Religion is guidance
Have you ever wondered why some people do good deeds but feel no satisfaction, while others sincerely believe and find peace in their souls?
The answer is contained in one word: “sincerity”.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Religion is sincerity (an-nasiha).” The companions asked: “To whom?” He replied: “To Allah ﷻ, His Book, His Messenger ﷺ, the rulers of the Muslims and ordinary believers.” (Narrated by Muslim).
This hadith reminds us that faith is not just words or ritual rites, but first and foremost an inner state of the soul.
- Sincerity towards Allah ﷻ
The most important sincerity is before the One Who created us and everything around us. All our deeds, worship and intentions should be only for the sake of His pleasure.
One day, the companions noticed a man who prayed very beautifully, but when no one saw him, he prayed carelessly. Umar ibn al-Khattab said to him: “Do not be two-faced in your religion. Perform worship the same way - when you are seen and when you are alone with Allah ﷻ.”
- Sincerity towards His Book (Koran)
The Koran is a guide for a person’s life.
When you read the Koran, do you think about its meaning? Imagine that Allah ﷻ says these words personally to you. How will your attitude change?
If a person reads the Koran every day but is rude to his parents or unfair to people then he does not apply the teachings of the Koran in life. A sincere believer tries to live by the Koran, and not just read it.
- Sincerity towards the Prophet ﷺ
Loving the Prophet ﷺ and following his precepts means not only talking about it, but also following the example of the Messenger of God ﷺ in life.
The Messenger of God ﷺ was kind, fair, forgiving people and caring for the weak. Following his path means being honest, polite, helping others and controlling one’s character and morals.
- Sincerity towards Muslim rulers
Every believer must maintain order and respect those who are responsible for society.
If a person sees injustice on the part of the authorities, he should not spread gossip and slander but should look for legal and peaceful ways to correct the situation. Sincerity is advising and correcting with wisdom, and not sowing chaos.
- Sincerity towards ordinary believers
True sincerity in communication with people is when you wish them the same as you wish for yourself: do not envy, do not deceive and do not show pride or arrogance.
How to develop sincerity?
For sincerity to become a part of our life, we must constantly control our intentions. The Prophet ﷺ taught that the most important thing is to do everything sincerely for the sake of pleasing your Creator, and not for the sake of praise from people.
One of his sayings says: “...Verily, actions are judged by intentions, and everyone will receive what he intended...” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari, Muslim).
On the Day of Judgment, Allah ﷻ will reward everyone according to their intentions. Imagine that your deeds are revealed to you, and all of them are accepted, because you did them only for the sake of Allah ﷻ. What happiness there will be then!
May the Lord make us sincere in all our deeds and intentions. Amin.
