In Islam, intentions (niyyah) form the very foundation of every action. They are the invisible drivers of deeds, the unseen element that determines whether an act is accepted or rejected by Allah ﷻ. While people may only see outward actions, Allah looks directly at the heart and it is the sincerity of intention that gives value and weight to what we do.
THE HADITH OF INTENTION
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Actions are but by intentions, and every person will have only what they intended. Whoever’s migration is for Allah and His Messenger, then his migration is for Allah and His Messenger. But whoever’s migration is for some worldly gain or for a woman to marry, then his migration is for what he migrated for.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim)
This hadith is among the most profound statements in Islam. Scholars explain that it is one of the “pillars of hadith,” around which the entire religion revolves. It shows that the same outward deed can carry very different weights depending on the heart behind it.
SINCERITY (IKHLAS) AS THE KEY
Sincerity, or ikhlas, means doing something solely for the sake of Allah without seeking fame, praise, or worldly benefit. A simple deed with pure intention can outweigh great acts done for show.
Giving a small coin in charity with sincerity may outweigh donating a fortune to impress others.
A hidden dua made for someone’s guidance can be more beloved to Allah than public speeches about piety.
Even daily habits, like eating, sleeping, or working, can become acts of worship when intended for Allah.
This is why scholars remind us: niyyah transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.
THE DANGER OF CORRUPTED INTENTIONS
The Prophet ﷺ warned that among the first to be judged on the Day of Judgment will be a scholar, a martyr, and a wealthy giver of charity all punished because their deeds were done for reputation, not Allah. (Sahih Muslim)
This is the danger of riya (showing off). Outwardly, people may admire someone’s deeds, but if the heart is not sincere, the action carries no weight in the sight of Allah.
RENEWING OUR INTENTIONS
Because the heart wavers, intentions can change quickly. What begins sincerely can be tainted with pride or desire for praise. For this reason, scholars advise renewing intentions often before, during, and after an action.
For example:
Before studying, intend to seek knowledge for Allah’s sake.
Before working, intend to provide halal sustenance for your family.
Before praying, remind yourself that you are standing only before Allah.
Even when performing acts that benefit us in the dunya, we can align them with the akhirah by attaching them to Allah’s pleasure.
THE WEIGHT OF INTENTION ON THE SCALES
On the Day of Judgment, deeds will be weighed but their true weight lies not in their size or form, but in the sincerity behind them. A small deed, done purely for Allah, may outweigh a lifetime of grand actions done for show.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Indeed, Allah does not look at your appearance or wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds.”
(Sahih Muslim)
What Allah desires most is not perfection in action, but purity in purpose.
CONCLUSION
The weight of a sincere intention cannot be overstated. It transforms actions, protects from hypocrisy, and ensures that our efforts are stored with Allah. If we train our hearts to seek only His pleasure, even the smallest deeds will shine brightly on the Day of Judgment.
Let us remember: people may see what we do, but only Allah sees why we do it. And in the end, it is the “why” that truly matters.
