S-5
ELEMENTS WHICH ADULTERATE SINCERITY
Some elements confuse people regarding sincerity and make them think that they are acting out of sincerity whereas they are actually giving fuel to their own selfish desires.
Sometimes a person is in such a state that even though he may resent the idea of showing off, he feels great pleasure when his actions are mentioned and praised.
A person may showoff, not by advertising his actions but by making some gesture to suggest that he has performed some good deeds.
A person may even hide his actions but show an attitude that demands respect and honor.
A person may be offering the voluntary night prayer with great difficulty but when a guest arrives he performs them with great ease.
A person may preen at his actions and feel that he has accomplished them with great sincerity.
Sometimes the person may want to accept the invitation of someone because he knows the food at the invite will be much better than the food at his house.
Sometimes a person may visit someone who loves someone for the sake of Allah (swt) for the sole purpose of eating and drinking.
SHOWING OFF AND ITS CATEGORIES
Showing Off Physically: This is by displaying fatigue and leanness in order to show the fear of the Hereafter.
Showing Off Through Clothes: This is to wear certain specific types of attire in order to show off that he is a scholar.
Showing Off Verbally: Usually people who give religious talks and lectures are guilty of this by showing off their immense knowledge.
Showing Off Through Actions: This is like prolonging prayers, informing people of fasting and charity.
Showing Off Through Visitors and Companions: This is when a person forces his way to visit a scholar or when a person wants a religious person to visit him for the sake of vanity.
ELEMENTS THAT MAY BE DEEMED AS SHOWING OFF BUT ARE NOT
People praising someone for good.
A person deriving energy on seeking others to engage in worship.
Liking good clothes and shoes.
Not exposing sins.
Becoming popular without any efforts.
TREATING THE DISEASE OF SHOWING OFF
Realizing the Might, the Names and Attributes of Allah (swt) and knowing Tawheed as much as possible.
Only Allah (swt) benefits and harms as much as he wishes.
Allah (swt) is all seeing and hearing.
Allah (swt) is Mighty and His Might should be realized through the might of some of His creation.
Knowing the forms of punishment and bliss in the grave.
Knowing the ahadeeth that describes the punishment of Hell.
Knowing as much as possible of what Allah (swt) has prepared for the pious in Paradise.
Remembering Death and the shortness of Life.
Knowing the value of the world and the fact that it is not here forever.
Dua’a (Supplication).
Fearing that showing off will be the last phase of one’s life.
Performing good deeds without announcing them and without performing them in public.
Keeping the company of those people who may be regarded as having sincerity, goodness and piety.
Fearing the fact that one is showing off.
Running away from being condemned by Allah (swt).
Regarding the fact that Allah (swt) remembers and giving the preference to Allah (swt)
remembrance over the remembrance of people.
Knowing the Devil is repelled by (those mentioned below)
Note: Please see Sahih Al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim for the description of Paradise and Hell.
WHAT REPELS THE DEVIL
1. When a person says “Laa ilaaha illallahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa Huwa ‘alaa kulli shay’in Qadeer (None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, Who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise and He is Able to do all things).” 100 times a day.
“Whoever recites this one hundred times a day will have the reward of freeing ten slaves. One hundred Hasanat (rewards) will be written for him and one hundred misdeeds will be washed away. He will be shielded from Shaytan until the evening. No one will be able to present anything better than this except for someone who has recited more than this.” (Sahih Bukhari 4/95, Sahih Muslim 4/2071)
Note:
· Evening begins after Asr’ prayer so read evening adhkar (invocations) after Asr’ prayer.
· Any adhkar (invocation) done unmindfully is without reward.
2. Reciting the Ayatul Kursi (The Verse of Kursi) at the time of sleeping
t Whoever reads this when he lies down to sleep will have a guardian from Allah remain with him and Shaytan will not be able to come near him until he rises in the morning. (Al-Bukhari, cf. Al-Asqalani, Fath Al-Bari 4/487)
Hadith: Abu Hurairah (ra) guarding amanah catching thief who turned out to be Shaytan.
Narrated Abu Hurairah (ra): Allah’s Messenger (saw) ordered me to guard the Zakat revenue of Ramdan. Then somebody came to me and started stealing of the foodstuff. I caught him and said, “I will take you to Allah’s Messenger (saw)!” Then Abu Hurairah desribed the whole narration and said: That person said (to me), “(Please don’t take me to Allah’s Messenger (saw) and I will tell you a few words by which Allah will benefit you.) When you go to your bed, recite Ayat-ul-Kursi (2:255), from then there will be a guard from Allah who will protect you all night long, and Satan will not be able to come near you till dawn.” (When the Prophet (saw) heard the story) he said (to me), “He (who came to you at night) told you the truth although he is a liar; and it was Satan.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, 6/5010)
3. When a person sees something which he dislikes, he should spit on his left side three times and seek Allah’s (swt) Refuge from the evil of what he has seen
Hadith: dreams are from Allah while nightmares are from Shaytan
Abu Salamah reported that Abu Qatadah (ra) narrated: I heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) saying: “A good dream is from Allah, and a bad dream is from Satan. So, if anyone of you sees (in a dream) something he dislikes, when he gets up, he should spit thrice (on his left side), and seek refuge from Allah from its evil, then it will not harm him.” (Bukhari 5747, Muslim 1516)
Hadith: telling / relating your dreams to other people
Abu Salamah: I used to see a dream which would make me sick until I heard Abu Qatadah saying, “I, too, used to see a dream which would make me sick until I heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) saying, ‘A good dream is from Allah, so if you see a dream which you like, you should not tell it to anybody except to the one whom you love. And if you see a dream which you dislike, then you should seek refuge with Allah from its evil and from the evil of Satan, and spit three times (on your left) and do not tell anybody about it, then it will not harm him.’” (Bukahari 7044, Muslim 1517)
4. On leaving the house, a person should say: “Bismillahi, tawakkaltu ala Allah. Laa hawla wa laa quwwata illaa Billahi Ta’ala (In the Name of Allah, I have placed my trust in Allah, there is no might and power except by Allah).”
Hadith: Angel will protect and guide you, Shaytan is diverted from you.
5. Remembering Allah (swt) when entering the house and when eating
Upon entering the house say “Bismillaahi walajnaa, wa bismillahi kharajnaa, wa ‘alaa Rabbinaa tawakkalnaa (In the Name of Allah we enter, in the Name of Allah we leave, and upon our Lord we depend).” Then say As-Salaamu ‘Alaikum to those who are present
When anyone of you begins eating, say: “Bismillaah (In the Name of Allah).”
Hadith:
Jabir bin Abdullah (ra) narrated: I heard the Prophet (saw) saying: “If a man enters his house and mentions Allah and when he eats and says the same; the Satan says: “No room to spend the night or have food.” And if he enters without saying: “With the Name of Allah’, Satan says: “We will spend the night (here).” Then if he does not say Allah’s Name when he eats, Satan says: “We will spend the night and have food.” (Muslim 1297)
6. On entering the masjid
Hadith: being protected for the rest of the day.
Abu Humaid (or: Abu Usaid) (ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “When one of you enters a mosque, let him say ‘O Allah! Open for me the doors of Your mercy.’ And when he steps out, let him say: ‘O Allah! I ask for your bounty.’” (Muslim 247)
7. At the time of calling the adhan
Hadith: Shaytan running when he hears the adhan
t Abu Hurairah (ra) narrated that the Prophet (saw) said: “When the Adhan is pronounced, Satan takes to his heels and passes wind to avoid hearing the Adhan. When the Adhan is over, he comes back, and again takes to his heels when the Iqamah is pronounced and after its completion, he returns to whisper into the heart of a person (to distract him from his prayer) and makes him remember things which he does not recall before until man forgets how many Rak’ah he prayed.” (Muslim 196)
Hadith: Prophet (saw) being distracted by Shaytan during tashahud, let go of Shaytan because of the dua’a of Sulaiman (as)
Abu Darda (ra) narrated: The Messenger of Allah (saw) stood (to perform prayer) and we heard him saying: “I seek refuge with Allah from you,” then he said: “ I curse you by the curse of Allah,” (thrice), and stretched his hands as if was catching something. When he finished the prayer, we said: “O Messenger of Allah, we heard you saying something (words) in the prayer which we have not heard you say before, and we saw you stretch your hands.” He said: “The enemy of Allah, Iblis, came (to me) having a burning brand of fire to keep (it) on my face. So I said: ‘I seek refuge in Allah from you’ (three times) then I uttered three times ‘I curse you by the curse of Allah’, but he did not slip back. Then I intended to catch him. By Allah if I had not remembered the supplication of my brother Sulaiman, I would have catch him and tie him so that the boys of Al-Madinah would make fun of him.” (Muslim 306)
8. At the time of seeking refuge from the devil
tNarrated Atiyyah as-Sa'di: AbuWa'il al-Qass said: We entered upon Urwah ibn Muhammad ibn as-Sa'di. A man spoke to him and made him angry. So he stood and performed ablution; he then returned and performed ablution, and said: My father told me on the authority of my grandfather Atiyyah who reported the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) as saying: Anger comes from the devil, the devil was created of fire, and fire is extinguished only with water; so when one of you becomes angry, he should perform ablution. (Book 41, Number 4766: Abu Dawood)
9. The Prophet (saw) said, “When you are aware of his (devil) presence then seek refuge in Allah (swt) from him and spit on your left side 3 times
10. Abu Zamil asked Ibnu Abbas: I find certain things confusing so he was told Hual Awwal Wal Aakhir Wazzahir Wal Batin Wa Huwa Bikulle Shaiin Alim
11. The Prophet (saw) said, “A strong believer is better and more liked by Allah than a believer who is weak, and there is goodness in everybody.”
12. At the time of having sexual intercourse: Allah (swt) has destined that a child should be born for them because of that co-habitation then the devil will never hurt that child
Hadith: dua’a on cohabitation
Ibn ‘Abbas narrated that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “If anyone of you intends to have an intercourse with his wife, he should say: “I begin with the Name of Allah, O Allah, keep Shaitan away from us, and keep Shaitan away from what you provide us.’ Then if Allah ordains a child for them, Satan will never be able to harm him.” (Bukhari 5165, Muslim 828)
13. Saying: “I seek refuge in Allah (swt) from the cursed devil” then his anger will go away with him
Hadith
Sulaiman Bin Surad (ra) narrated: Two men abused each other in front of the Prophet (saw) while we were sitting with him. One of the two abused his companion furiously and his face became red. The Prophet (saw) said, “I know a word the saying of which will cause him to relax if this man says it: ‘I seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the outcast’.”
Thereupon, a person went to him who had heard that from the Prophet (saw) and said to him: “Do you know what the Messenger of Allah (saw) said? He said: I know of a wording; if he were to say that (the anger) would be no more (and the words are): ‘I seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the outcast’.” And the person said to him: “Do you find me mad?” (Bukhari 6115, Muslim 1792)
14. Do not say: “May the devil perish!” but say: “in the name of Allah”
t Narrated a man: AbulMalih reported on the authority of a man: I was riding on a mount behind the Prophet (peace_be_upon_him). It stumbled. Thereupon I said: May the devil parish! He said: Do not say: May the devil perish! for if you say that , he will swell so much so that he will be like a house, and say: By my power. But say: In the name of Allah; for when you say that, he will diminish so much so that he will be like a fly. (Book 41, Number 4946: Abu Dawood)
15. The Prophet (saw) said that when a person sees something that strikes him, amazes him or dreams about, he should ask Allah (swt) to give him barakah because evil eye is true
16. Seek protection against the Jinn and evil eye with Surah Falaq and An-Nas
It has been reported from Abu Sa’id that Allah’s Messenger (saw) used to seek protection against the evil eyes of the Jinns and mankind. But when the Mu’awwidhatayn (Surah Al-Ikhlas and Surah An-Nas) were revealed, he used them (for protection) and abandoned all else besides them (At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasa’i and Ibn Majah)
17. The Prophet (saw) said, “When a son of Adam recites an ayah of Sajdah and falls into prostration, Satan goes into seclusion and weeps.”
It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that when, the son of Adam recites the Ayat of Sajdah (prostration) and then falls down in prostration, the Satan goes into seclusion and weeps and says: Alas, and in the narration of Abu Kuraib the words are: Woe unto me, the son of Adam was commanded to prostrate, and he prostrated and Paradise was entitled to him and I was commanded to prostrate, but I refused and am doomed to Hell. (Book 001, Number 0144: Sahih Muslim)
18. The Prophet (saw) said, “Do not make your houses as graveyards, satan runs away from the house in which Surah Al-Baqarah is recited.”
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) as saying: Do not make your houses as graveyards. Satan runs away from the house in which Surah Baqarah is recited. (Book 004, Number 1707: Sahih Muslim)
19. The hadith of the Prophet (saw) with Abu Bakker and Umar regarding the recitation of the Qur’an
Ibn 'Abbas reported: The word of (Allah) Great and Glorious: 'And utter not thy prayer loudly, nor be low in it" (xvii. 110) was revealed as the Messenger of Allah (may peace beupon him) was hiding himself in Mecca. When he led his Companions in prayer he raised his voice (while reciting the) Qur'an. And when the polytheists heard that, they reviled the Qur'an and Him Who revealed it and him who brought it. Upon this Allah, the Exalted, said to His Apostle (peace be upon him): Utter not thy prayer so loudly that the polytheists may hear thy recitation and (recite it) not so low that it may be inaudible to your Companions. Make them hear the Qur'an, but do not recite it loudly and seek a (middle) way between these. Recite between loud and low tone. (Book 004, Number 0897: Sahih Muslim)
20. Imam Ahmed was asked: “Should a man point a finger in salah?” He said: “Yes he should do so vigorously.”
“When he raised his finger, he would move it, supplicating with it”, and he used to say, “It is surely more powerful against the devil than iron, meaning the forefinger.”(Ahmad, Bazzaar, Abu Ja'far al-Bukhteeri in al-Amaali (60/1), 'Abdul Ghani al-Maqdisi in his Sunan (12/2) with a hasan sanad, Rooyaani in his Musnad (249/2) & Baihaqi .)
FRUITS OF SHOWING SINCERITY TO ALLAH (SWT)
Help for the Ummah
Protection from the punishment of the Hereafter
Elevation of the status in the Hereafter
Being delivered from misguidance in the world
Increase in guidance
The people of the heaven like and love the people who are sincere
Acceptance is placed for the sincere person on earth by Allah (swt)
Good reputation among people
To dispel grief and worries of the world
Allah (swt) creates tranquility and peace in hearts
Faith is beautiful within the hearts and wickedness and disobedience is made distasteful
Keeping company of the sincere people
Bearing austere difficulties in this world no matter how severe they are
Sincerity in asking Allah (swt) repentance in the final stages of our life
The answering of invocations and prayers
The bliss and joy in the grave
PUNISHMENT IN SHOWING OFF
The defeat of the Ummah
Punishment in the Hereafter
The increase of misguidance in this world
The hatred of the people of heaven to the people who shows off
The hatred of the people of earth to the people who shows off
Feeling of anxiety and distress
Threat of a bad end
Embarrassment of the person who shows off in front of everybody
HADITH REGARDING SINCERITY AND WARNING AGAINST SHOWING OFF
There are three things that a heart of a believer does not aim to reduce:
- Sincerity to Allah (swt)
- Having a sense of well-being towards the Muslim Ummah
- Being close and sticking with group of Muslims
The Prophet (saw) said, “Allah helps this Ummah because of its weak people, their dua’a, their salah and because of their sincerity.”
Abu Dardah said, “This world is cursed, everything in it is cursed, except those occasions which are performed in order to seek the pleasure of Allah (swt).”
This Ummah has been given glad tidings about their religion, about elevation and about establishing authority on the Earth, so whoever does anything in the world they will have nothing in the Hereafter.
“Whoever shows off in his actions, Allah (swt) will embarrass him in front of people and He will reduce his status and He will look down upon him.”
The Prophet (saw) said, “Shall I not warn you about something which is more dangerous than Dajjal?” So he said, “The hidden shirk – a man performing salah and embellishes it when he feels somebody is looking at him.”
Shirk of secret
“He who associates anybody with Allah (swt), in any action, then he should seek the reward for that action with that person because Allah (swt) is most independent of all associates and partners.”
SOME GOOD SAYINGS ABOUT SINCERITY
If Satan approaches you during salah and says you are showing off, then increase the length of the salah.
A person asked, “Show me a deed that I shall keep forever for Allah (swt)’s sake.” He was told, “Make an intention to do good deeds, because even if you stop your actions, your intentions will continue.”
A person said, “I like to have an intention to everything that I do, even in my food, drink and in my sleep.”
A person who is sincere hides his good deeds just like he hides bad things.
Sincere actions suffice even though actions may be few.
Whoever sees sincerity in his sincerity then he needs sincerity in his sincerity.
Allah (swt) requires only sincerity from His creatures actions.
Sincerity is to forget observing people by observing Allah (swt) only
Fear ALLAH Wherever You Are!
The Obedient
Sunday, 1 April 2007
S04-Values of Sincerity in Actions(2)
13. Sincerity in Giving Charity
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Charity does not in any way decrease the wealth and the servant who forgives Allah adds to his respect, and the one who shows humility Allah elevates him in the estimation (of the people). (Book 032, Number 6264: Muslim)
Abu Huraira reported that Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: One who makes efforts (for earning to be spent) on a widow and the destitute is like a striver in the cause of Allah, and I think he also said: He is like one who constantly stands for prayer and observes fast without breaking it. (Book 042, Number 7107 Muslim)
Abu Huraira reported that Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: One who looks after the orphan whether he is his relative or not, I and he would be together in Paradise like this, and Malik (explained it) with the gesture by drawing his index finger and middle finger close together. (Book 042, Number 7108 Muslim)
Abu Huraira reported: While a person was in the wilderness he heard a voice from the cloud (commanding it thus): Irrigate the garden of so and so. (After that the clouds slinked aside and poured water on a stony ground. It filled a channel amongst the channels of that land and that person followed that water and he found a person standing in the garden busy in changing the course of water with the help of a hatchet. He said to him: Servant of Allah, what is your name? He said: So and so. And it was that very name which he had heard from the clouds. And he said to him: Servant of Allah, why do you ask me my name? He said: I beard a voice from the clouds of which It is the downpour, saying: Water the garden of so and to like your name. What do you do (for the favour) shown to you by Allah in this matter? He said: Now as you state so. I look what yield I get from it and I give one-third as charity out of it and I and my children eat one-third of it and one-third I return to it as investment. (Book 042, Number 7112 Muslim)
14. Sincerity in Hajj
Hadith Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (saw) as saying. He who came to this House (Ka'ba) (with the intention of performing Pilgrimage), and neither spoke indecently nor did he act wickedly would return (free from sin) as on the (very first day) his mother bore him. (Sahih Muslim, Book 007, Number 3129)
15. Sincerity in Seeking Martyrdom
Hadith on seeking martyrdom, even if one dies on his bed his reward his like those of the martyr
Khalid Bin Walid
16. Sincerity in Guarding the Frontiers (or War Camps)
Hadith on the benefits of guarding the frontiers
Narrated Sahl bin Sad As-Sa'di: Allah's Apostle said, "To guard Muslims from infidels in Allah's Cause for one day is better than the world and whatever is on its surface, and a place in Paradise as small as that occupied by the whip of one of you is better than the world and whatever is on its surface; and a morning's or an evening's journey which a slave (person) travels in Allah's Cause is better than the world and whatever is on its surface." (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 52, Number 142)
Salman Al-Farisi (ra) narrated: I heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) say: “Keeping watch for a day and a night is better in reward than fasting and observing late night prayer for a whole month. If such a man dies while performing his duty, his (meritorious) deeds will continue and he will keep on receiving his reward for it perpetually, and will be saved from the test of the grave.” (Muslim 1075)
17. Sincerity in Equipping Warriors
Hadith: Whoever equips a warrior while in the midst of battle, Allah (swt) will give him a reward similar to the reward of the warrior.
Narrated Zaid bin Khalid: Allah's Apostle said, " He who prepares a Ghazi going in Allah's Cause is given a reward equal to that of a Ghazi; and he who looks after properly the dependents of a Ghazi going in Allah's Cause is (given a reward equal to that of) Ghazi." (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 52, Number 96)
Narrated AbuUmamah: The Prophet (saw) said: He who does not join the warlike expedition (jihad), or equip, or looks well after a warrior's family when he is away, will be smitten by Allah with a sudden calamity. Yazid ibn Abdu Rabbihi said in his tradition: 'before the Day of Resurrection". (Abu Dawud, Book 14, Number 2497)
18. Sincerity in Jihad
Hadith on martyrs, 3 people of the hellfire
Hadith Qudsi 27: On the authority of Masruq, who said:
We asked Abdullah (i.e. Ibn Masud) about this verse: And do not regard those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as dead, rather are they alive with their Lord, being provided for (Quran Chapter 3 Verse 169). He said: We asked about that and the Prophet (pbuh) said: Their souls are in the insides of green birds having lanterns suspended from the Throne, roaming freely in Paradise where they please, then taking shelter in those lanterns. So their Lord cast a glance at them (1) and said: Do you wish for anything? They said: What shall we wish for when we roam freely in Paradise where we please? And thus did He do to them three times. When they say that they would not be spared from being asked [again], they said: O Lord, we would like for You to put back our souls into our bodies so that we might fight for Your sake once again. And when He saw that they were not in need of anything they were let be.
(1) i.e. at those who had been killed in the cause of Allah.
It was related by Muslim (also by at-Tirmidhi, an-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah).
t Anas bin Malik (ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “A single trip in an expedition, or a trip back from fighting in the Cause of Allah is better than the whole world and what it contains.” (Bukhari 2792, Muslim 1076)
19. Sincerity in Repentance
Hadith on one committing 99 murders
“There was a man before you who had committed 99 murders and then wanted to repent. So he asked the most knowledgeable man in the area if he could repent. This person said no, so he murdered him as well and completed his 100 murders. Then he asked another wise person who told him that he could repent and told him to leave the area and move to a place where people worshipped Allah. He started out on his journey. However, he died half way to his destination, so the angels of mercy and punishment argued over him. The angels of mercy said that he had repented and had made his way to the town, but the angels of punishment said that he had never performed a good deed in his life. So an angel came to them in the form of a man and told them that to measure the distance between the two places. They did so and found out that he was actually closer to the destination than his home town, the angels of mercy claimed his case”. (Bukhari and Muslim)
Narrated Anas bin Malik: Allah's Apostle said, "Allah is more pleased with the repentance of His slave than anyone of you is pleased with finding his camel which he had lost in the desert." (Sahih Muslim, Volume 8, Book 75, Number 321)
20. Sincerity in Seeking Forgiveness
Hadith in asking for forgiveness
“Allaahumma Anta Rabbee laa ilaaha illa Anta, khalaqtanee wa anaa ‘abduka, wa anaa ‘alaa ‘ahdika wa wa’dika mastata’tu, a’uthu bika min sharri maa sana’tu, aboo’u laka bini’matika ‘alayya, wa aboo’u bithanbee faghfir lee fa-innahu laa yaghfiruth-thunooba illaAnta.”
O Allah, You are my Lord, there is none worthy of worship but You. You created me and I am Your slave. I keep Your covenant, and my pledge to you so far as I am able. I seek refuge in You from the evil that I have done. I admit to Your blessings upon me, and I admit to my misdeeds. Forgive me, for there is none who may forgive sins but You.
Whoever recites this with conviction in the evening and dies during the night shall enter Paradise, and whoever recites this with conviction in the morning and dies during the day shall enter Paradise (Bukhari 7/150; An-Nasai; At-Tirmidhi)
Hadith Qudsi 34: On the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) say: Allah the Almighty said:
O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you. O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great at it.
It was related by at-Tirmidhi (also by Ahmad ibn Hanbal). Its chain of authorities is sound.
21. Sincerity in Crying
Hadith: 7 shades
Abu Huraira reported that the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) had said: Seven are (the persons) whom Allah would give protection with His Shade on the Day when there would be no shade but that of Him (i. e. on the Day of Judgment, and they are): a just ruler, a youth who grew up with the worship of Allah; a person whose heart is attached to the mosques; two persons who love and meet each other and depart from each other for the sake of Allah; a man whom a beautiful woman of high rank seduces (for illicit relation), but he (rejects this offer by saying):" I fear Allah" ; a person who gives charity and conceals it (to such an extent) that the right hand does not know what the left has given: and a person who remembered Allah in privacy and his eyes shed tears. (Sahih Muslim, Book 005, Number 2248)
22. Sincerity in Remembering Allah (swt)
See above hadith
23. Sincerity in Observing the Truth
'Abdullah reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: It is obligatory for you to tell the truth, for truth leads to virtue and virtue leads to Paradise, and the man who continues to speak the truth and endeavors to tell the truth is eventually recorded as truthful with Allah, and beware of telling of a lie for telling of a lie leads to obscenity and obscenity leads to Hell-Fire, and the person who keeps telling lies and endeavors to tell a lie is recorded as a liar with Allah. (Sahih Muslim, Book 032, Number 6309)
Abu Huraira reported that he heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The servant speaks words for which he is sent down to the Hell-Fire farther than the distance between the cast and the west. (Book 042, Number 7120)
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The servant speaks words that he does not understand its repercussions but he sinks down in Hell-Fire farther than the distance between the east and the west. (Book 042, Number 7121)
24. Sincerity in Patience
Abu Hurairah (ra) narrated that the Prophet (saw) said: “The invocation of anyone of you is granted if it does not involve a sin or relatives and womb relationship abandonment. And if he does not show impatience by saying, ‘I invoke Allah but my request has not been granted,’ and feels desperate and invokes no more.” (Bukhari 6340, Muslim 1877)
25. Sincerity in Relying upon Allah (swt) – Tawakkul
26. Sincerity in Love and Visiting someone for the sake of Allah (swt)
t Abu Hurairah (ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “Verily, Allah will say on the Day of Resurrection: ‘Where are those who love each other for My Glory’s sake? Today I shall shelter them in My Shadow when there is no shadow other than Mine.’” (Muslim 1768)
27. Sincerity in Obeying Parents
Abu Bakrah (ra) narrated: “We were with the Messenger of Allah (saw) and he said: “Shall I inform you of the greatest of the major sins? (He repeated it thrice): (1) To ascribe partners to Allah, (2) to disobey parents, and (3) to give a false testimony.” The Messenger of Allah (saw) was reclining then he sat and he kept repeating it until we said would that he stop.”
28. Sincerity in Avoiding Sinful Acts for Allah’s (swt) Sake
Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas (ra): “The Prophet (saw) narrating about his Lord (azzawajal) said: Allah ordered (the appointed angels over you) that the good and bad deeds be written, and He showed (the way) how (to write). If somebody intends to do a good deed and he does not do it, then Allah will write for him a full good deed (in his account with Him); and if he intends to do a good deed and actually did it, then Allah will write for him (in his account) with Him (its reward equal) from ten to seven hundred times to many more times; and if somebody intended to do a bad deed and he does not do it, then Allah will write a full good deed (in his account) with Him, and if he intended to do it (a bad deed) and actually did it, then Allah will write one bad deed (in his account).”
29. Sincerity in Giving Wages to Employees
Hadith: Three people trapped in the cave (See Appendix of previous article on sincerity). Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar…The Prophet (saw) added, “Then the third man said, ‘O Allah! I employed a few laborers and I paid them with their wages with the exemption of one man who did not take his wages and went away. I invested his wages and I got much property thereby. (Then after some time) he came and said to me: O Allah’s slave! Pay me my wages. Is said to him: All the camels, cows, sheep and slaves you see, are yours. He said: O Allah’s slave! Don’t mock at me. I said: I am not mocking at you. So, he took all the herd and drove them away and left nothing. O Allah! If I did that for Your sake only, please relieve us from the present suffering.’ So, the rock shifted completely and the got out walking.”
30. Sincerity in Intention even if the Action is not realized
31. Sincerity in Abstaining from the World (Asceticism)
Narrated Son of a Companion: The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) said: He then mentioned a similar tradition described above. This version has: Allah will fill his heart with security and faith. He did not mention the words "Allah will call him". This version further adds: He who gives up wearing beautiful garments when he is able to do so (out of humility, as Bishr's version has) will be clothed by Allah with the robe of honour, and he who marries for Allah's sake will be crowned by Allah with the crown of Kingdom. (Book 41, Number 4760: Abu Dawood)
32. Sincerity in Humbleness
Narrated Haritha bin Wahb: I heard the Prophet saying, “Shall I tell you of the people of Paradise? They comprise every poor humble person, and if he swears by Allah to do something, Allah will fulfill it; while the people of the fire comprise every violent, cruel arrogant person.” (Volume 8, Book 78, Number 651: Bukhari)
Haritha b. Wahb al-KhuzaIi reported Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) as saying: May I not inform you about the inmates of Paradise? (And then informing about them) said: Every meek person who is considered to be humble and if they were to adjure in the name of Allah, Allah would certainly fulfill it. May I not inform you about the inmates of Hell-Fire? They are all proud, mean and haughty. (Book 040, Number 6835: Sahih Muslim)
33. Sincerity in Constructing Mosques
Abdullah al-Khaulani reported that when Uthman b. 'Affan tried to rebuild the mosque of Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) the people began to talk about this. Uthman b. 'Affan said: You discuss it very much whereas I have heard Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) as saying: He who builds a mosque-- and the narrator Bukair said: I think he also said: (for) seeking the pleasure of Allah- Allah would build (a similar house for him in Paradise). and in the narration of Harun (the words are):" A house for him in Paradise." (Book 042, Number 7109)
Narrated 'Ubdaidullah Al-Khaulani: I heard 'Uthman bin 'Affan saying, when people argued too much about his intention to reconstruct the mosque of Allah's Apostle, "You have talked too much. I heard the Prophet saying, 'Whoever built a mosque, (Bukair thought that 'Asim, another subnarrator, added, "Intending Allah's Pleasure"), Allah would build for him a similar place in Paradise.'” (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 8, Number 441)
34. Sincerity in Visiting the Mosque of the Prophet (saw) for the sake of learning and teaching
Ibn ‘Abbas (ra) said: A woman fell ill and she said: “If Allah cures me, I will certainly go and perform prayer in Bait-ul-Maqdis (in Jerusalem).” When she recovered, she made preparations to go (to that place). She came to Maimunah, the wife of Allah’s Prophet (saw), and after greeting her she informed her about it, whereupon she said, “Stay here, and eat (the provision) which you have made, and pray in the mosque of the Messenger of Allah (saw) for I heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) say: “One prayer in it is better than one thousand prayers performed in other mosques except the mosque of the Ka’bah.’”
35. Sincerity in Equipping Warriors
Zaid bin Khalid Al-Juhani (ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “He who equips a fighter (with weapon and transport), will get reward as if he fought himself. And he who takes care of a fighter’s family, will be considered a fighter too.” (Bukhari 1143, Muslim 1092)
36. Sincerity in following the hearse of a Muslim
t Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: He who attends the funeral till the prayer is offered for (the dead), for him is the reward of one qirat, and he who attends (and stays) till he is buried, for him is the reward of two qirats. It was said: What are the qirats? He said: They are equivalent to two huge mountains. Two other narrators added: Ibn 'Umar used to pray and then depart (without waiting for the burial of the dead). When the tradition of Abu Huraira reached him, he said:" We have lost many qirats." (Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Number 2062)
37. Sincerity in Feeding People
Surah Al-Insan (Man) or Ad-Dhar (Time)
7. They (are those who) fulfill (their) vows, and they fear a Day whose evil will be wide-spreading.
8. And they give food, inspite of their love it (or for the Love of Him), to the Miskin (the poor), the orphan and the captive,
9. (Saying): “We feed you seeking Allah’s Countenance only. We wish no reward, nor thanks from you.”
10. “Verily, We fear from our Lord a Day, hard and distressful, that will make the faces look horrible (from extreme dislike to it).”
11. So Allah saved them from the evil of that Day, and gave them Nadrah (a light of beauty) and joy.
12. And their recompense shall be Paradise, and silken garments, because they were patient.
38. Sincerity in Dua’a
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Charity does not in any way decrease the wealth and the servant who forgives Allah adds to his respect, and the one who shows humility Allah elevates him in the estimation (of the people). (Book 032, Number 6264: Muslim)
Abu Huraira reported that Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: One who makes efforts (for earning to be spent) on a widow and the destitute is like a striver in the cause of Allah, and I think he also said: He is like one who constantly stands for prayer and observes fast without breaking it. (Book 042, Number 7107 Muslim)
Abu Huraira reported that Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: One who looks after the orphan whether he is his relative or not, I and he would be together in Paradise like this, and Malik (explained it) with the gesture by drawing his index finger and middle finger close together. (Book 042, Number 7108 Muslim)
Abu Huraira reported: While a person was in the wilderness he heard a voice from the cloud (commanding it thus): Irrigate the garden of so and so. (After that the clouds slinked aside and poured water on a stony ground. It filled a channel amongst the channels of that land and that person followed that water and he found a person standing in the garden busy in changing the course of water with the help of a hatchet. He said to him: Servant of Allah, what is your name? He said: So and so. And it was that very name which he had heard from the clouds. And he said to him: Servant of Allah, why do you ask me my name? He said: I beard a voice from the clouds of which It is the downpour, saying: Water the garden of so and to like your name. What do you do (for the favour) shown to you by Allah in this matter? He said: Now as you state so. I look what yield I get from it and I give one-third as charity out of it and I and my children eat one-third of it and one-third I return to it as investment. (Book 042, Number 7112 Muslim)
14. Sincerity in Hajj
Hadith Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (saw) as saying. He who came to this House (Ka'ba) (with the intention of performing Pilgrimage), and neither spoke indecently nor did he act wickedly would return (free from sin) as on the (very first day) his mother bore him. (Sahih Muslim, Book 007, Number 3129)
15. Sincerity in Seeking Martyrdom
Hadith on seeking martyrdom, even if one dies on his bed his reward his like those of the martyr
Khalid Bin Walid
16. Sincerity in Guarding the Frontiers (or War Camps)
Hadith on the benefits of guarding the frontiers
Narrated Sahl bin Sad As-Sa'di: Allah's Apostle said, "To guard Muslims from infidels in Allah's Cause for one day is better than the world and whatever is on its surface, and a place in Paradise as small as that occupied by the whip of one of you is better than the world and whatever is on its surface; and a morning's or an evening's journey which a slave (person) travels in Allah's Cause is better than the world and whatever is on its surface." (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 52, Number 142)
Salman Al-Farisi (ra) narrated: I heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) say: “Keeping watch for a day and a night is better in reward than fasting and observing late night prayer for a whole month. If such a man dies while performing his duty, his (meritorious) deeds will continue and he will keep on receiving his reward for it perpetually, and will be saved from the test of the grave.” (Muslim 1075)
17. Sincerity in Equipping Warriors
Hadith: Whoever equips a warrior while in the midst of battle, Allah (swt) will give him a reward similar to the reward of the warrior.
Narrated Zaid bin Khalid: Allah's Apostle said, " He who prepares a Ghazi going in Allah's Cause is given a reward equal to that of a Ghazi; and he who looks after properly the dependents of a Ghazi going in Allah's Cause is (given a reward equal to that of) Ghazi." (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 52, Number 96)
Narrated AbuUmamah: The Prophet (saw) said: He who does not join the warlike expedition (jihad), or equip, or looks well after a warrior's family when he is away, will be smitten by Allah with a sudden calamity. Yazid ibn Abdu Rabbihi said in his tradition: 'before the Day of Resurrection". (Abu Dawud, Book 14, Number 2497)
18. Sincerity in Jihad
Hadith on martyrs, 3 people of the hellfire
Hadith Qudsi 27: On the authority of Masruq, who said:
We asked Abdullah (i.e. Ibn Masud) about this verse: And do not regard those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as dead, rather are they alive with their Lord, being provided for (Quran Chapter 3 Verse 169). He said: We asked about that and the Prophet (pbuh) said: Their souls are in the insides of green birds having lanterns suspended from the Throne, roaming freely in Paradise where they please, then taking shelter in those lanterns. So their Lord cast a glance at them (1) and said: Do you wish for anything? They said: What shall we wish for when we roam freely in Paradise where we please? And thus did He do to them three times. When they say that they would not be spared from being asked [again], they said: O Lord, we would like for You to put back our souls into our bodies so that we might fight for Your sake once again. And when He saw that they were not in need of anything they were let be.
(1) i.e. at those who had been killed in the cause of Allah.
It was related by Muslim (also by at-Tirmidhi, an-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah).
t Anas bin Malik (ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “A single trip in an expedition, or a trip back from fighting in the Cause of Allah is better than the whole world and what it contains.” (Bukhari 2792, Muslim 1076)
19. Sincerity in Repentance
Hadith on one committing 99 murders
“There was a man before you who had committed 99 murders and then wanted to repent. So he asked the most knowledgeable man in the area if he could repent. This person said no, so he murdered him as well and completed his 100 murders. Then he asked another wise person who told him that he could repent and told him to leave the area and move to a place where people worshipped Allah. He started out on his journey. However, he died half way to his destination, so the angels of mercy and punishment argued over him. The angels of mercy said that he had repented and had made his way to the town, but the angels of punishment said that he had never performed a good deed in his life. So an angel came to them in the form of a man and told them that to measure the distance between the two places. They did so and found out that he was actually closer to the destination than his home town, the angels of mercy claimed his case”. (Bukhari and Muslim)
Narrated Anas bin Malik: Allah's Apostle said, "Allah is more pleased with the repentance of His slave than anyone of you is pleased with finding his camel which he had lost in the desert." (Sahih Muslim, Volume 8, Book 75, Number 321)
20. Sincerity in Seeking Forgiveness
Hadith in asking for forgiveness
“Allaahumma Anta Rabbee laa ilaaha illa Anta, khalaqtanee wa anaa ‘abduka, wa anaa ‘alaa ‘ahdika wa wa’dika mastata’tu, a’uthu bika min sharri maa sana’tu, aboo’u laka bini’matika ‘alayya, wa aboo’u bithanbee faghfir lee fa-innahu laa yaghfiruth-thunooba illaAnta.”
O Allah, You are my Lord, there is none worthy of worship but You. You created me and I am Your slave. I keep Your covenant, and my pledge to you so far as I am able. I seek refuge in You from the evil that I have done. I admit to Your blessings upon me, and I admit to my misdeeds. Forgive me, for there is none who may forgive sins but You.
Whoever recites this with conviction in the evening and dies during the night shall enter Paradise, and whoever recites this with conviction in the morning and dies during the day shall enter Paradise (Bukhari 7/150; An-Nasai; At-Tirmidhi)
Hadith Qudsi 34: On the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) say: Allah the Almighty said:
O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you. O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great at it.
It was related by at-Tirmidhi (also by Ahmad ibn Hanbal). Its chain of authorities is sound.
21. Sincerity in Crying
Hadith: 7 shades
Abu Huraira reported that the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) had said: Seven are (the persons) whom Allah would give protection with His Shade on the Day when there would be no shade but that of Him (i. e. on the Day of Judgment, and they are): a just ruler, a youth who grew up with the worship of Allah; a person whose heart is attached to the mosques; two persons who love and meet each other and depart from each other for the sake of Allah; a man whom a beautiful woman of high rank seduces (for illicit relation), but he (rejects this offer by saying):" I fear Allah" ; a person who gives charity and conceals it (to such an extent) that the right hand does not know what the left has given: and a person who remembered Allah in privacy and his eyes shed tears. (Sahih Muslim, Book 005, Number 2248)
22. Sincerity in Remembering Allah (swt)
See above hadith
23. Sincerity in Observing the Truth
'Abdullah reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: It is obligatory for you to tell the truth, for truth leads to virtue and virtue leads to Paradise, and the man who continues to speak the truth and endeavors to tell the truth is eventually recorded as truthful with Allah, and beware of telling of a lie for telling of a lie leads to obscenity and obscenity leads to Hell-Fire, and the person who keeps telling lies and endeavors to tell a lie is recorded as a liar with Allah. (Sahih Muslim, Book 032, Number 6309)
Abu Huraira reported that he heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The servant speaks words for which he is sent down to the Hell-Fire farther than the distance between the cast and the west. (Book 042, Number 7120)
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The servant speaks words that he does not understand its repercussions but he sinks down in Hell-Fire farther than the distance between the east and the west. (Book 042, Number 7121)
24. Sincerity in Patience
Abu Hurairah (ra) narrated that the Prophet (saw) said: “The invocation of anyone of you is granted if it does not involve a sin or relatives and womb relationship abandonment. And if he does not show impatience by saying, ‘I invoke Allah but my request has not been granted,’ and feels desperate and invokes no more.” (Bukhari 6340, Muslim 1877)
25. Sincerity in Relying upon Allah (swt) – Tawakkul
26. Sincerity in Love and Visiting someone for the sake of Allah (swt)
t Abu Hurairah (ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “Verily, Allah will say on the Day of Resurrection: ‘Where are those who love each other for My Glory’s sake? Today I shall shelter them in My Shadow when there is no shadow other than Mine.’” (Muslim 1768)
27. Sincerity in Obeying Parents
Abu Bakrah (ra) narrated: “We were with the Messenger of Allah (saw) and he said: “Shall I inform you of the greatest of the major sins? (He repeated it thrice): (1) To ascribe partners to Allah, (2) to disobey parents, and (3) to give a false testimony.” The Messenger of Allah (saw) was reclining then he sat and he kept repeating it until we said would that he stop.”
28. Sincerity in Avoiding Sinful Acts for Allah’s (swt) Sake
Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas (ra): “The Prophet (saw) narrating about his Lord (azzawajal) said: Allah ordered (the appointed angels over you) that the good and bad deeds be written, and He showed (the way) how (to write). If somebody intends to do a good deed and he does not do it, then Allah will write for him a full good deed (in his account with Him); and if he intends to do a good deed and actually did it, then Allah will write for him (in his account) with Him (its reward equal) from ten to seven hundred times to many more times; and if somebody intended to do a bad deed and he does not do it, then Allah will write a full good deed (in his account) with Him, and if he intended to do it (a bad deed) and actually did it, then Allah will write one bad deed (in his account).”
29. Sincerity in Giving Wages to Employees
Hadith: Three people trapped in the cave (See Appendix of previous article on sincerity). Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar…The Prophet (saw) added, “Then the third man said, ‘O Allah! I employed a few laborers and I paid them with their wages with the exemption of one man who did not take his wages and went away. I invested his wages and I got much property thereby. (Then after some time) he came and said to me: O Allah’s slave! Pay me my wages. Is said to him: All the camels, cows, sheep and slaves you see, are yours. He said: O Allah’s slave! Don’t mock at me. I said: I am not mocking at you. So, he took all the herd and drove them away and left nothing. O Allah! If I did that for Your sake only, please relieve us from the present suffering.’ So, the rock shifted completely and the got out walking.”
30. Sincerity in Intention even if the Action is not realized
31. Sincerity in Abstaining from the World (Asceticism)
Narrated Son of a Companion: The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) said: He then mentioned a similar tradition described above. This version has: Allah will fill his heart with security and faith. He did not mention the words "Allah will call him". This version further adds: He who gives up wearing beautiful garments when he is able to do so (out of humility, as Bishr's version has) will be clothed by Allah with the robe of honour, and he who marries for Allah's sake will be crowned by Allah with the crown of Kingdom. (Book 41, Number 4760: Abu Dawood)
32. Sincerity in Humbleness
Narrated Haritha bin Wahb: I heard the Prophet saying, “Shall I tell you of the people of Paradise? They comprise every poor humble person, and if he swears by Allah to do something, Allah will fulfill it; while the people of the fire comprise every violent, cruel arrogant person.” (Volume 8, Book 78, Number 651: Bukhari)
Haritha b. Wahb al-KhuzaIi reported Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) as saying: May I not inform you about the inmates of Paradise? (And then informing about them) said: Every meek person who is considered to be humble and if they were to adjure in the name of Allah, Allah would certainly fulfill it. May I not inform you about the inmates of Hell-Fire? They are all proud, mean and haughty. (Book 040, Number 6835: Sahih Muslim)
33. Sincerity in Constructing Mosques
Abdullah al-Khaulani reported that when Uthman b. 'Affan tried to rebuild the mosque of Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) the people began to talk about this. Uthman b. 'Affan said: You discuss it very much whereas I have heard Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) as saying: He who builds a mosque-- and the narrator Bukair said: I think he also said: (for) seeking the pleasure of Allah- Allah would build (a similar house for him in Paradise). and in the narration of Harun (the words are):" A house for him in Paradise." (Book 042, Number 7109)
Narrated 'Ubdaidullah Al-Khaulani: I heard 'Uthman bin 'Affan saying, when people argued too much about his intention to reconstruct the mosque of Allah's Apostle, "You have talked too much. I heard the Prophet saying, 'Whoever built a mosque, (Bukair thought that 'Asim, another subnarrator, added, "Intending Allah's Pleasure"), Allah would build for him a similar place in Paradise.'” (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 8, Number 441)
34. Sincerity in Visiting the Mosque of the Prophet (saw) for the sake of learning and teaching
Ibn ‘Abbas (ra) said: A woman fell ill and she said: “If Allah cures me, I will certainly go and perform prayer in Bait-ul-Maqdis (in Jerusalem).” When she recovered, she made preparations to go (to that place). She came to Maimunah, the wife of Allah’s Prophet (saw), and after greeting her she informed her about it, whereupon she said, “Stay here, and eat (the provision) which you have made, and pray in the mosque of the Messenger of Allah (saw) for I heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) say: “One prayer in it is better than one thousand prayers performed in other mosques except the mosque of the Ka’bah.’”
35. Sincerity in Equipping Warriors
Zaid bin Khalid Al-Juhani (ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “He who equips a fighter (with weapon and transport), will get reward as if he fought himself. And he who takes care of a fighter’s family, will be considered a fighter too.” (Bukhari 1143, Muslim 1092)
36. Sincerity in following the hearse of a Muslim
t Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: He who attends the funeral till the prayer is offered for (the dead), for him is the reward of one qirat, and he who attends (and stays) till he is buried, for him is the reward of two qirats. It was said: What are the qirats? He said: They are equivalent to two huge mountains. Two other narrators added: Ibn 'Umar used to pray and then depart (without waiting for the burial of the dead). When the tradition of Abu Huraira reached him, he said:" We have lost many qirats." (Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Number 2062)
37. Sincerity in Feeding People
Surah Al-Insan (Man) or Ad-Dhar (Time)
7. They (are those who) fulfill (their) vows, and they fear a Day whose evil will be wide-spreading.
8. And they give food, inspite of their love it (or for the Love of Him), to the Miskin (the poor), the orphan and the captive,
9. (Saying): “We feed you seeking Allah’s Countenance only. We wish no reward, nor thanks from you.”
10. “Verily, We fear from our Lord a Day, hard and distressful, that will make the faces look horrible (from extreme dislike to it).”
11. So Allah saved them from the evil of that Day, and gave them Nadrah (a light of beauty) and joy.
12. And their recompense shall be Paradise, and silken garments, because they were patient.
38. Sincerity in Dua’a
S03-Values of Sincerity in Actions(1)
S-3
SINCERITY ENTAILS DOING GOOD DEEDS WITH A SENSE OF FEAR OF PUNISHMENT
These are the people who do not do deeds and wait for the people to reciprocate
Surah 23 Al-Muminoon (The Believers)
60. And those who give that (their charity) which they give (and also do other good deeds) with their hearts full of fear (whether their alms and charities, etc., have been accepted or not), because they are sure to return to their Lord (for reckoning).
Notes:
Al-Abrar – a righteous person is the one that does good deeds with the fear of the punishment of Allah (swt).
Reward from Allah (swt) not instant reward.
A person must quickly reaffirm his intentions
Most hurt are felt when deeds are not reciprocated or appreciated therefore to not feel hurt one must always reaffirm his intentions
Do something good and put them in the ocean. Even if it is in the deepest part of the ocean, if done with sincerity Allah (swt) will find it and reward you for it.
WHY THE PRAYER OF AN OPPRESSED PERSON AND THE DISTRESSED ARE ANSWERED
The Prophet (saw) said: “The prayer of an oppressed is answered. Even if he is a sinner, his sins will (not affect his prayer) remain with him.”
The Prophet (saw) said: “Ask Allah (swt) in a state of believing that your prayer will be answered. Allah (swt) does not accept the prayer of a person who is distracted and oblivious.”
Note: Be afraid of hurting even the disbelievers because their supplications are also answered especially if done with sincerity
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO VACATE ONE’S HEART FOR ALLAH (SWT)?
The term “vacate his heart for Allah (swt)” denotes that the person is totally absorbed by Allah (swt).
The wronged, the oppressed and the afflicted person totally vacates his heart at the time of supplication, so Allah (swt) answers his prayer as a result of his sincerity
Note:
Their hearts are completely sincere in the dua’a (supplication) to Allah (swt) because of the hurt and they have no one to turn to except for Allah (swt)
Therefore be careful of hurting people especially the oppressed
Hadith on people climbing the hill going to Paradise except for Ibn Ubay
Surah An-anam: If my Lord does not guide me… them among the losers (Noah/Ibrahim)
Iblees –asked respite until the Day of Judgment Hadith on entering Paradise
I want Paradise vs. save me from the Hellfire
KEEPING COMPANY OF THE SINCERE ONES AND BENEFITING FROM THEIR SINCERITY
Keep company of sincere people in order to benefit from their sincerity and supplications
The Prophet’s (saw) advice: “The devil seeks to establish his authority whenever there are three people in a village, or in the wilderness, or do not perform salah together. Keep together, for the wolf devours the lonely sheep.”
Note: No three people should be together except that they are praying, fasting or giving charity together.
Hadith on gatherings that remembering Allah (swt)
Hadith Qudsi 14: On the authority of Abu Harayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Prophet (PBUH), who said:
Allah (glorified and exalted be He) has supernumerary angels who rove about seeking out gatherings in which Allah's name is being invoked: they sit with them and fold their wings round each other, fillin that which is between them and between the lowest heavens. When [the people in the gathering] depart, [the angels] ascend and rise up to heaven. He (the Prophet p.b.u.h.) said: Then Allah (mighty and sublime be He) asks them - [though] He is most knowing about them: From where have you come? And they say: We have come from some servants of Yours on Earth: they were glorifying You (Subhanallah), exalting you (Allahu akbar), witnessing that there is no god but You (La ilaha illa llah), praising You (Al-Hamdu lillah), and asking [favours] of You. He says: And what do they ask of Me? They say: They ask of You Your Paradise. He says: And have they seen My Paradise? They say: No, O Lord. He says: And how would it be were they to have seen My Paradise! They say: And they ask protection of You. He says: From what do they ask protection of Me? They say: From Your Hell-fire, O Lord. He says: And have they seen My Hell-fire? They say: NO. He says: And how would it be were they to have seen My Hell-fire: They say: And they ask for Your forgiveness. He (the Prophet p.b.u.h) said: Then He says: I have forgiven them and I have bestowed upon them what they have asked for,and I have granted them sanctuary from that from which they asked protection. He (the Prophet (saw)) said: They say: O Lord, among then is So-and-so, a much sinning servant, who was merely passing by and sat down with them. He (the Prophet (saw)) said: And He says: And to him [too] I have given forgiveness: he who sits with such people shall not suffer.
It was related by Muslim (also by al-Bukhari, at-Tirmidhi, and an-Nasa'i).
They are people in whose company no one is unfortunate.
VALUES OF SINCERITY IN ACTIONS
1. Sincerity in Tawheed
Understanding of Aqeedah
Practice of the Deen
Hadith on doors of heaven opening up for everyone who says “Laa Ilaha Illallahu” with sincerity
It is narrated on the authority of 'Uthman that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “He who died knowing (fully well) that there is no god but Allah entered Paradise.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 001, Number 0039)
It is narrated on the authority of Ubadah b. Samit that the messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) observed: He who said:" There is no god but Allah, He is One and there is no associate with Him, that Muhammad is his servant and His messenger, that Christ is servant and the son of His slave-girl and he (Christ) His word which He communicated to Mary and is His Spirit, that Paradise is a fact and Hell is a fact," Allah would make him (he who affirms these truths enter Paradise through any one of its eight doors which he would like. (Sahih Muslim, Book 001, Number 0043)
It is narrated on the authority of Mu'adh b. Jabal: I was riding behind the Prophet (may peace be upon him) and there was nothing between him and me but the rear part of the saddle, when he said: Mu'adh b. Jabal: To which I replied: At your beck and call, and at your pleasure, Messenger of Allah! He moved along for a few minutes, when again he said: Mu'adh b. Jabal: To which I replied: At your beck and call, and at your pleasure, Messenger of Allah! He then again moved along for a few minutes and said: Mu'adh b. Jabal: To which I replied. At your beck and call, and at your pleasure. Messenger of Allah He, (the Holy Prophet) said: Do you know what right has Allah upon His servants? I said: Allah and His Messenger know best. He (the Holy Prophet) said: Verily the right of Allah over His servants is that they should worship Him, not associating anything with Him. He (the Holy Prophet) with Mu'adh behind him, moved along for a few minutes and said: Mu'adh b. Jabal: To which I replied: At your beck and call, and at your pleasure, Messenger of Allah! He (the Holy Prophet) said: Do you know what rights have servants upon Allah in case they do it (i. e. they worship Allah without associating anything with Him)? I (Mu'adh b. Jabal) replied: Allah and His Messenger know best. (Upon this) he (the Holy Prophet) remarked: That He would not torment them (with the fire of Hell). (Sahih Muslim, Book 001, Number 0046)
2. Sincerity in Intention
Hadith on saying “Laa Ilaha Illallahu” (There is no god but Allah) when one is dying
Abu Sa'id al-Khudri reported Allah's Messenger (saw) as saying: Exhort to recite “There is no god but Allah,” to those of you who are dying. (Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Number 1996)
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (saw) as saying: Exhort to recite “There is no god but Allah.” to those of you who are dying. (Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Number 1998)
3. Sincerity in Salah
Hadith: Jannah is necessary for one who does a good wudu and stands and offers two rak’ahs in any salah. All his (minor) sins will be forgiven.
Humran, the freed slave of 'Uthman, said: Uthman b. 'Affan called for ablution water and this is how he performed the ablution. He washed his hands thrice. He then rinsed his mouth and cleaned his nose with water (three times). He then washed his face three times, then washed his right arm up to the elbow three times, then washed his left arm like that, then wiped his head; then washed his right foot up to the ankle three times, then washed his left foot like that, and then said: I saw the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) perform ablution like this ablution of mine. Then the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: He who performs ablution like this ablution of mine and then stood up (for prayer) and offered two rak'ahs of prayer without allowing his thoughts to be distracted, all his previous sins are expiated. Ibn Shihab said: Our scholars remarked: This is the most complete of the ablutions performed for prayer. (Sahih Muslim, Book 002, Number 0436)
'Amr b Sa'id b al-As reported: I was, with Uthman that he called for ablution water and said: I heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) say: When the time for a prescribed prayer comes, if any Muslim perform ablution well and offers his prayer) with humility and bowing, it will be an expiation for his past sins, so long as he has not committed a major sin; and this applies to for all times. (Sahih Muslim, Book 002, Number 0441)
Advice on doing wudu: Think of all the things (especially the wrong ones) that you did involving the body part you are washing (e.g. thinking of all the bad things you said while washing the mouth, etc)
Narrated Nu'am Al-Mujmir: Once I went up the roof of the mosque, along with Abu Huraira. He perform ablution and said, "I heard the Prophet saying, "On the Day of Resurrection, my followers will be called "Al-Ghurr-ul-Muhajjalun" from the trace of ablution and whoever can increase the area of his radiance should do so (i.e. by performing ablution regularly).' "(Sahih Bukahri, Volume 1, Book 4, Number 138)
4. Sincerity in Prostration
Hadith on the excellence of sujud (prostration) for Allah’s (swt) sake
Ma'dan b. Talha reported: I met Thauban, the freed slave of Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him), and asked him to tell me about an act for which, if I do it, Allah will admit me to Paradise, or I asked about the act which was loved most by Allah. He gave no reply. I again asked and he gave no reply. I asked him for the third time, and he said: I asked Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) about that and he said: Make frequent prostrations before Allah, for you will not make one prostration without raising you a degree because of it, and removing a sin from you, because of it. Ma'dan said that then lie met Abu al-Darda' and when he asked him, he received a reply similar to that given by Thauban. (Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Number 0989)
Rabi'a b. Ka'b said: I was with Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) one night and I brought him water and what he required. He said to me: Ask (anything you like). I said: I ask your company in Paradise. He (the Holy Prophet) said: Or anything else besides it. I said: That is all (what I require). He said: Then help me to achieve this for you by devoting yourself often to prostration. (Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Number 0990)
5. Sincerity in Worshipping During Ramadan
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) as saying: He who observed prayer at night during Ramadan, because of faith and seeking his reward from Allah, his previous sins would be forgiven. (Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Number 1662)
6. Sincerity in Worshipping During the Night of Power (Lailat-ul- Qadr)
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) as saying: He who observed the fasts of Ramadan with faith and seeking reward (from Allah), all his previous sins would be forgiven, and he who observed prayer on Lailat-ul-Qadr with faith and seeking reward (from Allah), all his previous sins would be forgiven. (Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Number 1664)
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Apostle (peace be upon him) as saying: He who prayed on the Lailat-ul-Qadr (the Majestic Night) knowing that it is (the same night). I (believe) that he (the Holy Prophet also) said: (He who does) it with faith and seeking reward (from Allah), his sins would be forgiven. (Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Number 1665)
7. Sincerity in the Love for the Mosque
Hadith: 7 given shade on Day of Judgment
Abu Huraira reported that the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) had said: Seven are (the persons) whom Allah would give protection with His Shade on the Day when there would be no shade but that of Him (i. e. on the Day of Judgment, and they are): a just ruler, a youth who grew up with the worship of Allah; a person whose heart is attached to the mosques; two persons who love and meet each other and depart from each other for the sake of Allah; a man whom a beautiful woman of high rank seduces (for illicit relation), but he (rejects this offer by saying):" I fear Allah" ; a person who gives charity and conceals it (to such an extent) that the right hand does not know what the left has given: and a person who remembered Allah in privacy and his eyes shed tears. (Sahih Muslim, Book 005, Number 2248)
8. Sincerity in the Leaving of the House for the Mosque
Hadith on the rewards of going to the mosque for prayers
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: A man's prayer in congregation is more valuable than twenty degrees and some above them as compared with his prayer in his house and his market, for when he performs ablution doing it well, then goes out to the mosque, and he is impelled (to do so) only by (the love of congregational) prayer, he has no other objective before him but prayer. He does not take a step without being raised a degree for it and having a sin remitted for it, till he enters the mosque, and when he is busy in prayer after having entered the mosque. The angels continue to invoke blessing on him as long as he is in his place of worship saying: O Allah, show him mercy, and pardon him! Accept his repentance (and the angels continue this supplication for him) so long as he does not do any harm in it, or as long as his ablution is not broken. (Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Number 1394)
9. Sincerity in Waiting in the Mosque
Hadith: Abu Musa reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The most eminent among human beings (as a recipient of) reward (is one) who lives farthest away, and who has to walk the farthest distance, and he who waits for the prayer to observe it along with the Imam, his reward is greater than one who prays (alone) and then goes to sleep. In the narration of Abu Kuraib (the words are):" (He waits) till he prays along with the Imam in congregation." (Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Number 1401)
10. Sincerity in Repeating what the Muadhin says
Hadith on the merits of repeating what the Muadhin says.
'Umar b. al-Khattab reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: When the Mu'adhdhin says: Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and one of you should make this response: Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest; (and when the Mu'adhdhin) says: I testify that there is no god but Allah, one should respond: I testify that there is no god but Allah, and when he says: I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, one should make a response: I testify that Muhammad is Allah's Messenger. When he (the Mu'adhdhin) says: Come to prayer, one should make a response: There is no might and no power except with Allah. When he (the Mu'adhdhin) says: Come to salvation, one should respond: There is no might and no power except with Allah, and when he (the Mu'adhdhin) says: Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, then make a response: Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. When he (the Mu'adhdhin) says: There is no god but Allah, and he who makes a response from the heart: There is no god but Allah, he will enter Paradise. (Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Number 0748)
'Abdullah b. Amr b. al-As reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: When you hear the Mu'adhdhin, repeat what he says, then invoke a blessing on me, for everyone who invokes a blessing on me will receive ten blessings from Allah; then beg from Allah al-Wasila for me, which is a rank in Paradise fitting for only one of Allah's servants, and I hope that I may be that one. If anyone who asks that I be given the Wasila, he will be assured of my intercession. (Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Number 0747)
11. Sincerity in Fasting
Hadith on the merits of fasting
Abu Sa'id al Khudri (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Every servant of Allah who observes fast for a day in the way of Allah, Allah would remove, because of this day, his face farther from the Fire (of Hell) to the extent of seventy years' distance. (Sahih Muslim, Book 006, Number 2570)
Abu Sa'id al-Khudri (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: He who observes fast for a day in the way of Allah He would remove his face from the Hell to the extent of seventy years' distance. (Sahih Muslim, Book 006, Number 2572)
12. Sincerity in Giving Zakah
Hadith: It is reported on the authority of Abu Huraira that a bedouin came to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and said: Messenger of Allah, direct me to a deed by which I may be entitled to enter Paradise. Upon this he (the Holy Prophet) remarked: You worship Allah and never associate anything with Him, establish the obligatory prayer, and pay the Zakat which is incumbent upon you, and observe the fast of Ramadan. He (the Bedouin) said: By Him in Whose hand is my life, I will never add anything to it, nor will I diminish anything from it. When he (the bedouin) turned his back, the Prophet (may peace be upon him) said: He who is pleased to see a man from the dwellers of Paradise should catch a glimpse of him. (Sahih Muslim, Book 001, Number 0014)
Hadith: It is reported on the authority of Talha b. 'Ubaidullah that a person with disheveled hair, one of the people of Nejd, came to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). We heard the humming of his voice but could not fully discern what he had been saying, till he came nigh to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). It was then (disclosed to us) that he was asking questions pertaining to Islam. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Five prayers during the day and the night. (Upon this he said: Am I obliged to say any other (prayer) besides these? He (the Holy Prophet,) said: No, but whatever you observe voluntarily, out of your own free will, and the fasts of Ramadan. The inquirer said: Am I obliged to do anything else besides this? He (the Holy Prophet) said: No, but whatever you do out of your own free will. And the Messenger of Allah told him about the Zakat (poor-rate). The inquirer said: Am I obliged to pay anything else besides this? He (the Holy Prophet) said: No, but whatever you pay voluntarily out of your own free will. The man turned back and was saying: I would neither make any addition to this, nor will decrease anything out of it. The Prophet remarked: He is successful, if he is true to what he affirms. (Sahih Muslim, Book 001, Number 0007)
SINCERITY ENTAILS DOING GOOD DEEDS WITH A SENSE OF FEAR OF PUNISHMENT
These are the people who do not do deeds and wait for the people to reciprocate
Surah 23 Al-Muminoon (The Believers)
60. And those who give that (their charity) which they give (and also do other good deeds) with their hearts full of fear (whether their alms and charities, etc., have been accepted or not), because they are sure to return to their Lord (for reckoning).
Notes:
Al-Abrar – a righteous person is the one that does good deeds with the fear of the punishment of Allah (swt).
Reward from Allah (swt) not instant reward.
A person must quickly reaffirm his intentions
Most hurt are felt when deeds are not reciprocated or appreciated therefore to not feel hurt one must always reaffirm his intentions
Do something good and put them in the ocean. Even if it is in the deepest part of the ocean, if done with sincerity Allah (swt) will find it and reward you for it.
WHY THE PRAYER OF AN OPPRESSED PERSON AND THE DISTRESSED ARE ANSWERED
The Prophet (saw) said: “The prayer of an oppressed is answered. Even if he is a sinner, his sins will (not affect his prayer) remain with him.”
The Prophet (saw) said: “Ask Allah (swt) in a state of believing that your prayer will be answered. Allah (swt) does not accept the prayer of a person who is distracted and oblivious.”
Note: Be afraid of hurting even the disbelievers because their supplications are also answered especially if done with sincerity
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO VACATE ONE’S HEART FOR ALLAH (SWT)?
The term “vacate his heart for Allah (swt)” denotes that the person is totally absorbed by Allah (swt).
The wronged, the oppressed and the afflicted person totally vacates his heart at the time of supplication, so Allah (swt) answers his prayer as a result of his sincerity
Note:
Their hearts are completely sincere in the dua’a (supplication) to Allah (swt) because of the hurt and they have no one to turn to except for Allah (swt)
Therefore be careful of hurting people especially the oppressed
Hadith on people climbing the hill going to Paradise except for Ibn Ubay
Surah An-anam: If my Lord does not guide me… them among the losers (Noah/Ibrahim)
Iblees –asked respite until the Day of Judgment Hadith on entering Paradise
I want Paradise vs. save me from the Hellfire
KEEPING COMPANY OF THE SINCERE ONES AND BENEFITING FROM THEIR SINCERITY
Keep company of sincere people in order to benefit from their sincerity and supplications
The Prophet’s (saw) advice: “The devil seeks to establish his authority whenever there are three people in a village, or in the wilderness, or do not perform salah together. Keep together, for the wolf devours the lonely sheep.”
Note: No three people should be together except that they are praying, fasting or giving charity together.
Hadith on gatherings that remembering Allah (swt)
Hadith Qudsi 14: On the authority of Abu Harayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Prophet (PBUH), who said:
Allah (glorified and exalted be He) has supernumerary angels who rove about seeking out gatherings in which Allah's name is being invoked: they sit with them and fold their wings round each other, fillin that which is between them and between the lowest heavens. When [the people in the gathering] depart, [the angels] ascend and rise up to heaven. He (the Prophet p.b.u.h.) said: Then Allah (mighty and sublime be He) asks them - [though] He is most knowing about them: From where have you come? And they say: We have come from some servants of Yours on Earth: they were glorifying You (Subhanallah), exalting you (Allahu akbar), witnessing that there is no god but You (La ilaha illa llah), praising You (Al-Hamdu lillah), and asking [favours] of You. He says: And what do they ask of Me? They say: They ask of You Your Paradise. He says: And have they seen My Paradise? They say: No, O Lord. He says: And how would it be were they to have seen My Paradise! They say: And they ask protection of You. He says: From what do they ask protection of Me? They say: From Your Hell-fire, O Lord. He says: And have they seen My Hell-fire? They say: NO. He says: And how would it be were they to have seen My Hell-fire: They say: And they ask for Your forgiveness. He (the Prophet p.b.u.h) said: Then He says: I have forgiven them and I have bestowed upon them what they have asked for,and I have granted them sanctuary from that from which they asked protection. He (the Prophet (saw)) said: They say: O Lord, among then is So-and-so, a much sinning servant, who was merely passing by and sat down with them. He (the Prophet (saw)) said: And He says: And to him [too] I have given forgiveness: he who sits with such people shall not suffer.
It was related by Muslim (also by al-Bukhari, at-Tirmidhi, and an-Nasa'i).
They are people in whose company no one is unfortunate.
VALUES OF SINCERITY IN ACTIONS
1. Sincerity in Tawheed
Understanding of Aqeedah
Practice of the Deen
Hadith on doors of heaven opening up for everyone who says “Laa Ilaha Illallahu” with sincerity
It is narrated on the authority of 'Uthman that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “He who died knowing (fully well) that there is no god but Allah entered Paradise.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 001, Number 0039)
It is narrated on the authority of Ubadah b. Samit that the messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) observed: He who said:" There is no god but Allah, He is One and there is no associate with Him, that Muhammad is his servant and His messenger, that Christ is servant and the son of His slave-girl and he (Christ) His word which He communicated to Mary and is His Spirit, that Paradise is a fact and Hell is a fact," Allah would make him (he who affirms these truths enter Paradise through any one of its eight doors which he would like. (Sahih Muslim, Book 001, Number 0043)
It is narrated on the authority of Mu'adh b. Jabal: I was riding behind the Prophet (may peace be upon him) and there was nothing between him and me but the rear part of the saddle, when he said: Mu'adh b. Jabal: To which I replied: At your beck and call, and at your pleasure, Messenger of Allah! He moved along for a few minutes, when again he said: Mu'adh b. Jabal: To which I replied: At your beck and call, and at your pleasure, Messenger of Allah! He then again moved along for a few minutes and said: Mu'adh b. Jabal: To which I replied. At your beck and call, and at your pleasure. Messenger of Allah He, (the Holy Prophet) said: Do you know what right has Allah upon His servants? I said: Allah and His Messenger know best. He (the Holy Prophet) said: Verily the right of Allah over His servants is that they should worship Him, not associating anything with Him. He (the Holy Prophet) with Mu'adh behind him, moved along for a few minutes and said: Mu'adh b. Jabal: To which I replied: At your beck and call, and at your pleasure, Messenger of Allah! He (the Holy Prophet) said: Do you know what rights have servants upon Allah in case they do it (i. e. they worship Allah without associating anything with Him)? I (Mu'adh b. Jabal) replied: Allah and His Messenger know best. (Upon this) he (the Holy Prophet) remarked: That He would not torment them (with the fire of Hell). (Sahih Muslim, Book 001, Number 0046)
2. Sincerity in Intention
Hadith on saying “Laa Ilaha Illallahu” (There is no god but Allah) when one is dying
Abu Sa'id al-Khudri reported Allah's Messenger (saw) as saying: Exhort to recite “There is no god but Allah,” to those of you who are dying. (Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Number 1996)
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (saw) as saying: Exhort to recite “There is no god but Allah.” to those of you who are dying. (Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Number 1998)
3. Sincerity in Salah
Hadith: Jannah is necessary for one who does a good wudu and stands and offers two rak’ahs in any salah. All his (minor) sins will be forgiven.
Humran, the freed slave of 'Uthman, said: Uthman b. 'Affan called for ablution water and this is how he performed the ablution. He washed his hands thrice. He then rinsed his mouth and cleaned his nose with water (three times). He then washed his face three times, then washed his right arm up to the elbow three times, then washed his left arm like that, then wiped his head; then washed his right foot up to the ankle three times, then washed his left foot like that, and then said: I saw the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) perform ablution like this ablution of mine. Then the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: He who performs ablution like this ablution of mine and then stood up (for prayer) and offered two rak'ahs of prayer without allowing his thoughts to be distracted, all his previous sins are expiated. Ibn Shihab said: Our scholars remarked: This is the most complete of the ablutions performed for prayer. (Sahih Muslim, Book 002, Number 0436)
'Amr b Sa'id b al-As reported: I was, with Uthman that he called for ablution water and said: I heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) say: When the time for a prescribed prayer comes, if any Muslim perform ablution well and offers his prayer) with humility and bowing, it will be an expiation for his past sins, so long as he has not committed a major sin; and this applies to for all times. (Sahih Muslim, Book 002, Number 0441)
Advice on doing wudu: Think of all the things (especially the wrong ones) that you did involving the body part you are washing (e.g. thinking of all the bad things you said while washing the mouth, etc)
Narrated Nu'am Al-Mujmir: Once I went up the roof of the mosque, along with Abu Huraira. He perform ablution and said, "I heard the Prophet saying, "On the Day of Resurrection, my followers will be called "Al-Ghurr-ul-Muhajjalun" from the trace of ablution and whoever can increase the area of his radiance should do so (i.e. by performing ablution regularly).' "(Sahih Bukahri, Volume 1, Book 4, Number 138)
4. Sincerity in Prostration
Hadith on the excellence of sujud (prostration) for Allah’s (swt) sake
Ma'dan b. Talha reported: I met Thauban, the freed slave of Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him), and asked him to tell me about an act for which, if I do it, Allah will admit me to Paradise, or I asked about the act which was loved most by Allah. He gave no reply. I again asked and he gave no reply. I asked him for the third time, and he said: I asked Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) about that and he said: Make frequent prostrations before Allah, for you will not make one prostration without raising you a degree because of it, and removing a sin from you, because of it. Ma'dan said that then lie met Abu al-Darda' and when he asked him, he received a reply similar to that given by Thauban. (Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Number 0989)
Rabi'a b. Ka'b said: I was with Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) one night and I brought him water and what he required. He said to me: Ask (anything you like). I said: I ask your company in Paradise. He (the Holy Prophet) said: Or anything else besides it. I said: That is all (what I require). He said: Then help me to achieve this for you by devoting yourself often to prostration. (Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Number 0990)
5. Sincerity in Worshipping During Ramadan
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) as saying: He who observed prayer at night during Ramadan, because of faith and seeking his reward from Allah, his previous sins would be forgiven. (Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Number 1662)
6. Sincerity in Worshipping During the Night of Power (Lailat-ul- Qadr)
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) as saying: He who observed the fasts of Ramadan with faith and seeking reward (from Allah), all his previous sins would be forgiven, and he who observed prayer on Lailat-ul-Qadr with faith and seeking reward (from Allah), all his previous sins would be forgiven. (Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Number 1664)
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Apostle (peace be upon him) as saying: He who prayed on the Lailat-ul-Qadr (the Majestic Night) knowing that it is (the same night). I (believe) that he (the Holy Prophet also) said: (He who does) it with faith and seeking reward (from Allah), his sins would be forgiven. (Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Number 1665)
7. Sincerity in the Love for the Mosque
Hadith: 7 given shade on Day of Judgment
Abu Huraira reported that the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) had said: Seven are (the persons) whom Allah would give protection with His Shade on the Day when there would be no shade but that of Him (i. e. on the Day of Judgment, and they are): a just ruler, a youth who grew up with the worship of Allah; a person whose heart is attached to the mosques; two persons who love and meet each other and depart from each other for the sake of Allah; a man whom a beautiful woman of high rank seduces (for illicit relation), but he (rejects this offer by saying):" I fear Allah" ; a person who gives charity and conceals it (to such an extent) that the right hand does not know what the left has given: and a person who remembered Allah in privacy and his eyes shed tears. (Sahih Muslim, Book 005, Number 2248)
8. Sincerity in the Leaving of the House for the Mosque
Hadith on the rewards of going to the mosque for prayers
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: A man's prayer in congregation is more valuable than twenty degrees and some above them as compared with his prayer in his house and his market, for when he performs ablution doing it well, then goes out to the mosque, and he is impelled (to do so) only by (the love of congregational) prayer, he has no other objective before him but prayer. He does not take a step without being raised a degree for it and having a sin remitted for it, till he enters the mosque, and when he is busy in prayer after having entered the mosque. The angels continue to invoke blessing on him as long as he is in his place of worship saying: O Allah, show him mercy, and pardon him! Accept his repentance (and the angels continue this supplication for him) so long as he does not do any harm in it, or as long as his ablution is not broken. (Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Number 1394)
9. Sincerity in Waiting in the Mosque
Hadith: Abu Musa reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The most eminent among human beings (as a recipient of) reward (is one) who lives farthest away, and who has to walk the farthest distance, and he who waits for the prayer to observe it along with the Imam, his reward is greater than one who prays (alone) and then goes to sleep. In the narration of Abu Kuraib (the words are):" (He waits) till he prays along with the Imam in congregation." (Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Number 1401)
10. Sincerity in Repeating what the Muadhin says
Hadith on the merits of repeating what the Muadhin says.
'Umar b. al-Khattab reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: When the Mu'adhdhin says: Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and one of you should make this response: Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest; (and when the Mu'adhdhin) says: I testify that there is no god but Allah, one should respond: I testify that there is no god but Allah, and when he says: I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, one should make a response: I testify that Muhammad is Allah's Messenger. When he (the Mu'adhdhin) says: Come to prayer, one should make a response: There is no might and no power except with Allah. When he (the Mu'adhdhin) says: Come to salvation, one should respond: There is no might and no power except with Allah, and when he (the Mu'adhdhin) says: Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, then make a response: Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. When he (the Mu'adhdhin) says: There is no god but Allah, and he who makes a response from the heart: There is no god but Allah, he will enter Paradise. (Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Number 0748)
'Abdullah b. Amr b. al-As reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: When you hear the Mu'adhdhin, repeat what he says, then invoke a blessing on me, for everyone who invokes a blessing on me will receive ten blessings from Allah; then beg from Allah al-Wasila for me, which is a rank in Paradise fitting for only one of Allah's servants, and I hope that I may be that one. If anyone who asks that I be given the Wasila, he will be assured of my intercession. (Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Number 0747)
11. Sincerity in Fasting
Hadith on the merits of fasting
Abu Sa'id al Khudri (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Every servant of Allah who observes fast for a day in the way of Allah, Allah would remove, because of this day, his face farther from the Fire (of Hell) to the extent of seventy years' distance. (Sahih Muslim, Book 006, Number 2570)
Abu Sa'id al-Khudri (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: He who observes fast for a day in the way of Allah He would remove his face from the Hell to the extent of seventy years' distance. (Sahih Muslim, Book 006, Number 2572)
12. Sincerity in Giving Zakah
Hadith: It is reported on the authority of Abu Huraira that a bedouin came to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and said: Messenger of Allah, direct me to a deed by which I may be entitled to enter Paradise. Upon this he (the Holy Prophet) remarked: You worship Allah and never associate anything with Him, establish the obligatory prayer, and pay the Zakat which is incumbent upon you, and observe the fast of Ramadan. He (the Bedouin) said: By Him in Whose hand is my life, I will never add anything to it, nor will I diminish anything from it. When he (the bedouin) turned his back, the Prophet (may peace be upon him) said: He who is pleased to see a man from the dwellers of Paradise should catch a glimpse of him. (Sahih Muslim, Book 001, Number 0014)
Hadith: It is reported on the authority of Talha b. 'Ubaidullah that a person with disheveled hair, one of the people of Nejd, came to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). We heard the humming of his voice but could not fully discern what he had been saying, till he came nigh to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). It was then (disclosed to us) that he was asking questions pertaining to Islam. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Five prayers during the day and the night. (Upon this he said: Am I obliged to say any other (prayer) besides these? He (the Holy Prophet,) said: No, but whatever you observe voluntarily, out of your own free will, and the fasts of Ramadan. The inquirer said: Am I obliged to do anything else besides this? He (the Holy Prophet) said: No, but whatever you do out of your own free will. And the Messenger of Allah told him about the Zakat (poor-rate). The inquirer said: Am I obliged to pay anything else besides this? He (the Holy Prophet) said: No, but whatever you pay voluntarily out of your own free will. The man turned back and was saying: I would neither make any addition to this, nor will decrease anything out of it. The Prophet remarked: He is successful, if he is true to what he affirms. (Sahih Muslim, Book 001, Number 0007)
S02 -WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR A DEED TO BE ACCEPTABLE
s-1
Reference: How to Achieve Sincerity by Hussain Al-Awayasha
Different people from all walks of life have the same goal, i.e. achieving happiness.
People often search for happiness in this dunya (world) forgetting the ahira (Hereafter).
Short term goals (happiness in this life e.g. material gains) vs. Long term losses (unprepared ness for the Hereafter, losses in the Hereafter)
Cure to achieve happiness: Performing good deeds for Allah (swt) with ikhlas (sincerity)
Remember that the dunya is a test to determine our place in the Hereafter (either Paradise or Hell)
WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR A DEED TO BE ACCEPTABLE
There are 2 Prerequisites
1. The person doing the deed should intend Allah’s (swt) pleasure
2. The deed itself should be in accordance with the Qur’an and Sunnah
For example:
The Sunnah for drinking something is to sit down, use the right hand to hold the glass or cup and drink in small sips. For it to be acceptable, the drink itself must be halal (e.g. drinking wine vs. drinking water). The act of drinking wine will not be acceptable even if done in accordance with the Sunnah because wine itself is haram (prohibited).
For a deed to be acceptable, the deed itself should be halal
THE COMMAND TO BE SINCERE AND THE WARNING AGAINST SHIRK (SHOWING OFF AND ASSOCIATING PARTNERS WITH ALLAH (SWT)):
The Prophet (saw) said, “Actions are governed by intentions. Everyman receives (rewards) according to his intentions.”
Hadith: About the 3 people of Hellfire
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) say:
“The first of people against whom judgment will be pronounced on the Day of Resurrection will be a man who died a martyr. He will be brought and Allah will make known to him His favors and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I fought for you until I died a martyr. He will say: You have lied - you did but fight that it might be said [of you]: He is courageous. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire. [Another] will be a man who has studied [religious] knowledge and has taught it and who used to recite the Qur’an. He will be brought and Allah will make known to his His favors and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I studied [religious] knowledge and I taught it and I recited the Qur’an for Your sake. He will say: You have lied - you did but study [religious] knowledge that it might be said [of you]: He is learned. And you recited the Qur’an that it might be said [of you]: He is a reciter. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire. [Another] will be a man whom Allah had made rich and to whom He had given all kinds of wealth. He will be brought and Allah will make known to his His favors and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I left no path [untrodden] in which You like money to be spent without spending in it for Your sake. He will say: You have lied - you did but do so that it might be said [of you]: He is open-handed. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire.” (Hadith Qudsi 6)
It was related by Muslim (also by at-Tirmidhi and an-Nasa'i).
Notes:
Actions can not exist without intentions
Intentions are only known by Allah.
A WARNING AGAINST THE SATAN AND HIS PLOYS
The Qur’an and Sunnah offer a good cure for a very bad disease
Surah 35 Faatir (The Originator of Creation)
6. Surely, Shaitan (Satan) is an enemy to you, so take (treat) him as an enemy. He only invites his Hizb (followers) that they may become the dwellers of the blazing Fire.
Surah 2 Al-Baqarah (The Cow)
268. Shaitan (Satan) threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit Fahsha (evil deeds, illegal sexual intercourse, sins etc.); whereas Allah promises you Forgiveness from Himself and Bounty, and Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower.
Notes: A poor man wouldn’t know he was poor unless he sees a rich man.
Surah 12 Yusuf (The Prophet Joseph)
5. He (the father) said: "O my son! Relate not your vision to your brothers, lest they arrange a plot against you. Verily! Shaitan (Satan) is to man an open enemy!
Surah 24 An-Noor (The Light)
21. O you who believe! Follow not the footsteps of Shaitan (Satan). And whosoever follows the footsteps of Shaitan (Satan), then, verily he commands Al-Fahsha' [i.e. to commit indecency (illegal sexual intercourse, etc.)], and Al-Munkar [disbelief and polytheism (i.e. to do evil and wicked deeds; to speak or to do what is forbidden in Islam, etc.)]. And had it not been for the Grace of Allah and His Mercy on you, not one of you would ever have been pure from sins. But Allah purifies (guides to Islam) whom He wills, and Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.
Surah 27 An-Naml (The Ant)
24. “I found her and her people worshipping the sun instead of Allah, and Shaitan (Satan) has made their deeds fair-seeming to them, and has barred them from (Allah's) Way, so they have no guidance,”
Surah 18 Al-Kahf (The Cave)
50. And (remember) when We said to the angels; "Prostrate to Adam." So they prostrated except Iblis (Satan). He was one of the jinns; he disobeyed the Command of his Lord. Will you then take him (Iblis) and his offspring as protectors and helpers rather than Me while they are enemies to you? What an evil is the exchange for the Zalimun (polytheists, and wrong-doers, etc).
Everyone has a companion from the jinns
Abdullah b. Mas'ud reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said:
There is none amongst you with whom is not an attaché from amongst the jinn (devil). They (the Companions) said: Allah's Messenger, with you too? Thereupon he said: Yes, but Allah helps me against him and so I am safe from his hand and he does not command me but for good. (Sahih Muslim Book 039, Number 6757)
Shaytan causing fitnah (trials)
Jabir reported: I heard Allah's Messenger (way peace be upon him) as saying:
“The throne of Iblis is upon the ocean and he sends detachments (to different parts) in order to put people to trial and the most important figure in his eyes is one who is most notorious in sowing the seed of dissension.” (Sahih Muslim Book 039, Number 6754)
Jabir reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said:
“Iblis places his throne upon water; he then sends detachments (for creating dissension); the nearer to him in tank are those who are most notorious in creating dissension. One of them comes and says: I did so and so. And he says: You have done nothing. Then one amongst them comes and says: I did not spare so and so until I sowed the seed of discord between a husband and a wife. The Satan goes near him and says: 'You have done well. A'mash said: He then embraces him.” (Sahih Muslim Book 039, Number 6755)
Jabir reported that Allah's Apostle (may peace be upqn him) said:
“The Satan sends detachments of his own in order to put people to trial and the highest in rank, in his eyes, is one who is most notorious in sowing the seed of dissension.” (Sahih Muslim Book 039, Number 6756)
Doing things opposite to that of the devils (e.g. taking naps, use of right hand, etc)
Picking up dropped food so as not to nourish the enemy (shaytan)
Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
“When a morsel of any of you falls, he should pick it up and remove any of the dirt on it and then eat it, and should not leave it for Satan nor should wipe his hand with towel until he has licked his fingers, for he does not know in what portion of the food the blessing lies.'”[Muslim]
A person should always seek refuge in Allah (swt) because Shaytan is always trying to bring man to commit evil deeds or avoid doing good deeds.
Surah 41 Fussilat
36. And if an evil whisper from Shaitan (Satan) tries to turn you away (O Muhammad (saw)) (from doing good, etc.), then seek refuge in Allah. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as stating that Allah the Most High and Exalted said:
“I am the One, One Who does not stand in need of a partner. If anyone does anything in which he associates anyone else with Me, I shall abandon him with one whom he associates with Allah.” (Sahih Muslim Book 042, Number 7114)
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
Allah (glorified and exalted be He) said: I am so self-sufficient that I am in no need of having an associate. Thus he who does an action for someone else's sake as well as Mine will have that action renounced by Me to him whom he associated with Me. It was related by Muslim (also by Ibn Majah) (Hadith Qudsi 5)
How to seek refuge in Allah:
Please see Fortress of the Believer for more details
Saying A’uthu billahi minash shaitaanir rajeem (I seek refuge in Allah from Satan the outcast)
Recitation of the two Surahs Al-Falaq and An-Nas, as they have wondrous effect in seeking refuge with Allah from his evil, weakening Shaytan and protection from him. This is why the Messenger, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said: “No person seeks refuge with anything like the Mu`awwidhatayn (soorahs al-Falaq and an-Nas)”. [an-Nasaa’i, 5337]
Recitation of Ayat al-Kursi (2:255).
Whoever says this when he rises in the morning will be protected from jinns until he retires in the evening, and whoever says it when retiring in the evening will be protected from them until he rises in the morning. (al-Hakim 1/562, Nasa’i and At-Tabarani)
Whoever reads this when he lies down to sleep will have a guardian from Allah remain with him and Satan will not be able to come near him until he rises in the morning. (Al-Bukhari, cf. Al-asqalani, Fath Al-Bari 4/487)
Recitation of Surah Al-Baqarah. The Messenger, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said, “The house in which al-Baqarah is recited is not approached by Shaytan.” [Muslim]
The final part of al-Baqarah. The Messenger, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said, “Whoever recites the two last verses of al-Baqarah at night they will suffice him.” [Muslim]
STORIES OF SINCERITY
Note: Seeking Allah’s (swt) assistance through sincerity.
Please see Appendix for details
Yusuf (Prophet Joseph) (as) and his sincere deeds
Qur’an Surah 12 Yusuf (The Prophet Yusuf)
The boy who believed
Ibrahim (Prophet Ibrahim) (as) and his wife near the House of Allah
The three people in the cave
Sincerity entails doing good deeds with a sense of fear of punishment.
THREE PREREQUISITES FOR ISTIGFAR TO BE ACCEPTED BY ALLAH
1. You have to stop the sin itself
2. You have to promise not to do it again
3. Whenever you remember that sin, you have to hate it/despise it.
References:Interpretation of the Meaning of the Noble Qur’an in the English Language A Summarized Version of At-Tabari, Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir with Comments from Sahih Al
Bukhari Summarized in One Volume by Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din Al-Hilali, Ph.D. (Berlin) and Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan. 23rd Revised Edition: August 1998. Darussalam Publishers and Distributors. http://www.darussalam.com/
Summarized Sahih Al-Bukhari Arabic_English. Translated by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan. First edition 1996. Darussalam Publishers and Distributors. http://www.darussalam.com/
Fortress of the Muslim. Researched and Compiled by Sa’id bin Wahf Al-Qahtani. Translation Revised by ‘Aqeel Walker. September 2000. Darussalam Publishers and Distributors. http://www.darussalam.com/
http://quran.islamicnetwork.com/
http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/reference/searchhadith.html
http://www.islamawareness.net/Prophets/
Reference: How to Achieve Sincerity by Hussain Al-Awayasha
Different people from all walks of life have the same goal, i.e. achieving happiness.
People often search for happiness in this dunya (world) forgetting the ahira (Hereafter).
Short term goals (happiness in this life e.g. material gains) vs. Long term losses (unprepared ness for the Hereafter, losses in the Hereafter)
Cure to achieve happiness: Performing good deeds for Allah (swt) with ikhlas (sincerity)
Remember that the dunya is a test to determine our place in the Hereafter (either Paradise or Hell)
WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR A DEED TO BE ACCEPTABLE
There are 2 Prerequisites
1. The person doing the deed should intend Allah’s (swt) pleasure
2. The deed itself should be in accordance with the Qur’an and Sunnah
For example:
The Sunnah for drinking something is to sit down, use the right hand to hold the glass or cup and drink in small sips. For it to be acceptable, the drink itself must be halal (e.g. drinking wine vs. drinking water). The act of drinking wine will not be acceptable even if done in accordance with the Sunnah because wine itself is haram (prohibited).
For a deed to be acceptable, the deed itself should be halal
THE COMMAND TO BE SINCERE AND THE WARNING AGAINST SHIRK (SHOWING OFF AND ASSOCIATING PARTNERS WITH ALLAH (SWT)):
The Prophet (saw) said, “Actions are governed by intentions. Everyman receives (rewards) according to his intentions.”
Hadith: About the 3 people of Hellfire
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) say:
“The first of people against whom judgment will be pronounced on the Day of Resurrection will be a man who died a martyr. He will be brought and Allah will make known to him His favors and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I fought for you until I died a martyr. He will say: You have lied - you did but fight that it might be said [of you]: He is courageous. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire. [Another] will be a man who has studied [religious] knowledge and has taught it and who used to recite the Qur’an. He will be brought and Allah will make known to his His favors and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I studied [religious] knowledge and I taught it and I recited the Qur’an for Your sake. He will say: You have lied - you did but study [religious] knowledge that it might be said [of you]: He is learned. And you recited the Qur’an that it might be said [of you]: He is a reciter. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire. [Another] will be a man whom Allah had made rich and to whom He had given all kinds of wealth. He will be brought and Allah will make known to his His favors and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I left no path [untrodden] in which You like money to be spent without spending in it for Your sake. He will say: You have lied - you did but do so that it might be said [of you]: He is open-handed. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire.” (Hadith Qudsi 6)
It was related by Muslim (also by at-Tirmidhi and an-Nasa'i).
Notes:
Actions can not exist without intentions
Intentions are only known by Allah.
A WARNING AGAINST THE SATAN AND HIS PLOYS
The Qur’an and Sunnah offer a good cure for a very bad disease
Surah 35 Faatir (The Originator of Creation)
6. Surely, Shaitan (Satan) is an enemy to you, so take (treat) him as an enemy. He only invites his Hizb (followers) that they may become the dwellers of the blazing Fire.
Surah 2 Al-Baqarah (The Cow)
268. Shaitan (Satan) threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit Fahsha (evil deeds, illegal sexual intercourse, sins etc.); whereas Allah promises you Forgiveness from Himself and Bounty, and Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower.
Notes: A poor man wouldn’t know he was poor unless he sees a rich man.
Surah 12 Yusuf (The Prophet Joseph)
5. He (the father) said: "O my son! Relate not your vision to your brothers, lest they arrange a plot against you. Verily! Shaitan (Satan) is to man an open enemy!
Surah 24 An-Noor (The Light)
21. O you who believe! Follow not the footsteps of Shaitan (Satan). And whosoever follows the footsteps of Shaitan (Satan), then, verily he commands Al-Fahsha' [i.e. to commit indecency (illegal sexual intercourse, etc.)], and Al-Munkar [disbelief and polytheism (i.e. to do evil and wicked deeds; to speak or to do what is forbidden in Islam, etc.)]. And had it not been for the Grace of Allah and His Mercy on you, not one of you would ever have been pure from sins. But Allah purifies (guides to Islam) whom He wills, and Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.
Surah 27 An-Naml (The Ant)
24. “I found her and her people worshipping the sun instead of Allah, and Shaitan (Satan) has made their deeds fair-seeming to them, and has barred them from (Allah's) Way, so they have no guidance,”
Surah 18 Al-Kahf (The Cave)
50. And (remember) when We said to the angels; "Prostrate to Adam." So they prostrated except Iblis (Satan). He was one of the jinns; he disobeyed the Command of his Lord. Will you then take him (Iblis) and his offspring as protectors and helpers rather than Me while they are enemies to you? What an evil is the exchange for the Zalimun (polytheists, and wrong-doers, etc).
Everyone has a companion from the jinns
Abdullah b. Mas'ud reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said:
There is none amongst you with whom is not an attaché from amongst the jinn (devil). They (the Companions) said: Allah's Messenger, with you too? Thereupon he said: Yes, but Allah helps me against him and so I am safe from his hand and he does not command me but for good. (Sahih Muslim Book 039, Number 6757)
Shaytan causing fitnah (trials)
Jabir reported: I heard Allah's Messenger (way peace be upon him) as saying:
“The throne of Iblis is upon the ocean and he sends detachments (to different parts) in order to put people to trial and the most important figure in his eyes is one who is most notorious in sowing the seed of dissension.” (Sahih Muslim Book 039, Number 6754)
Jabir reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said:
“Iblis places his throne upon water; he then sends detachments (for creating dissension); the nearer to him in tank are those who are most notorious in creating dissension. One of them comes and says: I did so and so. And he says: You have done nothing. Then one amongst them comes and says: I did not spare so and so until I sowed the seed of discord between a husband and a wife. The Satan goes near him and says: 'You have done well. A'mash said: He then embraces him.” (Sahih Muslim Book 039, Number 6755)
Jabir reported that Allah's Apostle (may peace be upqn him) said:
“The Satan sends detachments of his own in order to put people to trial and the highest in rank, in his eyes, is one who is most notorious in sowing the seed of dissension.” (Sahih Muslim Book 039, Number 6756)
Doing things opposite to that of the devils (e.g. taking naps, use of right hand, etc)
Picking up dropped food so as not to nourish the enemy (shaytan)
Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
“When a morsel of any of you falls, he should pick it up and remove any of the dirt on it and then eat it, and should not leave it for Satan nor should wipe his hand with towel until he has licked his fingers, for he does not know in what portion of the food the blessing lies.'”[Muslim]
A person should always seek refuge in Allah (swt) because Shaytan is always trying to bring man to commit evil deeds or avoid doing good deeds.
Surah 41 Fussilat
36. And if an evil whisper from Shaitan (Satan) tries to turn you away (O Muhammad (saw)) (from doing good, etc.), then seek refuge in Allah. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as stating that Allah the Most High and Exalted said:
“I am the One, One Who does not stand in need of a partner. If anyone does anything in which he associates anyone else with Me, I shall abandon him with one whom he associates with Allah.” (Sahih Muslim Book 042, Number 7114)
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
Allah (glorified and exalted be He) said: I am so self-sufficient that I am in no need of having an associate. Thus he who does an action for someone else's sake as well as Mine will have that action renounced by Me to him whom he associated with Me. It was related by Muslim (also by Ibn Majah) (Hadith Qudsi 5)
How to seek refuge in Allah:
Please see Fortress of the Believer for more details
Saying A’uthu billahi minash shaitaanir rajeem (I seek refuge in Allah from Satan the outcast)
Recitation of the two Surahs Al-Falaq and An-Nas, as they have wondrous effect in seeking refuge with Allah from his evil, weakening Shaytan and protection from him. This is why the Messenger, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said: “No person seeks refuge with anything like the Mu`awwidhatayn (soorahs al-Falaq and an-Nas)”. [an-Nasaa’i, 5337]
Recitation of Ayat al-Kursi (2:255).
Whoever says this when he rises in the morning will be protected from jinns until he retires in the evening, and whoever says it when retiring in the evening will be protected from them until he rises in the morning. (al-Hakim 1/562, Nasa’i and At-Tabarani)
Whoever reads this when he lies down to sleep will have a guardian from Allah remain with him and Satan will not be able to come near him until he rises in the morning. (Al-Bukhari, cf. Al-asqalani, Fath Al-Bari 4/487)
Recitation of Surah Al-Baqarah. The Messenger, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said, “The house in which al-Baqarah is recited is not approached by Shaytan.” [Muslim]
The final part of al-Baqarah. The Messenger, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said, “Whoever recites the two last verses of al-Baqarah at night they will suffice him.” [Muslim]
STORIES OF SINCERITY
Note: Seeking Allah’s (swt) assistance through sincerity.
Please see Appendix for details
Yusuf (Prophet Joseph) (as) and his sincere deeds
Qur’an Surah 12 Yusuf (The Prophet Yusuf)
The boy who believed
Ibrahim (Prophet Ibrahim) (as) and his wife near the House of Allah
The three people in the cave
Sincerity entails doing good deeds with a sense of fear of punishment.
THREE PREREQUISITES FOR ISTIGFAR TO BE ACCEPTED BY ALLAH
1. You have to stop the sin itself
2. You have to promise not to do it again
3. Whenever you remember that sin, you have to hate it/despise it.
References:Interpretation of the Meaning of the Noble Qur’an in the English Language A Summarized Version of At-Tabari, Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir with Comments from Sahih Al
Bukhari Summarized in One Volume by Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din Al-Hilali, Ph.D. (Berlin) and Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan. 23rd Revised Edition: August 1998. Darussalam Publishers and Distributors. http://www.darussalam.com/
Summarized Sahih Al-Bukhari Arabic_English. Translated by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan. First edition 1996. Darussalam Publishers and Distributors. http://www.darussalam.com/
Fortress of the Muslim. Researched and Compiled by Sa’id bin Wahf Al-Qahtani. Translation Revised by ‘Aqeel Walker. September 2000. Darussalam Publishers and Distributors. http://www.darussalam.com/
http://quran.islamicnetwork.com/
http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/reference/searchhadith.html
http://www.islamawareness.net/Prophets/
S01- What is Sincerity?
Sincerity-01
SINCERITY
DEFINITION
Sincerity is the freeing of one’s intentions from all impurities in order to come nearer to Allah (swt)
Sincerity is a condition for Allah’s acceptance of good deeds performed in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet (saw)
Notes
Doing all deeds purely for the sake of Allah (swt)
Sincerity goes hand in hand with truthfulness
For good deeds to be accepted it must be done with sincerity and in accordance with the Sunnah.
Evidences
Surah 98 Al-Baiyinah (The Clear Evidence)
5. And they have been commanded no more than this: To worship Allah, offering Him sincere devotion, being true (in faith); to establish regular prayer; and to practise regular charity; and that is the Religion Right and Straight.
Abu Umama has related that a man once came to the Prophet (saw) said, “What of a man who has joined in the fighting, his intention being for fame and booty?” The Prophet (saw) said, “He receives nothing.” The man repeated the question three times and each time the Prophet (saw) said, “He receives nothing.” Then he (saw) said, “Allah accepts actions that are intended purely for His pleasure.” (Sahih, an-Nisa’I, Kitab al-Jihad, 6/25)
A servant can free himself from Shaytan through sincere devotion, for Allah (swt) tells us in the Qur’an that Iblis said to Him:
Surah 38 Sa’ad (The Letter Sa’ad)
82. (Iblis) said: "Then, by Thy power, I will put them all in the wrong,-
83. "Except Thy Servants amongst them, sincere and purified (by Thy Grace)."
Note: Sincerity is a weapon against Shaytan because a sincere person always reminds himself that his actions are for the sake of Allah (swt)
There are many great many actions where a man acts, thinking they are purely intended for Allah’s pleasure, but he is deluded, for he fails to see the defects in them.
It has been related that a man used to praying in the first row of the mosque. One day he was late for the prayer, so he prayed in the second row. Feeling embarrassed when the people saw him in the second row, he realized that the pleasure and satisfaction of the heart he used to gain from praying in the first row were due to his seeing people seeing him there and admiring him for it.
Note: Self admiration is the first action that removes sincerity. Therefore, remind yourself all the time of your intentions.
Hadith: On the three men who did things for the sake of showing off…on the Day of Resurrection Allah (swt) will expose their intentions .
Hadith Qudsi 6
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) say:
The first of people against whom judgment will be pronounced on the Day of Resurrection will be a man who died a martyr. He will be brought and Allah will make known to him His favors and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I fought for you until I died a martyr. He will say: You have lied - you did but fight that it might be said [of you]: He is courageous. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire. [Another] will be a man who has studied [religious] knowledge and has taught it and who used to recite the Qur’an. He will be brought and Allah will make known to him His favors and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I studied [religious] knowledge and I taught it and I recited the Qur’an for Your sake. He will say: You have lied - you did but study [religious] knowledge that it might be said [of you]: He is learned. And you recited the Qur’an that it might be said [of you]: He is a reciter. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire. [Another] will be a man whom Allah had made rich and to whom He had given all kinds of wealth. He will be brought and Allah will make known to him His favors and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I left no path [untrodden] in which You like money to be spent without spending in it for Your sake. He will say: You have lied - you did but do so that it might be said [of you]: He is open-handed. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire.
It was related by Muslim (also by at-Tirmidhi and an-Nasa'i).
This is a subtle condition and actions are rarely safe from it. Apart from those whom Allah has assisted, few are aware of such delicate matters.
Those who do not realize it only come to see their good deeds appearing as bad ones on the Day of Resurrection; they are the ones referred to in Allah’s words:
Surah 39 Az-Zumar (The Groups)
47. Even if the wrong-doers had all that there is on earth, and as much more, (in vain) would they offer it for ransom from the pain of the Penalty on the Day of Judgment: but something will confront them from Allah, which they could never have counted upon!
48. For the evils of their Deeds will confront them, and they will be (completely) encircled by that which they used to mock at!
Note: On the Day of Resurrection, Allah (swt) will show a person his deeds/actions and his intentions for doing such deeds/actions.
A man of wisdom said: “A devout person is someone who conceals things that are good; in the same way he conceals things that are bad.”
This means that one’s deeds should be purified from any self-admiration.
Al-Fudayl said: “Forsaking action for the sake of other people is to seek their admiration. To act for the sake of their admiration is to associate others with Allah. Devotion is when Allah frees you from both of these states.”
THE NATURE OF INTENTION
DEFINITION
The intention of a person is not his utterance of the words, “I intend to do so and so.” It is an overflowing of the heart. At times it is made easy, at other times difficult.
Notes:
Intentions – are not the utterance words but should come from the heart
Sincerity - renewing intentions before actions (e.g. making dua’a before fasting, co-habiting, etc), some actions are more difficult to do with sincerity than others (e.g. nawfl or supererogatory fast)
Remember that on the Day of Judgment every action is judged by it’s intention
Evidence
The Prophet (saw) said, “Actions are only by intentions, and every man shall only have what he intended. Thus he whose hijra was for Allah and His messenger, his hijra was for Allah and His Messenger, and he whose hijra was to achieve some worldly benefit or to take some woman in marriage, his hijra was for that for which he made hijra.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Imam ash-Shafi said: “This hadith is a third of all knowledge.” The words, “actions are only by intention,” means that deeds which are performed in accordance with the Sunnah are acceptable and rewarded if only the intentions behind them are sincere.
The fundamental principle should be that the act is intended for the worship of Allah alone. If our intention is to show off, then these acts of worship will in fact become acts of disobedience.
As for the permissible deeds, they all involve intentions which can potentially turn them into excellent acts which bring a man nearer to Allah (swt)
e.g. changing diapers - intention only to clean the child vs. intention that cleanliness is half of eeman
Hadith: Abu Malik at-Ash'ari reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Cleanliness is half of faith and al-Hamdu Liliah (Praise be to Allah) fills the scale, and Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah) and al-Hamdu Liliah (Praise be to Allah) fill upwhat is between the heavens and the earth, and prayer is a light, and charity is proof (of one's faith) and endurance is a brightness and the Holy Qur'an is a proof on your behalf or against you. All men go out early in the morning and sell themselves, thereby setting themselves free or destroying themselves. (Sahih Muslim Book 002 The Book of Purification Kitab Al-Taharah, Number 0432)
e.g. jogging – intention only to lose weight vs. intention to gain strength so that you can pray longer
Note: A person can have more intentions for a single action (e.g. jogging for strengthening the body, to complete the adhkar, etc)
THE EXCELLENCE OF INTENTION
Evidence
Umar ibn al-Khattab (ra) said, “The best acts are doing what Allah has commanded, staying away from what Allah has forbidden and having sincere intentions towards whatever Allah has required of us.” (Tahdhib al’Asma’ li-Nawawi, 1/173)
Some of our predecessors said: “Many small actions are made great by the intentions behind them. Many great actions on the other hand, are made small because the intentions behind them are lacking.”
e.g. giving sadakah – becomes a bigger action if you give even if you don’t have much to spare.
Hadith on charity:
Narrated Abu Huraira (ra): A man came to the Prophet (saw) and asked, “O Allah’s Messenger which charity is the most superior in reward?” He replied, “The charity which you practice while you are healthy, niggardly and afraid of poverty and wish to become wealthy. Do not delay it to the time of approaching death and then say, ‘Give so much to such and such, and so much to such and such.’ (And it has already belonged to such and such (his heirs)) (Al-Bukhari)
Ibn Umar once heard a man who was putting on his ihram say: “O Allah! I intend to do the Hajj and Umrah.” So he said to him: “Why are you informing the people of your intention? Does not Allah already know what is in your heart?” (Sahih, Ja’mi’l-Ulum wa’l-Hikam, p.19)
It is because good intentions are exclusively the concern of the heart, that they should not be voice during worship.
SINCERITY
DEFINITION
Sincerity is the freeing of one’s intentions from all impurities in order to come nearer to Allah (swt)
Sincerity is a condition for Allah’s acceptance of good deeds performed in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet (saw)
Notes
Doing all deeds purely for the sake of Allah (swt)
Sincerity goes hand in hand with truthfulness
For good deeds to be accepted it must be done with sincerity and in accordance with the Sunnah.
Evidences
Surah 98 Al-Baiyinah (The Clear Evidence)
5. And they have been commanded no more than this: To worship Allah, offering Him sincere devotion, being true (in faith); to establish regular prayer; and to practise regular charity; and that is the Religion Right and Straight.
Abu Umama has related that a man once came to the Prophet (saw) said, “What of a man who has joined in the fighting, his intention being for fame and booty?” The Prophet (saw) said, “He receives nothing.” The man repeated the question three times and each time the Prophet (saw) said, “He receives nothing.” Then he (saw) said, “Allah accepts actions that are intended purely for His pleasure.” (Sahih, an-Nisa’I, Kitab al-Jihad, 6/25)
A servant can free himself from Shaytan through sincere devotion, for Allah (swt) tells us in the Qur’an that Iblis said to Him:
Surah 38 Sa’ad (The Letter Sa’ad)
82. (Iblis) said: "Then, by Thy power, I will put them all in the wrong,-
83. "Except Thy Servants amongst them, sincere and purified (by Thy Grace)."
Note: Sincerity is a weapon against Shaytan because a sincere person always reminds himself that his actions are for the sake of Allah (swt)
There are many great many actions where a man acts, thinking they are purely intended for Allah’s pleasure, but he is deluded, for he fails to see the defects in them.
It has been related that a man used to praying in the first row of the mosque. One day he was late for the prayer, so he prayed in the second row. Feeling embarrassed when the people saw him in the second row, he realized that the pleasure and satisfaction of the heart he used to gain from praying in the first row were due to his seeing people seeing him there and admiring him for it.
Note: Self admiration is the first action that removes sincerity. Therefore, remind yourself all the time of your intentions.
Hadith: On the three men who did things for the sake of showing off…on the Day of Resurrection Allah (swt) will expose their intentions .
Hadith Qudsi 6
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) say:
The first of people against whom judgment will be pronounced on the Day of Resurrection will be a man who died a martyr. He will be brought and Allah will make known to him His favors and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I fought for you until I died a martyr. He will say: You have lied - you did but fight that it might be said [of you]: He is courageous. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire. [Another] will be a man who has studied [religious] knowledge and has taught it and who used to recite the Qur’an. He will be brought and Allah will make known to him His favors and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I studied [religious] knowledge and I taught it and I recited the Qur’an for Your sake. He will say: You have lied - you did but study [religious] knowledge that it might be said [of you]: He is learned. And you recited the Qur’an that it might be said [of you]: He is a reciter. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire. [Another] will be a man whom Allah had made rich and to whom He had given all kinds of wealth. He will be brought and Allah will make known to him His favors and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I left no path [untrodden] in which You like money to be spent without spending in it for Your sake. He will say: You have lied - you did but do so that it might be said [of you]: He is open-handed. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire.
It was related by Muslim (also by at-Tirmidhi and an-Nasa'i).
This is a subtle condition and actions are rarely safe from it. Apart from those whom Allah has assisted, few are aware of such delicate matters.
Those who do not realize it only come to see their good deeds appearing as bad ones on the Day of Resurrection; they are the ones referred to in Allah’s words:
Surah 39 Az-Zumar (The Groups)
47. Even if the wrong-doers had all that there is on earth, and as much more, (in vain) would they offer it for ransom from the pain of the Penalty on the Day of Judgment: but something will confront them from Allah, which they could never have counted upon!
48. For the evils of their Deeds will confront them, and they will be (completely) encircled by that which they used to mock at!
Note: On the Day of Resurrection, Allah (swt) will show a person his deeds/actions and his intentions for doing such deeds/actions.
A man of wisdom said: “A devout person is someone who conceals things that are good; in the same way he conceals things that are bad.”
This means that one’s deeds should be purified from any self-admiration.
Al-Fudayl said: “Forsaking action for the sake of other people is to seek their admiration. To act for the sake of their admiration is to associate others with Allah. Devotion is when Allah frees you from both of these states.”
THE NATURE OF INTENTION
DEFINITION
The intention of a person is not his utterance of the words, “I intend to do so and so.” It is an overflowing of the heart. At times it is made easy, at other times difficult.
Notes:
Intentions – are not the utterance words but should come from the heart
Sincerity - renewing intentions before actions (e.g. making dua’a before fasting, co-habiting, etc), some actions are more difficult to do with sincerity than others (e.g. nawfl or supererogatory fast)
Remember that on the Day of Judgment every action is judged by it’s intention
Evidence
The Prophet (saw) said, “Actions are only by intentions, and every man shall only have what he intended. Thus he whose hijra was for Allah and His messenger, his hijra was for Allah and His Messenger, and he whose hijra was to achieve some worldly benefit or to take some woman in marriage, his hijra was for that for which he made hijra.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Imam ash-Shafi said: “This hadith is a third of all knowledge.” The words, “actions are only by intention,” means that deeds which are performed in accordance with the Sunnah are acceptable and rewarded if only the intentions behind them are sincere.
The fundamental principle should be that the act is intended for the worship of Allah alone. If our intention is to show off, then these acts of worship will in fact become acts of disobedience.
As for the permissible deeds, they all involve intentions which can potentially turn them into excellent acts which bring a man nearer to Allah (swt)
e.g. changing diapers - intention only to clean the child vs. intention that cleanliness is half of eeman
Hadith: Abu Malik at-Ash'ari reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Cleanliness is half of faith and al-Hamdu Liliah (Praise be to Allah) fills the scale, and Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah) and al-Hamdu Liliah (Praise be to Allah) fill upwhat is between the heavens and the earth, and prayer is a light, and charity is proof (of one's faith) and endurance is a brightness and the Holy Qur'an is a proof on your behalf or against you. All men go out early in the morning and sell themselves, thereby setting themselves free or destroying themselves. (Sahih Muslim Book 002 The Book of Purification Kitab Al-Taharah, Number 0432)
e.g. jogging – intention only to lose weight vs. intention to gain strength so that you can pray longer
Note: A person can have more intentions for a single action (e.g. jogging for strengthening the body, to complete the adhkar, etc)
THE EXCELLENCE OF INTENTION
Evidence
Umar ibn al-Khattab (ra) said, “The best acts are doing what Allah has commanded, staying away from what Allah has forbidden and having sincere intentions towards whatever Allah has required of us.” (Tahdhib al’Asma’ li-Nawawi, 1/173)
Some of our predecessors said: “Many small actions are made great by the intentions behind them. Many great actions on the other hand, are made small because the intentions behind them are lacking.”
e.g. giving sadakah – becomes a bigger action if you give even if you don’t have much to spare.
Hadith on charity:
Narrated Abu Huraira (ra): A man came to the Prophet (saw) and asked, “O Allah’s Messenger which charity is the most superior in reward?” He replied, “The charity which you practice while you are healthy, niggardly and afraid of poverty and wish to become wealthy. Do not delay it to the time of approaching death and then say, ‘Give so much to such and such, and so much to such and such.’ (And it has already belonged to such and such (his heirs)) (Al-Bukhari)
Ibn Umar once heard a man who was putting on his ihram say: “O Allah! I intend to do the Hajj and Umrah.” So he said to him: “Why are you informing the people of your intention? Does not Allah already know what is in your heart?” (Sahih, Ja’mi’l-Ulum wa’l-Hikam, p.19)
It is because good intentions are exclusively the concern of the heart, that they should not be voice during worship.
POS10-SINCERITY
POS-10
SINCERITY
DEFINITION
Sincerity is the freeing of one’s intentions from all impurities in order to come nearer to Allah (swt)
Sincerity is a condition for Allah’s acceptance of good deeds performed in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet (saw)
Notes
Doing all deeds purely for the sake of Allah (swt)
Sincerity goes hand in hand with truthfulness
For good deeds to be accepted it must be done with sincerity and in accordance with the Sunnah.
Evidences
Surah 98 Al-Baiyinah (The Clear Evidence)
5. And they have been commanded no more than this: To worship Allah, offering Him sincere devotion, being true (in faith); to establish regular prayer; and to practise regular charity; and that is the Religion Right and Straight.
Abu Umama has related that a man once came to the Prophet (saw) said, “What of a man who has joined in the fighting, his intention being for fame and booty?” The Prophet (saw) said, “He receives nothing.” The man repeated the question three times and each time the Prophet (saw) said, “He receives nothing.” Then he (saw) said, “Allah accepts actions that are intended purely for His pleasure.” (Sahih, an-Nisa’I, Kitab al-Jihad, 6/25)
A servant can free himself from Shaytan through sincere devotion, for Allah (swt) tells us in the Qur’an that Iblis said to Him:
Surah 38 Sa’ad (The Letter Sa’ad)
82. (Iblis) said: "Then, by Thy power, I will put them all in the wrong,-
83. "Except Thy Servants amongst them, sincere and purified (by Thy Grace)."
Note: Sincerity is a weapon against Shaytan because a sincere person always reminds himself that his actions are for the sake of Allah (swt)
There are many great many actions where a man acts, thinking they are purely intended for Allah’s pleasure, but he is deluded, for he fails to see the defects in them.
It has been related that a man used to praying in the first row of the mosque. One day he was late for the prayer, so he prayed in the second row. Feeling embarrassed when the people saw him in the second row, he realized that the pleasure and satisfaction of the heart he used to gain from praying in the first row were due to his seeing people seeing him there and admiring him for it.
Note: Self admiration is the first action that removes sincerity. Therefore, remind yourself all the time of your intentions.
Hadith: On the three men who did things for the sake of showing off…on the Day of Resurrection Allah (swt) will expose their intentions
Hadith Qudsi 6
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) say:
The first of people against whom judgment will be pronounced on the Day of Resurrection will be a man who died a martyr. He will be brought and Allah will make known to him His favors and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I fought for you until I died a martyr. He will say: You have lied - you did but fight that it might be said [of you]: He is courageous. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire. [Another] will be a man who has studied [religious] knowledge and has taught it and who used to recite the Qur’an. He will be brought and Allah will make known to him His favors and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I studied [religious] knowledge and I taught it and I recited the Qur’an for Your sake. He will say: You have lied - you did but study [religious] knowledge that it might be said [of you]: He is learned. And you recited the Qur’an that it might be said [of you]: He is a reciter. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire. [Another] will be a man whom Allah had made rich and to whom He had given all kinds of wealth. He will be brought and Allah will make known to him His favors and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I left no path [untrodden] in which You like money to be spent without spending in it for Your sake. He will say: You have lied - you did but do so that it might be said [of you]: He is open-handed. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire.
It was related by Muslim (also by at-Tirmidhi and an-Nasa'i).
This is a subtle condition and actions are rarely safe from it. Apart from those whom Allah has assisted, few are aware of such delicate matters.
Those who do not realize it only come to see their good deeds appearing as bad ones on the Day of Resurrection; they are the ones referred to in Allah’s words:
Surah 39 Az-Zumar (The Groups)
47. Even if the wrong-doers had all that there is on earth, and as much more, (in vain) would they offer it for ransom from the pain of the Penalty on the Day of Judgment: but something will confront them from Allah, which they could never have counted upon!
48. For the evils of their Deeds will confront them, and they will be (completely) encircled by that which they used to mock at!
Note: On the Day of Resurrection, Allah (swt) will show a person his deeds/actions and his intentions for doing such deeds/actions.
A man of wisdom said: “A devout person is someone who conceals things that are good; in the same way he conceals things that are bad.”
This means that one’s deeds should be purified from any self-admiration.
Al-Fudayl said: “Forsaking action for the sake of other people is to seek their admiration. To act for the sake of their admiration is to associate others with Allah. Devotion is when Allah frees you from both of these states.”
THE NATURE OF INTENTION
DEFINITION
The intention of a person is not his utterance of the words, “I intend to do so and so.” It is an overflowing of the heart. At times it is made easy, at other times difficult.
Notes:
Intentions – are not the utterance words but should come from the heart
Sincerity - renewing intentions before actions (e.g. making dua’a before fasting, co-habiting, etc), some actions are more difficult to do with sincerity than others (e.g. nawfl or supererogatory fast)
Remember that on the Day of Judgment every action is judged by it’s intention
Evidence
The Prophet (saw) said, “Actions are only by intentions, and every man shall only have what he intended. Thus he whose hijra was for Allah and His messenger, his hijra was for Allah and His Messenger, and he whose hijra was to achieve some worldly benefit or to take some woman in marriage, his hijra was for that for which he made hijra.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Imam ash-Shafi said: “This hadith is a third of all knowledge.” The words, “actions are only by intention,” means that deeds which are performed in accordance with the Sunnah are acceptable and rewarded if only the intentions behind them are sincere.
The fundamental principle should be that the act is intended for the worship of Allah alone. If our intention is to show off, then these acts of worship will in fact become acts of disobedience.
As for the permissible deeds, they all involve intentions which can potentially turn them into excellent acts which bring a man nearer to Allah (swt)
e.g. changing diapers - intention only to clean the child vs. intention that cleanliness is half of eeman
Hadith: Abu Malik at-Ash'ari reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Cleanliness is half of faith and al-Hamdu Liliah (Praise be to Allah) fills the scale, and Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah) and al-Hamdu Liliah (Praise be to Allah) fill upwhat is between the heavens and the earth, and prayer is a light, and charity is proof (of one's faith) and endurance is a brightness and the Holy Qur'an is a proof on your behalf or against you. All men go out early in the morning and sell themselves, thereby setting themselves free or destroying themselves. (Sahih Muslim Book 002 The Book of Purification Kitab Al-Taharah, Number 0432)
e.g. jogging – intention only to lose weight vs. intention to gain strength so that you can pray longer
Note: A person can have more intentions for a single action (e.g. jogging for strengthening the body, to complete the adhkar, etc)
THE EXCELLENCE OF INTENTION
Evidence
Umar ibn al-Khattab (ra) said, “The best acts are doing what Allah has commanded, staying away from what Allah has forbidden and having sincere intentions towards whatever Allah has required of us.” (Tahdhib al’Asma’ li-Nawawi, 1/173)
Some of our predecessors said: “Many small actions are made great by the intentions behind them. Many great actions on the other hand, are made small because the intentions behind them are lacking.”
e.g. giving sadakah – becomes a bigger action if you give even if you don’t have much to spare.
Hadith on charity:
Narrated Abu Huraira (ra): A man came to the Prophet (saw) and asked, “O Allah’s Messenger which charity is the most superior in reward?” He replied, “The charity which you practice while you are healthy, niggardly and afraid of poverty and wish to become wealthy. Do not delay it to the time of approaching death and then say, ‘Give so much to such and such, and so much to such and such.’ (And it has already belonged to such and such (his heirs)) (Al-Bukhari)
Ibn Umar once heard a man who was putting on his ihram say: “O Allah! I intend to do the Hajj and Umrah.” So he said to him: “Why are you informing the people of your intention? Does not Allah already know what is in your heart?” (Sahih, Ja’mi’l-Ulum wa’l-Hikam, p.19)
It is because good intentions are exclusively the concern of the heart, that they should not be voice during worship.
SINCERITY
DEFINITION
Sincerity is the freeing of one’s intentions from all impurities in order to come nearer to Allah (swt)
Sincerity is a condition for Allah’s acceptance of good deeds performed in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet (saw)
Notes
Doing all deeds purely for the sake of Allah (swt)
Sincerity goes hand in hand with truthfulness
For good deeds to be accepted it must be done with sincerity and in accordance with the Sunnah.
Evidences
Surah 98 Al-Baiyinah (The Clear Evidence)
5. And they have been commanded no more than this: To worship Allah, offering Him sincere devotion, being true (in faith); to establish regular prayer; and to practise regular charity; and that is the Religion Right and Straight.
Abu Umama has related that a man once came to the Prophet (saw) said, “What of a man who has joined in the fighting, his intention being for fame and booty?” The Prophet (saw) said, “He receives nothing.” The man repeated the question three times and each time the Prophet (saw) said, “He receives nothing.” Then he (saw) said, “Allah accepts actions that are intended purely for His pleasure.” (Sahih, an-Nisa’I, Kitab al-Jihad, 6/25)
A servant can free himself from Shaytan through sincere devotion, for Allah (swt) tells us in the Qur’an that Iblis said to Him:
Surah 38 Sa’ad (The Letter Sa’ad)
82. (Iblis) said: "Then, by Thy power, I will put them all in the wrong,-
83. "Except Thy Servants amongst them, sincere and purified (by Thy Grace)."
Note: Sincerity is a weapon against Shaytan because a sincere person always reminds himself that his actions are for the sake of Allah (swt)
There are many great many actions where a man acts, thinking they are purely intended for Allah’s pleasure, but he is deluded, for he fails to see the defects in them.
It has been related that a man used to praying in the first row of the mosque. One day he was late for the prayer, so he prayed in the second row. Feeling embarrassed when the people saw him in the second row, he realized that the pleasure and satisfaction of the heart he used to gain from praying in the first row were due to his seeing people seeing him there and admiring him for it.
Note: Self admiration is the first action that removes sincerity. Therefore, remind yourself all the time of your intentions.
Hadith: On the three men who did things for the sake of showing off…on the Day of Resurrection Allah (swt) will expose their intentions
Hadith Qudsi 6
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) say:
The first of people against whom judgment will be pronounced on the Day of Resurrection will be a man who died a martyr. He will be brought and Allah will make known to him His favors and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I fought for you until I died a martyr. He will say: You have lied - you did but fight that it might be said [of you]: He is courageous. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire. [Another] will be a man who has studied [religious] knowledge and has taught it and who used to recite the Qur’an. He will be brought and Allah will make known to him His favors and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I studied [religious] knowledge and I taught it and I recited the Qur’an for Your sake. He will say: You have lied - you did but study [religious] knowledge that it might be said [of you]: He is learned. And you recited the Qur’an that it might be said [of you]: He is a reciter. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire. [Another] will be a man whom Allah had made rich and to whom He had given all kinds of wealth. He will be brought and Allah will make known to him His favors and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I left no path [untrodden] in which You like money to be spent without spending in it for Your sake. He will say: You have lied - you did but do so that it might be said [of you]: He is open-handed. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire.
It was related by Muslim (also by at-Tirmidhi and an-Nasa'i).
This is a subtle condition and actions are rarely safe from it. Apart from those whom Allah has assisted, few are aware of such delicate matters.
Those who do not realize it only come to see their good deeds appearing as bad ones on the Day of Resurrection; they are the ones referred to in Allah’s words:
Surah 39 Az-Zumar (The Groups)
47. Even if the wrong-doers had all that there is on earth, and as much more, (in vain) would they offer it for ransom from the pain of the Penalty on the Day of Judgment: but something will confront them from Allah, which they could never have counted upon!
48. For the evils of their Deeds will confront them, and they will be (completely) encircled by that which they used to mock at!
Note: On the Day of Resurrection, Allah (swt) will show a person his deeds/actions and his intentions for doing such deeds/actions.
A man of wisdom said: “A devout person is someone who conceals things that are good; in the same way he conceals things that are bad.”
This means that one’s deeds should be purified from any self-admiration.
Al-Fudayl said: “Forsaking action for the sake of other people is to seek their admiration. To act for the sake of their admiration is to associate others with Allah. Devotion is when Allah frees you from both of these states.”
THE NATURE OF INTENTION
DEFINITION
The intention of a person is not his utterance of the words, “I intend to do so and so.” It is an overflowing of the heart. At times it is made easy, at other times difficult.
Notes:
Intentions – are not the utterance words but should come from the heart
Sincerity - renewing intentions before actions (e.g. making dua’a before fasting, co-habiting, etc), some actions are more difficult to do with sincerity than others (e.g. nawfl or supererogatory fast)
Remember that on the Day of Judgment every action is judged by it’s intention
Evidence
The Prophet (saw) said, “Actions are only by intentions, and every man shall only have what he intended. Thus he whose hijra was for Allah and His messenger, his hijra was for Allah and His Messenger, and he whose hijra was to achieve some worldly benefit or to take some woman in marriage, his hijra was for that for which he made hijra.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Imam ash-Shafi said: “This hadith is a third of all knowledge.” The words, “actions are only by intention,” means that deeds which are performed in accordance with the Sunnah are acceptable and rewarded if only the intentions behind them are sincere.
The fundamental principle should be that the act is intended for the worship of Allah alone. If our intention is to show off, then these acts of worship will in fact become acts of disobedience.
As for the permissible deeds, they all involve intentions which can potentially turn them into excellent acts which bring a man nearer to Allah (swt)
e.g. changing diapers - intention only to clean the child vs. intention that cleanliness is half of eeman
Hadith: Abu Malik at-Ash'ari reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Cleanliness is half of faith and al-Hamdu Liliah (Praise be to Allah) fills the scale, and Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah) and al-Hamdu Liliah (Praise be to Allah) fill upwhat is between the heavens and the earth, and prayer is a light, and charity is proof (of one's faith) and endurance is a brightness and the Holy Qur'an is a proof on your behalf or against you. All men go out early in the morning and sell themselves, thereby setting themselves free or destroying themselves. (Sahih Muslim Book 002 The Book of Purification Kitab Al-Taharah, Number 0432)
e.g. jogging – intention only to lose weight vs. intention to gain strength so that you can pray longer
Note: A person can have more intentions for a single action (e.g. jogging for strengthening the body, to complete the adhkar, etc)
THE EXCELLENCE OF INTENTION
Evidence
Umar ibn al-Khattab (ra) said, “The best acts are doing what Allah has commanded, staying away from what Allah has forbidden and having sincere intentions towards whatever Allah has required of us.” (Tahdhib al’Asma’ li-Nawawi, 1/173)
Some of our predecessors said: “Many small actions are made great by the intentions behind them. Many great actions on the other hand, are made small because the intentions behind them are lacking.”
e.g. giving sadakah – becomes a bigger action if you give even if you don’t have much to spare.
Hadith on charity:
Narrated Abu Huraira (ra): A man came to the Prophet (saw) and asked, “O Allah’s Messenger which charity is the most superior in reward?” He replied, “The charity which you practice while you are healthy, niggardly and afraid of poverty and wish to become wealthy. Do not delay it to the time of approaching death and then say, ‘Give so much to such and such, and so much to such and such.’ (And it has already belonged to such and such (his heirs)) (Al-Bukhari)
Ibn Umar once heard a man who was putting on his ihram say: “O Allah! I intend to do the Hajj and Umrah.” So he said to him: “Why are you informing the people of your intention? Does not Allah already know what is in your heart?” (Sahih, Ja’mi’l-Ulum wa’l-Hikam, p.19)
It is because good intentions are exclusively the concern of the heart, that they should not be voice during worship.
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