Sincerity of heart in Islam
“Al-Ikhlaas” (sincerity of heart) relates to the human heart and it is simply defined as doing any act for the sake of seeking the Creator’s pleasure devoid of the pursuit of any worldly or personal interest. The believer, therefore, acts for Allah’s sake and hopes for his reward in the hereafter.
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In the pursuit of seeking Allah’s pleasure, the believer, in his/her actions, distances himself /herself from acting in a manner that is geared towards the pursuit of wealth, popularity, earning a position in any human set-up, unguided sexual gratification, praise of men, running away from voicing truth for fear of incurring the displeasure of people, expression of arrogance and pride in any form...etc.
Indeed, and in short, the believer abstains from any act that is not geared towards the pursuit of seeking Allah's pleasure and reward (Al-Qardaawi, 1996:11)
The Qur'anic texts, Qur'an 6:162-163; Qur'an 39:2 and Qur'an 98:5 quoted above in the introduction to this segment, deals with "Al-Ikhlaas" clearly and insightfully.
The above explanation of "Al-Ikhlaas" by Professor Al-Qardawi corroborates its definition by Ibn Taymiyya in the 13th century when he indicated the meaning of Al-Ikhlaas to be, "directing any act towards the attainment Allah's pleasure."
Foundation of Al-Ikhlaas
The key foundation of Al-Ikhlaas is An-niyyat (sound intention), which is defined as in "inner push that drives an attainment of a particular purpose". And the purpose that drives an act could be diverse.
It could be material or abstract; individual or group; worldly or for the hereafter; trivial or important; associated with meeting the needs of mind and spirit; related to what is lawful and what is unlawful.... etc.
Indeed, the above drives are given specific definitions by the religion one belongs to.
Consequently, any sincere muslim is taught by Islam to ensure that consciousness about Allah, the Almighty, drives all his or her dispositions.
The sincere muslim, therefore, lives for the Creator and all his intentions and deeds are for Allah, the Almighty. That is the true nature of Al-Ikhlaas.
It has to be added that the difference between An-niyyat and Al-Ikhlaas is a very thin line. An-niyyat is intention, wish and purpose representing the foundation and abstract side of Al-Ikhlaas and has its place in the heart.
To be continued