One way to attain sincerity (ikhlāṣ) is to focus on the PROCESS rather than the PRODUCT. Allow me to explain. Example: Ḥifḏh. By focusing on the PROCESS of ḥifḏh i.e. focusing on exerting your best effort and in the best manner possible to earn the highest honour with Allāh, and being constantly concerned over whether you have earned His Pleasure or not, your intention will remain sincere. However, if you become focused on the PRODUCT, i.e. the outcome: The glory of the title ḥāfiḏh, the recognition and praise that comes with it… Your intention becomes corrupted. And this applies to any act of worship. Going to ʿumrah, for example. Instead of turning it into another photo-selfie op, be focused on the process and the state of your heart during it. Same applies to ṭalab al-ʿilm, attending a gathering of knowledge, and so on. So focus on the process and not the product throughout to maintain a sincere intention. And every time you find your heart waver, force it back on track.
جعلنا الله وإياكم من المخلصين
May Allāh make you and I of the sincere ones.
No Comments