Al-Arba’īn an-Nawawīyah Ḥadīth [1] – Deeds are considered by intentions…

This blessed ḥadīth expresses the reality that the acceptance of all deeds and their reward depends upon the intention. If the intention is correct, the deed is accepted by Allāh; if there is a flaw in the intention, even an apparently great deed is rendered fruitless.

A correct intention means that the virtuous act is performed solely for the pleasure of Allāh – the Exalted; it should not be due to fear or for the gratification of anyone, nor should there be any greed for fame, a good reputation, or worldly gain.

If the deed is performed for fame, notoriety, or any worldly gain instead of for the pleasure of Allāh, then this is a defect in the intention.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) made this clear by giving the example of the great act of hijrah: If it was performed for Allāh and His Messenger, it is a source of reward; but if it was for wealth, riches, or a woman, then it is nothing more than a journey. And this is despite the fact that all of a person’s previous sins are forgiven through hijrah. The importance of sincere intention is such that without it, no deed reaches the status of acceptance.

And it is stated in one ḥadīth that the fire of Hell will be ignited with a scholar, a generous person, and a martyr, solely because of the defect in their intention. [Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim (1905)] Otherwise, their status and rank are as clear as day in the sharī’ah.

On the other hand, if the intention is correct, then [as is stated in a ḥadīth] the one who goes to bed intending to offer the tahajjud prayer [later in the night, but he does not wake up], receives reward throughout the night, and this sleep becomes a charity for him from his Lord. [Sunan an-Nasā’ī (1787); and Sunan ibn Mājah (1344)]

The example of a correct intention and a flawed intention was given in a ḥadīth by narrating the circumstances of four people:

❶ The one who was given knowledge and wealth, who fears Allāh – the Exalted – concerning both and fulfills their rights: This is the most virtuous.

❷ The one who received knowledge but no wealth, yet he says with truthfulness and sincerity of intention: ‘If I had wealth, I would spend it in His way just like that wealthy person.’ The reward of both of them is equal.

❸ The third is the one who was given wealth but was deprived of knowledge; he spends it extravagantly without thinking, neither fearing Allāh – the Exalted – nor maintaining family ties: This is the worst person.

❹ The fourth is the person who was given neither knowledge nor wealth, but his intention was: ‘If I had wealth, I would commit bad deeds like so-and-so.’ Both are equal in sin. [Sunan at-Tirmidhī (2325)]

Therefore, correct your intention before every small or great deed so that it may attain the honor of acceptance with Allāh – the Exalted.

Otherwise, even performing an act with great effort and hardship will result in being deprived of the reward due to a flawed intention. May Allāh – the Exalted – make our intention sincere and solely for His pleasure. Āmīn.

• Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī (1, 54, 2529, 3898, 5070, 6689 & 6953)
• Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim (1907)
• Sunan Abī Dāwūd (2201)
• Sunan an-Nasā’ī (75, 3437 [3467] & 3794 [3825])
• Sunan at-Tirmidhī (1647)
• Sunan ibn Mājah (4227)
• Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ (1)
• Riyāḍuṣ Ṣāliḥīn (1)