a Muslim to abandon a sin or perform an act of obedience with the intention of pleasing someone other than Allah Almighty, without the intention of pleasing Allah?
The hypocrisy (riya') in which an act is performed to impress people and gain their approval is a matter of disagreement among scholars regarding the ruling on its perpetrator. Some consider it a form of polytheism () that expels one from the faith, especially if the sole intention behind the act is to gain people's praise. Others do not deem it an act of disbelief (kufr), but rather a sin. However, hypocrisy regarding the very foundation of faith, or outwardly displaying some acts of worship while inwardly concealing disbelief, is major polytheism and major hypocrisy. Regardless of the ruling on this type of hypocrisy, repentance abrogates what preceded it. This repentance involves seeking forgiveness, regretting the intention of seeking other than the countenance of Allah, and striving to be mindful of Allah and attain sincerity.
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