 |
| Imam al-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith Collection |
عَنْ أَمِيرِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَبِي حَفْصٍ عُمَرَ بْنِ الْخَطَّابِ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ:
“إِنَّمَا الْأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ، وَإِنَّمَا لِكُلِّ امْرِئٍ مَا نَوَى، فَمَنْ كَانَتْ هِجْرَتُهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ، فَهِجْرَتُهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ، وَمَنْ كَانَتْ هِجْرَتُهُ لِدُنْيَا يُصِيبُهَا أَوْ امْرَأَةٍ يَنْكِحُهَا، فَهِجْرَتُهُ إِلَى مَا هَاجَرَ إِلَيْهِ.”
“Actions are but by intentions, and every man shall have only that which he intended. So, whoever’s migration was to Allah and His Messenger, then his migration was to Allah and His Messenger; and whoever’s migration was for some worldly benefit or to marry a woman, then his migration was to that for which he migrated.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
1. Centrality of the Hadith in Islam
Imam al-Bukhari placed this hadith at the beginning of his Sahih, highlighting its foundational role.
The scholars consider it among the four hadiths that encompass the entire religion.
Imam al-Shafiʿi said, “This hadith is one-third of knowledge.”
It establishes that the validity, reward, and acceptance of all deeds depend on intention.
2. The Concept of Niyyah (Intention)
Linguistically, 'Niyyah' means 'will', 'purpose', or 'aim'.
Sharʿiah (Legally): It is the determination of the heart to perform an act of worship for the sake of Allah alone.
Niyyah distinguishes:
1. ʿIbadah (acts of worship) from ordinary acts.
2. Types of worship from one another (e.g., obligatory dhuhr vs. voluntary prayer).
3. For whom the act is performed – for Allah, for show, or for worldly benefit.
3. Lessons Derived
(A) Sincerity (Ikhlas) as the Foundation of Faith
The hadith emphasises that deeds must be for Allah alone.
Without ikhlas, even the greatest deeds are nullified.
Qur’an: “They were not commanded except to worship Allah, making the religion sincerely for Him.” (98:5)
(B) Accountability of the Heart
Unlike actions, which may be visible, intention is hidden in the heart.
This elevates internal states above mere external compliance.
A small deed with sincere intention outweighs a large deed with corrupt motives.
(C) Worldly vs. Divine Motives
The hadith uses Hijrah (migration) as an example:
If for Allah and His Messenger ﷺ, eternally rewarded.
If for worldly gain → rewarded only in the world, no share in the Hereafter.
Teaches Muslims to purify their objectives in all endeavours.
4. Scholarly Insights
Imam al-Nawawi chose this hadith as the first in his collection because sincerity is the foundation of all deeds.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali: Explained in Jamiʿ al-ʿUlum wa-l-Hikam that intention is a spiritual compass that directs the soul toward Allah.
Al-Ghazali: In Ihyaʾ ʿUlum al-Din, he emphasises niyyah transforms habit into worship (e.g., eating, sleeping, and working with the intention of strengthening oneself for Allah’s obedience).
5. Jurisprudential Applications
All acts of worship (Salah, Sawm, Zakah, and Hajj) require intention for validity.
Acts of daily life (eating, marriage, trade) can become worship with sincere intention.
The fuqahaʾ (jurists) use this hadith as a principle in Fiqh:
“Matters are judged by their intentions.”
Basis for rulings on vows, oaths, purification, and differentiating ibaadaat from adat.
6. Spiritual Dimensions
Niyyah connects the heart to Allah, ensuring worship is not an empty ritual.
Encourages self-examination: why am I doing this?
Protects from riyaʾ (showing off) and hypocrisy.
Motivates Muslims to seek Allah’s pleasure even in mundane tasks.
7. Contemporary Relevance
In the modern world, many pursue religious knowledge, daʿwah, or activism for recognition, fame, or worldly benefit.
This hadith is a mirror for self-purification, reminding Muslims to reassess their motives.
In professional and academic life, renewing intentions transforms secular achievements into acts of devotion if linked to service of Allah and humanity.
8. Key Takeaways for Students of Knowledge
1. Every deed is judged by its inner motive.
2. Correct intention is obligatory in all acts of worship.
3. Ikhlas is the soul of ibaadaat. Without it, deeds perish.
4. Niyyah elevates the mundane to sacred.
5. Constant renewal of intention is essential throughout one’s life.
Conclusion
Hadith 1 of Imam al-Nawawi’s collection is a comprehensive foundation of Islam.
It defines the value of actions not by their outward form, but by the inner sincerity of the believer. It teaches that deeds are accepted only when done purely for Allah, transforming every aspect of life into worship.
For Muslims, this hadith is not only a legal principle but also a spiritual compass, guiding hearts towards Allah in all affairs.
#Hadeeth Ep 5
Comments
Post a Comment