What is the relationship between action and intention in moral valuation?

In the ethical and divine system of Islam, deeply rooted in the profound teachings of the Holy Quran, the relationship between action and intention is not merely a simple connection, but a vital and inseparable bond that serves as the primary criterion for the moral and spiritual valuation of deeds. In essence, intention is the soul of an action, and without it, the action is akin to a lifeless body, holding no value in the sight of Allah. This fundamental principle is clearly expounded in numerous Quranic verses, even though the specific term 'niyyah' (intention) in its jurisprudential sense might not be explicitly mentioned as frequently in the Quran as it is in the Hadith. Nevertheless, its essence and core meaning are repeatedly evident through the emphasis on 'ikhlas' (sincerity), 'ibtigha wajah Allah' (seeking Allah's pleasure), and avoidance of 'riyaa' (showing off). 1. The Quran instructs believers that every action, whether an act of worship or a social deed, must be performed with pure intention and solely for the pleasure of the Almighty. This sincerity not only imbues the action with spiritual value but also purifies it from any taint of polytheism or ostentation. For instance, Surah Al-Bayyinah, verse 5, states: '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.' This verse explicitly emphasizes the necessity of sincerity in worship and all aspects of faith. Sincerity here means purifying the action from any non-divine motive, such that the sole aim is to please Allah. This indicates that an action without a pure intention not only lacks value but can also be deemed rejected. Indeed, a good and pure intention can transform even mundane daily activities into acts of worship. A sincere believer who works to earn a lawful living for their family with the intention of pleasing Allah, or eats food with the intention of thanking Allah for His blessings, or sleeps with the intention of gaining strength to serve humanity – all these actions acquire the nature of worship and are rewarded by Allah. It is the intention that gives these acts spiritual essence, distinguishing them from mere physical movements or natural needs. 2. Conversely, the Quran severely warns against actions that appear good outwardly but are performed with impure and hypocritical intentions. Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 264, declares: 'O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders [of your generosity] 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 clearly demonstrates that even a benevolent act like giving charity, if performed with the intention of showing off and not for the sake of Allah, becomes worthless and void. An impure intention not only nullifies the value of the action but can also be considered a sin, as it signifies a lack of genuine faith and sincerity. This highlights a fundamental difference between materialistic valuation and Islamic ethical valuation; in the material world, a grand charitable act might be commendable, but in Islam, without a pure intention, it holds no spiritual or eternal value. 3. Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa, verse 142, concerning the hypocrites, it is stated: 'Indeed, the hypocrites [think to] deceive Allah, but He is deceiving them. And when they stand for prayer, they stand lazily, showing [themselves to] the people and not remembering Allah except a little.' This verse illustrates the destructive impact of malicious intent on an act of worship like prayer. Hypocrites outwardly perform prayer, but their intention is to gain people's attention, not to worship Allah. The result of this impure intention is the worthlessness of their prayer and their classification among deceivers. Therefore, it can be concluded that from the Quranic perspective, intention is the foundation and essence of every action, and without it, the action lacks spiritual and moral validity. This emphasis on intention signifies attention to a person's inner state; for Allah is aware of what transpires in hearts and rewards or punishes based on those very intentions. This serves as a serious warning for humanity to always be mindful of their inner motivations and to perform their actions with pure intention and solely for the pleasure of the Almighty God. 4. Ultimately, the relationship between action and intention in moral valuation is a testament to Allah's infinite justice. It means that Allah does not merely look at the outward appearance of our deeds but also delves into the depths of our hearts and our hidden motivations. This truth enables individuals, by correcting their intentions, to achieve moral virtues and immense spiritual rewards, even when grand material deeds are not possible. It is an invitation to profound introspection into one's inner motivations and an endeavor to cleanse the heart from any non-divine impurities. Thus, every good deed performed with a pure intention, no matter how small, is great in the sight of Allah, and every grand deed performed with an impure intention, no matter how vast, is worthless to Him. This golden rule guides every believer on their life's journey, constantly prompting them to weigh their actions against the standard of intention and sincerity.