Honorable Muslims!
In Islam, the recognition of faith, worship, and good behaviors in the sight of Allah (swt) depends on pure intentions and sincerity. Having an intention comes on top of every act and is the essence of servitude to Allah. It is the desire to obtain the appreciation of Allah (swt). Sincerity, on the other hand, refers to devoting one’s faith and deeds to Allah only. It means that one is the same on the inside and on the outside, as well as demonstrating the same qualities in one’s intentions and behaviors.
Dear Believers!
Sincere are Muslims in their faith. They wholeheartedly obey the divine commandment, “Indeed, We have sent down to you the Book, [O Muhammad], in truth. So worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion.”[1] They worship Allah only, and only Him they ask for help.
Sincere are Muslims in their worship. They express gratitude for the blessings of Allah with their tongues, bodies, and hearts. They confess how weak they are in the face of His might and magnificence. They remain loyal and committed to the verse, “Say, “Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.”[2]
Dear Believers!
In this respect, the Prophet Muhammad (saw) says, “Allah does not accept any deed except that which is purely for Him and for His sake.”[3]
Right! The value of people’s deeds and actions are measured by their intentions. Everybody gets the reward of their deeds depending on their intentions.[4] Deeds done insincerely have no value before Allah (swt). Let us not forget that only through good intentions and sincerity can people attain the deliciousness of faith, the awe of worship, the peacefulness of good deeds, and the appreciation of Allah the Almighty (swt). I would like to conclude today’s khutbah with the Prophet Muhammad’s following supplication: “O Allah, the Lord of all things! Make me and my family sincerely devoted to You in this world and in the Hereafter.”[5]
[1] Zumar, 39/2.
[2] An’am, 6/162.
[3] Nasa’i, Jihad, 24.
[4] Bukhari, Bad al-Wahy, 1; Muslim, Imara, 155.
[5] Abu Dawud, Witr, 25.
FRIDAY KHUTBA OF TOKYO CAMİİ “PURE INTENTIONS AND SINCERITY“.(PDF).