(Mohammad Masood Ahmed (2025), Would You Like To Know Something About Islam, Second Edition, Crescent Books Inc., New York, USA. Pg. 171-174)

Intentions have great importance in Islam because, according to a very famous hadith, “Actions are based on intentions”, meaning that acts are judged by Allah based on the intentions with which they are executed. The action holds secondary importance; therefore, the intention carries more weight than the act itself, and Allah is fully aware of everyone’s intentions.

Numerous scholars of Islam affirm this hadith, considering it to represent half of the faith, as it encompasses all aspects of Islam. Some even claim that it embodies the entire philosophy of Islam, referring to it as Umm al-hadith (The Mother of All hadith). ¹ To my knowledge, no other religion possesses such a concise statement that encapsulates so much meaning.

Intention represents the initial thought or collection of thoughts that occur prior to taking action. For instance, my desire to share the teachings of Islam and defend my beliefs motivated me to write this book, with the aim of seeking Allah’s pleasure. In Islam, any effort to please the Lord is viewed as a form of worship of Allah and counts as a good deed. The primary goal of a mu’min (faithful Muslim) is to seek Allah’s pleasure in every action. Thus, rooted in my genuine intention to please Allah, I aspire to earn His pleasure as a reward for writing this book.

If my goal were to gain fame or wealth from this book, I would not qualify for His pleasure, as that was not my intent. While I might achieve fame and financial rewards, my attachment to material wealth means I do not merit anything in the Hereafter, and this act would not be considered good nor accepted by Allah.

A well-known example illustrates this point: a Muslim, acting simply yet with good intentions, placed stakes in front of a masjid for people to secure their horses, allowing them to pray without worry. Unfortunately, some people tripped over these stakes. Although he should have foreseen this risk, he is rewarded for his good intentions. In contrast, another individual, who held animosity towards Muslims, placed stakes at a different entrance intending to cause harm. However, worshipers began to tie their animals to those stakes without any accidents occurring. This person does not warrant any reward due to his malicious intent, even though his actions unintentionally benefited the worshipers.

Whoever strives to please the Lord during their brief stay on Earth would continue to do so even if granted eternal life. Conversely, one who lives without that intention would not please the Lord, no matter how long they lived. The rewards or punishments in the afterlife mirror the lives we led on Earth. For instance, students spend a semester or a full year studying, yet the exams that determine their fate last only a few hours, deciding their success or failure.

This life acts as a trial for individuals. All required guidance has been offered. If we strive to satisfy the Lord during our brief time on earth, we will succeed in the test. The benefits of positive intentions throughout our limited lifespan are everlasting. Conversely, lacking good intentions leads to eternal loss. Our intentions ultimately shape our eternal destiny. However, it is essential to understand that no soul will be subjected to endless testing; the trials of this world are limited, while the rewards or punishments follow thereafter.

Furthermore, a millionaire who contributes substantial amounts to charity without the aim of seeking Allah’s pleasure does not gain any reward from Him. Conversely, a less affluent individual who donates a modest sum to earn Allah’s favor is rewarded greatly because of his intention.

Humans possess a unique intelligence that allows them to deceive others skillfully. They often conceal their true motives and selfish agendas with ease. Through their words and actions, they adeptly present themselves in a convincing manner, crafting messages that are difficult to challenge. Those who share similar views quickly grasp each other's intentions. We tend to see these skilled speakers and leaders as working for our benefit, viewing them as saviors. However, if fortune favors us, we may eventually uncover the true nature of their motives.

Intentions are firmly established in the mind, and only Allah truly comprehends them. Thus, while one’s intention holds significant importance in Islam, assessing a person's intention is not allowed unless it is evident. Muslims should prioritize actions over intentions. They ought to recognize and appreciate good deeds, accept what seems beneficial, and leave the evaluation of intentions to Allah, who is Al-‘Alim (the All-Knower). He will judge people’s intentions and fairly reward or punish them based on His divine judgment. It is essential to realize that in Islam, a good action qualifies as a good deed only when it is carried out with the intention to earn Allah’s pleasure and is performed correctly, to the best of one’s knowledge and belief.

Islam encourages believers to uphold sincere intentions solely to please Allah when fulfilling their obligations—whether to Him or to fellow human beings. Although intentions are inherently internal and not immediately visible to others, they can be inferred through a thoughtful examination of a person's actions, behavior, and results.

In Islam, a good deed requires the intention to seek Allah's pleasure to count among good actions. Likewise, many errors can be forgiven if there was no intention to breach Allah's commandments. If a human had created Islam, he would not have mandated the intention condition, as he would be unable to verify it. However, since Allah is Al-‘Alim and Al-Hakim (the All-Wise), and Islam serves as His guidance for mankind, this condition is crucial for the processes of reward and punishment.

The call for Muslims to intend to seek Allah’s pleasure is a clear testament to the divine nature of Islam, indicating it was not devised by humans. There would have been no need for a figure like Prophet Muhammad to highlight that actions depend on their intentions if Islam were merely his invention. If it were his creation, followers would suffice in following him and fulfilling his mission without the need for a focus on intention. Instead, the Prophet aimed to connect humanity with Allah. Therefore, it was crucial to highlight this concept, allowing his followers to seek Allah’s pleasure and achieve ultimate success, genuinely.

One of the significant benefits of seeking Allah's pleasure only is that when we succeed in our efforts, we remain humble and grateful, avoiding arrogance, illegitimate activities, or expectations of reward from others, as our actions are dedicated to Allah for His satisfaction only. Conversely, if we do not achieve our goals for any reason, we do not feel disheartened or depressed. Failing to attain what we aimed for—whether because of our own limitations, unexpected circumstances, or because it was not aligned with the Lord’s master plan—does not lessen the value of our efforts. Allah rewards us for the intent to seek His pleasure, regardless of whether our actions bear fruit. It is essential to recognize that striving for our goals and achieving them are distinct. Our responsibility is merely to strive; the outcome, whether success or failure, is ultimately in His hands.

• ¹  al-Bukhari