Q: A woman says, "I am afraid of Riya' (showing off) and I am wary of it to the extent that I cannot advise some people or forbid them from certain acts, such as Ghibah (backbiting), Namimah (talebearing), and such like. I am afraid that would be Riya' and that people might think that I am dissembling, so I do not give them advice about anything. Sometimes I say to myself they are educated people and are not in need of my advice. What is your advice to me?"
A: This is one of Satan's tricks with which he holds people back from Da'wah (calling to Allah) and from enjoining the good and forbidding evil. He makes people think that this is Riya' or that people might think it is. Our sister in Islam, you should not pay attention to these thoughts. In fact it is obligatory on you to give advice to your sisters and brothers in Islam if you see them neglecting their religious obligations or committing forbidden deeds, such as Ghibah, Namimah, and not wearing their veils in the presence of men. You should not be afraid that this is Riya'.
You should be sincere to Allah and truthful to Him and expect good for doing good. You should ignore these whispers and tricks of Satan, as Allah knows what is in your heart, your intention, your sincerity towards Him (Exalted be He), and your honesty towards His Servants. Undoubtedly Riya' is Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) and it is not permissible to behave so, but it is also not permissible for believers to refrain from doing something that Allah has enjoined, such as calling people to His Path or enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil for fear of Riya'. They should beware of Riya', but at the same time they must discharge their obligations among men or women. Men and women are equal in this regard, as Allah (Glorified be He) states this in His Glorious Book saying: The believers, men and women, are Auliyâ' (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people) AlMa'rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do), and forbid (people) from AlMunkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islâm has forbidden); they perform AsSalât (IqâmatasSalât), and give the Zakât, and obey Allâh and His Messenger. Allâh will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allâh is AllMighty, AllWise.