Purifying Intentions for Allah Alone
Sincerity (Ikhlāṣ) is the foundation of every deed in Islam. Without it, actions lose their value—no matter how great they appear. The Sunnah of sincerity teaches us to purify our intentions so that every act is done for the sake of Allah alone, not for praise, recognition, or worldly gain.
The Prophet ﷺ built his entire life upon sincerity. Every prayer, word, and action was directed purely toward pleasing Allah.
Actions Are Judged by Intentions
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Actions are judged by intentions, and every person will have what they intended.”
-(Sunan Abi Dawud, 2201)
This foundational hadith teaches:
Intention determines reward
The same action can differ in value
A small deed with sincerity is greater than a large deed with showing off
Ikhlāṣ begins in the heart.
What Is Sincerity (Ikhlāṣ)?
Ikhlāṣ means:
Doing an action solely for Allah
Not seeking praise from people
Not performing deeds for reputation
It is the purification of intention from:
Riyaa (showing off)
Pride
Desire for recognition
The Prophet ﷺ’s Example of Sincerity
The Prophet ﷺ:
Prayed long in private
Gave charity quietly
Served others without seeking credit
His sincerity was visible through:
Humility
Consistency
Hidden worship
He taught that Allah looks at:
The heart
The intention
The truthfulness behind the action
Hidden Deeds Are Stronger
From Sunnah wisdom:
Hidden acts are safer from pride
Quiet charity purifies the soul
Private worship strengthens sincerity
A deed known only to Allah is often more beloved than one praised by people.
Signs of a Sincere Person
Works even when unseen
Does not seek praise
Is not discouraged by criticism
Remains consistent in private and public
Feels uneasy when praised excessively
Sincerity produces stability.
Dangers of Showing Off (Riyaa)
The Prophet ﷺ warned about:
Performing deeds to impress others
Seeking admiration
Riyaa:
Destroys reward
Corrupts the heart
Turns worship into display
Sincerity protects faith from corruption.
Renew Your Intention Frequently
The Sunnah encourages:
Checking your intention before starting
Renewing it during the action
Reflecting after finishing
Intention can shift—so it must be guarded.
Tibb-e-Nabawi & Inner Health Wisdom
Sincerity:
Reduces anxiety about people’s opinions
Brings inner peace
Removes emotional exhaustion from pleasing others
Strengthens confidence rooted in faith
A sincere heart is calmer than a heart seeking approval.
Sincerity in Daily Life
Ikhlāṣ applies to:
Studying
Working
Helping family
Exercising
Earning income
When intention is for Allah, ordinary acts become worship.
Spiritual Reflection
The Sunnah of sincerity teaches:
Allah sees what people cannot
The heart matters more than appearance
Hidden purity outweighs visible performance
True success is being sincere when no one is watching.
Conclusion
The Sunnah of sincerity (Ikhlāṣ) is the foundation of all deeds. By purifying our intentions and seeking only Allah’s pleasure, we transform every action into worship. Sincerity protects the heart, multiplies reward, and brings tranquility.
Deeds may be seen by people—but sincerity is seen by Allah.