I begin in the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and I begin with His Most Splendid of Words as revealed in the Quran: "And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allah, and worship none but Him Alone, and perform As-Salaat and give Zakaat, and that is the right religion." (98:5)
Further, Allah, the Most Glorified and Exalted says, "Say (O Muhammad (ﷺ)): Whether you hide what is in your breasts or reveal it, Allah knows it." (3:29)
When we gather here every Friday, we all do so for the same purpose and for the same duration, yet there is something that distinguishes the act and the reward of one of us from that of the other.
What is it that distinguishing mark?
It is as ‘Umar bin Al-Khattaab (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Messenger of Allah (عليه الصلاة والسلام) said, "The deeds are considered by the intentions, and a person will get the reward according to his intention…" (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
It may be that one of us has come here as a chore, he dreads attending, looks forward to the end and feels that his hour is wasted. For him will be his reward as he deserves.
But then, it may be that his brother sitting next to him has come here with a totally different mindset. He has checked his self and has made clear his intention. He has left his assignments behind him and has set aside this hour to absorb himself in the remembrance of Allah, to listen attentively to the sermon and to meet and greet his brothers – only for the sake of Allah. For him will be his reward as he deserves and it will be far greater than anything he can imagine.
The reward of each of us is according to the deed AND our intention.
On the basis of this Hadith, it is clear that the real basis of one’s actions is Niyyah (intention) and everyone will be rewarded according to his Niyyah.
Where is this Niyyah (intention) formed and found? It is not an expression said out of routine, as some people do prior to prayer. Niyyah is to consult your heart and to make up your mind as to what you intend to do and for whom you intend to do it.
As an example, the one who stands in prayer, putting on an attentive posture and elongating it, all the while his heart and mind are busy thinking about how the people will praise him, for him will be the flattery and praise of people but that is where his reward will stop.
On the other hand, the one who stands in prayer, praying as though he is seeing Allah and knowing that Allah is aware of his thoughts and intentions, and he cares nothing for the praise of men, for him will be the Good Pleasure of Allah.
Another point evident from this Hadith is that Ikhlaas (sincerity) is a must for every action. In every righteous deed we should seek only the Pleasure of Allah; otherwise, that deed is in vain.
And those deeds and pursuits that we would otherwise think of as “worldly” can easily become a source of reward for us. How? By means of a sincere intention.
For example, if you are studying purely for status, then you will receive the certificates and the attention that you desire. On the other hand, if your intention for studying is sincere and your aim is noble, for example, to be of benefit to others, then for you will be the reward of this life and the excellent reward of the Hereafter.
Another example, if you are working so that you can buy the fanciest of cars and the latest of gadgets, then for you will be what you desire. On the other hand, if you are working and earning money with a sincere intention and your aim is noble, for example, to support and build a righteous family, then you will see the fruits of your work in this life and the next.
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