How to Preserve Good Intentions in Deeds?

Preserving a pure intention (niyyah) in performing good deeds is one of the most fundamental yet challenging aspects of devotion and drawing closer to Allah Almighty. Islam, as a profound religion, places immense emphasis on the importance of intention; so much so that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated: "Actions are but by intentions." This noble hadith establishes the foundation of every righteous deed upon sincerity (ikhlas) and the intention of seeking proximity to God. In other words, the true value of an action lies not in its outward appearance or magnitude, but in the heartfelt intention of the doer. If the intention is not pure, even the greatest deeds may be deemed worthless in the sight of Allah and bear no reward. The Holy Quran addresses this topic repeatedly, both directly and indirectly. One of the most significant pitfalls that threaten good intentions is 'Riya' (showing off). Riya' means performing an action to be seen by people, seeking their praise and admiration, rather than seeking Allah's pleasure. Allah Almighty clearly warns believers in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 264, not to invalidate their charities by reminders of favor (mann) or injury (adha) – like one who spends his wealth only to be seen by the people and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day: "O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders [of favor] or injury like one who spends his wealth [only] to be seen by the people and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day." This verse indicates that Riya' not only nullifies the reward of the deed but also signifies a weakness in faith in Allah and the Day of Judgment. Riya' is like a hidden pest that gradually dries up the tree of righteous deeds and corrupts its fruits. To safeguard intention from the blight of Riya', the first step is to recognize and combat the tempting self (nafs al-ammarah). One must constantly monitor their inner motives and, at the moment of performing any act, ask themselves: "For whom am I doing this?" Is my sole purpose to gain divine pleasure, or do I harbor expectations of human praise and admiration? One effective way to strengthen sincerity and avoid Riya' is to conceal good deeds as much as possible. When an action is performed without others' knowledge, there is less opportunity for Riya' to enter the heart. Imam Sadiq (AS) said: "Silence in good deeds is better than making them public." Of course, this does not mean refraining from good deeds that require publicity (such as setting an example or encouraging others), but the principle is to keep them private unless a greater benefit necessitates otherwise. Another pitfall that threatens good intentions is 'Mann' (reminding others of favors). As mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:264, reminding someone of a favor rendered nullifies the reward of that good deed. This act not only undermines the dignity and respect of the recipient but also indicates internal pride and self-importance, which are incompatible with the spirit of sacrifice and generosity. True giving occurs without any expectation or reminder, and its sole purpose is to gain Allah's pleasure. For this reason, the Quran, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 262, praises those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah and then do not follow up what they have spent with reminders or injury: "Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah and then do not follow up what they have spent with reminders [of it] or [other] injury - their reward is with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve." In addition to Riya' and Mann, one must not forget that any expectation of worldly gain, fame, status, or any material return from good deeds can corrupt the intention. Good deeds should be performed solely for the pleasure of the Lord and the reward of the Hereafter. If the purpose of a good deed is personal benefit or achieving worldly aims, that action moves outside the sphere of sincerity. Allah says in Surah Hud, verse 15: "Whoever desires the life of this world and its adornments - We fully repay them for their deeds therein, and they will not be deprived from it." Although this verse seemingly speaks of worldly reward, the following verse 16 states: "Those are the ones for whom there is nothing in the Hereafter but the Fire. And what they did therein has become worthless, and what they used to do is invalid." This implies that if the intention is purely worldly, there will be no reward in the Hereafter. To preserve good intentions, continuous practice of 'Muhasabah' (self-accountability) is essential. Before every action, review your intention; during the action, be mindful of temptations and carnal desires; and after the action, ask Allah to accept it sincerely and keep you away from pride and conceit. Reliance on Allah (Tawakkul) and supplication (Dua) are also crucial factors in maintaining sincerity. Ask Allah to purify our intentions and protect us from the evil of Riya' and the pitfalls of the self. Let us remember that small deeds with great intentions are more valuable than great deeds with small or impure intentions. Every step we take to serve creation or obey the Creator, if accompanied by a pure intention, will be a ladder for our spiritual ascension.