IMPORTANCE OF SINCERITY
Abu Huraira Radiyallahu Anhu narrates that Nabi Sallallahu alaihi Wa Sallam said: “Verily Allah does not look at you figure not at your appearance but He looks at your heart (intention) and your deeds.” In another narration: “Allah does not look at your wealth”
Nabi Sallallahu alaihi Wa Sallam mentions as part of a lengthy Hadeeth: “Actions are judged by their intentions”
From the above mentioned Ahadeeth, we can clearly see the importance of our intentions when doing any act. The following incidents will shed more light on the subject.
The consequences of being insincere…
THE STORY OF QUZMAAN
Aasim bin Amr Bin Qatadah Radiyallahu Anhu narrates that a man lived amongst them whose identity no one really knew. He was only only known as Quzmaan. Whenever his name was mentioned, Nabi Sallallahu alaihi Wa Sallam used to say “he is from the inmates of Jahannam.”
He fought very fiercely during the battle of Uhud and single handedly killed seven to eight Mushrikeen. He was a true warrior. However, he was eventually incapacitated by a nasty wound. When he was carried to the Banu Zafar district, many Muslims said to him, “You fought with great courage today, O Quzmaan! Glad tidings to you!” He said, “Glad tidings for what? By Allah! I fought only for the good name of my people. Had it not been for this, I would never have fought.” When his wound became too much for him to bear, he took an arrow from his quiver and used it to commit suicide. (Hayaatus Sahaaba)
The virtue of sincerity…
THE STORY OF A POOR UNATTRACTIVE SAHAABI
Anas Radiyallahu Anhu narrates that a man came to Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam saying, “O Messenger of Allah! I am an unattractive man without any wealth. Will I enter Jannah if I fight those people (the Kuffaar aremy)?” “Certainly,” replied Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam.
The man then advanced and fought until he was martyred. When Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam came to his corpse, Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam said, “Allah has beautified your face, made you fragnant and increased your wealth.” (Addressing the Sahaaba Radiyallahu Anhum) Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam said, “I have seen his two wives from the wide eyed damsels of Jannah pulling at his coat, disputing with each other about who will enter between his skin and his coat.” (Hayaatus Sahaaba)
Ulema mention that one should look at his/her intention and ask himself/herself before, whilst and after every action…Who am I doing this for? Is it to please my Allah or is it for an ulterior motive?
