This excerpt is taken from the book Tuhfa Juma by Sheikh al-Hadith Maulana Muhammad Yusuf (Founder of Dar al-Hadith Jamia Kamalia).
No deed can attain the honor of acceptance before Allah Almighty without the following three conditions:
① The intention must be sincere.
② The belief must be according to the Book, Sunnah, and the pious predecessors.
③ The deed must be in accordance with the Prophetic Sunnah (peace be upon him).
Meaning of Sincerity of Intention:
No righteous deed is accepted without sincerity of intention. The center of intention is the human heart. The words of intention are not established in the Hadith. Only the heart's focus should be entirely and earnestly directed towards Allah Almighty.
O Most Merciful of the merciful, I am performing this deed only by Your grace and for Your pleasure. (وما توفيقي إلا بالله)
Purify this deed from personal motives by Your special grace; let there be no share of nation or country in it, and I cleanse the intention of the heart from these corruptions.
Thus, the command of the Beloved Messenger ﷺ is among us:
عن عمر بن الخطاب رضى الله عنه قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إنما الأعمال بالنيات
"The acceptance of good deeds depends solely on intentions."
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No: 54, Sahih Muslim, Hadith No: 1907, Sunan Abi Dawood, Hadith No: 2201, Sunan an-Nasa'i, Hadith No: 76, Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Hadith No: 1647)
Introduction of the Narrator: Our Master Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him).
The Commander of the Faithful, our master Hazrat Umar bin Khattab رضي الله عنه, is known by the kunya Abu Hafs. He belongs to the Adawi branch of the Quraysh. He embraced Islam in the sixth year of prophethood. Before him, forty men and eleven women had joined the fold of Islam. Sayyiduna Umar رضي الله عنه was extremely courageous and brave. He participated in all the battles alongside the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم. He was the first caliph to be called by the title Amir al-Mu'minin. He was a fair-skinned young man with a reddish complexion and tall stature.
On 26th Dhu al-Hijjah, 23 AH, Abu Lulu' Firuz, a slave of Mughirah bin Shu'bah, wounded him with a poisoned dagger during the Fajr prayer in Medina Tayyiba. On 10th Muharram, 24 AH, according to authentic reports, he was entrusted to the Creator of life at the age of 63. He ruled on the caliphal throne for ten years and six months. His funeral prayer was led by Sayyiduna Saheeb al-Rumi رضي الله عنه. Many companions رضي الله عنهم and Tabi‘een narrated traditions from him. He was the conqueror and ruler of 22 square miles.
Reference: (Conquests of Umar from Tarikh al-Khulafa by Najib Akbar Abadi, see brief history: Mura'at al-Mafatih Vol 1-32)
This hadith holds the status of a mutawatir report. Sayyiduna Umar bin Khattab رضي الله عنه mentioned it among two hundred and fifty companions رضي الله عنهم. The present companions رضي الله عنهم agreed upon it. Some Imams have called this hadith one-third of the religion, while others have called it one-quarter of the religion.
Reference: (For details see: Sahih al-Bukhari with Fath al-Bari p. 1/15, Maktabah Dar al-Salam Riyadh, Mura'at al-Mafatih 21 to 22 Vol 1, Mirqat Sharh Mishkat 39 to 47 Vol 1, Jami' al-Ulum wal-Hikam, Ibn Rajab)
Destruction of Deeds Without Sincerity of Intention:
The magnificent command of the Creator of the universe is:
﴿مَن كَانَ يُرِيدُ الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا وَزِينَتَهَا نُوَفِّ إِلَيْهِمْ أَعْمَالَهُمْ فِيهَا وَهُمْ فِيهَا لَا يُبْخَسُونَ﴾
”Whoever is enamored with the life of this world and its adornments, We give them their deeds therein in full, without any reduction.“
Reference: (Surah Hud: 15)
﴿أُولَٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ لَيْسَ لَهُمْ فِي الْآخِرَةِ إِلَّا النَّارُ ۖ وَحَبِطَ مَا صَنَعُوا فِيهَا وَبَاطِلٌ مَّا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ﴾
”Indeed, those are the ones for whom there is nothing but the Fire in the Hereafter, and what they used to earn will be of no avail to them, and lost are the deeds they used to do.“ (اللهم لا تجعلنا منهم)
Reference: (Surah Hud: 16)
﴿وَلَا تَدْعُ مَعَ اللَّهِ إِلَٰهًا آخَرَ ۘ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ۚ كُلُّ شَيْءٍ هَالِكٌ إِلَّا وَجْهَهُ ۚ لَهُ الْحُكْمُ وَإِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ﴾
”Do not call upon any other god with Allah. There is no deity except Him. Everything will perish except His Face. His is the judgment, and to Him you will be returned.“
Reference: (Surah Al-Qasas: 88)
From this blessed verse, the people of Allah also derive the meaning that only those deeds done for the pleasure of Allah Almighty will be accepted; all others will be destroyed and wasted.
The Tragic End of a Scholar, Generous Person, and Mujahid Without Sincerity of Intention:
Without a sincere intention, the last drop of the precious blood, the wealthy benefactors showered their wealth on the needs of the Muslim community. The scholars sacrificed their lives for the dissemination of knowledge. These three actions serve as the backbone for the country and the nation. However, due to the corruption of intention, instead of the pleasure of Allah, they become the cause of the displeasure of Allah, the Most Merciful and Generous. (اللهم لا تجعلنا منهم)
عن أبى هريرة رضى الله عنه قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إن أول الناس يقضى عليه يوم القيامة رجل أتي به فعرفه نعمه فعرفها فقال فما عملت فيها قال قاتلت فيك حتى استشهدت قال كذبت ولكن قاتلت لأن يقال جريء فقد قيل ثم أمر به فسحب على وجهه حتى ألقي فى النار ورجل تعلم العلم وعلمه وقرأ القرآن فأتي به فعرفه نعمه فعرفها قال ما عملت فيها فتعلمت العلم وعلمته وقرأت فيك القرآن قال كذبت ولكنك تعلمت العلم ليقال إنك عالم وقرأت القرآن ليقال هو قارئ فقد قيل ثم أمر به فسحب على وجهه حتى ألقي فى النار ورجل وسع الله عليه وأعطاه من أصناف المال كله فأتي به فعرفه نعمه فعرفها قال فما عملت فيها قال ما تركت من سبيل تحب أن ينفق فيها إلا أنفقت فيها لك قال كذبت ولكنك فعلت ليقال هو جواد فقد قيل ثم أمر به فسحب على وجهه ثم ألقي فى النار
Sayyiduna Hazrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Master of the Children of Adam, the Prophet (peace be upon him), said that among people, the martyr will be judged first on the Day of Resurrection. When he is brought, Allah Almighty will show him His blessings, and he will recognize those blessings. Then Allah Almighty will ask, "What did you do with them?" He will say, "I fought in Your path until I was martyred." Allah Almighty will say, "You have lied; you fought so that you might be called brave, and you have been called so." Then a command will be given regarding him, and he will be dragged on his face until he is thrown into the fire. And there is another person who learned knowledge himself and taught it to others and recited the Quran. He will be brought, and Allah, the Lord of Glory, will introduce His blessings to him. When he recognizes them, Allah Almighty will ask, "What did you do with them?" He will say, "I learned knowledge and taught it to others and recited the Quran in Your path." Allah Almighty will say, "You have lied; you learned knowledge so that you might be called a scholar, and you recited the Quran so that you might be called a reciter. You have been called so." Then a command will be given regarding him, and he will be dragged on his face until he is thrown into the fire. There is a person whom Allah Almighty has provided with abundant sustenance and given every kind of wealth. He will be brought, and Allah Almighty will make him recognize His blessings, and he will recognize them.
Allah Almighty will ask, "What did you do with them?" He will reply, "I did not leave any path in which You like spending to be done except that I spent in it for You." Allah Almighty will say, "You have lied; you spent so that you might be called generous, and you have been called so." Then a command will be given regarding him, and he will be dragged on his face until he is thrown into the fire.
Reference: (Narrated by Muslim, Hadith No: 152, 1950, Sunan an-Nasa'i, Hadith No: 3137, Musnad Ahmad 322/2)
Introduction of the Narrator: Sayyiduna Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA):
(There is a difference of opinion regarding the name of Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (RA) and his father's name; there are 30 different narrations about his name. Ibn Abdul Barr states that there are two names that are most accepted: Abdullah or Abdur Rahman bin Sakhr Al-Dawsi. He embraced Islam at the Battle of Khaybar. He is counted among the Muhaddithin Sahabah (RA), and more than eight hundred narrators have transmitted Hadith from him. He always remained in the company of the Prophet (PBUH). During the caliphate of the second Caliph, Sayyiduna Hazrat Umar (RA), he was appointed as a Mufti. He was appointed as the governor of Madinah Munawwarah. He passed away in the year 59 AH and is buried in Jannat al-Baqi. The total number of narrations from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (RA) is 5374.)
Benefits of the Hadith:
Although jihad is a great act that is the cause of a nation's life, there is a famous saying: the death of a martyr is the life of the nation. Standing guard for one night with sincere intention in the path of jihad is a cause for entering Paradise. Consider the following:
وعن ابن عائذ قال خرج رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فى جنازة رجل فلما وضع قال عمر بن الخطاب رضى الله عنه لا تصل عليه يا رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فإنه رجل فاجر فالتفت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إلى الناس فقال هل رآه أحد منكم على عمل الإسلام فقال رجل نعم يا رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم حرس ليلة فى سبيل الله فصلى عليه رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم وحثى عليه التراب وقال أصحابك يظنون إنك من أهل النار وأنا أشهد أنك من أهل الجنة وقال يا عمر إنك لا تسأل عن أعمال الناس ولكن تسأل عن الفطرة
"It is narrated from Sayyiduna Hazrat Ibn Aaidh, may Allah have mercy on him, that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, attended the funeral of a man. When the body was placed down, Sayyiduna Umar ibn Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, said: O Messenger of Allah! Do not lead his funeral prayer because he was a wicked man. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, turned to the people and said: Has anyone among you seen him practicing Islam? Then a man said: Yes, O Messenger of Allah, he stood guard for one night in the way of Allah. So the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, led his funeral prayer, threw soil on him, and said: Your companions think that you are among the people of Hell, but I testify that you are among the people of Paradise. And he said: O Umar! You will not be questioned about the deeds of the people, but you will be questioned about the religion of Islam."
Reference: (Narrated by Al-Bayhaqi in Shu'ab al-Iman, Hadith: 4297, Mishkat al-Masabih, Hadith: 3860)
Reflect on the above hadith that by sincerely standing guard for just one night, one becomes deserving of Paradise, even though he died a natural death and did not participate in jihad. Whereas a non-sincere mujahid sacrificed his beloved life but due to lack of sincerity, he became deserving of Hell.
(اللهم أخلص نياتنا)
May Allah Almighty enrich us all with the wealth of sincerity. Ameen.
Regarding the virtues of knowledge, there are hundreds of narrations of Imam al-Kainat, peace be upon him, present in the books of hadith. A few narrations are presented here briefly for the readers' attention. Consider:
① عن كثير بن قيس قال كنت جالسا مع أبى الدرداء فى مسجد دمشق فجاءه رجل فقال يا أبا الدرداء إني جئتك من مدينة الرسول لحديث بلغني أنك تحدثه عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ما جئت لحاجة قال فإني سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول من سلك طريقا يطلب فيه علما سلك الله به طريقا من طرق الجنة وإن الملائكة لتضع أجنحتها رضا لطالب العلم وإن العالم يستغفر له من فى السماوات ومن فى الأرض والحيتان فى جوف الماء وإن فضل العالم على العابد كفضل القمر ليلة البدر على سائر الكواكب وإن العلماء ورثة الأنبياء وإن الأنبياء لم يورثوا دينارا ولا درهما إنما ورثوا العلم فمن أخذه أخذ بحظ وافر
"It is narrated from Sayyiduna Hazrat Kathir bin Qais, may Allah have mercy on him, that I was sitting in the mosque of Sayyiduna Abu Darda, may Allah be pleased with him, in Damascus. A man came to him and said: O Abu Darda! I have come from Madinah al-Rasool and have come only for one hadith. I have learned that you narrate this hadith directly from the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, and my purpose in coming is only to obtain this hadith. Abu Darda, may Allah be pleased with him, said: I heard from the Mercy to the Worlds, peace be upon him, that he used to say: Whoever travels (only) for the seeking of knowledge, Allah makes him walk on the paths of Paradise. The angels in the heavens spread their wings for him. The creatures in the earth and heavens pray for his forgiveness. And the virtue of a scholar over a worshipper is like the moon on the fourteenth night over the stars. Scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets, and the Prophets do not leave behind dinars or dirhams as inheritance, but they leave knowledge. Whoever acquires it has acquired a great share."
Reference: (Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2682, Sunan Abi Dawood, Hadith: 3641, Sunan Ibn Majah: 223, Sunan Darimi: 342, Mishkat al-Masabih, Hadith: 212)
Sayyiduna Katheer bin Qais, may Allah have mercy on him:
"Sayyiduna Katheer bin Qais is counted among the middle generation of the Tabi‘in. Ibn Hibban mentioned him among the trustworthy narrators."
Reference: (Mura'at al-Mafatih: Vol/1, 316)
عن أبى أمامة الباهلي رضى الله عنه قال ذكر عند رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم رجلان أحدهما عابد والآخر عالم فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فضل العالم على العابد كفضلي على أدناكم ثم قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إن الله وملائكته وأهل السماوات والأرض حتى النملة فى جحرها وحتى الحوت ليصلون على معلم الناس الخير
"It is narrated from Sayyiduna Hazrat Abu Imamah Bahili, may Allah be pleased with him, that in the presence of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, two men were mentioned. One of them was a scholar while the other was a worshipper. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: The superiority of the scholar over the worshipper is like the superiority of Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, over the ordinary person of the Ummah. Then the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: Allah, His angels, and those who dwell in the heavens and the earth, even the ants in their holes and the fish in the water, pray for the one who teaches people good (knowledge)."
Reference: (Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2685, Mishkat al-Masabih: 213)
Sayyiduna Abu Imamah Bahili, may Allah be pleased with him:
Sayyiduna Abu Imamah al-Bahili رضي الله عنه's name is Siddi bin Ajlan al-Bahili. He resided in Egypt and later passed away in Homs in 86 AH. He had many students who narrated traditions from him. He was 91 years old. Sayyiduna Abu Imamah رضي الله عنه was the last Sahabi to pass away in the region of Sham.
عن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فقيه واحد أشد على الشيطان من ألف عابد
The Quranic exegete Sayyiduna Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas رضي الله عنه states that the Messenger of Mercy ﷺ said that one scholar is heavier in the sight of Satan than a thousand worshippers.
Reference: (Jami' at-Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2681, Ibn Majah, Hadith: 222)
Quranic Exegete Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas رضي الله عنه :
Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib is a Quraishi Hashemi and the cousin of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. His mother's name is Umm al-Fadl Lubabah al-Kubra bint al-Harith, who is the sister of Umm al-Mu'minin Maymunah رضي الله عنها. Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه was born three years before the Hijrah. When the Prophet of the Prophets passed away, he was only 13 years old. Some say he was only 15 years old. The first opinion is more correct. Due to his vast knowledge, he is remembered by the titles Al-Habir and Al-Bahr, and similarly, Tarjuman al-Qur'an is also his title. The Merciful and Compassionate Prophet Muhammad ﷺ made many prayers for him, such as special prayers for wisdom, Tafsir al-Din (exegesis of religion), knowledge, and Ta'wil al-Kitab (interpretation of the Book). Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه was unparalleled in character, appearance, and speech.
The total narrations of the Qur'an commentator رضي الله عنه are 1660, among which 75 hadiths are agreed upon, 28 hadiths are uniquely narrated by Imam Bukhari, and 39 hadiths are uniquely narrated by Imam Muslim. He had countless students. He passed away in Ta'if in the year 68 Hijri and met his true Creator. Muhammad bin Hanfiyyah led his funeral prayer.
Reference: (Mar'aat al-Mafateeh Vol 1-70, Maktaba Salafiyyah Lahore)
Most Important Note:
Benefit: From studying all the aforementioned narrations, it becomes very clear that these virtues cannot be attained without sincere intention unless there is a desire in the heart to please Allah Almighty. Almost all the hadith scholars إنما الأعمال بالنيات mention this narration first so that teachers, students of knowledge, and those who assist them perform all matters with the intention of seeking Allah's pleasure, so that the true purpose may be achieved.
