Necessity of Sincerity in our Actions

Sincerity in our actions and words is extremely important for our deeds to be accepted. The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: "Verily, the reward of deeds depends upon the Niyyah (intentions) and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended." Therefore, every action that was not performed totally and completely for Allah’s Sake, and invalid and is of no use or benefit in this life and the Hereafter. The meaning for Niyyah is knowing the difference between the intention behind the act – A. if it is directed to Allah Alone B. to Allah and others This meaning carries with it A. happiness or misery B. reward or punishment. For example, two different persons might perform the same act, putting in the same amount of effort to it but one of them earns a reward while the other earns no reward, or even punishment, because the intentions were different in each case. Some scholars said that this is why people are at different levels (in the sight of Allah); it is according to the intentions behind their actions, not because of merely fasting and praying. Imam Ibn Rajab said: Know that performing deeds for anyone other than Allah is of different types. Sometimes, this action might be to show off and one want to be seen doing good deeds for some worldly benefit. For example, this is the state that the hypocrites pray in. Allah describes them as follows: "…And when they stand up for As-Salat (the prayer), they stand with laziness and to be seen by men, and they do not remember Allah but little…" (Surah An-Nisa: 142) Allah also described some as follows: "…And be not like those who come out of their homes boastfully and to be seen of men…" (Surah Al-Anfal:47) Thus, let’s remind ourselves that showing off can make us loose our acts of Ibadah or worship and may even lead us to earn Allah’s anger and punishment. Sometimes, the act might be for Allah and is mixed with showing off. In this case, if the intention of showing off was present at the time one intended to perform a righteous act, the act itself will be of no benefit at all. But when the act was started to gain Allah’s reward alone, but changed later on to include an intention to partially show off, then it will not erase the act, provided we try our best to get rid of these thoughts. As Musilms, therefore, we should worship Allah in sincerity and stay away from Riya’ (showing off) and evil intentions. We know from Quran and hadith that Allah does not look at one’s shapes and wealth, but rather at one’s hearts and actions. Performing a righteous deed solely for Allah can help us towards achieving states of Ikhlas (sincerity). This way, the act can be easily steered away from Riya’ (showing off). The Prophet (s) said in an authentic Hadith, that among the seven whom Allah shades under His Shade, on a day when there wiII be onIy His shade: " …A man who gives charitable gifts so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given (i.e., nobody knows how much he has given in charity)." In addition, Allah said: "If you let people know your Sadaqat or charity, it is well: but if you hide them and give them to the poor, that is better for you. (Allah) will forgive some of your sins." (Surah Al-Baqara:271) Scholars recommend that when a believer gives charity for a good cause, he should not want everyone to know about it. Again, we should be conscious of the fact that Allah always knows the real intentions behind our actions. To conclude, let’s ensure that we strive to clean our hearts, intentions, and acts from all types of Riya (showing off) and instead should direct our good acts for Allah alone. The real rewards and payback is only with Allah and that’s all that we should strive for. Allah says: Say (O Muhammad (S): "I am only a man like you. It has been revealed to me that your Ilah (God) is One Ilah (God – i.e. Allah). So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord." (Surah Al-Kahf:110) Inshalla,let us all strive a achieve Ikhlaas Sincerity in all of our actions. Amen

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