Why do results turn out bad despite pure intentions?

Despite the high importance of pure intentions in Islam, undesirable worldly outcomes may stem from factors like incorrect methodology, divine wisdom and will, or uncontrollable external factors; however, the reward for pure intentions is preserved with God.

Quranic Answer

Why do results turn out bad despite pure intentions?

In the exalted teachings of the Holy Quran, 'intention' (niyyah) holds an unparalleled position. Pure and sincere intention is the cornerstone of every righteous deed and is considered the primary criterion for the acceptance of worship and actions by Allah Almighty. Numerous narrations emphasize that the reward for actions is determined by the intentions of the heart, and thus, a small action with a great intention can acquire high value, while a large action with an impure intention may become worthless. The Quran frequently mentions a 'sound heart' (qalb saleem) and pure intention as distinguished attributes that lead to human salvation and success. However, the question arises: why is it that sometimes, despite such pure and sincere intentions, the practical results in the material world are not as expected, desirable, or even appear to us as 'bad' or 'unsuccessful'? Answering this question requires a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of the universe and the divine will, which operates beyond mere human intention. Firstly, it must be noted that the 'soundness of action' (salah al-amal) or the quality of performance, alongside 'purity of intention,' holds significant importance. The Holy Quran repeatedly emphasizes 'righteous deeds' (amal salih); this means an action that, in addition to a pure intention, is also correct in terms of its method, execution, timing, and means, adhering to divine commands or at least the principles of reason and logic. Simply having a good intention to help the needy does not guarantee a desired outcome if the individual acts without sufficient knowledge or uses an incorrect method. For instance, if someone, with a pure intention, decides to build a structure but works without the necessary expertise or suitable materials, the structure might collapse. This is where Allah states in the Quran that some people's efforts, despite their great exertion, may not yield results in this world, and their efforts may be wasted because they did not adopt the correct path. These verses serve as a reminder that, in addition to intention, attention must be paid to the quality and correctness of the work, which necessitates acquiring knowledge, consulting with experts, and employing wisdom. Allah Almighty invites people to reflect, deliberate, and use their intellect to choose the best path for their actions. Secondly, another crucial factor is 'divine will and wisdom.' Humans are limited beings, and their knowledge of the future and the consequences of their actions is very scarce. It is quite possible that good lies behind what we perceive as a 'bad result,' and we are unaware of it. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 216, Allah says: "But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not." This verse clearly indicates that our criteria for judging good and bad are often incomplete and limited to our worldly perspective. Allah might, for a higher purpose, ordain a result different from what we expect, which could be beneficial for us in the long run or in the afterlife. Sometimes, the apparent 'failure' of an action is itself a great lesson for human growth and development, for recognizing one's weaknesses, for reviewing one's methods, or for strengthening one's patience and reliance on God. These events can be divine tests to measure the servant's faith and steadfastness. Thirdly, 'external and uncontrollable factors' also play a role in shaping outcomes. The universe is a complex interplay of material and spiritual factors that influence one another. In many cases, even with pure intentions and the best methods, unforeseen events, natural interventions, or the decisions and actions of others can affect the outcome. Allah commands believers in the Quran to strive in His cause and exert their utmost effort, but to entrust the final outcome to Him, for He is All-Powerful over everything, and the ultimate destiny is in His hands. This does not mean that one should abandon effort, but rather that after exerting the utmost effort, one should find peace by relying on Allah, knowing that no power except His will can overcome the results. Entrusting the outcome to God is a form of liberation from the anxiety and worries arising from uncertainties, and it helps a person maintain composure in all circumstances and continue on their path. Ultimately, from a Quranic perspective, what matters is that a person's sincere intention and honest effort will never be without effect in the sight of Allah. Even if the apparent result in this world is not as we desire, the reward for one's intention and effort is preserved in the Hereafter, and Allah never allows the reward of good-doers to be lost. Therefore, purity of intention, coupled with the effort to perform tasks correctly and appropriately, and finally, reliance on divine will, is a path to achieving Allah's pleasure and true peace, regardless of apparent worldly outcomes. This approach frees a person from despair in the face of apparent failures and assures them that they are on the right path.

Related Verses

Short Story

Once upon a time, there lived a well-reputed merchant named Karim. Karim was a man of very pure intentions, always seeking the good and welfare of the people. One day, he decided to invest his wealth in cultivating a farm and selling its produce cheaply to the needy. His intention was pure, but he lacked knowledge of agricultural techniques and the climatic conditions of that region. Instead of wheat, he planted seeds of a crop that required abundant water, while a severe drought was imminent that year. Although his intention was very pure and his goal was to serve the people, due to his lack of knowledge and failure to consult experienced farmers, all his crops perished, and he incurred significant losses. Karim was initially very saddened, but then he pondered over divine wisdom. He realized that pure intention, while being the primary condition, also requires knowledge and prudence for an action to bear fruit, and ultimately, the outcome must be entrusted to God, for perhaps behind every apparent failure lies a great lesson or a hidden good that can only be perceived with a broader perspective and patience.

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