It is narrated on the authority of ‘Umar bin al-Khattab (RA), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (SAW), say:

“Actions are according to intentions, and everyone will get what was intended. Whoever migrates with an intention for Allah and His Messenger, the migration will be for the sake of Allah and his Messenger. And whoever migrates for worldly gain or to marry a woman, then his migration will be for the sake of whatever he migrated for.”

[Bukhari and Muslim]

This hadith is central to the Islamic thought and understanding and determines the balance between the internal and external states of a Muslim. Scholars have commented that this hadith comprises one-third of knowledge because the actions of man involve his heart, his tongue and his limbs, and hence the intention in the heart is one-third of action.

Scholars have also commented that this hadith along with two others comprises the Deen of Islam. The other two hadith being “The Halal is clear and the Haram is clear and between them are doubtful matters”, and “Whoever innovates in this religion that which is not from it will have all his actions rejected (by Allah).” [Both narrated in Bukhari and Muslim]

Dear Muslims, unless you make the correct intention then the following action will not have the desired benefit. Alhamdulillah, the Muslim is one who professes his belief in Allah (SWT) and has Imaan in all that Islam requires to have Imaan in. He prays, fasts, pays the zakaah and performs Hajj with the correct intention. That Muslim will gain the reward from Allah (SWT) that is due to him.

However, is it befitting that a Muslim makes the intention to perform the above actions but not once makes the intention to call people to reject Secularism, Democracy, Civil States and all that takes root from disbelief and goes against Tawheed? Is it befitting for the believer to remain silent and idle as our Ummah is led to her demise, watching on the sidelines as the disbelievers and tyrants fulfil their plots? Our ailments are due to our inaction and our inaction is due to the absence of the intention. Shaytaan does not need a helping hand for he is more than capable of leading people astray alone.

Dear Muslims, salvation is possible if we make the intention to work for Islam and Allah’s Deen. The absence of Islam and Islamic rule has led us to this point today so let us make intention to bring back Islam in our homes, society and the State. May Allah (SWT) guide Mankind with the light of Islam amidst the darkness which surrounds it. May Allah (AWJ) help us to understand our obligations and aid us in our endeavour to place a sincere leadership to govern our affairs and bring a humiliating defeat to our enemies. Ameen.

“So whosoever hopes for the meeting with His Lord, let him work righteous deeds and associate none as a partner in the worship of His Lord.”

[Surah Al-Kahf, 18:110]