Differences between Riyaa and seeking worldly gain (إرادة الدنيا):

1⃣) Riyaa relates to seeking an intangible matter (معنوي) that occurs in the minds of others, while the desire for worldly gain pertains to a tangible matter (محسوس) that directly benefits the one who desires it, such as wealth, status, and power. 2⃣) Riyaa involves performing an action for someone other than Allah, whereas the intention for worldly gain may still involve Allah (in some aspects). 3⃣) All forms of Riyaa are prohibited, whereas some intentions for worldly gain may be permissible. 4⃣) Riyaa nullifies the act it accompanies, whereas the intention for worldly gain may not necessarily nullify it. 5⃣) Riyaa may affect the servant in some actions, and usually, they do not persist in them, while the desire for worldly gain may dominate their intentions in many actions, leading the servant to persist in them. From this, we understand that Riyaa is a type of worldly desire, but not every world desire is Riyaa (عموم وخصوص مطلق). See: "Taysir Al-'Azeez Al-Hameed."