Hadith #3163

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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, "أخْلِصْ تَنَلْ۔" This can be translated into English as,

Be sincere and you will attain [success].

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this impactful saying in light of the Quran.

The word (ikhlas) "أخْلِصْ" in Arabic means 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 not desiring any worldly gain or recognition. This concept of sincerity is emphasized throughout the Quran.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Zumar (39:3),

Unquestionably, for Allah is the pure religion. And those who take protectors besides Him [say], 'We only worship them that they may bring us nearer to Allah in position.' Indeed, Allah will judge between them concerning that over which they differ. Indeed, Allah does not guide he who is a liar and [confirmed] disbeliever.

This verse highlights the importance of sincerity in worship. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the only one deserving of our worship, and any act of worship directed towards others is futile. Sincerity in worship is a fundamental aspect of Islam, as it purifies our intentions and ensures that our actions are solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Bayyinah (98:5), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 that sincerity is the essence of true religion. It is through sincerity that we are able to establish a strong connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and fulfill our obligations. Sincerity in worship leads to righteousness and the attainment of success in this life and the hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, advises us to be sincere in all our actions. By being sincere, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Sincerity brings about numerous benefits in our lives.

When we are sincere in our worship, we are more likely to perform our acts of devotion with excellence and diligence. Our prayers become heartfelt and our charity becomes selfless. Sincerity also helps us maintain consistency in our actions, as we are not swayed by the opinions or praise of others. We remain steadfast in our commitment to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His commands.

Moreover, sincerity in our interactions with others fosters trust and strengthens relationships. When we are sincere in our words and actions, people are more likely to believe in our integrity and rely on us. Sincerity also allows us to be genuine and authentic in our interactions, which leads to deeper connections and a sense of unity within the Muslim community.

On the contrary, insincerity and hypocrisy have severe consequences. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against hypocrisy in the Quran, stating in Surah Al-Tawbah (9:67),

The hypocrite men and hypocrite women are of one another. They enjoin what is wrong and forbid what is right and close their hands. They have forgotten Allah, so He has forgotten them [accordingly]. Indeed, the hypocrites - it is they who are the defiantly disobedient.

Hypocrisy tarnishes the purity of our intentions and leads to the rejection of our actions by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a dangerous trait that we must strive to avoid. Instead, we should constantly remind ourselves to be sincere in all aspects of our lives, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims to be sincere in their actions. By purifying our intentions and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can attain success in this life and the hereafter. Let us strive to be sincere in our worship, interactions, and endeavors, following the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be sincere in all our actions and bless us with success in this life and the hereafter.