"The actions we undertake in this world have a profound impact on our lives in the hereafter". According to the teachings of Islam,every deed done for the sake of Allah is rewarded,and every deed done for the sake of worldly gain is devoid of blessings.
The question that arises is,how can we ensure that our actions are truly done for the sake of Allah?The answer lies in examining our motives,intentions,and mindset behind every action we take.It is what we do,as our intentions determine whether our actions will be accepted by Allah or not.
In this book,we will delve into the concept of (ikhlas) or sincerity in islam,which is the cornerstone of all deeds.we will explore how sincerity can be cultivated,maintained,strengthened and how it can transform our actions into a means of attaining Allah's pleasure.
Whatever we do no matter how little it is,we should do it for the SAKE OF ALLAH.When you give to others,do so not for the sake of gaining recognition or praise,do so for the sake of pleasing Allah.True sincerity is not just about performing good deeds in secret,but also about avoiding any kind of self aggrandisement that might detract from the purity of one's intentions.
The battle of sincerity is also a battle against NAFS,the part of us that seeks praise and recognition and which can lead us astray if we are not vigilant.In order to win this battle,it's important to cultivate a sense of tawakkul (trust) in Allah,and to recognise that all good comes from him alone. This means not just performing good deeds is for the sake of Allah,but also placing our faith and trust in his divine wisdom and plan.
The more we strive to act with sincerity,the more we will find ourselves drawn closer to Allah and to the true essence of our faith,which is submission to his will and obedience to his commands. However,the path to sincerity is not always easy their are many pitfalls and distractions that can lead us astray. One of these pitfalls is riya (showing off),which can be a particularly subtle and insidious form of insincerity,As the saying of our beloved prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "whosoever does a deed in order to show off,Allah will not accept that deed from them". This hadith emphasizes the importance of sincerity in all actions,especially in worship.
