Hadith #3175

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, "الإخلاص أشرف نهاية" which translates to

Sincerity is the most honourable end.

This impactful Hadith emphasizes the significance and virtue of sincerity in our actions and intentions.

The word (Ikhlas) "إخلاص" in this Hadith refers to sincerity or purity of intention. It is derived from the root word (khalaṣa) "خَلَصَ" which means to be pure, sincere, or free from any hidden motives or ulterior desires. In the context of this Hadith, it signifies the act of performing deeds solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) without seeking any worldly gains or recognition.

The phrase (ashraful nihaayah) "أشرف نهاية" means the most honorable or noble end. It highlights the ultimate reward and outcome that awaits those who sincerely dedicate their actions to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It implies that sincerity is not only a means to attain success in this world and the hereafter but also the most dignified and honorable path to reach our ultimate destination.

The importance of sincerity in Islam is emphasized in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Bayyinah (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 highlights that sincerity is the essence of true worship. It emphasizes that our acts of worship, such as prayer and giving zakah, should be performed with pure intentions solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This sincerity is the foundation of the correct and upright religion.

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 that all aspects of our lives, including our prayers, sacrifices, and even our very existence, should be dedicated to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone. It reminds us that sincerity should permeate every aspect of our lives, making our actions a means of seeking closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and attaining His pleasure.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in this Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate their intentions and strive for sincerity in all their actions. It encourages us to purify our hearts and seek Allah's pleasure above all else. By doing so, we can attain the most honorable end, which is the ultimate success in this world and the hereafter.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that sincerity is not merely a superficial act of showing devotion but a profound transformation of the heart. It requires self-reflection, selflessness, and a constant striving to align our intentions with the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a lifelong journey that demands sincerity in our prayers, acts of worship, dealings with others, and every aspect of our lives.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate sincerity in our hearts and make it the guiding principle of our actions. May He bless us with the most honorable end and the ultimate success in this world and the hereafter. And Allah knows best.