Hadith #10775

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

إحْسانُ النِّيَّةِ يُوجِبُ المَثُوبَةَ۔

This can be translated as,

Having a good intention brings about reward.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ihsan) "إحْسانُ" in this Hadith refers to excellence, perfection, or doing something in the best possible manner. It encompasses sincerity, righteousness, and the act of going above and beyond what is required. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to having a good intention, which is the foundation of all our actions.

The word (niyyah) "النِّيَّةِ" means intention. It is the inner motive or purpose behind our actions. It is the driving force that determines the value and reward of our deeds in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Our intentions shape the nature and outcome of our actions, and they are a reflection of our inner state and sincerity.

The Hadith emphasizes that having a good intention is not only praiseworthy but also leads to reward. This concept is beautifully supported by several Quranic verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197),

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

Here, Taqwa refers to God-consciousness and having a righteous intention in all our actions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mulk (67:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

It is He who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.

This verse highlights that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) created us to test our actions and intentions. The quality of our deeds is determined by the purity and sincerity of our intentions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that our intentions are crucial in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we perform acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, or giving charity, it is not merely the outward actions that matter, but the intentions behind them. If our intentions are pure and solely for the sake of pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), then we will be rewarded accordingly.

For example, if someone prays with the intention of showing off or seeking praise from others, their prayer loses its value and reward. However, if someone prays with the intention of seeking closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and fulfilling their duty as a servant, their prayer becomes a means of attaining reward and spiritual growth.

Similarly, when we engage in acts of kindness, such as helping the needy or being compassionate towards others, our intentions play a vital role. If our intention is to seek recognition or worldly gain, our actions lose their sincerity. However, if our intention is to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and benefit His creation, our actions become a source of reward and blessings.

Having a good intention not only brings about reward in the Hereafter but also has a profound impact on our character and mindset in this world. When we consistently strive to purify our intentions and align them with the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), it cultivates a sense of sincerity, humility, and selflessness within us. It helps us develop a deep connection with our Creator and motivates us to excel in all aspects of our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the significance of having a good intention in our actions. It reminds us that our intentions shape the value and reward of our deeds in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By striving to purify our intentions and align them with the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can attain reward in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to have sincere intentions and accept our actions.