How to become aware of my true intentions?

The question of how to become aware of one's true intentions is one of the deepest and most vital issues in the path of self-knowledge and spiritual growth in Islam. Intention (niyyah) is the spirit of actions; without it, no deed holds true value or acceptance in the sight of Allah. The Holy Quran, with unparalleled subtlety and depth, addresses this hidden yet crucial dimension of human existence and offers pathways to achieve sincerity of intention and to become aware of it. These pathways are primarily based on principles and foundations rather than step-by-step psychological instructions, yet adherence to these very principles leads one to the desired destination and unveils true intentions. First and foremost, the most important principle the Quran puts forth in this regard is "Ikhlas" (Sincerity). Ikhlas means purifying one's action from any partnership, performing it solely for the pleasure of Allah the Almighty. Allah mentions this topic in several verses. For instance, in Surah Az-Zumar, verse 2, He states: "So worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion." And in Surah Al-Bayyinah, verse 5, it says: "And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give zakah. And that is the correct religion." These verses explicitly indicate that any act of worship, whether it be prayer, fasting, charity, or even daily activities, is only accepted by Allah when the intention behind it is pure and free from any showing off or hypocrisy. Now, the question arises: how do we ascertain this purity and discover our true intention? The answer is that by continuously striving for Ikhlas, one gradually becomes more aware of their inner motives. When the primary goal is Allah's pleasure, secondary motivations such as seeking people's attention, gaining fame, or material gain fade away, ultimately revealing one's true intention. This is a continuous process of self-exploration, struggling against the lower self (nafs al-ammarah), and constant monitoring of motivations, which requires vigilance and honesty with oneself. The second key principle is the awareness of Allah's infinite knowledge. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes that Allah is aware of what is in the breasts (the most hidden thoughts and intentions). In Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 7, we read: "...And fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Knowing of that within the breasts." Furthermore, in Surah Hud, verse 5, it states: "Unquestionably, they fold up their breasts to conceal themselves from Him. Unquestionably, [even] when they cover themselves in their clothing, He knows what they conceal and what they declare. Indeed, He is Knowing of that within the breasts." This realization that nothing is hidden from Allah, not even our unconscious thoughts and motives, compels an individual to look more honestly within themselves. When we know that Allah knows everything and is aware of our inner state, there is no longer any need for pretense or self-deception. This divine self-awareness is a powerful motivator for examining intentions and removing impurities from them. If our intention is for Allah, we do not need the approval of others; and if it is for other than Allah, no matter how much we conceal it, it will not remain hidden from Him. This deep understanding leads a person towards transparency with themselves and honest acceptance of their motivations. The third Quranic pathway is focusing on "Tazkiyah al-Nafs" (self-purification) and "Tadabbur" (reflection/contemplation). The Quran teaches us that salvation depends on purifying and cleansing the soul from impurities. In Surah Ash-Shams, verses 9 and 10, it states: "He has succeeded who purifies it, And he has failed who corrupts it." Self-purification includes purifying intentions. Through continuous practice of self-improvement, disciplining the self, and detachment from worldly and carnal desires, veils are lifted from the heart, and one can better see their true intention. The purer the soul becomes, the more the inner insight of a person increases. Furthermore, contemplating the verses of the Quran and the divine signs in the universe and within one's own being leads to deeper insight and self-awareness. When a person reflects on creation and the purpose of life, superficial and fleeting motives give way to deeper and more enduring ones, and their intention also tends towards spirituality and the afterlife. This deep reflection removes the rust of heedlessness from the mirror of the heart and clarifies true intention. Practical Steps for Awareness of True Intention Based on Quranic Principles: 1. Honest and Continuous Self-Assessment: Whenever you decide to do something, before starting or even while doing it, ask yourself: "Why am I doing this? What is my primary motivation?" Is it for the sake of Allah, or for gaining popularity, power, wealth, or avoiding blame? These honest and direct questions help you uncover hidden motives. For example, if you are helping someone in need, is this help purely for Allah's sake, or is part of it due to a desire to be seen and praised by people? The Quran condemns those who give charity for show and considers their deeds ineffective. This self-examination must be continuous and uncompromising. 2. Supplication and Seeking Help from Allah (Dua): Sincerely ask Allah to purify your intention and to protect you from the evil of showing off (riya), hypocrisy, and hidden polytheism (shirk). The supplication "Allahumma inni a'udhu bika an ushrika bika shay'an a'lamuhu, wa astaghfiruka lima la a'lamuhu" (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowingly associating anything with You, and I seek Your forgiveness for what I do not know) is an example of such prayers that help cleanse unconscious and hidden intentions. Only Allah can unveil the most hidden corners of the heart and reveal the truth of intentions. 3. Paying Attention to Inner Feelings After an Action: After performing an action, pay attention to your inner feelings. Do you feel peace, lightness, and inner satisfaction? Or do you feel heavy, a need for others' validation, or emptiness? These feelings can be indicators of the purity or impurity of your intention. A sincere action, even if small, brings great peace because it connects directly with divine pleasure. This inner sign is an honest guide for discovering intention. 4. Studying the Seerah (Biography) of Prophets and Saints: The lives of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the infallible Imams (if applicable to the audience, otherwise pious predecessors) and great religious figures are full of examples of pure sincerity. Studying their lives and contemplating how they acted provides a model for assessing one's own intentions against divine standards. They did nothing except for Allah, and this illuminates the path to knowing one's true intention and inspires the journey of sincerity. 5. Minimizing Attachment to Others' Approval and Praise: Freeing oneself from the servitude of people's opinions is a crucial step in achieving sincerity of intention. When the intention is for Allah, the praise and blame of people become equal, and this indifference to the views of creation is a sign of sincerity taking root. This is an inner struggle that must be consciously undertaken, and the self must be disciplined to only seek Allah's pleasure. Ultimately, becoming aware of one's true intention is a long and challenging spiritual journey that requires self-awareness, honesty with oneself, and continuous reliance on Allah. The Holy Quran has illuminated this path and promised salvation to those who purify their hearts and actions. This awareness not only helps our acts of worship be accepted but also brings meaning and depth to our daily lives, resulting in inner peace and tranquility. This is what the Quran refers to as a "qalb saleem" (sound heart); a heart purified from any polytheism (shirk) and hypocrisy (riya), obeying only the divine will.