Sincerity in Islam, by definition means to be absent of deceit, lies, and hypocrisy. To abstain from pretense or hollowness in all modes of life. Sincerity can pertain to oneself and be an inner dilemma and an exercise of self-scrutiny over thoughts and beliefs or can pertain to our actions and treatment of others.
Dishonesty is not always directed at others but can be self-directed as well.
What Is Ikhlaas?
The Arabic word for sincerity is Ikhlaas. There is a Surah (chapter) of Quran, Number 112, named “Ikhlaas”. The Arabic root of the word ikhlas is kh-l-s, which means to be purified, refined or polished. It implies that Ikhlaas is the concept of leaving nothing but the very essence of what was sought, which in this case is Allah (SWT).
Ikhlas has also been termed a simile that is as pure as honey or as refined as milk, which implies Ikhlaas to be pure and not tainted. More specifically, Ikhlaas means not to be tainted with and free of pride in every thought and action, and being mindful and seeking only Allah.
The reason Surah 112 is referred to as Surah Ikhlaas commonly is because of the Surah’s sincere description of Allah’s Oneness or Tawheed. It helps us to better understand the nature and majesty of Allah and purifies our beliefs and understandings.
Sincerity in Intention
We might emphasize sincerity in action and technical and mechanical aspects of worship, but the most critical form of sincerity is perhaps sincerity in intentions. It has excellent weightage in our religion. You should also go through our previous post regarding the Islamic Quotes On Hypocrisy.
The right intention is the foundation of everything we do in Islam. The intent behind them will judge all acts of worship, charity, or good deed. Allah knows the secrets within our hearts, and those secrets will be made known on the day of judgment.
Sincerity in intentions is an active and constant effort of refinement and purification and is a battle against one’s own inner evils. Sincerity is not merely a recommended virtue; it is a necessary condition for any deed to be accepted by Allah, together with following the Sunnah. A famous hadith in Bukhari and Muslim teaches that actions are judged by intentions. Showing off (riya) and hypocrisy in worship are strongly warned against in the Quran and Sunnah, and the final judgment rests with Allah alone.
Characteristics and Qualities of a Sincere Person
A sincere or Mukhliss person would be sincere in faith, action, and intention while being mindful of the hereafter. The Prophets (peace be upon Them) were the highest level of Ikhlaas/sincerity among human beings. Therefore they were the closest to Him. Because of their sincerity, they were engaged in the most accurate act. Their deeds resulted in good, and they indeed turned to Allah in all their deeds.
Therefore, to understand the characteristics of a sincere person, one must turn to the examples of the Prophets and learn from their accounts. An important characteristic of a sincere person is their duality in their approach to Allah. And the intricate balance of the two sides. They are in a near-constant state of fear of Allah.
They are also close to Him in love. The balance between these two attitudes guides and protects them and purifies them. In reward of having these characteristics, Allah fills the life of a Muslim with goodness.
They are also not in denial of the hereafter and have good faith in its coming and the signs pointing to it. They hope for Allah’s mercy and fear His punishment, and they avoid both despair of His mercy and false confidence of guaranteed salvation.
How to Attain Sincerity in Islam?
The first step to attain sincerity in Islam would be to focus on and be sincere in your private and public life. Allah does not like hypocrisy. Being hypocritical when conducting activities in public as compared to in private taints your heart. It makes you think over time and forget that Allah is always watching. This will help you hold yourself accountable.
You should ask Allah for sincerity. After all, who better to help guide you than Allah. Prayers regarding material interests might not be answered when one likes them to be, but Allah will always guide you if you want closeness with him. It would be best if you hid your good deeds, as not to become boastful and egotistical. Here are some more Islamic Quotes on Charity.
One should never consider their good deeds as tremendous and be mindful that no deed is accepted except by Allah’s mercy and kindness, so we should remain humble about our good deeds. See also Islamic quotes about lying on honesty.
And one should shy away and abstain from praise, for it can Weaken One’s Faith And Make Us Forget Our Dependency On Allah.
Importance of Sincerity in Islam
Sincerity in Islam has been given a divine status. The religion of Islam has put great emphasis on being sincerer as a Muslim. Every deed that is done to earn “sawaab” is based upon the sincerity of intention. No one is perfect in their actions, and Allah is Most Merciful to those who strive sincerely. Sincerity must be paired with effort to follow the Sunnah. See also our post on the benefits of istighfar.
Benefits of Sincerity
There are numerous benefits of sincerity in Islam. These benefits can help Muslims achieve loyalty in Allah’s service.
- There are countless rewards allocated for a person who is sincere in his duty.
- Sincerity brings blessing to a person’s deeds and helps protect them from sin.
- Sincerity is associated with being faithful in Islam.
- Repentance by an individual is only accepted when the person is sincere in the intention of it, that’s why Allah has encouraged people who are sincere with their repentance.
- Deeds are accepted by Allah when they are done sincerely for His sake and in line with the Sunnah, and acceptance is ultimately His decision.
Islamic Quotes on Sincerity
Here’s a collection of some of the most beautiful Islamic Quotes on Ikhlas and sincerity:
Conclusion
Sincerity is a virtue, a process, a practice, and an active effort, and only by holding on to it can we truly succeed. In Islam, Allah has put emphasis on being sincere as a Muslim as it has major bounties for them in the afterlife.
Similarly – there are numerous benefits of being sincere towards your religion. Allah rewards and accepts the repentance of every individual, who performs the duty with sincerity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ikhlas mean in Islam?
Ikhlas means purifying your intention and actions so they are done solely for the sake of Allah, free from showing off or seeking praise.
What is riya and why is it dangerous?
Riya is performing good deeds to be seen or praised by people. The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned about it as a form of hidden minor shirk in a hadith recorded by Ahmad, so sincerity must be guarded constantly.
Are deeds accepted if the intention is right but the method is wrong?
Scholars explain that acceptance requires both sincerity and following the Sunnah. If you are unsure whether an act of worship is correct, ask a qualified scholar.
How can I improve my sincerity?
Make dua for ikhlas, renew your intention before deeds, do some good deeds in secret, remember Allah sees you, and seek forgiveness often. See the benefits of istighfar.
Is it wrong to feel happy when people praise my good deed?
A hadith in Sahih Muslim says that this is an early glad tiding for the believer, as long as the deed was done for Allah. Guard your heart against pride, and consult a scholar if you are worried.