Hadith #10790

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon the Seal of the Prophets, Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ أساءَ النِّيَّةَ مُنِعَ الأُمْنِيَّةَ۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever has an evil intention is deprived of his aspiration.

In this beautiful saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of having pure intentions in achieving our goals and aspirations.

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith. The word (asa'a) "أساءَ" refers to having an evil or corrupt intention. It implies harboring ill-will, malice, or harmful motives towards others. The word (niyyah) "النِّيَّةَ" denotes intention, the innermost motivation behind our actions. It is the driving force that shapes our deeds and determines their moral value. Lastly, the word (al-umniyyah) "الأُمْنِيَّةَ" can be translated as aspiration or desire. It represents our hopes, dreams, and goals that we strive to achieve.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of pure intentions in our actions. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177, Allah says,

It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the East or the West, but righteous is the one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse highlights that true righteousness lies not in mere outward rituals, but in the sincerity of our intentions and the actions that stem from them. It teaches us that our deeds are only valuable if they are accompanied by a pure heart and a genuine desire to please Allah. Similarly, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 27, Allah warns against the consequences of evil intentions, stating,

And recite to them the story of Adam's two sons, in truth, when they both offered a sacrifice [to Allah], and it was accepted from one of them but was not accepted from the other. Said [the latter], 'I will surely kill you.' Said [the former], 'Indeed, Allah only accepts from the righteous [who fear Him].'

This verse illustrates the story of Cain and Abel, where the acceptance of Abel's sacrifice and the rejection of Cain's sacrifice were based on the purity of their intentions. Cain's evil intention led to the rejection of his offering, highlighting the importance of sincerity and purity in our actions.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that having an evil intention not only corrupts our actions but also hinders us from achieving our aspirations. When our intentions are tainted with ill-will, envy, or selfishness, our actions become devoid of sincerity and righteousness. This lack of purity prevents us from attaining true success and fulfillment in our endeavors.

For example, if someone aspires to succeed in their career, but their intention is driven solely by greed and the desire for power, their actions may lead to temporary success but will ultimately leave them feeling empty and unfulfilled. On the other hand, if someone approaches their career with the intention of serving others, making a positive impact, and seeking the pleasure of Allah, their actions will be guided by sincerity and righteousness. This pure intention will not only bring them success in this world but also in the Hereafter.

The consequences of evil intentions extend beyond our worldly pursuits. They also have spiritual implications. When we harbor ill-will towards others, it creates a negative energy within us that distances us from Allah's mercy and blessings. Conversely, when our intentions are pure and aligned with the teachings of Islam, we invite the divine favor and blessings into our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of having pure intentions in achieving our aspirations. It reminds us that our intentions shape the moral value of our actions and determine our success in this world and the Hereafter. By aligning our intentions with the teachings of Islam, we can strive for righteousness, sincerity, and the pleasure of Allah. May Allah guide us to purify our intentions and grant us success in all our endeavors.