Intentions & Actions

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Assalaamu `alaykum wa rahmatAllah Bismillah ar-rahman ar-raheem 

Imam al-Dhahabi states in his Siyar A`lam al-Nubala’,  “As for the one who is sincere to Allah in seeking knowledge, with a sharp mind, then seeking sacred knowledge is superior for them. However, this needs to be with a portion of prayer and worship. If you see them him determined in seeking knowledge yet with no share of acts of worship, then this is a lazy and careless individual, and not true in his claim to having a good intention…” [7.167] 

I came across this quote while having a cursory glance at some tazkiyah oriented quotes.  This quote really made me think about various aspects of my meager attempt at trying to attain knowledge related to islaam.   I claim that I am passionate about islaam, I claim that I want to seek `ilm as much as my time and abilities allow me.  I claim that I know something about islaam. Yet, all of these words are just hollow and pointless really.  That is because I do not strive to be more perfect in my `ibaadat, I do not wake up for qiyaam al-layl.  I do not spend more times praying nawaafil.  I find myself lazy when it comes to contemplating and introspecting about life, my deen and my purpose… I make claim but, more often than not, the claim never materializes.  And indeed Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala asks in His book: 

.يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا لِمَ تَقُولُونَ مَا لَا تَفْعَلُونَ

O you who believe!  Why do you say that which you do not do? (surah as-saff, ayah 2) 

So, the first thing that we need to take into consideration is our intentions.  For actions are but intentions, “inna mal a3maalu bil niyaat.”  Yes actions are nothing but by intentions, we do what we intend to do.  Hence, if we say we are serving our deen yet our words are not followed by actions then we know what’s wrong.  It is our intentions, our resolve, our real motives that are not correct and lacking.  If our intentions are not pure we are not even rewarded for our deeds. 

Our deeds depend on our intentions otherwise as Allah ta`ala says why do we say that which we do not do???

If we do not do what we say that presents a serious problem; which is an impure and hypocritical heart.  Its rectification can only be achieved if we realize what our actions are for.  So, purification of our intentions entails that we know why we need to have pure intentions.

Another aspect, therefore, that we need to consider is our purpose if our claims really are to be true;

 .قُلْ إِنَّ صَلاَتِي وَنُسُكِي وَمَحْيَايَ وَمَمَاتِي لِلّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ

Say (O Muhammad): “ Verily, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.” (surah al-an`am, ayah 162)

If our claims to faith are true and for Seeking the pleasure of our Rabb then our intentions should be pure and we should always remember our purpose.  We are here to worship Allah, we are here to fulfill His commands.  To Him we belong and to Him shall we return.

Before we talk about seeking `ilm we should really inspect and scrutinize our souls because if our intentions are impure we get no reward.  Yet, if they are pure but for misplaced purpose, then out struggle is futile.

“Say: Shall We inform you who will be the greatest losers by their works? Those whose effort goes astray in the life of the world, and they reckon that they do good work.” (surah al-kahf, ayaat 103-104)

Sense of purpose and pure intentions go hand in hand. If intentions are true they manifest in actions; so if one is really true to his claim, to his purpose, to his Rabb that would materialize into reality.

However, a crucial question arises; what if we are aware of our purpose but our intentions still remain insincere?  I think this is a matter of heart which has hardened due to lack of contemplation and `Ibaadah.  A constant connection is required with Allah.  We should always read and contemplate upon His Words and think about His majesty… 

Men who celebrate the praises of Allah, standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and contemplate the (wonders of) creation in the heavens and the earth, (With the thought): “Our Lord! not for naught Hast Thou created (all) this! Glory to Thee! Give us salvation from the penalty of the Fire. (surah aal-imran, ayah 191)

Contemplation is the key to having a pure heart.  Those who have good intentions yet fail to do much conducive work; it is only a hard heart that is preventing them…

Yes, I need to get up, you need to get up, we all need to get up and pray some nawaafil.  This is what will keep us on track; pure intentions and a sense of purpose.  The life is a track leading to that purpose; the Pleasure of our Rabb.  If there are no deeds or actions in our lot then we have nothing to present to Allah on yawm al qiyaamah.  So let’s adorn this road with actions and deeds. 

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