Hadith #3189

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

فِي اخْلاصِ الأعمالِ تَنافُسُ اُولِي النُّهى والألْبابِ۔

This can be translated as,

It is for making actions sincere that the people of intellect and understanding contend.

Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith. The word (ikhlas) "اخْلاصِ" means sincerity or purity of intention. It refers to performing actions solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), without any ulterior motives or desires for worldly gains. The term (tanafus) "تَنافُسُ" means to compete or strive. In this context, it signifies the competition or striving of the people of intellect and understanding to attain sincerity in their actions. The phrase (uli al-nuhah wal-albab) "اُولِي النُّهى والألْبابِ" refers to the people of knowledge and wisdom, those who possess deep understanding and insight.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 emphasizes the importance of sincerity in worship and highlights that true religion is based on sincerity towards Allah alone.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'arij (70:19-20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Indeed, mankind was created anxious: When evil touches him, impatient, And when good touches him, withholding [of it].

These verses highlight the inherent nature of human beings to be inclined towards selfish desires and worldly gains. However, the people of intellect and understanding strive to overcome these tendencies and compete in purifying their intentions and actions for the sake of Allah.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the true competition lies in making our actions sincere. It is not about outdoing one another in terms of wealth, status, or worldly achievements. Rather, it is about striving to purify our intentions and ensure that every action we undertake is solely for the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This competition is not limited to a specific aspect of life; rather, it encompasses all aspects of our existence.

When the people of intellect and understanding engage in this competition, they are motivated by their deep knowledge and wisdom. They understand that true success lies in the purity of their intentions and the sincerity of their actions. They are aware that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) sees the innermost thoughts and intentions of every individual, and thus they strive to align their actions with their beliefs.

The consequences of this competition are profound. When Muslims sincerely strive to make their actions pure and sincere, they become a source of inspiration for others. Their actions become a means of spreading goodness and righteousness in society. Moreover, this competition leads to personal growth and spiritual development. It strengthens the bond between the individual and Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and it brings about a sense of contentment and peace in the heart.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of constantly evaluating our intentions and striving to make our actions sincere. We should not be content with mere outward appearances or worldly recognition. Instead, we should seek to purify our intentions and align our actions with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can truly compete in the path of righteousness and strive to attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to compete in making their actions sincere. It emphasizes the importance of purifying our intentions and striving for the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we can attain personal growth, inspire others, and ultimately achieve success in this life and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to compete in sincerity and make our actions a means of drawing closer to Him.