Sincerity (Ikhlas) is a heart’s deeds, and it is an essential pillar of servitude to Allah, which means to fully surrender yourself to Him – the heart, the body, and the soul – and to express your dire need of Him. Sincerity to Allah is the ultimate goal of every believer, so if an action lacks sincerity is a rewardless action. Ibrahim Ibn Adham (a prominent Islamic scholar of the second Hijri century) said that sincerity is the truthfulness of intention with Allah. It was narrated from Sayyiduna Umar bin Al-Khattab that the Prophet said:

A sincere intention should be solely made to gain Allah’s reward in any deeds a Muslim performs. The sincere intention must be free of asking for reputation, worldly things, or showing off before others. Therefore, Muslims should establish their intentions to hope for Allah’s Reward, to fear Allah’s Punishment, and to covet Allah’s Pleasure.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) gave an explicit explanation of what sincerity (Ikhlas) and he said:

O people, make your deeds sincere for Allah Almighty. Verily, Allah does not accept any deed unless it is sincerely for him. Do not say: This is for the sake of Allah, and this is for the sake of my relatives. Verily, it was done for your relatives and none of it was for Allah. Do not say: This is for the sake of Allah and for your sake. Verily, it was done for their sake and none of it was for Allah.

Sincerity in the holy quran

    The word of sincerity (Ikhlas) is mentioned in the Holy Quran many times in various grammatical structures, all of which fact to purifying intentions for the Sake of Allah, making it a mandatory deed. Allah ordered the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself to be sincere in worshiping Allah. He says in Surah Az-Zummar, Ayah 2:

”Indeed, We have sent down to you the Book, [O Muhammad], in truth. So worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion.”

(إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ فَاعْبُدِ اللَّهَ مُخْلِصًا لَّهُ الدِّينَ)

And, He commanded His servants to be sincere in worshiping Allah too, Allah said in Surah Al-Araf, Ayah 29:

”Say, [O Muhammad], “My Lord has ordered justice and that you maintain yourselves [in worship of Him] at every place [or time] of prostration, and invoke Him, sincere to Him in religion.” Just as He originated you, you will return [to life].”

(قُلْ أَمَرَ رَبِّي بِالْقِسْطِ ۖ وَأَقِيمُوا وُجُوهَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ وَادْعُوهُ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ ۚ كَمَا بَدَأَكُمْ تَعُودُونَ)

Sincerity is the first defense to stand against Shaitan’s tricks and manipulation. When Iblees disobeyed Allah and refused to make Sujood to the Prophet Adam as Allah ordered, while all the angels obeyed. Allah punished him so that he is doomed, but Iblees was extremely arrogant. He promised Allah that he would tempt all of Allah’s servants. Only one group of people will be protected against his temptations. Allah said in Surah Saad:

”[Iblees] said, “By your might, I will surely mislead them all (82). Except, among them, Your chosen servants (83).”
قَالَ فَبِعِزَّتِكَ لَأُغْوِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ. إِلَّا عِبَادَكَ مِنْهُمُ الْمُخْلَصِينَ

This Ayah is a remarkable core of how believers can stay on the right path. In addition, it refers to the main source of power of a Muslim in this life, while he is faced with all sorts of enjoyments, it is the sincerity. Sincerity begins in the heart, then the body follows. Intentions define sincerity, and sincerity reflects one’s true intentions. This close connection underscores the importance of both. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) warned Muslims of mixing other intentions besides seeking Allah’s Pleasure. It was narrated that Abu ‘Umamah Al-Bahili said:

the reward of sincerity

    Any act of worship starts with sincerity, as the core of sincerity is seeking Allah’s Love and Providence only. For that reason, Allah made a great reward for people who make sincerity their backbone for any deed. If any Muslim yearns to enjoy endless blessings and delights, then it all begins with sincerity. In Surah As-Saffat, Allah describes the delights and gardens of people in Jannah, especially the sincere Muslims, and He said:

”And you will not be recompensed except for what you used to do (39). But not the chosen servants of Allah (40). Those will have a provision determined (41). Fruits; and they will be honored (42).”
وَمَا تُجْزَوْنَ إِلَّا مَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ. إِلَّا عِبَادَ اللَّهِ الْمُخْلَصِينَ. أُولَٰئِكَ لَهُمْ رِزْقٌ مَّعْلُومٌ. فَوَاكِهُ ۖ وَهُم مُّكْرَمُونَ

It is not hidden from anyone what is happening to the Islamic Ummah in the present. Many reasons can be explored and discussed regarding this issue, and instead of discovering all the causes that lead to such a weak present, we can learn about the possible solutions on how to boost our existence and lead the world to real peace and prosperity. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) left no question without an answer. He explained how to gain victory and said:

“Rather, Allah support this Ummah because of their supplication, their Salah, and their sincerity.”

Moreover, sincerity is a cause of doubling the reward from Allah. A single act of worship can give its person a great reward from Allah if the intention is made to seek Allah’s Pleasure. In contrast, whoever acquires knowledge by which the pleasure of Allah is sought, but he only acquires it for worldly gain, will not smell the fragrance of Paradise on the Day of Resurrection. Sincerity (Ikhlas) is the soul of worship and the key to Allah’s Acceptance. Without it, even the most impressive actions become hollow. A believer’s strength lies not in outward appearances but in the purity of their heart and intentions. In a time when distractions and worldly pursuits surround us, it is sincerity that keeps the believer grounded and guided.