Ikhlaas is an Arabic word for sincerity. There is a Surah (chapter), Number 112, named “Ikhlaas” in the Qur’an. It is also called “Tawhid.”
What is Sincerity?
The meaning of sincerity is that what the person says and his/her deeds and actions should be for the sake of Allah (SWT) and not to show to the people or to be proud of himself or herself with them. Acceptance of deeds depends on sincerity. Sincerity to Allah (SWT) is a sign of the completeness of faith. Allah (SWT) looks into the heart and what is in it from intentions, not to the appearance or the shape of the deeds.
Islam has invited us to sincerity and persuades us to live within it.
The Prophet (SAS) was asked: “Which of the three persons carries on Jihad, one who fights for bravery and courage, one who fights tribalism or nationalism, or one who fights to be seen or to show off?”
The Prophet (SAS) replied: “The one who fights to uphold the message of Allah is the person who carries on Jihad in the cause of Allah.”
The deeds, which the Muslims do, are not considered good unless they are done with good intentions and for the sake of Allah (SWT). Only sincere people have the moral courage to criticize the leaders when they do wrong things. The following two examples illustrate this.
EARLY ISLAMIC HISTORY
(1).When Abi bin Ka’b (RA) recited the Quranic verse no. 110 in Surah 5, Al-Ma’idah, infront of other Sahaba including Hadrat Umar bin Khattab (RA), the Second Khalifa
“Min ‘Alladhena astha Haqqah ‘Alaihimul Aw’la’ yaani…” Al- Ma’idah, 5: 110
Hadrat Umar bin Khattab (RA) rejected the (manner of) recitation of the Qur’anic verse and said, “You have spoken a lie.”
Hadrat Abi bin Ka’b (RA) immediately replied ” You are a bigger liar.”
Someone interrupted, “You are contradicting Amir-ul-Momineen(commander of the faithful).”Hadrat Ab bin Ka’b (RA) replied, ” I pay more regard to the Amir-ul-Momineen when he is right, but I have opposed him in matter of incorrect pronunciation of Allah’s Book, and not contradicted him in matter of correct pronunciation of the Book. I have heard the Noble Prophet (SAS) reciting this verse in the same manner. And O’ Umar (RA) you remained engaged (busy) in marketing (doing business) at Baqia’. ”
Hadrat Umar (RA) said, “You are perfectly right. I had just tried to test whether anybody could speak the truth (before me).”
SECOND EXAMPLE
(2) ‘Abu Muawiya bin Abu Sufiyan (RA) stood upon the pulpit and delivered the Jumuah Khutbah and said, “All the wealth, properties and the booty belong to me and it is upon me to distribute it to some people and keep others deprived of it.” He repeated these words in his address on the next Friday and on the third Friday also. This time one of the persons present in the Masjid (mosque) got up and said, “It can never happen so far all the income, property and booty belongs to none but us, and one who stands between these things and us will be dealt with our swords.”
Hadrat Muawiya (RA) got down from his pulpit, called the person and took him to his house, after the prayers. The people in general thought that his days are numbered. But when they entered the house of Hadrat Muawiya (RA), they saw that person sitting beside Hadrat Muawiya (RA) on his throne. Hadrat Muawiya told the people “He has enlightened my soul today; may Allah keep him alive. I have heard the Noble Prophet (SAS) saying, “Soon after me, some Amirs will emerge who will say something (against Shariah) and will not be rejected by people. Such Amirs will enter Hell like monkeys. I had certainly addressed the people on a Friday but nobody interrupted me. I became apprehensive (viewing the future with anxiety) if I would have been among such Amirs (who will enter Hell). I addressed you again on the next Friday but none of you contradicted me. I thought I am certainly one among them (i. e. Hellish). Then I repeated the same address on the third Friday, and then this man got up and contradicted me. Thus he has given me a new lease of life, may Allah (SWT) confer upon him a long life. (Al-Haithmi, Vol. V, p. 238).
In today’s world if any Muslim criticizes the ruler of a Muslim country, then he or she will be accused of creating a “FITNA” and will be punished, sometimes severely. When you fight for your Rights or speak the truth which is bitter to the wrong doers, you will be labeled as ‘TROUBLE MAKER.” The good examples are Hasaan al-Banna, Syed Qutb of Ikhwanul Muslimeen(the Muslim Brotherhood). In USA, a sincere Muslim like Malcolm X (Al-Hajj Malik Al-Shabazz) criticized the leader of the Nation of Islam, the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. Reportedly for this act he was assassinated on February 25, 1965 in New York City. Our own native of Louisville, World Boxing Champion, Muhammad Ali took on the mighty Government of America by refusing to be drafted into the Army, by saying the “the Vietcong have done no wrong to me.” Muhammad Ali lost his title, income and was subjected to humiliation and suffered a lot for five or six years until 1971 when the Supreme Court unanimously acquitted him. Sincere Muslims do not want to stand up to the corrupt rulers and leaders in the Muslim world, for fear of hardship, sufferings or loss of life.
”In conclusion, Ibn Al-Qayyim –( rahimahullaah) – said, “Deeds without sincerity are like a traveler who carries in his water-jug dirt. The carrying of it burdens him and it brings no benefit.”
May Allah Ta’aala make us all to follow those whose deeds are done in accordance with the Sunnah, deeds that are done sincerely for the sake of Allah.
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