Hadith #5227

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Corruption of intention is from wretchedness.

This profound statement highlights the significance of having pure and sincere intentions in all our actions. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The word (shaqaa) "شَّقاءِ" in this Hadith refers to wretchedness or misery. It signifies a state of being deprived of goodness and happiness. The word (fasad) "فَسادُ" means corruption or decay. It refers to the deterioration or distortion of something from its original state.

To understand the significance of intention in our lives, we can turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177:

It is not righteousness that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] 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 emphasizes that true righteousness is not merely in performing outward acts of worship, but it lies in the purity of one's faith and the sincerity of one's intentions. It is the inner motivation behind our actions that truly matters. If our intentions are corrupted, our actions lose their value and become devoid of righteousness.

Another verse that sheds light on the importance of intention is found in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 110:

Say, 'I am only a man like you, to whom has been revealed that your god is one God. So whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord - let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone.'

This verse reminds us that the ultimate goal of our actions should be to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to meet Him in the Hereafter. Our intentions should be solely directed towards pleasing Allah, and we should avoid any form of association or partnership in His worship. This highlights the importance of sincerity and purity of intention in our worship.

When we reflect on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we realize that corruption of intention leads to wretchedness and misery. When our intentions are tainted by selfish desires, pride, or hypocrisy, our actions lose their sincerity and become hollow. We may engage in acts of worship or good deeds, but if our intentions are not pure, we will not attain true righteousness or the pleasure of Allah.

For example, if someone donates to charity only to gain recognition or to show off, their intention is corrupted. Although the act of charity may benefit others, it will not bring them closer to Allah or elevate their spiritual status. On the other hand, if someone donates sincerely, seeking only the pleasure of Allah and the well-being of others, their intention is pure, and their act of charity becomes a means of attaining righteousness and closeness to Allah.

Similarly, if someone prays or performs acts of worship to be seen by others, their intention is corrupted. Their actions may appear righteous on the surface, but they lack sincerity and true devotion to Allah. Conversely, if someone prays with a pure intention, seeking only the pleasure of Allah and striving to establish a deep connection with Him, their prayer becomes a source of spiritual growth and fulfillment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that corruption of intention leads to wretchedness. It reminds us of the importance of having pure and sincere intentions in all our actions. Our intentions should be solely directed towards pleasing Allah and seeking His pleasure. By purifying our intentions, we can attain true righteousness, spiritual growth, and the ultimate success in this life and the Hereafter. May Allah guide us to always have pure intentions and protect us from the corruption of our hearts.