Hadith #10788

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

In sincerity of intentions lies the success of [all] matters.

This profound statement emphasizes the importance of having pure and sincere intentions in all our actions and endeavors. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ikhlas) "إخْلاصِ" in the Hadith refers to sincerity or purity of intention. It signifies the act of dedicating one's actions solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), seeking His pleasure and not desiring any worldly gain or recognition. This concept of sincerity is mentioned in the Quran in multiple verses.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Zumar (39:3),

Unquestionably, for Allah is the pure religion.

This verse highlights the importance of sincerity in worship and obedience to Allah. It reminds us that our actions should be solely directed towards pleasing Allah, without any ulterior motives or desires for personal gain.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Bayyinah (98:5), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth.

This verse emphasizes that the essence of true worship is sincerity towards Allah. It reinforces the idea that our intentions should be pure, focused solely on seeking Allah's pleasure and following the truth.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that the success of all matters lies in sincerity of intentions. This means that when we approach any task or endeavor with pure intentions, seeking Allah's pleasure and following His guidance, we are more likely to achieve success. This success is not limited to material or worldly gains, but encompasses spiritual growth, inner peace, and the attainment of Allah's blessings.

For example, if a person performs an act of charity with the intention of seeking Allah's pleasure and helping those in need, their sincerity will not only benefit the recipient but also purify their own soul. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:272),

Not upon you, [O Muhammad], is [responsibility for] their guidance, but Allah guides whom He wills. And whatever good you [believers] spend is for yourselves, and you do not spend except seeking the countenance of Allah. And whatever you spend of good - it will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged.

On the other hand, if a person performs an act of worship or good deed with insincere intentions, such as seeking praise or recognition from others, their actions lose their value in the sight of Allah. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns in Surah Al-Ma'un (107:4-6),

So woe to those who pray [but] who are heedless of their prayer - those who make show [of their deeds] and withhold [simple] assistance.

The consequences of sincerity or lack thereof in our intentions are not limited to the outcomes of our actions in this world. They also have an impact on our eternal life in the Hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77),

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that sincerity of intentions is the key to success in all matters. By purifying our intentions and seeking Allah's pleasure, we not only increase our chances of achieving success in this world but also secure our eternal success in the Hereafter. Let us strive to cultivate sincerity in all our actions, seeking Allah's guidance and blessings in every step we take. May Allah grant us the ability to have pure intentions and bless us with success in this life and the Hereafter.