How to work for the pleasure of God, not for the encouragement of others?

### Working for the Pleasure of God: The Importance of Right Intention In a world increasingly driven by external validation and societal approval, the pursuit of divine pleasure stands out as a guiding principle for countless individuals seeking deeper meaning and purpose in their lives. To work for the pleasure of God and to distance ourselves from seeking the encouragement or applause of others, we must maintain the right intention. This notion is deeply rooted in Islamic teachings and is echoed in the Holy Quran, where Allah articulates fundamental truths about the essence of worship and conduct. The concept of intention, known as 'Niyyah' in Arabic, is crucial in Islam. It forms the foundation of our actions and dictates the value of our deeds. In Surah Yunus, verse 108, Allah states, "Say, O disbelievers, I do not worship what you worship." This profound declaration serves as a reminder that our purpose should be the sincere worship of God rather than an insatiable quest for approval from others. Here, the Quran emphasizes the principle that the authenticity of our worship is vital; it isn’t about the recognition or validation we receive from the world but about the alignment of our hearts with the will of our Creator. When our actions stem from a pure, divine intention, it leads not only to a sense of fulfillment but also cultivates feelings of peace and security. This inner tranquility emerges from knowing that our deeds are done for a higher purpose, detached from the transient complexities of social expectations. In cultivating the right intention, individuals can find comfort in their endeavors, knowing they are working for the greater good—pleasing the Almighty. An essential avenue for achieving God's satisfaction is through prayer and supplication. These acts serve as means to strengthen our faith and clarify our intentions. In Islam, prayer is not solely a ritual; it is a spiritual practice that creates a direct connection with Allah. Engaging in heartfelt supplication helps in evaluating our intentions, allowing us to refine our focus and return to our primary goal: to seek God's pleasure above all. Prayer acts as a reflective time that encourages us to contemplate our actions, intentions, and the divine rewards that follow sincere worship. Moreover, the Quran provides significant insights regarding the interconnection between faith and good deeds. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 261, Allah illustrates, "The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed that sprouts seven ears." This verse metaphorically communicates how acts performed with sincere intention in the path of Allah yield multiplied blessings and rewards. The cultivation of good deeds, motivated by faith, is not an isolated occurrence but a framework for growing virtue in our lives. The cultivation of sincerity in our endeavors, as illustrated in this verse, demonstrates that the true value lies in the intention behind our actions rather than their outward appearance. In our daily lives, we are surrounded by distractions that may lead us to stray from our primary goal of searching for God's approval. The contemporary world often glorifies achievements that are recognized by people. However, to ensure our actions align with pleasing God, we must always prioritize Him and continually seek His assistance in all our endeavors. This requires regular self-assessment, a practice of reflecting on our actions and the underlying motivations that drive them. By consistently checking our Niyyah, we develop a robust spiritual framework that directs our daily activities toward worship. The significance of intention is further highlighted in various Hadiths, where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized that actions are judged by intentions. In one famous Hadith, he said, "Actions are but by intentions, and every person will get whatever they intended." This teaching serves as a powerful reminder that our motivations shape our destiny—not only in this life but also in the Hereafter. It is the purity of our intentions that determines the weight of our actions before Allah, reiterating the centrality of sincere worship in our religious obligations. Furthermore, the potential for cultivating right intentions emerges through a conscious effort to educate ourselves about the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah. Engaging in the study of Islamic theology and spirituality can provide invaluable insights into how we can continuously nurture our intentions. Communities that emphasize the importance of spirituality and mutual growth in faith can play a critical role in this pursuit. By surrounding ourselves with individuals who share a passion for pleasing Allah over worldly gains, we foster an environment that encourages sincere actions and collective worship. Ultimately, the journey toward sincerity in our worship is deeply personal, yet it impacts the broader community. When individuals commit to working for God's pleasure, they inspire those around them to reflect on their intentions and actions. This ripple effect can create a society grounded in compassion, humility, and devotion—where the pursuit of divine pleasure takes precedence over gratifying earthly desires. In conclusion, working for the pleasure of God requires a conscientious effort to continually assess and align our intentions. It calls for regular practice of prayer and supplication as essential means of nurturing the Niyyah. Recognizing the significance of both faith and good deeds, as illustrated in the Quran, enables believers to engage in actions that bear fruit in this world and the Hereafter. As we strive to cultivate sincere intentions, let us remember that pleasing God shapes our purpose and fortifies our identity as servants of the Divine. In this manner, through God’s promises and our pure intentions, we can find clarity in our work and engage in acts solely for His pleasure. It is this commitment that lays the foundation for a truly rewarding existence—one illuminated by divine blessings, peace, and ultimate fulfillment.