Actions are by Intentions: An Nawawi 1

It is narrated on the authority of Amirul Mu'minin, Abu Hafs 'Umar bin al-Khattab (ra) who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: "Actions are (judged) by motives (niyyah), so each man will have what he intended. Thus, he whose migration (hijrah) was to Allah and His Messenger, his migration is to Allah and His Messenger; but he whose migration was for some worldly thing he might gain, or for a wife he might marry, his migration is to that for which he migrated."- Bukhari and Muslim

Imam Nawawi chose to commence his compilation of the 40 Hadiths with this hadith, signalling the importance of understanding and internalising the concept of intention. Imam Shafi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: This Hadeeth is a third of knowledge, and it is related to seventy chapters of jurisprudence.

Scholars such as Al-Bayhaqi said that intentions involve the heart, tongue, and limbs. Every act we undertake, whether in private or public, should be rooted in a sincere intention for the sake of Allah. The intention becomes the driving force that shapes the external manifestation of our deeds.

• The hadith teaches us that intentions have the power to alter the reality of our actions.

• A migration undertaken solely for the pleasure of Allah is distinct from one pursued for worldly gains.

• Everything we do must be intended for the sake of Allah.

• It transforms mundane activities into acts of worship when sincerely dedicated to Allah.

• When we intend good deeds, we are rewarded, even if circumstances prevent their completion.

• On the other hand, intending to sin does not incur punishment until the sin is committed.

• When you’ve planned to sin and are about to commit it but because of the consciousness of Allah swt you stop then you get rewarded

• The hadith teaches us to be cautious in judging others, Allah alone knows the intentions of the heart

• When witnessing the actions of our fellow Muslims, we should assume good intentions and approach any concerns with kindness and advice.

Benefits and Action points:

• Avoid all forms of riyaa ( opposite of sincerity):

  • Desiring to be praised

    • Remind yourself of the pleasures you get in Jannah

  • Hating to be criticised

    • Remind yourself of your place before Allah and compare which criticism is more important, the criticism of the people or the criticism of Allah

    • Know that if Allah is pleased with you, then He will make the people pleased with you too

  • Desiring what is in the hands of the people

    • Remind yourself that what is with Allah is far greater

    • Remind yourself that what is in the hands of the people ultimately belongs to Allah, and only He decides if you get something or not

• Being Sincere in your worship of Allah:

  • It is a reason to be saved on the day of judgement

  • It is a source of good deeds

  • It can magnify the reward of a small action

  • It can change your habits into acts of worship

  • It is a reason for your sins to be forgiven

  • It is a reason for calamities to be removed

  • It is a reason to be raised in rank

  • It saves a person from trials and tribulations

• See the good actions we do as a blessing from Allah

• Evaluate the intentions behind your daily actions.

• Make a conscious effort to align your deeds with noble intentions

• Before embarking on any task, ask Allah for sincerity and a pure heart

• Try our utmost to perfect the action, but be shy from Allah as it is not perfect

• Try out utmost to not let anyone see or know about the action

• Understand that we only did this action because Allah has written for us to do it so all the credit goes to Him