Status updates are usually done on social media, for example by telling personal activities that are being carried out. Sometimes the status update contains content mentioning “his own kindness”.

Well, what’s the law? There are several possibilities for self-telling or self-activities. In short, if the intention and purpose is to tell the favors received or tahadduts bin-ni’mah then that is good. Likewise if the motive is to encourage others to also do good. But if the goal is to brag and show off then of course it’s not permissible. All of that potential returns to the heart and intention.

Between tahadduts bin-ni’mah and showing off or riya the difference is very thin, and it turns out that the difference goes back to the heart. Riya is expecting worldly goals through worship. The worldly goal can be to take benefits such as popularity, or to reject disadvantages such as covering up deficiencies. Whereas tahadduts bin-ni’mah is conveying a pleasure that he receives as a complement to his gratitude.

In another language, riya is aimed at humans with worship that should be for Allah, while tahadduts bin-ni’mah is targeted at Allah, even though it is conveyed to humans.

The command to perform tahadduts bin-ni’mah is mentioned in the Qur’an letter adh-Dhuha verse 11 – which means: “And for the favors of your Lord, you should mention them (with gratitude).” (QS. Adh-Dhuha: 11)

Al-Qurthubi explained, the party that is the object of discussion (mukhathab) in this verse is the Prophet Muhammad, but the law targets humans in general. That is, for the Prophet Muhammad and besides him. Al-Qurthubi explained, “Khithab in this verse is for the Prophet Shallallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam, but the law is general for him and other than him.” (Tafsir al-Qurtubi, 20/102).

Al-Hasan narrated from his father, Ali bin Abi Talib Radhiyallahu ‘Anhuma who said, “If you find something good, or after doing good, then convey it to your brother whom you trust.”

Ibn al-‘Arabi added, the motivation for conveying the favors was out of gratitude, not for pride and pride. Al-Qurthubi released Amr bin Maimun’s statement, “If you meet a trusted brother, someone tell him, ‘Last night Allah gave me the gift of being able to pray so many cycles of prayer.”