Hadith #3167

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous servants of Allah.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states: "اَلإخْلاصُ غايَةٌ۔" which translates to

Sincerity is the goal [of worship].

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for all Muslims, regardless of their sect or school of thought.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. "Al-Ikhlas" refers to sincerity or purity of intention. It entails performing acts of worship solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), without any ulterior motives or seeking praise from others. "Ghayah" means the ultimate objective or the highest aim. Therefore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting that sincerity is the ultimate goal of worship.

To understand the significance of sincerity in worship, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of pure intentions. In Surah Al-Zumar (39:3), Allah says,

Indeed, We have sent down to you the Book, [O Muhammad], in truth. So worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion.

This verse emphasizes the necessity of sincerity in worship, as it is the foundation of true faith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Bayyinah (98:5), Allah states,

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.

Here, Allah highlights that sincerity is an essential aspect of the correct religion and the true path to worship Him.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that our acts of worship should be solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we perform acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, or giving charity, our intentions should be pure and focused on pleasing Allah alone. We should not seek recognition or praise from others, as this would taint the sincerity of our worship.

Sincerity in worship has profound consequences for the individual and the community. When we worship Allah sincerely, we develop a strong connection with Him and strengthen our faith. Our actions become a means of seeking His pleasure and attaining His mercy. Sincere worship also purifies our hearts and helps us overcome the diseases of the soul, such as arrogance, envy, and pride.

Moreover, sincerity in worship fosters unity and harmony within the Muslim community. When we prioritize pleasing Allah over seeking validation from others, we are less likely to engage in acts of showing off or competing with one another. This leads to a more humble and compassionate community, where individuals support and uplift one another in their pursuit of righteousness.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we should evaluate our intentions and strive to purify them. Are we performing acts of worship solely for the sake of Allah, or are we seeking recognition and praise from others? Are our actions driven by a genuine desire to please Allah, or are they influenced by worldly desires and ambitions?

Let us remember that sincerity is not a one-time achievement but a continuous effort. We must constantly purify our intentions and seek Allah's guidance to ensure that our worship is sincere. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to worship Him with utmost sincerity and make it the ultimate goal of our lives.