Muslims are expected to perform all deeds for Allah’s pleasure and are
accepted and rewarded only if performed solely for His pleasure. It is also
stated 70 times in the Glorious Qur’an as “Fi Sabilillah”. Intention is the
pillar of worship. Any act of “Furu-e-Deen” performed without intention of
pleasure of Allah is invalid, e.g. fasting without intention is dieting only!
Any action done without intention or with ungodly intention is invalid (Batil).
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) quoted a statement of Allah as, “I do not accept anyone
except the one who is sincere to me.” Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, “The heart is the
sanctuary of Allah, so do not allow anyone to dwell therein except Allah.” “And
not associate anyone with the worship of his Lord”. Sincerity is crucial for
the acceptance of deeds. Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) said, “The penetration of
polytheism (shirk) in a man’s work, is subtler than the movement of an ant on a
dark night on a black rock!” In one of the sayings of Imam Ali (a.s.) about
sincerity, he says, “The acceptance and exaltation of deeds depends on
sincerity. When the intention is corrupt, affliction will come.” The Noble
Prophet said, “Verily, the action is (judged) by the intention behind it. Anyone
who, out of sincerity and uprightness, prays for martyrdom, Allah will include
him in the company of martyrs on the Day of Resurrection even if he dies in
bed.”
Ways of acquiring sincerity:
1. Attention to values; Man was given status
of vicegerent of Allah on earth and He compensates the good intentions by
awarding Paradise, accepts even small deeds, even conceals his wicked deeds.
2. Reflecting on creation enhances our
cognition of the Power of Almighty Allah resulting in the direction of our
deeds towards Him with greater sincerity and pure intentions.
3. Attention to the Attributes of Allah;
learning, reciting and remembering His Attributes specially Jaushan Kabir
Supplication containing 1,000 names of Allah.
4. Attention to His Blessings; paying
attention to them draws the creatures toward Him and increases love for Him.
Hence, the Infallible Imams have always mentioned it in their supplications
like Imam Sajjad in Abu Hamza supplication and Imam Husayn (a.s.) in Du’a’
al-Arafah.
5. Attention to the sure gain; the outcome of
the deeds of those who strive in the way of Allah are certain. “Whoever desires
the Hereafter and strives for it with an effort worthy of it, should he be
faithful-the endeavor of such will be well-appreciated.” (17:19)
6. Attention to the worthlessness of the
world; he who is not seduced and charmed by the world and does not desire it,
will attain purity. Phrases such as “mata’-ul-ghurur”, ‘laibun and lahwun” used
in the Glorious Qur’an, depicts the worthlessness, deceptive nature, and
transitory world.
7. Attention to impotence of the created
beings; absolute Power belongs to God Almighty and none other than Him. Therefore,
anyone created by Allah is not worthy of focus of attention and worship.
8. Learning from other’s experience like
Prophet Noah’s son, Qarun, who rejected Prophet Musa’s invitation.
Signs of Sincerity:
1. Not expecting anything from others; the
person is not influenced by the criticism or appreciation.
2. Focusing on duty, not on money, title or
fame.
3. Having no regrets for offering services or assistance.
4. Treating receptivity and heedlessness
equally.
5. Consistency of motive and action.
6. Lack of wealth and position does not
hinder.
7. Oneness of the apparent and hidden. Imam
Ali (a.s.) said, “One who is honest in his secret activities as in overt deeds,
has sincerely obeyed Allah only to achieve His favors and blessings. “
8. Without factional bigotry and partisanship.
9. Pursuit of important works undone. God gives
significant impact to even small deeds performed sincerely.
10. Desisting from error. The fact that one
persists in error shows his lack of sincerity.
Source: The
radiance of the Secrets of Prayer by Professor Muhsin Qarati
A Commentary on Prayer by Professor Muhsin Qarati
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