Grand Ayatollah Shirazi Stresses Sincerity in Worship, Warns Against Showing Off

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi Stresses Sincerity in Worship, Warns Against Showing Off
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Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sadiq al-Husayni al-Shirazi has emphasized that sincerity of intention is essential to obedience to God and the acceptance of worship. He stressed that the true value of a person’s actions depends on seeking God’s pleasure rather than pursuing personal interests or the admiration of others.

According to his ethical guidance, obedience extends beyond formal religious rituals to everyday and professional activities. Even working or engaging in trade to earn a living can become an act of worship when done with sincere intentions and in pursuit of God’s satisfaction.

Conversely, he warned that even prayer, one of the central acts of worship, loses its meaning as sincere devotion when performed for show, public recognition or personal gain. He urged believers to examine their intentions and hold themselves accountable, highlighting the central role of sincerity in Islamic ethics and spiritual life.