Hadith #7765

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The basis of an action [and its acceptance] is the sincerity in it.

This impactful Hadith emphasizes the importance of sincerity in our actions, highlighting that it is the key factor in determining the acceptance and value of our deeds in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (ikhlas) "إخْلاصُ" translates to sincerity or purity of intention. It refers to the act of performing an action solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), seeking His pleasure and reward, without any ulterior motives or desires for worldly gains. It is the act of dedicating our actions solely to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), with no intention of showing off or seeking praise from others.

The significance of sincerity in our actions is emphasized in the Quran as well. In Surah Al-Zumar (39:3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Is it not to Allah that sincere devotion is due?

This verse reminds us that true devotion and sincerity should be directed solely towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), as He is the only one deserving of our worship and obedience.

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 highlights that the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) are centered around sincere worship and devotion to Him alone. It emphasizes the importance of sincerity in our religious practices and the need to align ourselves with the truth.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that sincerity is not only the basis of our actions but also the key to their acceptance. When we perform an action with sincerity, it means that we are doing it solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), seeking His pleasure and reward. This sincerity in our intentions elevates the value of our actions in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and increases the likelihood of their acceptance.

On the other hand, if our intentions are tainted with worldly desires, such as seeking praise, recognition, or material gains, our actions lose their sincerity and become diluted. In Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against such intentions, saying,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world.

This verse reminds us to prioritize the Hereafter and not to let worldly desires corrupt our intentions.

The consequences of sincerity in our actions are profound. When we perform acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, giving charity, or performing Hajj, with sincerity, we establish a deep connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Our actions become a means of purifying our souls, strengthening our faith, and seeking closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Sincere actions also have a transformative effect on our character, as they instill qualities such as humility, selflessness, and devotion.

Moreover, sincerity in our actions serves as a motivation for continuous improvement and self-reflection. When we strive to purify our intentions and seek Allah's pleasure, we become more conscious of our actions and their impact on our spiritual growth. This self-awareness helps us identify and rectify any shortcomings or deficiencies in our worship, allowing us to constantly strive for excellence in our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of sincerity in our actions. It reminds us that the basis of an action and its acceptance lies in the purity of intention. By performing our actions solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), seeking His pleasure and reward, we establish a deep connection with Him and increase the likelihood of our deeds being accepted. Sincerity in our actions not only has profound consequences in this world but also plays a crucial role in shaping our eternal destiny in the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to purify our intentions and perform all our actions with utmost sincerity.