Hadith #3170

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الإخْلاصُ ثَمَرَةُ العِبادَةِ" which translates to

Sincerity is the fruit of worship.

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of sincerity in our acts of worship.

Let us first delve into the meaning of the word (ikhlas) "إخْلاص" which is translated as "sincerity." Ikhlas refers to the purity of intention and the absence of any hidden motives or desires. It is the act of performing an action solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) without seeking any worldly gains or recognition. Ikhlas is the essence of worship, as it elevates our acts from mere rituals to a means of attaining closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The word (ibadah) "عِبادَةِ" in this Hadith refers to worship. It encompasses all acts of devotion and obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), including prayer, fasting, charity, and other righteous deeds. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the true essence of worship lies in sincerity.

The concept of sincerity is deeply rooted in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Zumar (39:3),

Unquestionably, for Allah is the pure religion. And those who take protectors besides Him [say], 'We only worship them that they may bring us nearer to Allah in position.' Indeed, Allah will judge between them concerning that over which they differ. Indeed, Allah does not guide he who is a liar and [confirmed] disbeliever.

This verse highlights that the pure religion is solely for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It warns against associating partners with Allah and seeking intermediaries in worship. True worship is directed towards Allah alone, with sincerity and without any ulterior motives.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-An'am (6:162), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Say, 'Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.'

This verse emphasizes the comprehensive nature of worship, encompassing all aspects of life. It reminds us that our actions should be solely dedicated to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), with sincerity and devotion.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that sincerity is the fruit of worship. When we perform acts of worship with true sincerity, it brings about profound spiritual and moral transformations within us. Sincere worship purifies our hearts, strengthens our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and leads to the attainment of His pleasure and blessings.

For example, when we offer our prayers with sincerity, focusing solely on pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His nearness, our prayers become a means of spiritual elevation and self-discipline. Similarly, when we give charity sincerely, without seeking recognition or worldly gains, it becomes a source of purification and a means of helping those in need.

Conversely, insincerity in worship can have detrimental effects on our spiritual growth. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns in Surah Al-Munafiqun (63:4),

And when you see them, their forms please you, and if they speak, you listen to their speech. [They are] as if they were pieces of wood propped up - they think that every shout is against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded?

This verse describes the hypocrites who perform acts of worship for show and recognition. Their insincerity renders their worship devoid of any spiritual value. They seek praise from others rather than seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Such insincerity leads to spiritual stagnation and distances them from the true essence of worship.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that sincerity is the fruit of worship. It emphasizes the importance of purifying our intentions and performing acts of worship solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Sincere worship brings about spiritual growth, strengthens our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and leads to the attainment of His pleasure and blessings. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to worship Him with utmost sincerity and devotion.