Fulfilling religious obligations is not enough; sincere intention and good ethics are also essential.
In the Holy Quran, fulfilling obligations is emphasized as one of the requirements of a believer's religious life. These obligations include prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and pilgrimage, each playing a crucial role in strengthening the individual's ties to God and community. However, is merely fulfilling these obligations enough? It appears that the concept of religion and adherence to it is deeper than just performing outward duties. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177, Allah states that righteousness is not merely about turning towards the Qibla and performing superficial obligations; it also includes faith in God, the Last Day, angels, books, and prophets. Thus, performing obligations must be accompanied by pure intentions and ethical behavior. Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran, verse 29, it is declared that if a person's intention is sincere, their deeds will be accepted. Therefore, one cannot conclude that performing obligations alone suffices; rather, it is essential that these acts are carried out alongside good intentions and moral character. Ultimately, the goal of religion is not only worship but also the spiritual and ethical development of individuals. Hence, all Muslims should pay special attention to the ethical and social dimensions of their faith and not rely solely on performing obligations.
Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is in one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, and the Prophets.
O you who have believed, fear Allah, and let every soul look to what it has brought [for the tomorrow]. And fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.
One day, Mustafa was reading the Quran and concluded that merely fulfilling obligations was not enough. He decided to work on his ethics and deepen his relationship with God through sincere intentions. By showing kindness to others, not only did he feel greater peace himself, but he also positively impacted the lives of those around him.