SAEDNEWS: Intention plays a decisive role in determining the value of a person’s actions. An action performed without the intention of seeking God’s pleasure has zero value, while even an obligatory act of worship performed to show off has negative value.
According to Saednews, Intention (niyyah) means having a firm resolve and definite purpose to perform an action. A rational person who acts of their own free will does not perform actions without intention; in fact, performing an action without any intention is essentially impossible. Intention plays a decisive role in acts of worship. Therefore, the intention behind an act of worship must possess certain characteristics to prepare a person to benefit more fully from its blessings.
Intention not only influences the spiritual merit of worship but can also invalidate an act if certain conditions are not fulfilled or specific requirements are not met. Islamic jurists have relied on the Quran (Surah Al-Bayyinah, verse 5), the Sunnah (“Actions are only by intentions”), reason (the rational principle that worship must be performed with the intention of seeking closeness to God), and scholarly consensus to establish this principle.
The most important condition for an act of worship is the intention of seeking closeness to God (qurbah), which distinguishes worship from ordinary habits and actions. In addition, a person must have a general understanding of which act of worship they are performing and must not become so distracted or forgetful during the act that the original intention completely disappears from their mind. They must also keep ostentation, associating partners with God, and similar spiritual impurities away from their worship.
God Almighty says regarding intention:
“Say: Indeed, my prayer, my acts of worship, my life, and my death are all for Allah, the Lord of all worlds.” (Surah Al-An'am, 6:162)
Intention means purpose, and purpose serves as the link between knowledge and action. If a person does not know that they should perform a particular task, they will not intend to do it; and unless they form such an intention, the action will not take place.
Intention is the starting point of the spiritual journey. A spiritual seeker must have a specific destination in mind. Since the ultimate destination is absolute perfection, the intention must be to draw closer to God Almighty, for He alone is the source of absolute perfection.
When a person reaches this state, an intention without action may be better than an action performed without intention.
The Noble Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“The intention of a believer is better than their action.”
Intention is like the soul, while action is like the body. The Prophet also said:
“Actions are judged by intentions.”
Just as the life of the body depends on the presence of the soul, the true value of an action depends on its intention.
He further said:
“Everyone will have what they intended. Whoever migrates for the sake of Allah and His Messenger, their migration is for Allah and His Messenger. And whoever migrates for worldly gain or to marry a woman, their migration is for whatever they migrated to achieve.”
A good deed performed with the intention of seeking closeness to God leads to spiritual perfection. God says:
“There is no good in much of their private conversation, except for those who enjoin charity, righteousness, or reconciliation between people. Whoever does these things seeking the pleasure of Allah, We will grant them a great reward.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:114)
Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said:
“The people of Hell will remain in Hell forever because their intention in this world was that, if they were to live forever, they would continue disobeying God forever. Likewise, the people of Paradise will remain there forever because their intention in this world was that, if they were to live forever, they would continue obeying God.
Thus, both groups attain their eternal state through their intentions.”
He then recited God's words:
“Say: Everyone acts according to their own disposition.” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:84)
He explained that this means: according to one's intention.
Acts of worship differ in the degree to which their validity and spiritual value depend on intention.
For example, someone who prays to show off may receive praise only from people who are faithful and regularly perform prayers. Those who do not value prayer are unlikely to praise them. In this case, the desire to attract the admiration of believers motivates the person to show off.
However, when it comes to public-benefit projects, such as building schools, hospitals, and similar institutions, both Muslims and non-Muslims may appreciate and support the effort. Consequently, opportunities for self-display and ostentation may be greater in spending money on public projects than in performing prayers.
Few people would vote for someone simply because that person performs prayers. However, if someone spends money on public causes, there is a greater possibility that more people will vote for them.
Therefore, people's motivations can differ between individual acts of worship and acts of worship or charity that benefit others.
Ultimately, intention determines the spiritual significance of our actions and worship. An action may appear good on the outside, but its true value depends on the purpose behind it. Sincere intention, especially the intention to seek God's pleasure, transforms ordinary actions into meaningful acts of worship and brings a person closer to spiritual perfection.
