IKLAS (SINCERETY) ITS REALITY, ACQUISITION AND THE NECESSITY OF SINCERETY IN DEEDS

Sincerity its reality and aquisition
by islaam.org

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. 
Allah Ta’ala (Most High) says:

“Verily, the Mu’mineen (Believers) are those who believe in Allah, and His Rasul. Thereafter they have no doubt and they strive in the Path of Allah with their wealth and their lives. Assuredly, they are the Saadiqoon (the sincere/truthful ones).” (Quran 49:15)

The following is narrated in the Hadith Shareef:

“The Prophet (peace be upon him) passed by Abu Bakr (Allah be pleased with him) while he was reviling some of his slaves. The Prophet (peace be upon him) turned towards him and said: “(There are) those People who curse, and those who are sincere/truthful!” Abu Bakr (Allah be pleased with him) said, “I shall never repeat it.”

THE NATURE OF SIDQ

Sidq or Sincerity consists of developing a rank and cultivating it until it attains perfection (as part of one’s character). The literal meaning of Sidq is firmness. It is for this reason that a Waliyy-e-Kaamil (a saint who has attained spiritual perfection) is called a Siddeeque. In all ahwaal (states), af’aal (acts) and aqwaal (statements) the Waliyy-e-Kaamil is well-grounded, firm. He has realized the state of perfection. In the Shari’at (Sacred law), the conception of Sidq includes actions, statements, and states and conditions.

Sidq in regard to statements is that talk should be firm and true, and in accordance with reality. One imbued with this quality is called Saadiq-ul Aqwaal (one Sincere in Word). Sidq in regard to actions is that every act be in conformity with the Command of the Shari’at and not in conflict with the Shari’at. One whose acts are, at all times, in conformity with the Shari’at is termed Saadiq-ul Af’aal (one Sincere in Acts). Sidq regarding one’s state or condition is that all conditions should be in accordance with the Sunnat. Conditions which are in conflict with the Sunnat are false. One whose states are in accordance with the Sunnat is called Saadiq-ul Ahwaal (one Sincere in States/Contidions).

The states (ahwaal) of Sidq are such that their effect is enduring. The influence of the states of Sidq are lasting and dominant. They are not of a temporary nature. This does nor mean that such states themselves persist in one perpetually. It is the effect or influence of these states of Sidq which lasts and does not disappear.

The the practical summary of what has been explained is that one should develop ome’s acts of Ibaadat/ritual worship or obedience to the stage of perfection of sincerity. For example, perform Salaat in such a way that it could be described in the Shari’at as Salaat-e-Kaamilah (perfect Salaat), i.e. a Salaat performed observing all the external rules and proprieties (Aadaab-e-Zaahirah) such as correct posture, and all the internal rules and proprieties (Aadaab-e-Baatinah) such as feeling awe. The same should apply to all other acts of obedience and Ibaadat. They should be rendered in the Kaamil (perfect) way as layed down in the Shari’at. The adoption of this way is true Sidq.

ACQUIRING SIDQ

Sidq is dependent upon the knowledge of the factors which produces perfection. One has, therefore, to be alert at all times and compensate for one’s shortcomings. An effort is to be made to rectify imperfectly performed obligations as stipulated in the Shari’at which requires learning. Constancy in monitoring, improving, and perfecting one’s acts, words, and states, along with constant repentance for the gross shortcomings that will inevitably be revealed will ensure within a short while or at length (according to Allah’s will) the perfect state of Sidq. This is the Sunna regarding sincerity and we ask Allah Ta’ala for success in gaining it.

The necessity of Ikhlas (sincerity) in deeds

by  jamiat.org.za

Ikhlas (sincerity) in our actions and statements is of utmost importance for the acceptance of our deeds. Al-Bukhari and Muslim narrated that ‘Umar said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah (s) say:
“Verily, the reward of deeds depends upon the Niyyah (intentions) and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended.”

Therefore, every action that was not performed solely for Allah’s Sake, is annulled and fruitless in this life and the Hereafter.

There are two implications for the word Niyyah according to the scholars. One of them pertains to distinguishing acts of worship from acts of habit. For instance, there is a difference between taking a bath to remove impurity (to be able to pray and engage in other acts of worship), and taking a bath to cool off. Also, there is a different Niyyah for Zhur prayer than Asr prayer and fasting during Ramadan in contrast to fasting in other months.

The second meaning for Niyyah pertains to distinguishing between the intention behind the act – if it is directed to Allah Alone or to Allah and others. This meaning carries with it happiness or misery and reward or punishment. For example, two different persons might perform the same act, paying equal effort to it but one of them earns a reward while the other earns no reward, or even punishment, because the intentions were different in each case.

Some scholars said that this is why people vary in grades (in the sight of Allah); it is in accordance to the intentions behind their actions, not because of merely fasting and praying. Imam Ibn Rajab said:
Know that performing deeds for other than Allah is of different types. Sometimes, this action might be to show off in its entirety, and thus, one seeks to be seen by the creation for a worldly gain. For example, this is the state that the hypocrites pray in. Allah describes them as follows:
“…And when they stand up for As-Salat (the prayer), they stand with laziness and to be seen of men, and they do not remember Allah but little…” (Surah An-Nisa: 142)

Allah also described some as follows:

“…And be not like those who come out of their homes boastfully and to be seen of men…” (Surah Al-Anfal:47)

Thus, let’s remind ourselves that showing off can annul our acts of Ibadah and may even lead us to earn Allah’s anger and torment. Sometimes, the act might be for Allah and is mixed with showing off. In this case, there are authentic texts asserting that if the intention of showing off was present at the time one intended to perform a righteous act, the act itself will be annulled and fruitless. But when the act was started to gain Allah’s reward alone, but changed later on to include an intention to partially show off, then it will not annul the act, provided one strives to repel such thoughts.

As Musilms, therefore, we should worship Allah in sincerity and stay away from Riya’ (showing off) and evil intentions. We know from Quran and hadith that Allah does not look at one’s shapes and wealth, but rather at one’s hearts and actions.

Performing a righteous deed solely for Allah can help us towards achieving states of Ikhlas (sincerity). This way, the act can be easily steered away from Riya’ (showing off). The Prophet (s) said in an authentic Hadith, that among the seven whom Allah shades under His Shade, on a day when there wiII be onIy His shade:
” …A man who gives charitable gifts so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given (i.e., nobody knows how much he has given in charity).”

In addition, Allah said:

“If you disclose your Sadaqat (almsgiving), it is well: but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, that is better for you. (Allah) will expiate you some of your sins.” (Surah Al-Baqara:271)
Scholars recommend that when a believer gives away charity for a good cause, he should not agree that his name be announced to the public, such as in newspapers, unless the purpose is to encourage others to pay for this and other charitable causes, or if his name is announced without his knowledge. Again, we should be conscious of the fact that Allah always knows the real intentions behind our actions.

To conclude, let’s ensure that we strive to clean our hearts, intentions, and acts from all types of Riya (showing off) and instead should direct our good acts for Allah alone. The real rewards and payback is only with Allah and that’s all that we should strive for.

Allah says:

Say (O Muhammad (S): “I am only a man like you. It has been revealed to me that your Ilah (God) is One Ilah (God – i.e. Allah). So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord.” (Surah Al-Kahf:110) (HSH)

Sources:
1.islaam.org
2.jamiat.org.za
3.http://www.muslimvillage.com