Hadith #10780

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Having good aims [and intentions] is an indication of legitimate birth.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (jameel) "جَمِيلُ" in the hadith refers to having good or beautiful aims. It signifies the importance of having noble intentions and pure motives in all our actions. This word highlights the significance of sincerity and righteousness in our deeds, as it is the intention behind an action that determines its true value in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The term (maqsad) "مَقْصَدِ" in the hadith refers to the aim or objective of an action. It emphasizes the need for Muslims to have righteous goals and intentions in all aspects of life. This includes our worship, interactions with others, and pursuit of knowledge. By aligning our intentions with the teachings of Islam, we can ensure that our actions are in accordance with the divine guidance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that having good aims is an indication of legitimate birth. This statement implies that a person's intentions reflect the purity of their heart and soul. Just as a legitimate birth signifies the authenticity and legitimacy of a person's lineage, having good aims indicates the sincerity and righteousness of an individual's faith.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the concept of having good intentions and aims. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 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 emphasizes the importance of sincerity in worship and the need to have pure intentions when performing acts of devotion. It reinforces the idea that our intentions should be solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and not for any worldly gain or recognition.

Another verse that supports the concept of good aims is found in Surah Al-Isra, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 6:162)

Say, 'Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.'

This verse highlights the comprehensive nature of having good aims. It reminds us that all aspects of our lives should be dedicated to pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His pleasure. Our intentions should be aligned with the teachings of Islam, and our actions should reflect our devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate their intentions and aims. It encourages us to strive for sincerity and righteousness in all our actions, knowing that our intentions have a direct impact on the legitimacy and value of our deeds.

By purifying our intentions and aligning them with the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), we can ensure that our actions are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This will not only bring us closer to our Creator but also lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life as Muslims.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to have good aims and intentions in all aspects of our lives. May He purify our hearts and guide us on the path of righteousness. Ameen.