Understanding Intentions, Unity, and the Heart of Islam
Understanding Intentions, Unity, and the Heart of Islam. With Reflections from the Qur’an, Hadith, and the Thoughts of Great Sufi Scholars Islam is a vast and beautiful religion that accommodates different groups, schools of thought, and spiritual paths. I value the existence of every group within Islam—so long as their efforts are rooted in sincere intentions for the sake of Allah, not for self-interest, fame, recognition, or the desire to claim exclusive ownership of the “right path” while condemning others. At the very foundation of Islam lies Intention (Niyyah). Our religion is built upon it. Allah looks first at the sincerity of the heart before the outward action. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: > “Actions are judged by intentions, and every person will have only what they intended.” (Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim) This is why Muslims are taught to make intention before acts of worship such as Solat (Prayer), Wudu (Ablution), fasting, charity, and other devotional practices...
