Ibnu al-Qayyim says: Any action we do is subject to three defects:
i. Being conscious that others are observing our actions
ii. Seeking a return (benefit/reward) for the action
iii. Being satisfied with the action
Examples:
? If we go to the masjid for the salah and we are early, arriving before the
Imam and finding a place in the first saff, we should not be proud of ourselves and think of ourselves being better than others. We should
praise Allah for enabling us to go to the masjid and for being able to perform the salah without any difficulties.
? After every salah, we should tell ourselves that we could have performed it better and try to improve in our next salah.
What happens if we were to change our niyyah while performing an action? Ibn Rajab says according to the ulama’ if the niyyah at the end of the action matches the beginning (i.e. doing the action for the sake of Allah), then any changes in the middle of the action will be forgiven or
does not matter, insha Allah. However, if the niyyah at the end does not match the beginning, i.e. we do the action for other than the sake of Allah, then we must repent (taubah).
There are four things that contradict ikhlas:
i. Ma’siat – committing sins – this will weaken our ikhlas
ii. Shirk – associating others with Allah
iii. Riya’ – performing an ibadah with the intention of showing off to others
iv. Nifaq – hypocrisy
Even though we must always make sure that our actions do not deviate from ikhlas, there are
actions, which are automatically considered that of good intentions. For example, seeking
knowledge in Islam, helping the community, doing da’wah, etc. Some rulings (ahkam) which scholars derived from this hadith:
We should do our deeds trying as much as possible to seek the pleasure of only Allah.
Hope these evidences are enough to satisfy you. If you think they are not still enough, follow me keenly and get before you other equally thirst quenching evidences about the subject. In fact you can even educate others about it better than I’m doing. Be concerned about what concerns you yet seek knowledge, for ignorance is a prison wherein the inmates are those who are reluctant when it comes to seeking knowledge.
Let me hasten to reiterate that seeking knowledge frees you from the captivity and prison of ignorance and darkness.
So my good friends, brothers and sisters in Islam, seek beneficial knowledge and wisdom with the correct ethics, aiming to benefit society with the knowledge and hoping for reward from the Almighty Allah. Laziness is very attractive to ignorance, so wherever there is laziness in the quest for knowledge, be certain to find ignorance married happily to Mr. laziness, making a perfect couple with darkness as their residence. Corrections, criticisms and the like are welcome as usual. They keep me on my toes and on the look out for much information. Since information is key in this day and age.
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