Every deed one performs has certain\ncharacteristics which define the value of that deed. Among these\ncharacteristics, there is one which is referred to as \u201cthe essence of the deed\u201d\ndue to its utmost importance. This characteristics is usually knows as the\n\u201cintention\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Intention is the main, heartfelt\npurpose for performing a deed; it is the root and basis of each deed.\nTherefore, the criterion for measuring the reward or punishment of a deed is\none\u2019s intention for doing it. If the intention is sincerely for the sake Allah\n(SWT), it will be rewarded; however, if it is based on carnal wishes or worldly\ndesires, it has no value in the eyes of Allah (SWT). In this case, it might\neven result in darkness of the soul, and entitle one to punishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is it not that the Messenger of Allah\n(PBUH&HP) said, \u201dVerily (the value and the good and bad consequences of)\nthe deeds are based on the intentions and motives (1)\u201d? Perhaps a minor deed\nmight turn into a great and valuable one through a good intention, and a major\ndeed might turn into an insignificant, valueless as a result of an evil\nintention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Based on this, the appearance of an\nact of a hypocrite and dissolute person might be similar to that of a truthful\nbeliever, or even the hypocritical act might seem more appealing; however, what\nseparates these two from each other and sends the former up to the throne of\nAllah (SWT) and the latter to the deepest place of Hell is the intention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The significance of intention is\nsomewhat clear: the effect of a deed \u2013for instance prayer- in regards with its\nperformer is not due to the nature of the deed itself, rather it is because of\nthe enlightenment and purity it brings about for the soul. This illumination of\nsoul increases as the deed is repeated. Therefore, there is no doubt that this\neffect of a deed on the soul takes place only when its performer has a pure\nintention, and performs it only for the sake of Allah (SWT). \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As mentioned before, the intention is\nthe basis of every worshipping act. On the other hand, the grace (Tawfiq) of\nperforming the worshipping acts is bestowed by Allah (SWT). As such, it is\nappropriate that we refer to Allah (SWT) and ask Him for having sincere\nintention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the supplication of repentance in\nSahifah Sajjadyiah, Imam Sajjad (PBUH) asks Allah (SWT):\u201d O Lord! Make my\nintention in obeying and worshipping You firm and consistent; so that my\nintention and determination does not turn into agitation and deviation from the\npath of worship\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let us always be careful about our\nintentions, and make them purely for the sake of Allah (SWT), so that our deeds\nwould be accepted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(The above is a\nselection taken from \u201cRepentance (commentary on the 31st supplication of\nSahifah Sajjadyiah)\u201d, by Ayatullah Sayyid Muhammad Zia-Abadi (with some changes))<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Roshd Website offers condolences\nto all Muslims, especially you dear friend, upon 25th of Muharram, the\nanniversary of the martyrdom of the model of the Shiites and the beautifier of\nthe worshipers, Imam Ali ibn Hussain (PBUH).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Footnotes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Jaami\nal-Sa\u2019adaat, vol. 3, p. 112<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Every deed one performs has certain characteristics which define the value of that deed. Among these characteristics, there is one which is referred to as \u201cthe essence of the deed\u201d due to its utmost importance. This characteristics is usually knows as the \u201cintention\u201d. Intention is the main, heartfelt purpose for performing a deed; it is […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28248],"tags":[20995,17778,20996,20431,20997,18426,18418,20994,19683],"class_list":["post-4336","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-occasional-letters","tag-2010-12-31","tag-allah","tag-deed","tag-imam-sajjad","tag-intention","tag-messenger","tag-occasion-letters","tag-the-essence-of-deeds","tag-value"],"yoast_head":"\n