Hadith #10783

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Good intention is from the soundness of [one’s] conscience.

This enlightening Hadith emphasizes the importance of having a pure and sincere intention in all our actions. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (husn) "حُسْنُ" in Arabic means "good" or "excellent." It signifies the quality of something being morally upright, virtuous, and praiseworthy. In the context of this Hadith, (husn al-niyyah) "حُسْنُ النِّيَّةِ" refers to having a good intention. It implies that our intentions should be pure, sincere, and aligned with seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The word (salamah) "سَلامَةِ" means "soundness" or "wholeness." It signifies the state of being free from any defects or impurities. In this Hadith, (salamat al-tawiyah) "سَلامَةِ الطَّوِيَّةِ" refers to the soundness of one's conscience. It implies that a good intention contributes to the overall well-being and righteousness of an individual.

The Quran emphasizes the significance of intention in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 98:5)

And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give zakah. And that is the correct religion

This verse highlights the importance of sincerity in worshipping Allah alone. It emphasizes that our intentions should solely be directed towards seeking His pleasure and not for any worldly gains or recognition.

Another verse that supports the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Mumtahanah, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 60:8)

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly

This verse highlights the importance of having good intentions and treating others with justice and fairness, regardless of their beliefs or actions towards us.

The exegesis of this Hadith emphasizes the profound impact of having a good intention in our daily lives. When our intentions are pure and sincere, it reflects the soundness of our conscience. It means that we are conscious of our actions, seeking to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving to do what is morally right.

Having a good intention affects our thoughts, words, and deeds. It motivates us to perform acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and giving charity, with sincerity and devotion. It also influences our interactions with others, encouraging us to be kind, just, and compassionate.

For example, if a person intends to give charity solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), their intention is driven by the desire to help those in need and seek the pleasure of Allah. This intention purifies their act of charity and elevates it to a higher level of righteousness.

On the other hand, if a person's intention is tainted by seeking recognition or showing off, their act of charity loses its sincerity and becomes a means of self-glorification. This corrupt intention diminishes the value of their charity in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The consequences of having a good intention are far-reaching. It not only brings us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) but also enhances the quality of our actions and strengthens our relationship with others. It instills a sense of integrity, honesty, and righteousness in our character, making us better Muslims and contributing positively to society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of having a good intention in all aspects of our lives. It reminds us that our intentions should be pure, sincere, and solely directed towards seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By aligning our intentions with the teachings of the Quran, we can strive towards a sound and righteous conscience, leading to a life of purpose, fulfillment, and spiritual growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to have good intentions in all our actions and bless us with a sound and pure conscience.