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(2) ARBAIN NAWAWI | Hadis 1 | Kadam Sidik
Mata Naqra
Overview
This video introduces the first hadith of Imam Al-Nawawi's collection, 'Actions are judged by intentions.' It delves into the significance of intention in Islam, explaining how it differentiates acts of worship, distinguishes between similar practices, and determines the validity and reward of deeds. The speaker also discusses the historical context of the hadith's narration, the character of its narrator, Umar ibn Al-Khattab, and the various categories of actions based on intention, particularly focusing on sincerity (ikhlas) versus showing off (riya). The importance of intention is highlighted as a foundational principle in Islamic jurisprudence, particularly in the Shafi'i school of thought.
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Chapters
- The first hadith of the Arbain Nawawi collection is 'Actions are judged by intentions' (Innamal a'malu binniyat).
- This hadith is foundational to Islamic practice, emphasizing that the value and reward of any deed depend entirely on the intention behind it.
- The speaker encourages viewers to watch previous episodes before this one for better context.
Understanding this hadith is crucial because it establishes the primary criterion for evaluating all our actions, ensuring our deeds are accepted by Allah.
The speaker mentions that the hadith is the first of Imam Al-Nawawi's collection, implying a structured approach to learning.
- The hadith is narrated by Amir al-Mu'minin (Leader of the Believers), a title first given to Umar ibn Al-Khattab.
- Umar ibn Al-Khattab, the second Caliph, was known for his immense strength, justice, and clarity in distinguishing truth from falsehood (Al-Faruq).
- His strong sense of justice led to certain Quranic verses being revealed in response to his insights or situations he encountered.
- Despite his sternness, Umar was also known for his compassion and would often go incognito among the people to understand their needs.
Learning about Umar ibn Al-Khattab provides a concrete example of how strong character and unwavering commitment to justice can influence both worldly affairs and divine revelation.
The title 'Amir al-Mu'minin' was first bestowed upon Umar ibn Al-Khattab, and he was also known as 'Al-Faruq' for his ability to discern right from wrong.
- Intention (Niyyah) is the internal resolve or purpose behind an action.
- It serves to differentiate between acts of worship (e.g., two prayers that look identical but are distinct due to intention and time).
- It also distinguishes acts of worship from mere habits (e.g., the difference between a ritual bath and a regular shower is the intention).
- Intention clarifies the ultimate goal of worship, directing it towards Allah for reward or towards others, which invalidates the deed.
Understanding the functions of intention helps us purify our worship and ensure our actions are directed solely towards seeking Allah's pleasure.
The difference between praying Dhuhr and Asr, or performing a ritual bath (ghusl) versus a regular shower, is determined by the intention.
- Actions performed solely for show (Riya) are completely nullified and receive no reward from Allah.
- Actions that are a mix of sincerity for Allah and seeking praise from people are considered shirk (associating partners with Allah) and are invalidated.
- Actions that start with sincere intention for Allah but are later influenced by worldly desires (not necessarily Riya) still receive reward, though potentially less than a purely sincere act.
This categorization helps us identify potential pitfalls in our intentions and strive for genuine sincerity in our deeds to maximize our spiritual rewards.
A person who prays initially for Allah but then alters their prayer when someone watches is an example of an action that becomes invalidated due to mixed intentions.
- Riya is not only performing acts of worship for others but also abandoning acts of worship because others might see you and judge you.
- Many believers struggle with the subtle presence of Riya, where good intentions are sometimes mixed with a desire for human praise.
- The speaker suggests that those who constantly battle these intrusive thoughts of Riya, while maintaining their core intention for Allah, are still rewarded by Allah.
- The hadith's principle is a cornerstone of Fiqh (jurisprudence) in the Shafi'i school, summarized by the maxim: 'Matters are determined by their intentions' (Al-umur bi maqasidiha).
Recognizing the broader definition of Riya and the internal struggle many face helps us be more compassionate with ourselves and others while striving for greater sincerity.
Abandoning a voluntary prayer or reading of the Quran because someone might see you and think you are showing off is also considered a form of Riya.
- Scholars like Abdurrahman bin Mahdi recommended starting books with this hadith to purify the intentions of both the author and the reader.
- Prominent scholars like Imam Al-Ghazali and Imam Al-Bukhari began their works with the topic of intention, underscoring its paramount importance.
- The hadith is considered one of the three fundamental hadith upon which Islam is built, alongside others about innovation and lawful/unlawful matters.
- The hadith is narrated by both Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim, considered the most authentic collections of prophetic traditions.
The consistent emphasis on this hadith by major Islamic scholars throughout history highlights its foundational role in understanding and practicing Islam correctly.
Imam Al-Bukhari begins his Sahih collection with a chapter on intention, demonstrating the scholarly tradition of prioritizing this hadith.
Key takeaways
- Every action's validity and reward in Islam are determined by the sincerity and purity of the intention behind it.
- Intention is the distinguishing factor between different acts of worship and between worship and mere routine actions.
- Performing actions solely for the praise of others (Riya) renders them void and without reward.
- Even abandoning a good deed due to fear of human judgment is considered a form of Riya.
- Striving for sincerity (Ikhlas) is an ongoing struggle, and Allah rewards the effort of those who battle against impure intentions.
- The principle 'Actions are judged by intentions' is a core legal maxim in Islamic jurisprudence.
- The narration of this hadith by Umar ibn Al-Khattab emphasizes the importance of strong character and justice in Islamic leadership.
Key terms
HadithArbain NawawiInnamal a'malu binniyatNiyyah (Intention)Amir al-Mu'mininUmar ibn Al-KhattabAl-FaruqRiya (Showing Off)Ikhlas (Sincerity)ShirkFiqhSahih BukhariSahih Muslim
Test your understanding
- What is the primary criterion by which all actions are judged in Islam, according to the first hadith?
- How does intention (Niyyah) differentiate between two seemingly identical acts of worship?
- What are the three main categories of actions based on the intention behind them, and what is the consequence for each?
- Beyond performing acts for praise, how else can Riya manifest, and what is its ruling?
- Why is it important for scholars to begin their works with the hadith on intention, and how does this relate to the practice of jurisprudence?