Hadith #3196

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "المخلص حري بالإجابة" which translates to

The sincere one is worthy of getting [his prayers] answered.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of sincerity in supplication and highlights the direct correlation between sincerity and the acceptance of prayers.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us first delve into the meaning of the key words. "Mukhlis" refers to someone who is sincere, genuine, and pure in their intentions. This individual is free from any ulterior motives or hidden agendas. "Hari" signifies worthiness, deservingness, or entitlement. It implies that the sincere person has a rightful claim to the acceptance of their supplications.

The concept of sincerity in worship and supplication is emphasized in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:61),

And they who give what they give while their hearts are fearful because they will be returning to their Lord.

This verse highlights the importance of having a sincere and fearful heart while giving in charity. It is not merely the act of giving that matters, but the intention behind it.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahina (60:4), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

There has already been for you an excellent pattern in Ibrahim and those with him, when they said to their people, 'Indeed, we are disassociated from you and from whatever you worship other than Allah. We have denied you, and there has appeared between us and you animosity and hatred forever until you believe in Allah alone.'

This verse highlights the sincerity of Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his companions in their rejection of polytheism and their unwavering devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Their sincerity in faith led to their prayers being answered and their status as role models for believers.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims that sincerity is a fundamental aspect of worship. It is not enough to merely perform acts of worship, but one must do so with a pure and sincere heart. When a person sincerely turns to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in supplication, seeking His help, guidance, or forgiveness, they become deserving of having their prayers answered.

The sincerity of the supplicant is reflected in their actions, intentions, and the level of trust they place in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When a person prays with sincerity, they are acknowledging their complete reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and recognizing that He alone has the power to fulfill their needs and desires. This sincerity is not limited to the words uttered during supplication but extends to the person's entire life, as they strive to align their actions with their intentions.

The consequences of sincerity in supplication are manifold. Firstly, it strengthens the bond between the supplicant and Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), as it demonstrates complete trust and reliance on Him. Secondly, it purifies the heart and soul of the supplicant, as they strive to remove any hidden desires or impurities that may hinder the acceptance of their prayers. Thirdly, it brings about a sense of peace and contentment, knowing that one has fulfilled their duty in seeking Allah's help and guidance.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are encouraged to cultivate sincerity in their worship and supplications. They should strive to purify their intentions, seeking only the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in their actions. By doing so, they become deserving of having their prayers answered and experience the profound spiritual connection that comes with sincere devotion.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds Muslims of the importance of sincerity in supplication. It highlights that the sincere one is deserving of having their prayers answered. By aligning their intentions with their actions and seeking Allah's pleasure, Muslims can strengthen their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and experience the transformative power of sincere worship. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be sincere in all our acts of worship and accept our supplications.