Assalamu ‘alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh
Welcome back, TrueDay. Today we reflect on a key teaching of the Sunnah — the importance of sincere intention behind every action. We’ll explore the hadith, “Actions are judged by intentions,” and how this guides us to live with mindfulness and purity of heart.
Also today: practical tips to purify our intentions, plus daily dua and dhikr to soothe our souls.
Recent World News and Analysis
Five Al Jazeera journalists were killed in targeted killings by Israel in Gaza; this has sparked widespread condemnation globally. Over 250 journalists have been killed in the two-year conflict in Gaza, posing a major challenge to media freedom and independence.
Ukraine carried out a drone attack on a Russian airbase, and the war situation remains intense.
The United States has proposed a nuclear deal with Iran, while several European countries are discussing plans to recognize Palestine as a state.
Verbal conflicts and tensions are rising between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir issue.
Turkey recorded its highest temperature in history, causing extensive damage due to wildfires.
Large protests are underway in Malaysia demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister.
Globally, complex and sensitive discussions are ongoing on the economy, climate change, and security, reflecting diverse perspectives in the global arena.
Muslim World Update
The Gaza crisis remains urgent, with 23 Muslim countries led by Bangladesh condemning Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza and the killing of 47 more Palestinians. Turkey urges Muslim unity against the occupation.
Afghanistan’s Taliban government signed a $10 billion deal to produce 10,000 MW of electricity, boosting hopes for economic recovery.
Social and political debates continue across Muslim countries, including protests in India and calls for recognizing Muslim women’s contributions. Recent economic deals between some Muslim nations and Israel have sparked mixed reactions.
Hadith: Deeds Without Pure Intention Are Not Accepted
Hadith :
عَنْ أَمِيرِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَبِي حَفْصٍ عُمَرَ بْنِ الْخَطَّابِ بْنِ نُفَيْلٍ بْنِ عَبْدِ الْعُزَّى بْنِ رِيَاحٍ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ قُرْطٍ بْنِ رَزَاحٍ بْنِ عَدِيِّ بْنِ كَعْبِ بْنِ لُؤَيِّ بْنِ غَالِبٍ الْقُرَشِيِّ الْعَدَوِيِّ قَالَ: سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ يَقُولُ: إِنَّمَا الأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ وَإِنَّمَا لِكُلِّ امْرِئٍ مَا نَوَى، فَمَنْ كَانَتْ هِجْرَتُهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ، فَهِجْرَتُهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ، وَمَنْ كَانَتْ هِجْرَتُهُ لِدُنْيَا يُصِيبُهَا أَوِ امْرَأَةٍ يَنْكِحُهَا، فَهِجْرَتُهُ إِلَى مَا هَاجَرَ إِلَيْهِ.
Translation:
The Commander of the Faithful, ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (may Allah be pleased with him), said: I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say —
“Indeed, actions are only by intentions, and every person will have only what he intended. So whoever’s migration was for Allah and His Messenger, his migration will be for Allah and His Messenger. And whoever’s migration was for some worldly gain he sought to attain, or for a woman he sought to marry, then his migration will be for whatever he migrated for.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 1, Sahih Muslim: 1907)
Simple Explanation:
This hadith is extremely important. Islam teaches that for any deed to be accepted by Allah, it is not enough for the outward form of the action to be correct — the intention behind it must also be sincere. With a pure intention, even a small deed becomes great in the sight of Allah, and with a corrupt intention, even a great deed becomes worthless.
The Status of This Hadith and Scholars’ Remarks
Statements of the Scholars:
Imam al-Shafi‘i (rahimahullah) said: This hadith is one-third of the religion.
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (rahimahullah) said: This hadith is half of the religion.
Some scholars said: This hadith is among the foundational principles of Islam, and it encompasses almost all chapters of the religion.
In Simple Words:
A person’s entire life’s deeds are dependent on the principle taught in this hadith. If the intention is correct, then his life will be considered successful in the sight of Allah.
Key Lessons:
The Importance of Intention — In Islam, the value of every action depends on the intention behind it. No matter how big or beautiful an action appears outwardly, if the intention is not for the pleasure of Allah, it will not be accepted by Him.
Acting for the Sake of Allah — All of our deeds, acts of worship, charity, and even daily routine activities (such as eating, sleeping, working) can become acts of worship if done for the pleasure of Allah.
The Consequence of Wrong Intentions — Actions done for worldly gain, fame, or people’s praise will have no reward in the Hereafter.
Example of Hijrah — The Prophet ﷺ illustrated that the reward of an action depends entirely on the purpose for which it was done.
Application in Daily Life:
Set the intention before starting any action — even for small acts like helping someone, speaking the truth, or seeking knowledge.
Make worship sincere — Prayer, fasting, charity, and all acts should be done solely for Allah.
Balance between worldly life and the Hereafter — Even permissible worldly activities become rewarding if done for Allah’s sake.
Self-evaluation — Regularly check your intention to ensure it remains pure.
A Final Note
Today’s Dua and Dhikr
Special Dua and Dhikr:
We begin in the name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Most Forgiving. In our daily lives, amidst various challenges and worries, turning to Allah through dua (supplication) and dhikr (remembrance) brings peace to our hearts and strength to our souls.
Some Important Dua and Dhikr:
Istighfar (Seeking Allah’s Forgiveness):
“Astaghfirullah al-‘Azim” — I seek forgiveness from Allah, the Almighty.Purification of the Heart:
“Subhanallah wa bihamdihi, Subhanallahil-‘Azim” — Glory be to Allah and praise Him, Glory be to Allah the Great.Ayatul Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah, 255):
A powerful verse that offers protection and blessings.
The Impact and Benefits of Dua in Daily Life
Mental Peace: Regular dua and dhikr help calm the mind, reducing anxiety and stress.
Increased Confidence: Trusting in Allah’s support strengthens our patience and resilience.
Guidance on the Right Path: Consistent supplication keeps us away from mistakes and helps us stay on the straight path.
Protection from Illness and Weakness: Dua provides spiritual and physical protection.
Receiving Allah’s Mercy: Sincere dua elevates our good deeds and opens the door to Allah’s mercy.
“There is a certain peace that comes with knowing less — and choosing better.”
May Allah accept our deeds and purify our intentions. Let us always strive to renew our sincerity and seek His pleasure in all that we do.
Jazakum Allahu khairan for reading and being part of TrueDay. Until next time, may peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you all.
Wassalamu ‘alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh
Mahin
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