Those who reach the peak of life are the ones whose hearts are illuminated with the light of Ikhlas (sincerity).
Ikhlas, meaning pure intention, is the soul and foundation of every righteous deed. When the heart is free from ostentation, hypocrisy, and self-display, blessings descend upon actions and the light of truth shines throughout life.
Ikhlas is that precious essence which elevates a person to the lofty station of servitude and makes his efforts accepted in the Divine Court.
The Reality of Ikhlas
Ikhlas is an Arabic word which means to purify something from every kind of mixture. In the terminology of Sharīʿah, the meaning of Ikhlas is that every righteous deed should be performed solely for the pleasure of Allah Taʿālā, without any involvement of worldly interests or people’s approval.
Thus, Ikhlas is the lamp which spreads the light of truth within the hidden chambers of the heart and dedicates every action exclusively to the Lord.
The Importance of Ikhlas in the Noble Qur’an
The Noble Qur’an repeatedly emphasizes Ikhlas.
Allah Taʿālā says:
وَمَا أُمِرُوا إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ حُنَفَاءَ
(Al-Bayyinah: 5)
“And they were commanded not but to worship Allah, being sincere to Him in religion, inclining solely to Him.”
At another place, it is said:
قُلْ إِنِّي أُمِرْتُ أَنْ أَعْبُدَ اللَّهَ مُخْلِصًا لَهُ الدِّينَ
(Az-Zumar: 11)
“Say: I have been commanded to worship Allah, making the religion sincerely His.”
Another Place in the Qur’an
مَّن كَانَ يُرِيدُ ٱلْحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَزِينَتَهَا نُوَفِّ إِلَيْهِمْ أَعْمَٰلَهُمْ فِيهَا وَهُمْ فِيهَا لَا يُبْخَسُونَ (١٥) أُو۟لَٰئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَيْسَ لَهُمْ فِى ٱلْءَاخِرَةِ إِلَّا ٱلنَّارُ
(Hūd: 15–16)
“Whoever desires the worldly life and its adornment – We will fully repay them for their deeds therein, and they will not be deprived therein. It is they for whom there is nothing in the Hereafter except the Fire.”
The Importance of Ikhlas in the Noble Ahadith
The Noble Prophet ﷺ said:
“إِنَّمَا الْأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ، وَإِنَّمَا لِكُلِّ امْرِئٍ مَا نَوَى”
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
“Actions are judged only by intentions, and every person will have only that which he intended.”
He ﷺ also said:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَقْبَلُ مِنَ الْعَمَلِ إِلَّا مَا كَانَ لَهُ خَالِصًا وَابْتُغِيَ بِهِ وَجْهُهُ
(Sunan an-Nasā’ī)
“Indeed, Allah accepts only that deed which is done purely for Him, seeking only His Countenance.”
The Destructive Nature of Showing Off (Riyā’)
Riyā’ (showing off) is the opposite of Ikhlas – it means performing righteous deeds for the sake of people’s praise and fame.
Allah Taʿālā says:
فَوَيْلٌ لِلْمُصَلِّينَ ٱلَّذِينَ هُمْ عَن صَلَاتِهِمْ سَاهُونَ ٱلَّذِينَ هُمْ يُرَآءُونَ
(Al-Māʿūn: 4–6)
“So woe to those who pray – those who are heedless of their prayer, those who make a show [of their deeds].”
The Prophet’s Warning Against Riyā’
إِنَّ أَخْوَفَ مَا أَخَافُ عَلَيْكُمُ الشِّرْكَ الْأَصْغَرَ قَالُوا وَمَا الشِّرْكُ الْأَصْغَرُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ؟ قَالَ: الرِّيَاءُ
(Musnad Aḥmad)
“The thing I fear most for you is ‘minor shirk’ (showing off).”
The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) asked: “O Messenger of Allah, what is minor shirk?”
He replied: “It is Riyā’ (showing off).”
The Benefits of Ikhlas
Acceptance of Deeds
Allah Taʿālā accepts only those deeds that are performed with sincerity.
Contentment of the Heart
The one who acts with sincerity of intention feels peace and comfort within his heart.
Success in This World and the Hereafter
A person who possesses Ikhlas attains honor in this world and a great reward in the Hereafter.
Freedom from Riyā’
A sincere person does not care about people’s praise or criticism; rather, he acts solely for the pleasure of Allah Taʿālā.
Ways to Develop Ikhlas
▪️ Correct your intention before every action.
▪️ While performing an action, ask yourself:
“Am I doing this for the sake of Allah Taʿālā?”
▪️ Avoid the desire for fame; seek only the pleasure of Allah Taʿālā, without expecting people’s admiration.
▪️ Make duʿā to Allah Taʿālā for Ikhlas, for He alone purifies the hearts.
The Noble Prophet ﷺ used to supplicate:
اللهم اجعل عملي كله صالحًا، واجعله لوجهك خالصًا، ولا تجعل لأحد فيه شيئًا
“O Allah! Make all my deeds righteous, make them purely for Your sake, and do not allow anyone to have a share in them.” (Musnad Aḥmad)
Ikhlas is the soul of every deed. If a person were to spend his entire life in worship, yet his intention lacked Ikhlas, then all those acts of worship would hold no value in the Court of Allah Taʿālā.
It is Ikhlas that elevates a person to the true station of servitude and guides him towards the path of Paradise.
This is the very essence that raises a person to the pinnacle of truth, granting him the pleasure and closeness of Allah Taʿālā.
Indeed, only that deed which is done for the sake of Allah Taʿālā remains everlasting, while any deed performed for the sake of the world perishes within the world itself.