The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, said: 'Shall I not inform you of what I fear for you more than the maseeh ud-dajjaal? It is the hidden shirk. It is when a man stands up for prayer, and he beautifies his prayer because he sees the people looking at him.' (Sunan Ibn Majah Vol 2, 3389)



The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, taught the specific dua for riyaa:

'Allahumma inna na-oothu bika an-nushrika bika shay'an na'lamuhu, wa nastagfiruka limaa laa na'lamuh.'

'O Allah, we seek refuge in You from committing shirk knowingly, and ask your forgiveness for (the shirk that we may commit unknowingly)'.