Hadith #10778

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

تَقَرُّبُ العَبْدِ إلَى اللّهِ سُبْحانَهُ بِإخْلاصِ نِيَّتِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

The servant attains nearness to Allah through the sincerity of his intention.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith by examining the important words it contains. The word (taqarrub) "تَقَرُّبُ" means "attaining nearness" or "drawing closer." It signifies the spiritual proximity that a servant can achieve with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through their actions and intentions. (al-'abd) "العَبْدِ" refers to the servant, emphasizing the humility and subservience that one should have towards Allah. (ikhlas) "إخْلاصِ" means sincerity or purity of intention, highlighting the importance of having a genuine and pure motive in all our actions.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 emphasizes the importance of sincerity in worship and obedience to Allah. It reminds us that our actions should be solely for the sake of Allah, without any ulterior motives or desires for worldly gains.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (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 sincerity and justice in our interactions with others. It teaches us that our intentions should be pure, even when dealing with those who may not share our beliefs or values.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that true nearness to Allah can only be achieved through sincerity of intention. It reminds us that our actions should not be driven by worldly desires, recognition, or personal gain. Instead, our intentions should be solely focused on seeking the pleasure of Allah and fulfilling our duties as His servants.

When we perform acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, or giving charity, we should do so with a sincere intention of seeking Allah's pleasure and drawing closer to Him. Our intention should not be tainted by seeking praise or validation from others. This Hadith encourages us to constantly purify our intentions and align them with the teachings of Islam.

Moreover, the sincerity of our intentions extends beyond acts of worship. It encompasses all aspects of our lives, including our relationships, work, and daily interactions. We should strive to be sincere in our dealings with others, treating them with kindness, justice, and compassion, regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds.

The consequences of practicing the teachings of this Hadith are profound. When we approach our actions with sincerity and purity of intention, we develop a deep connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Our acts of worship become a means of spiritual elevation and a source of inner peace. Moreover, our sincerity in our interactions with others fosters unity, harmony, and a sense of community among Muslims.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the immense knowledge and wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His profound understanding of the Quran and his exemplary character serve as a guiding light for all Muslims. May we strive to emulate his sincerity and purity of intention in all aspects of our lives, and may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to attain nearness to Him through the sincerity of our intentions.