Ikhlaas

Husayn al-Awaa'ishah - Based on Sh. Husayn al-Awaayishah's "Book of Sincerity"

Contents of the Book:

1. Ikhlaas
2. Ikhlaas: The Order for Ikhlaas and a Warning Against Riyaa'
3. Ikhlaas: A Warning Against Shaytaan and an Explanation of His Plans
4. Ikhlaas: Waseelah by Sincere Acts
5. Ikhlaas: The Types of Riyaa'
6. Ikhlaas: What is Presumed to be Riyaa' But Is Not
7. Ikhlaas: The Virtues of Ikhlaas
8. Ikhlaas: Curing Riyaa'
9. Ikhlaas: Things Which Shaytaan Flees From
10. Ikhlaas: The Fruits of Ikhlaas
11. Ikhlaas: What is Presumed to be Ikhlaas But Is Not
12. Ikhlaas: Hadith Regarding Ikhlaas and Cautioning from Riyaa'
13. Ikhlaas: Sayings from the Salaf on Ikhlaas

 The Meaning of Ikhlaas

Allaah the Exalted said:

"And they were not commanded except with this:
that they should worship Allaah, being completely sincere in the Deen". (98:5)

and the Exalted also said:

"Say: Indeed I have been commanded to worship Allaah
making the deen sincerely for Him alone". (39:11)

And there is also the hadeeth qudsi reported by Muslim, "I am so self-sufficient that I am in no need of having partners. Thus whoever does an action for someone else's sake as well as Mine, will have that action rejected by Me to him whom he associated with Me." (Muslim)

Ikhlaas is the sanctification of one's speech and action from every blemish of the soul's desire. For example, desiring one's beautification in the hearts of people, desiring their praise so that they say "a scholar", "what a brave man", or a "doer of good". Also included in this is running away from the criticism of people (i.e. abandoning certain actions because people may criticise or become angry) seeking people's magnification of oneself, their aid and assistance, the fulfillment of one's needs or desiring other people's wealth and possessions - while being content with all of that bcause of the deception of one's soul and amazement with oneself.

Ikhlaas is the freedom from every blemish of the desire for nearness to Allaah, azza wa jall.

Ikhlaas is singling out Allaah azza wa jall with one's intention in all acts of worship.

Ikhlaas is forgetting the sight of the creation by continual observance of the Creator (i.e His Deen).

Ikhlaas is a secret between the servant and his Lord which an angel does not know so that it is not written, nor Shaytaan so he cannot make it futile and neither the whim of the soul so that it does not corrupt it.

WHAT CONDITIONS ARE ATTACHED TO AN ACTION BEFORE IT IS ACCEPTED?

It is vital that two great and important matters are fulfilled for every action. If they are not, the action will not be accepted. So do not make yourself exhausted by performing many actions. Perhaps the one who does many actions does not gain anything but tiredness from them in this world and punishment in the Hereafter -

"And we shall turn to whatever actions they did and make them into scattered dust". (25:23)

This is also illustrated in his (saw) saying, "Perhaps a fasting person obtains something from his fasting but hunger and one who stands during the night prayer nothing but tiredness" (Ibn Maajah, from Abu Hurayrah, al-Albaani declared it sahih Saheehul-Jami' no. 348).

THE FIRST: That the one who performed the action desired nothing but the Face of Allaah, Azza wa Jall, by it.

THE SECOND: That the action is in agreement with what Allaah the Exalted has legislated in His Book or His Messenger (saw) has explained in his Sunnah.

Some of the Salaf used to say, "There is no action, even if it is insignificant, except that it will have two questions put to it: "Why did you do it?" and "How did you do it?".

The first question is about the reason for the action and its motive. If the motive was for an objective from among the objectives of the world, such as seeking praise or status or any other world aim, it is an evil action and will be thrown back at its performer. If the motive for the action was to fulfill the right of Allaah of pure enslavement to Him and seeking a means of nearness to Him then it is a good action and will be accepted insha'Allaah.

The second question is about the following and imitation of the Messenger (saw). Was the action from amongst the legislated actions or was it from one's innovation and invention? If it was from the guidance of the Messenger (saw) then it is a good action and if it was in opposition to the practise of the Messenger (saw) then it is an evil action and will not be accepted from its performer as is it is an evil action and will not be accepted from its performer as is proven in the hadeeth of 'Aa'ishah (ra) who said, "Allaah's Messenger (saw) said: "Whoever introduces into this affair of ours something that does not belong to it, will have it rejected." (Muslim).

She also reports that Allaah's Messenger (saw) said: "Whoever does an action which we have no commanded will have it rejected." (Muslim).

When one of the above two conditions are not fulfilled the action is neither righteous nor acceptable:

"And whoever places his hope in the meeting with his Lord let him work righteous deeds and in the worship of his Lord associate none as a partner". (18:110)

Allaah has commanded in this verse that the action be righteous, meaning in agreement with the Shari'ah. Then He commanded that the person should make it sincerely for Allaah, desiring by it nothing besides Him.

al-Haafidh Ibn Katheer (rahimahullah) said: "These are the two pillars of the accepted action. It is necessary that the action is sincerely for Allaah and also correct, upon the Shari'ah of Allaah's Messenger (saw)". The likes of this has also been reports from al-Qadi 'Ayyad (rahimahullah) and others.

Allaah also said:

"And who is better in religion than the one who submits his face to Allaah and is a doer of good?" (4:125).

The meaning of submitting one's face to Allaah is making one's intention and action for Allaah. And the meaning of doing good is imitating and following the Messenger's (saw) sunnah.

Ikhlaas: The Order for Ikhlaas and a Warning Against Riyaa

It is vital to accompany actions with intentions. Allaah's Messenger (saw) said:

"Indeed actions are (judged) by the intentions (behind them) and every man shall receive (only) that which he intended". (part of a hadeeth reported in the Saheehayn)

This is also essential because of Allaah's saying:

"And they were not commanded except to worship Allaah making the Deen sincerely for Him and being upright and true (in faith), to establish regular prayer and to practise regular charity. That is the right and straight deen." (98:5)

and:

"And whether you hide what is in your souls or make it manifest, Allaah knows it" (3:29)

Allaah the Exalted has already warned against riyaa' when He said:

"And if you associate (partners) with Allaah vain and useless will be your work". (39:65).

The Messenger of Allaah used to say when making talbiyyah for the Hajj: "O Allaah! A Hajj in which there is no showing off (riyaa') in it or seeking to be heard of". (ad-Diyaa' with saheeh isnad).

The Messenger of Allaah warned against riyaa': What has been reported from Abu Hurayrah (ra) makes this clear. He said, "I heard Allaah's Messenger (saw) say: "The first of people against whom judgement will be pronounced on the Day of Resurrection will be a man who died a martyr. He will be brought and Allaah will make known to him His favours and he will recognise them. Allaah will say: "And what did you do about them?" He will say "I fought for you until I died as a martyr". He will say, "You have lied - you did but fight that it might be said: "He is courageous". And so it was said." Then he will be ordered to be dragged along his face until he is cast into the Hellfire. [Another] will be a man who has studied [religious] knowledge and has taught it and who used to recite the Qur'aan. He will be brought and Allaah will make known to him His favours and he will recognise them. Allaah will say: "And what did you do about them?" He will say, "I studied [religious] knowledge and I taught it and I recited the Qur'aan for Your sake". He will say, "You have lied - you did but study [religious] knowledge that it might be said [of you]: "He is learned". And you recited the Qur'aan that it might be said [of you]: "He is a reciter". And so it was said". Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hellfire. [Another] will be a man whom Allaah had made rich and to whom He had given all kinds of wealth. He will be brought and Allaah will make known to him His favours and he will recognise them. Allaah will say: "And what did you do about them?" He will say, "I left no path [untrodden] in which You like money to be spent without that it might be said [of you]: "He is open-handed". And so it was said." Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hellfire." (Muslim).

The Messenger (saw) also said: "Whoever learnt knowledge by which the Face of Allaah, Azza wa Jall, should be sought, but did not learn it except to gain a portion of the world will not smell the fragrance of Paradise on the Day of Judgement." (Abu Dawood, saheeh isnad).

Ikhlaas: A Warning Against Shaytaan and an Explanation of His Plans

The first thing that requires cautious and alertness is knowing the causes of this vary dangerous disease of riyaa'.

Know that Shaytaan, your enemy, and his troops, will not stop at trying to bring about the cause of the destruction of your actions and seducing you into riyaa' - Look at the warning about the plan of Shaytan which has come in the Book and the Sunnah as it is the best healing for the worst disease.

Allaah said:

"Indeed Shaytaan is to you an enemy, so take him as an enemy". (35:6)

"Shaytaan threatens you with poverty and commands you with evil and obscene deeds". (2:268).

"Indeed, Shaytaan is an open and manifest enemy to mankind". (12:5)

"If any does follow the footsteps of Shaytaan he will but command the evil and obscene". (24:21)

"Shaytaan has made their actions alluring to them and has prevented them from the path". (27:24)

Allaah's Messenger said, "Shaytaan is present with one of you in all of his affairs until he is present with him while he takes his food. When one of you drops a morsel let him pick it up, remove whatever remains on it and then eat it. Let him not leave it for Shaytaan. And when he departs (from his food) let him lick his fingers as he does not know in which part of his food the blessing lies". (Muslim).

In this is evidence that Shaytaan is present with you in all of your affairs. He is present in order to corrupt the intention, speech or action. If your intention is good he will direct you to an action which has not been legislated so that you engage upon it with this good intention. If your action is good, he will spoil and ruin your intention. If your intention is good he will corrupt the way you speak with others so that enmity and hatred develops between you and them. He will try to achieve that with whatever ability he has over it.

The Messenger (saw) said: "There is none amongst you exept that there has been appointed to him a qareen (companion) from the jinn and a qareen from the angels." They said, "And you also?" He said, "And me also, except that Allaah has aided me against him and so he has submitted. He does not command me except with good." (al-Albaani declared it saheeh in Saheehul-Jami', no. 5676).

He (saw) also said, "There is none amongst you except that with him is a Shaytaan". They said "And you also, O Messenger?", He said, "Yes, except that Allaah has aided me against him so he was submitted". (al-Albaani, saheeh in Saheehul-Jami', no. 5677).

He (saw) said, "Iblees has placed his throne above the water (sea) and then he sends his detachments. The closest of them to him are those who cause the greatest trial. One of them comes back to him and says: "I did such and such". Shaytan replies, "You have done nothing." Then another comes to him and says, "I did not leave him alone until I caused division between him and his wife". He (saw) said, "So Shaytaan brings him closer to himself and says: "You did well". (Muslim).

He (saw) said, "Indeed Shaytaan flows in the son of Aadam like his blood". (al-Bukhaari, Muslim and others).

Be cautious therefore of this despised and accursed enemy and know that he does not take a rest as the Messenger (saw) has said, "Take a siesta as Shaytaan does not take a rest". (at-Tabaraani in al-Awsat and Abu Na'eem in at-Tibb, al-Albaani declared it hasan in Saheehul Jami' no. 4307).

Shaytaan is unable to get to you if you seek help from Allaah against him and carefully observe Allaah in all your actions whether small or large.

Ikhlaas: Waseelah by Sincere Acts

 Insha'Allaah we will outline here some benefits of ikhlaas in this world before the hereafter. This will enable us to seek nearness to Allaah (waseelah) with the actions we have made sincerely and purely for Him, ta'ala, so that He may rescue us from every affliction and difficulty.

'Abdullah ibn 'Umar (ra) reported: "I heard Allaah's Messenger (saw) say: Three persons from a people who came before you toom shelter in a cave after a storm overtook them while they were on a journey. A rock fell from the mountain and blocked the exit, trapping them inside. They said: "Nothing will deliver us from this rock unless we beseech Allaah on account of our righteous deeds." One man amongst them said, "O Allaah! I had parents who were very old and I would never put my family or wealth ahead of them. One day I went far away and was delayed while searching for green trees. I was only able to return after my parents had gone to sleep. I milked their animals and when I came back I found them sleeping. I did not want to wake them and I disliked that I should place my family or wealth in front of them by giving them to drink first. So I stood with the vessel in my hand and waited for their awakening until the break of dawn. Meanwhile the children were crying out of hunger at my feet. When my parents awoke, they had their drink. O Allaah! If I did this while seeking your Face, then deliver us from the evil which this rock has brought upon us." The rock moved a little but not enough to allow them to climb out of the cave.

Then a second man supplicated: "O Allaah! I had a cousin who I loved more than anyone else [In another narration: "I loved her more passionately than any man loves a woman."] I desired her and tried to seduce her but she prevented me until a time of great hardship when she sought help from me. She came to me and I offered her a hundred and twenty dinars on condition that she would have sexual intercourse with me. She agreed. But when I sat between her legs, she said, "Fear Allaah and do not break the seal unlawfully." I turned away from her despite the fact that she was most beloved to me and I let her keep the gold which I gave to her. O Allaah! If I did this seeking nothing but your Face then deliver us from the evil which this rock has brought upon us". Again the rock moved a little but not enough to allow them to exit the cave.

The third man said: "O Allaah! I hired some labourers and paid them their dues but one of them left, leaving behind what was due to him. I invested it in some business and the business prospered greatly leaving me with lots of wealth. After a time the labourer came back and said, "O servant of Allaah! Show me my dues." I said to him: "All of what you see is yours: the camels, goats, cattle and slaves." He said, "Do not joke with me, O servant of Allaah." I said, "I am not joking with you." So he took all of it leaving nothing behind. O Allaah! If I did this seeking nothing but your Face then deliver us from the evil which this rock has brought upon us." The rock moved away and all of them came out of the cave safe and sound."

(al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

Look how Allaah removed the rock from these distressed people. Allaah removed the firm and solid rock due to their supplications with their righteous actions and their ikhlaas to Allaah ta'ala.

Consider also the deliverance of Yusuf (as) on account of his ikhlaas when he was exposed to the trial of fornication. In spite of him being a youth of life and vigour, blessed with one half of all beauty (Ibn Abi Shaybah, Ahmad in his Musnad and others), compounded by Shaytaan's incitements and the urgency of the wife of 'Azeez in her attempts to seduce him, Allaah made him firm due to his ikhlaas -

"Thus did We turn away from him the evil and obscene deed.
Surely he was one of Our sincere servants." (12:24)

Consider the example of Ibraheem and Hajar. Their example has an effect of exciting every believer's heart who turns his face towards Allaah. That Ibraheem obeyed the command of Allaah by placing his wife and son in a land in which there was no close friend nor any other thing. This manifestation of ikhlaas was also present with her when she finally said, "Has Allaah commanded you with this?" Ibraheem said, "Yes" and she replied, "In that case, Allaah will not neglect us".

And Allaah did not neglect them! He caused the water of zam-zam to gush forth on account of this ikhlaas and sacrifice. Not just for Ismaa'eel and his mother but for the congregations of mankind over the passing of the years.

Ikhlaas: The Types of Riyaa'

Its meaning:

It is derived from ar-ru'yah (seeing/looking/observing). It's foundation is doing actions of goodness and piety so that people see them or hear of them, in order to win their praise and admiration, to gain position and status amongst them and to obtain the goals and objectives of this world.

Its ruling:

It is haraam due to the clear texts of the Book and the Sunnah and the chapter regarding the order for ikhlaas and the warning against riyaa' and shirk has already preceded.

1. Riyaa' of the body.

This occurs by appearing to be emaciated and pale so that others may see the intensity of his striving and the abundant fear of the Hereafter. Also included in this is lowering the voice and sinking of the eyes, showing that one has a weak and feeble body in order to show others that he is diligent in observing fast.

2. Riyaa' of the outward appearance.

Such as the effects of prostration on the face or wearing a specific type of clothing which only a few people wear and whom people consider to be scholars. So he wears this apparel so that it may be said: "He is a scholar".

3. Riyaa' by one's speech.

This occurs mostly by admonishing others, reminding them, memorising details and narrations for the sake of argumentation, making it open and know that one has copious and abundant knowledge, moving one's lips for the remembrance of Allaah in the presence of others, becoming angry when evil occurs between people, lowering the voice and making it soft and tender when reciting the Qur'aan so as to show otehrs his fear, sadness and other such things.

4. Riyaa' with one's actions.

Like the showing off of the worshipper by lengthening the standing and prolonging the bowing and prostration during prayer. Outwardly displaying humility and showing off with fasting, going on military expeditions, pilgrimage, giving charity and other such things.

5. Riyaa' on account of one's friends and visitors.

Like the one who burdens himself in order to visit a scholar or a pious worshipper so that it may be said: "So and so visited so and so". This also occurs by inviting people to one's house so that it may be said: "The people of the deen frequently visit him".

Should the Muslim Abandon an Action Due to Fear of Riyaa?

Leaving an action out of fear of falling into riyaa' is one of the biggest mistakes and ways of falling into the trap of Shaytaan. If the intent and motive for an action is correct and righteous and it is in agreement with what has been legislated then the action should never be abandoned due to the presence of the danger of riyaa'. Rather it is obligatory upon the Muslim to strive against this threat and danger. This is achieved by making his heart cling to modesty in front of Allaah and fear of Him, changing the praise and admiration of creation for His praise and admiration.

Fudayl ibn Ayyaad (ra) said, "Doing an action for the sake of people is shirk and leaving an action for the sake of people is riyaa'."

Ikhlaas is when Allaah saves you from both

Ikhlaas: What is Presumed to be Riyaa' But Is Not

1. Doing a good action and being praised on account of it.

Abu Dharr (ra) reports that it was said to Allaah's Messenger (saw): "Have you seen the man who does an action of goodness and the people praise him for that?" He said: "That is the good tiding which the believer receives (in this life)". (Muslim)

2. When the servant becomes lively and eager for worship upon seeing other worshippers.

Ibn Qudamaah al-Maqdisi (ra) said: "A man spends the night with those who regularly perform tahajjud, and who usually pray for most of the night. Although his habit is only to pray for an hour or so, he prays most of the night with them. Or maybe they will fast so he fasts with them. If he had not been with them, this liveliness and zeal would not have arisen. Perhaps someone may think that this is riyaa, however that is not the case absolutely and this matter requires some explanation.

Every believer has an aspiration for the worship of Allaah, ta'ala. However, there are many things which hinder and divert him from that and make him unmindful. It may be the case that being present with others is a cause of stopping this unminduflness and repelling the diversions."

Then he said, "He can then examine himself (when he is alone) by imagining the people to be in a place where he can see them but they cannot see him. If he finds himself performing much worship then that is for the sake of Allaah and if he is not liberal in worshipping Allaah when he is alone, then his extra worship in their presence was riyaa'. (Mukhtasar Minhaj ul-Qaasideen, p.234).

I say that laziness of a man when he is alone is related to his (saw) saying "... Indeed the wolf eats the lonely animal" (1) and is liveliness (in the presence of others) is related to his obedience to the command of the Messenger (saw), "Upon you is the congregational prayer".

3. When a person requests a position which he knows he is fit for, such as the saying of Yusuf (as):

"Give me authority over the treasures of the land. Indeed I am one who guards and one who has knowledge". (12:54)

4. Wearing beautiful and elegant clothes and shoes.

In Saheeh Muslim is the hadeeth of Ibn Mas'ud (ra) who said: "Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "He who has an atom's weight of pride in his heart will not enter Paradise". A man said, "A man loves that his garment is beautiful and his shoes are beautiful". He said, "Indeed Allaah is beautiful and He loves beauty. Pride is to reject the truth and to look down upon people"."

5. Not Informing Others About One's Sins and Concealing Them.

This is obligatory and has been legislated upon every single Muslim. It is not permissable to proclaim and talk about one's sins due to his (saw) saying:

"All of my ummah will be forgiven except those who make their sins known. A man does an action by night and then awakens in the morning while Allaah had concealed his sin for him and he says: "O so and so! I did such and such yesterday" yet he spent the night while his Lord was covering him and awoke removing the cover of Allaah." (al-Bukhaari, Muslim).

Talking about one's sins produces a lot of corruption and mischief, and this is not the place for a length discussion. Amongst the mischief caused is the encouragement of people towards committing sins and making the commands and orders of Allaah to be treated lightly. Whoever thinks that hiding one's sins is riyaa' and speaking about them is ikhlaas then he is one whom Shaytaan has confounded and we seek refuge in Allaah from him.

6. When a servant gains fame and recognition without having desired it.

al-Maqdisi (ra) said, "A man's seeing fame is blameworthy. As for when it occurs due to Allaah ta'ala, without the man having desired it, then that is not blameworthy although it may be a trial for those who are weak."

Ikhlaas: The Virtues of Ikhlaas

1. Sincerity in Tawheed.

Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "A servant never says: "La ilaha illa Allaaha" sincerely except the doors of heavens are opened for it until it reaches the Throne (of Allaah)" (Sahih ul-Jami', no. 5524).

He (saw) also said, "Indeed Allaah has forbidden the fire from the one who said, "La ilaaha illa Allaaha" seeking thereby the Face of Allaah." (part of a hadeeth by al-Bukhari and Muslim).

2. Sincerity in Intention.

Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "Indeed actions are (judged) by intentions (behind them) and every man shall receive (for his action) only that which he intended". (al-Bukhari, Muslim).

3. Sincerity in the prayer.

Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "There is no person who performs wudhu, beautifying it, then prays two rakah concentrating therein with this heart and face except that Paradise becomes obligatory for him." (al-Albaani declared it sahih in Sahih ul-Jami' no. 5678).

He (saw) also said, "There is none amongst you who, when he goes to perform ablution, rinses his mouth and spits out the water and sniffs the water up his nose and then expels it except that the sins of his face, mouth and nose flow from him. Then when he washes his face as he has been commanded by Allaah, the sins flow away from him from the sides of his beard with the water. Then, when he washes his arms up to (and including) the elbows, the sins of his hands flow away with the water from the extremes of his fingertips. Then he wipes his head as Allaah has commanded him and the sins of his head flow away from him from the ends of his hair with the water. Then he washes his two feet up to (and including) the ankles and the sins of his feet flow away with the water from the ends of his toes. If he then stands, prays, praising Allaah, extolling Him, glorifying Him with what He is deserving of and empties his heart for Allaah, he will walk away from his sins in the same state as the day his mother gave birth to him". (Muslim and others).

4. Sincerity in prostration.

He (saw) said, "there is no servant who makes a prostration for Allaah except that Allaah writes a good deed for him, removes from him an evil deed and raises his station by one degree. So increase in making prostration." (al-Albaani declared it sahih in Sahih ul-Jami', no. 5618).

5. Sincerity in the prayer of Ramadhan

He (saw) said: "Whoever stood for prayer in Ramadhan out of faith and expectation of reward will have his previous sins forgiven". (al-Bukhari and others)

The same applies for prayer during Laylatul Qadr (al-Bukhaari and others).

6. Sincerity in leaving one's house for the prayer.

Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "The (reward of the) prayer of a man in congregation is increased by twenty five degrees over his prayer in his house or in his market (i.e. his trading place). That is when he performs wudhu and beautifies it, then leaves for the masjid desiring nothing but the prayer and nothing makes him leave his house except the prayer. He does not advance a step (towards the masjid) except that he is raised by one degree and one sin is removed from him. When he enters the masjid he is engaged in prayer as long as the prayer is what keeps him back. The angels engage in prayer as long as the prayer is what keeps him back. The angels do not cease to send prayers upon him so long as he is engaged in his prayer. They said, "O Allaah! Send prayers upon him. O Allaah! Show mercy to him." And a man never ceases to be engaged in prayer so long as he is waiting for it."

In another narration, "(The angels say): O Allaah! Forgive him, O Allaah! Turn to him so long as he does not cause any harm or emit something (to nullify his ablution)." (al-Bukhari and Muslim).

7. Sincerity in Fasting.

Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "Whoever fasted the month of Ramadhan out of faith and seeking reward, his past and future sins will be forgiven." (Saheeh ul-Jami', no. 6201).

He (saw) also said, "Whoever fasts a day in the path of Allaah, Allaah will make the Hellfire distant from him the length of a hundred years journey". (an-Nasa'i, al-Albaani declared it hasan in Saheeh ul-Jami', no. 6206)

He (saw) also said, "Whoever fasted a day in the path of Allaah, Allaah makes between him and the Fire a trench like the one between the Heavens and the Earth." (at-Tirmidhi, Saheeh ul-Jami', no. 6209).

8. Sincerity in Giving Charity

The hadith regarding the seven who will receive Allaah's Shade on the day where there will be no shade except His and amongst them is: "..and a man who gives charity and conceals it to such an extent that his left hand does not know what his right hand has spent." (Muslim).

Allaah's Messenger (saw) also said, "Charity which is given in secret extinguishes the anger of the Lord and maintaining the ties of kinship increases one's age". (Saheeh ul-Jami' no. 3691).

9. Sincerity in Performing Hajj

He (saw) said, "Whoever performed Hajj for the sake of Allaah, did not behave in an obscene manner and was not disobedient, will return in the same condition as the day his mother gave birth to him". (al-Bukhari and others).

10. Sincerity in Seeking Martyrdom

Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "Whoever asked Allaah to be killed in the path of Allaah truly out of his heart, Allaah will give him the reward of a martyr even if he died on his bed." (Muslim).

11. Sincerity in guarding the frontiers of the Muslim lands

Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "Whoever guards (The Muslim frontiers) for a day and a night for the sake of Allaah receives the rewards of a month's fasting and prayer. And whoever died while guarding the frontier will have a reward similar to that, sustenance will be made to come to him and he will be made secure from trials." (an-Nasa'i, al-Haakim in al-Mustadrak. Saheeh ul Jami', no. 6135).

12. Sincerity in Equipping Someone for a Military Expedition.

Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "Whoever supplies and equips another (doing that) for the sake of Allaah in going upon a (military) expedition, will have the reward similar to the one whom he equipped without any of the latter's reward being diminished". (Ibn Maajah, al-Albaani declared it saheeh in at-Targheeb 2/96)

13. Sincerity in Repentance

Abu Sa'eed al-Khudri (ra) reports that Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "There used to be a man from among those who came before you and who had killed ninety-nine men. He asked about the most knowledgeable person of the people of the earth and he was directed to a monk. He caem to him and said that he had killed ninety-nine men so was there any chance of repentance for him. The monk said, "No". So the man killed him and completed the number of his victims to one hundred. Then he again asked about the most knowledgeable of the people of the earth and he was directed to a scholar. He explained to him that he had killed one hundred men and asked whether there was any chance of repentance for him. He said, "Yes, and who is there that stands between Him and repentance? Go to such and such a land since there are a people ther who worship Allaah ta'ala and go and worship Allaah along with them. Do not return to your homeland as it is an evil place." The man left for the place he had been directed to and when he had reached half-way, death came to him. The angels of mercy and the angels of punishment began to argue about him and the angels of mercy said, "He came repentant to Allaah, directing his heart towards Allaah the Exalted" and the angels of punishment said: "He never did any good". Then another angel came to them in the form of a man and acted as an arbiter between them. He said, "Measure the distances of the two lands (from the place he died) and whichever of the two is nearest to him will determine his fate." They measured the distances and found that he was closer to the land he was travelling to and so the angels of mercy took his soul" (al-Bukhari, Muslim).

14. Sincerity in Weeping from Fear of Allaah and in the Remembrance of Allaah

One of the seven who will receive Allaah's shade on the day on which there is no shade by His is ".. a man who remembers Allaah when he is alone and his eyes shed tears". (an-Nasaa'i, al-Haakim in al-Mustadrak, Saheeh ul-Jami', no. 1428)

24. Sincerity in Loving and Visiting for the Sake of Allaah

Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "Whoever is delighted (ie eager) that he should taste the sweetness of faith let him love a man, not loving him except for the sake of Allaah". (Ahmad in al-Musnad, al-Haakim, Saheeh ul-Jami', 6164).

Abu Hurayrah (ra) reports that Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "There was a man who set out to visit a brother of his in another town. Allaah had prepared for him along his way an angel (in the form of a man). When he met him he said, "Where do you intend to go?" The man replied, "I intend to see my brother in this town." The angel said, "Do you have any favour which he owes you?" He said, "No, but I love him for the sake of Allaah ta'ala." The angel said, "I am a messenger of Allaah sent to you to inform you that Allaah loves you as you have loved your brother". (Muslim).

25. Sincerity in One's Intention Even If It Is Not Acted Upon.

Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "Whoever asked Allaah to be killed in the path of Allaah truly out of his heart, Allaah will give him the reward of a martyr even if he died in his bed". (Muslim).

26. Sincerity in Renouncing the Dunya and in Humility

Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "Whoever abandoned (a certain type of) clothing out of humility to Allaah, even though he was capable of (affording and wearing) it, Allaah will call him out in front of all the creation and put him to option about any of the garments of faith that he wishes to wear." (at-Tirmidhi, Saheeh ul-Jami' no. 6021).

He (saw) also said, "Whoever humbled himself for Allaah, Allaah will raise him". (Abu Na'eem in al-Hilyah, from Abu Hurayrah, Saheeh ul-Jami',. no. 6038)

27. Sincerity in Building Masajids

Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "Whoever built a mosque seeking the Face of Allaah by it, Allaah will build for him what is equal to it in Paradise." (al-Bukhari).

28. Sincerity in Visiting the Masjid of the Messenger (saw) for learning and teaching.

"Whoever came to this masjid of mine and did not come except to learn or teach goodness, (then he) is in the same position as the one who struggles and fights in the way of Allaah. Whoever comes for a purpose other than that, is in the same position as a man who (stands) looking at the enjoyment of others". (Ibn Majah, al-Haakim in al-Mustadrak, Saheeh ul-Jami' no. 6060).

29. Sincerity in Following the Funeral Procession of a Muslim

"Whoever followed the funeral procession of a Muslim out of faith and expectation of reward and remained with it until he performed the funeral prayer (for the deceased) and until the burial, will return while having obtained the reward of two qeeraat, each qeeraat is equal to the mountain of Uhud. And whoever performed the funeral prayer, returning before the burial, will receive one qeeraat of reward." (al-Bukhaari).

30. Sincerity in Feeding Someone

Allaah ta'ala said concerning the sincere:

"And they feed for the sake of Allaah, the indigent, the orphan and the captive, saying "We feed you only for the Face of Allaah, no reward do we desire from you, nor thanks." (76:8-9)

A'ishah (ra) said, "I offered Allaah's Messenger (saw) a sheep and he ordered for it to be divided amongst some people. When the servant returned, Aisha (ra) said, "What did they say?" The servant replied, "They said, "May Allaah send blessings amongst you". Aishah then replied, "And may Allaah send blessings amongst them. We will return to them similar to what they have said to us and our reward (for the food) remains with us". (Saheeh ul-Kalimut-Tayyib, no. 238).

It is from the perfection of the ikhlaas of Aishah (ra) that she did not expect anything from them, not even supplication.

Ikhlaas: Curing Riyaa'

1. Knowledge of the Might of Allaah, the Exalted, His Names and Attributes and acquaintances with the knowledge of tawheed as much as possible.

Know - O brother and sister Muslim - that among the causes of riyaa' is the magnification of people and a deficiency in the magnification of Allaah the Exalted within one's soul. Therefore, of the best types of cure for killing this disease is becoming acquainted with all the various categories of tawheed. This is a vast topic indeed and we shall mention here a small section as a lesson and a reminder.

(a) That Allaah the Exalted alone is the One who can give benefit and cause harm whenever He wills. So let this false belief that mankind can benefit you or harm you whenever they wish or desire fall from your soul to the ground. Shaytaan would otherwise make you beautify your worship in front of people due to your (false) belief that they have the capability to benefit or harm you. Look at what the Messenger of Allaah (saw) says and he taught this hadeeth to Ibn 'Abbas while he was a youth:

"Young man I will teach you some words: Protect yourself from Allaah and you will find Him in front of you. When you ask, then ask from Allaah and when you seek help, then seek help from Allaah. Know that if the Ummah gathered together to benefit you with anything, they would not benefit you except with what Allaah has written for you. And (know) that if they gathered together to harm you with anything, they would not be able to harm you except with what Allaah has written for you. The pens have been raised and the ink has dried." (Reported Ahmad in his Musnad, at-Tirmidhi and others. It is also in Saheeh ul Jam'i no.7834).

(b) Know that Allaah is the All-Hearer and All-Seer. He sees you, hears you and knows what you hide and what you make known. Allaah the Exalted said:

"There is nothing like Him and He is the All-Hearing and All-Seeing" . (42:11)

The Exalted also said:

"Does (man) not know that Allaah sees (all things)" . (96:14)

The Sublime also said;

"Should He not know who created (everything)?" (67:14)

He the Sublime also (said)

"Does not Allah know best what is in the hearts of all creation?" (29:10)

And the Exalted said:

"And nothing is hidden from Your Lord from the weight of an atom in the earth or in the heaven nor anything smaller than that or bigger than that except that it is all in a Clear Book". (10:61)

What then is the matter with you that you make yourself observant of people but you are not observant of Allaah and yet He, the Sublime is fully conversant and acquainted with you (and all your actions): Does it not suffice you that He has complete knowledge of you and that He says:

"Is not Allah sufficient for His servant?" (39:36)

(c) Know that Allah the Sublime is Mighty. So let your heart, senses and feelings magnify Him. Reflect upon His Grandeur and Might (which is evident) in the creation, and in the light of the following hadeeth:

Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "Indeed I see what you do not and I hear what you do not. The Heaven cries and is justified in doing so (due to the heavy load of angels prostrating). There is no space equal to the sapce of four fingers except there is an angel which places its forehead in prostration to Allaah the Exalted. By Allaah! If you knew what I knew you would have laughed little and wept in abundance and you would not (even) have sought pleasure with your wives in the bed. You would come out and run into the wilderness beseeching Allaah!" (at-Tirmidhi, hasan)

He (saw) also said: "The seven heavens by the side of the Kursi (footstool) are but like a ring thrown into a desert land and the excellence of the 'Arsh (throne) with respect to the Kursi is like that of the desert with respect to the ring". (Silsilatul-Ahadeethis-Saheehah no.109).

He (saw) also said, "I have been permitted to inform about an angel from among the angels of Allaah the Exalted which bears His Throne. Between its earlobe and its shoulder is a distance equal to a journey of seven hundred years."(Abu Dawood, at-Tabarani, in al-Awsat, Silsilatul Saheehah, no.151).

He (saw) also said, "The Bayt ul-M'amur (Oft Visited House) is in the seventh heaven. Every day, seventy thousand angels it and they do not return to it (i.e. their nect turn does not arrive) until the Hour is established." (Ahmad, Ibn Jareer, al-Haakim, and others, Silsilatus Saheehah, no. 477).

2. Knowledge of the punishment and bliss of the grave.

Know that one of the causes of riyaa' is not guiding the heart to the fear and awe of the punishment of the grave, the fire and the terrors of what comes after death. This is a vast area and if we were to mention a little it would be too little and if we were to mention a lot it would be too much. [Related ahadith avaliable on request]

"So whoever hopes in the meeting with his lord, let him work righteousness and in the worship of his Lord associate none as a partner". (18:110)

Allaah the Exalted has linked the success due to righteous actions with hope in the meeting with Him. Therefore it is necessary to know what ensues and is necessitated by meeting with Allaah with regard to punishment and bliss, happiness and misery.

3. Knowledge of the hadeeth which explain the punishment in the Fire

Again this topic is vast and each time the Muslim's knowledge regarding it increases, his fear of Allaah and his ikhlaas towards Him increases also. But we will only mention a few here.

Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "If one drop of Zaqqum (a tree in Hell) was to fall upon the earth the livelihood of all its inhabitants would be corrupted. So how then would it be to the one for whom it is made as FOOD?" (Ahmad in his Musnad, an-Nasa'i, Ibn Maajah and others, Saheeh ul-Jami' no. 5216).

Abu Hurayrah (ra) reports "We were with Allaah's Messenger (saw) when we heard a noise and he (saw) said, "Do you know what that was?" We said, "Allaah and His Messenger know best." He said, "That was a stone which was thrown into the Fire. It reached the bottom of the Fire and you heard it's noise". (Muslim).

He (saw) said, "People will perspire on the day of Judgement and their perspiration would sink seventy cubits into the earth and it will cover their mouths with swear until it reaches their ears". (al-Bukhaari, Muslim).

He (saw) also said, "There is not a single one of you except that his Lord will speak to him without any translator between you and Him. He will look to his right and will see nothing except what (actions) he sent forth, then he will look in front of himself and see nothing but the Fire facing him. Therefore, fear the Fire even if it is with half a date (for charity)". (Muslim).

He (saw) also said, "The molar tooth of a disbeliever (in the Fire) is like the Mountain of Uhud, and the thickness of his skin is like the distance of a three days (journey)". (Muslim and others). [the greater the surface area, the more intense the torture will be felt].

4. Knowledge of what Allaah has prepared for the Muttaqun (the God-fearing) in Paradise.

Amongst the causes of riyaa' is feeling delighted with people's admiration, their praise and appreciation and putting this ahead of the delight of Paradise. This naturally follows the lack of knowledge of the real worth of
Paradise. For this reason it is necessary to mention a few ahadeeth which will suggest the bliss and delight of what Allaah has prepared for the Muttaqun.

" Paradise has one hundred levels and what is between each level is like what is between heaven and earth" (Saheeh ul-Jami', no. 3115).

"A man will be given the strength of a hundred (men) for (sexual intercourse with) women". (at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Maajah, Saheeh ul-Jami', no. 7962 with saheeh isnad).

"Toobaa is a tree in Paradise whose expanse is equal to the distance travelled in a hundred years. The garments of the people of Paradise are made from its leaves". (Ahmad in his Musnad, Ibn Maajah, Saheeh ul-Jami', no. 3813, hasan isnad).


He (saw) also said, "There would be an announcer (in Paradise) who would make this announcement: "Verily there is in store for you (Everlasting) health and that you should never fall ill and that you live (forever) and do not die at all. And that you would remain young and never grow old. And that you would always live in affluent circumstances and never despair (or become destitute)." (Muslim).

"I know the last person of the people of the Fire to come out of it or the last of the people of Paradise to enter it. A man will come out of the Fire crawling and Allaah azza wa jall will say to him, "Go and enter Paradise". So the man willcome to it and see that it is full. He will return and say, "O my Lord! I found it full." Allaah, azza wa jall, will say, "Go enter Paradise. For you is what is equal to the world and TEN times its like". He will say, "You are mocking me", or "You are laughing at me and You are the King." He (the narrator) said, "I saw the Messenger of Allaah (saw) laugh until his molar teeth became visible and he said, "That is the LOWEST of the people of Paradise". (al-Bukhaari, Muslim).

5. Remembrance of death

"Every soul shall taste death and only on the Day of Judgement will you be recompensed in full. And whoever is removed from the Fire and admitted to Paradise is indeed successful. The life of this world is only a deceptive enjoyment" (3:185)

"Until when death comes to one of them he will say, "O My Lord, send me back in order that I may do good in that which I neglected." By no means! It is only a word that he says. And behind them is a partition until the day they are raised". (23:99)

Ibn 'Umar (ra) said, "The Messenger (saw) took hold of me by my shoulders and said, "Be in the world as if you are a stranger or a traveller in his path." And Ibn 'Umar (ra) used to say, "When you reach the evening do not expect to live until the morning and when you wake up do not expect to live until the evening. Take from your health for your illness and take from your life for your death." (al-Bukhaari).

6. Knowledge of the Value of the World and its Transitory Nature

"O Mankind! The promise of Allaah is true so do not let the life of this world deceive you and do not let the chief-deceiver (Shaytaan) deceive you about Allaah". (35:5)

Anas (ra) reports that Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "O Allaah! There is no life but the life of the aakhirah" (al-Bukhaari, Muslim).

Anas (ra) reported that the Prophet (saw) said, "Of those who deserve to enter Jannah, the one who had been most afflicted in the first life will be brought (before Allaah) and the command is issued, "Give him a taste of Jannah". After this is done, "Allaah asks him, "O son of Aadam, had you ever suffered from any misery or anything that you resented?" He replies, "No by Your glory my lord! I had never suffered from anything that I resented!". Then of those who deserve to enter Hell, the one who had lived most comfortably in the first life will be brought (before Allaah) and the command is issued,"Give him a taste of the Fire." After this is done, Allaah (swt) asks him, "O son of Aadam, had you ever enjoyed any pleasure or satisfaction?" He replies, "No, by Your glory my Lord! I had never enjoyed any pleasure or satisfaction!" (Muslim, Ahmad and others)

Thus being dipped into the hellfire once is enough to make you forget every single feeling of delight and pleasure due to riyaa' and your love of people's praise.

Jaabir (ra) reports that The Messenger (saw) passed by a market while the people were by his side. He passed by a young goat which was dead and had small ears. He picked it up and took hold of its ear and said, "Which one of you would like to buy this for one dirham?" They said, "We do not wish that it is ours for anything and besides, what will we do with it?" He (saw) then said, "Do you wish that it should be yours?" They said, "By Allaah! If it was alive it would be deficient due to its small ears. How then, if it is dead?" He (saw) said, "Then by Allaah! The world is more insignificant to Allaah than this is to you."" (Muslim).

Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "If the world was equal to the wing of a fly in the sight of Allaah, He would not have given a sip of water to the disbeliever". (at-Tirmidhi, hasan hadith).

And he (saw) said, "The world is the prison to the believer and the paradise of a disbeliever". (Muslim).

If you wish to be in the prison of the world and the Paradise of the Hereafter, then imprison your soul away from riyaa', the love of fame and being talked about.

7. Supplication

This is one of the most beautiful cures so do not hesitate in making du'aa whenever you are able. Allaah's Messenger has taught us a supplication to remove the greater and minor shirk. He (saw) said, "Shirk is more hidden than a creeping ant and I will direct you to something which, if you were to do, would take you away from the minor and greater forms of shirk. That you say: "Allaahumma inee a'udhu bika an ushrika bika wa ana a'alamu wa astaghfiruka limaa la a'alam" (O Allaah! I seek refuge in You committing shirk with You while I am aware of it and I seek forgiveness from You from that which I am unaware of". (Saheeh ul-Jami', no. 3625, hasan isnad).

8. Fear that an instance of riyaa' is the seal of your deeds

He (saw) said, "Every servant will be raised upon whatever (state) he died in". (Saheeh ul-Jami, no. 7872).

9. Abundance of good actions which are not observed by others and not informing others about them.

For example: tahajjud, crying out of awe and fear of Allaah when alone, voluntary fasting, giving charity in secret, supplicating for one's brothers in their absence, prayers other than the obligatory ones in the house etc.

10. Accompanying those in whom you see ikhlaas, righteousness and taqwa.

Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "The example of good and bad company is like a musk seller and an iron-monger. You will not fail to receive any good from the musk-seller. Either you buy from him or his fragrance will remain with you. As for the iron-monger he will either burn your house or clothing or you will sense his foul smell". (al-Bukhaari).

The mukhlis (sincere person's) sincerity will not deprive you and the one who shows off or associates partners with Allaah will either cause you to be burnt in the Hellfire on the Day of Judgement or you will receive the foul stench of riyaa' - which will only increase your love and desire for riyaa' - a'udhubillaah min thalik.

11. Fear of riyaa'

Allaah said about a group from amongst His servants:

"And some of them will draw near to others saying: "Aforetime, we were afraid with our families (from the punishment of Allaah). But Allaah has been gracious to us and has saved us from the torment of the Fire. Verily, we used to call upon Him (alone) before. Verily, He is al-Barr, the Most Merciful" . (52:25-8)

Fear of disobedience is what benefitted them by the success granted by Allaah ta'ala. The one who fears something takes caution of it and is therefore saved. As for the one who feels secure he will fall into it. This is why our Prophet Muhammad (saw) used to fear shirk. The supplication he (saw) used to make the most was "Yaa muqalibal-qulub! Thabbit qalbi 'ala deenik." {O Establisher of the Hearts! Establish my heart upon Your Deen}.

12. Fleeing from the criticism and rebuke of Allaah

One of the innermost realities and secrets of riyaa; is fleeing from the pain of being criticised by the creation. Are you really truthful in running away from critcism? Then run from the criticism and rebuke of Allaah. When you please the people by angering Him, He will hate you and become angery with you. Do you fear the anger of the people when Allaah has a greater right that you fear His anger? So which of the two will you give precedence:

"Is One who creates like one who does not?" (an-Nahl:17)

13. Your love of being mentioned by Allaah and putting that before being mentioned by the creation

"Remember Me and I will remember you" (2:152)

Abu Hurayrah (ra) reports that Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "Allaah ta'ala said, "I am as My servant thinks I am, and I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in his self, I will remember him in Myself. If he remembers Me in a gathering, I will remember him in a gathering better than it. And if he draws near to Me by a handspan, I will draw near to him by an arm's length. And if he draws near to Me by an arm's length, I will draw near to him by a fathom's length. And if he comes to Me walking, I will go to him with speed." (Saheeh ul-Jami', no.7993, saheeh isnad).

Does it not please you that Allaah should mention you in a gathering better than those upon the earth? Or do you prefer people's mention of you over Allaah's mention of you? And do you prefer mankind over and above the angels?

Ikhlaas: Things Which Shaytaan Flees From

One of the ways of avoiding falling into riyaa' is to know the things which Shaytaan flees from:

1. When you say: La ilaha illAllaah - wahdahu laa shareeka lahu - lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu - wa huwa 'ala kulli shay'in qadeer. [There is none worthy of worship except Allah alone. He has no partners. To Him belongs the Dominion, to Him belongs all praise and He is capable over all things] a hundred times a day.

The evidence is what has been reported in the Saheeh of al Bukhaari and Muslim from Abu Hurayrah (ra) that Allaah's Messenger (saw) mentioned the above words and then said: "He will receive the reward of setting free ten slaves, a hundred good deeds will be written for him and a hundred bad deeds will be erased from him. It will be a sanctuary from Shaytaan for him on that day until he reaches the evening. No one will come with something better except one who increases beyond that".

2. Recitation of Ayaat ul-Kursi when you go to bed.

Abu Hurayrah (ra) reported that the Messenger (saw) put him in charge of guarding the zakaah of Ramadan and someone would come and take handfuls from the zakaah for two nights in succession. On the third night, he (Abu Hurayrah) grabbed him and said: "I will take you to Allaah's Messenger (saw)". He (the thief) said: "Leave me alone and I will teach you some words by which Allaah will benefit you". He then said, "When you depart to go to your bed recite aayaat ul-Kursi until you complete it. There wil never cease to be from Allaah a guardian to protect you and Shaytaan will not approach you until you wake up". When he explained this to Allaahs Messenger (saw), he said, "He has told you the truth although he is a great liar". (al-Bukhaari).

3. When you spit on your left three times and seek refuge in Allaah from the evil of what you see in a dream.

Abu Salamah bin 'Abdur-Rahman said: "I heard Abu Qataadah ibn Rab'iyy say: "I heard Allaah's Messenger (saw) say, "The good dream is from Allaah and the bad dream is from Shaytaan. When one of you sees what he dislikes, let him spit on his left three times when he awakens and let him seek refuge in Allaah from its evil and then it will not harm him"". Abu Salamah said, "I used to see in my dream that which would be more burdensome to me than a mountain and when I heard this hadeeth I considered it as nothing." In another narration he said, "I used to see in my dream which would make me concerned until I heard Abu Qataadah say: "I used to have dreams which would make me ill until I heard Allaah's Messenger (saw) say, "The righteous dream is from Allaah. If one of you sees what he loves then let him not inform anyone about it except one whom he loves. And if he sees what he dislikes, let him not inform anyone about it. Let him spit on his left three times and let him seek refuge in Allaah from Shaytaan, the accursed from the evil of what he saw and it will not harm him.""

4. Upon saying, when leaving the house "Bismillah tawakaltu 'ala Allah, la hawla wa la quwata illaa bilLah" [In the Name of Allah, I place my trust upon Alaah, There is no power nor movement except by Allaah].

Anas (ra) reports that Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "Whoever says (when he leaves his house): "In the Name of Allah, I place my trust upon Alaah, There is no power nor movement except by Allaah" it is said to him: "You have been sufficed, you have been protected and you have been guided". Then one of the devils turns to another and says, "How can you get to a man who has been sufficed, protected and guided". (Abu Dawud, at-Tirmidhi, hasan saheeh).

Umm Salamah (ra) said, "Allaah's Messenger (saw) never left my house except that he raised his sight to the sky and said, "Allahumma innee a'oodhu bika an adil aw udal, aw azil aw uzal, aw azlima aw uslam, aw ajhal aw yujhal 'aleeyy(O Allaah I seek refuge in you from leading others astray and being led astray, from causing others to slip and being made to slip, from oppressing others or being oppressed and from making others ignorant, and being kept ignorant."" (at-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawood, an-Nasa'ee, Ibn Majah. at-Tirmidhi said "hasan saheeh", al-Albaani agreed with him in al-Kalim ut-Tayyib, no.59).

5. Remembering Allaah the Sublime and Exalted when entering the house and before eating.

Jaabir (ra) said: "I heard the Prophet (saw) say: "When a man enters his house and remembers Allaah the Exalted upon entering and before eating, Shaytaan says: "There is no place for you to spend the night and there is no supper for you." When he enters the house and does not remember Allaah, Shaytaan says: "You have found a place to spend the night" and when he does not remember Allaah upon eating his food, Shaytaan says: "You have found a place to stay and some supper"". (Muslim).

6. Saying "A'oodhu bilLahil-'adheem wa bi wajhil-kareemi wa bi sultaanihil-qadeemi min ash-Shaytaani-rajeem" [I seek refuge with Allaah the Mighty, with His Noble Face and with His Eternal Authority from Shaytaan, the Accursed] when entering the mosque.

'Abdullah ibn 'Umar (ra) said, "When the Prophet (saw) used to enter the mosque he woul say, "I seek refuge with Allaah the Mighty, with His Noble Face and with His Eternal Authority from Shaytaan, the Accursed". He then said, "When (a man) says this, Shaytaan says: "He has been protected from me for the whole day"". (Abu Dawud, al-Albaani declared it saheeh in Saheeh Abu Dawood, no. 458, and an-Nawawee and Ibn Hajr declared it hasan).

7. Upon pronouncing the adhaan.

This is due to what has been reported from Abu Hurayrah (ra) that Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "When the call to prayer is made, Shaytaan flees on his heels and passes wind with noise during his flight so that he does not hear the adhaan. When the adhaan is completed he comes back. When the iqaamah is pronounced he takes to his heels again until it is completed. Then he returns again and whispers into the heart of the person and says to him: "Remember this and remember that". So the person remembers those things which were not in his mind before the prayer began and as a result, he forgets how much he has prayed". (al-Bukhaari, Muslim).

Pronouncing the adhaan can be done at any time to repel Shaytaan. This is due to what has been reported by Muslim from Abu Saheel bin Abu Saalih who said: "My father sent me to Bani Harithah and there was a young boy with me. Someone called him by his name from a wall, so he went to have a look at the wall but did not see anything. I mentioned that to my father and he said: "If I had known that you would encounter this I would not have sent you. However, when you hear a voice then make the call for prayer since I heard Abu Hurayrah (ra) saying the Prophet (saw) said, "When the call for prayer is made, Shaytaan flees".

8. When seeking refuge in Allaah due to the Exalted's saying:

"And when an incitement to evil comes to you from Shaytaan, seek refuge in Allaah. He is the All Hearing, the All Knowing". (41:36)

9. When you say "A'oodhu billah minka, al'anuka bi l'anatillaah" [I seek refuge in Allah from you, I curse you with the curse of Allah] three times during the prayer.

Abu Dardaa' (ra) reports that "Allaah's Messenger (saw) stood for prayer and we heard him saying, "I seek refuge in Allaah from you". Then he said, "I curse you with the curse of Allaah" three times. At the same time, he was
stretching out his hand, trying to grab hold of something. When he finished his prayer we said to him: "O Messenger of Allaah! We heard you say something in the prayer which we have never heard from you before and we saw you stretching out your hand". He said, "That was the enemy of Allaah, Iblees. He came with a flame of fire and tried to throw it in my face. I said, "I seek refuge in Allah from you" three times and then (I said), "I curse you with the curse of Allaah" three times and he did not hesitate. Then I desired to capture him. By Allaah! If it had not been for the supplication of our brother (the Prophet) Sulaymaan, he would have been tied up and the children of Madinah would have played about with him"". (Muslim).

In another hadeeth from 'Uthmaan bin Abul-Aas (ra) who said, "I said, "O Messenger of Allaah! Shaytaan comes in between me and my prayer and my recitation, confusing me." He said, "That is a Shaytaan called Khunzub. When you feel his presence, seek refuge in Allaah from him and spit on your left three times." I did as he said and Allaah took that (distraction) away from me." (Muslim)

10. When the servant finds something in his soul that concerns him and says "huwal-awwalu wal-aakhiru wadh-dhaahiru wal-baatinu wa huwa bi kulli shay'in 'aleem" {He is the First and the Last, the Outermost and the Innermost, and He has Knowledge of every single thing.]

Abu Zameel (ra) said, "I said to Ibn 'Abbas (ra), "What is this thing which I find in my soul?" - meaning doubt. He said, "When you find something like that in your soul, then say, "He (Allaah) is the First and the Last, the Outermost and the Innermost and He has knowledge of every single thing."" (Abu Dawood, al-Albaani declared it hasan in al-Kalim ut-Tayyib no.135).

11. When a calamity befalls you and you say "QadrAllahu wa ma sha' Allaahu fa'ala" {Allah has decreed (this) and He does whatever He wills].

Abu Hurayrah (ra) reports that Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "The strong believer is more loved by Allaah than the weak believer, but in both there is good. Be zealous for what will benefit you. Seek help from Allaah the Mighty and Majestic and do not become incapacitated. If something afflicts you, do not say: "If only I had done such and such" but say, "Allaah has decreed (this) and He does whatever He wills". Indeed saying "if.." opens up the doorway of Shaytaan's handiwork." (Muslim)

12. When you say "Bismillah, Allahumma janibna ash-Shaytaan wa janibish-Shaytaana maa razaqtna" {in the Name of Allaah, O Allaah! Make us distant from Shaytaan and make Shaytaan distant from what you bestow upon us".

Ibn 'Abbaas (ra) reports that the Prophet (saw) said, "If one of you says, when approaching his wife (for intercourse): "In the Name of Allaah. O Allaah! Make us distant from Shaytaan and make Shaytaan distant from what you bestow upon us" and offspring is decreed for you, Shaytaan will never be able to harm it (i.e. the offspring)". (al-Bukhaari, Muslim).

13. When you say in a state of anger "A'oodhu bilLaahi min ash-Shaytaan ir-Rajeem" {I seek refuge with Allaah from Shaytaan the Accursed}

Sulaymaan bin Sard (ra) said, "I was sitting with Allaah's Messenger (saw) and two men were abusing each other. The face of one of them had become red (out of anger) and his veins had become inflated. Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "I know a word which, if he was to say, his anger would leave him. If he said: "I seek refuge in Allaah from Shaytaan the Accursed", his anger would leave him"" (al-Bukhaari, Muslim).

14. Upon saying "bismillah" [in the Name of Allah]

Abul-Maleeh (ra) reports that a man said, "I was behind the Messenger (saw) and his riding animal stumbled. I said, "May Shaytaan perish", and he said, "Do not say, "May Shaytaan perish". If you say that he will grow in sixe until he becomes the size of a house and says, "By my strength". Instead say, "In the Name of Allaah". When you say that, he reduces in size until he is like a fly." (Abu Dawood, saheeh isnad).

15. When you supplicate for blessings for something which wins your admiration.

Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "When one of you sees something in his self or in his possessions which amazes him (or wins his admiration) he should invoke blessings upon it as the (evil) eye is indeed true and real".

16. When you recite the M'uwadhdhataan [Surah al-Falaq and Surah an-Naaz].

Abu Sa'eed (ra) said, "Allaah's Messenger (saw) used to seek refuge from the jinn and from the effects of the (evil) of men until the m'uwwadhdhataan were revealed. When they were revealed he clung to them and abandoned what was besides them." (at-Tirmidhi, hasan; an-Nasa'ee and Ibn Maajah - saheeh).

17. When you make the prostration of recitation.

Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "When you read a verse of prostration then prostrate, Shaytaan departs crying and says: "Woe be to him. He was ordered with prostration and he prostrated - so for him is Paradise. I was ordered with prostration and I refused - so for me is the Fire." (Muslim, Ahmad and Ibn Maajah).

18. When you recite Surah al-Baqarah.

Abu Hurayrah (ra) reports that Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "Do not turn your houses into graves. Indeed Shaytaan flees from a house in which Surah al-Baqarah is recited." (Muslim).

19. When reciting the Qur'aan.

The Messenger of Allaah (saw) went out one night and passed by Abu Bakr (ra) who was praying with a lowered voice. Then he passed by 'Umar ibn al-Khattaab (ra) who was praying with a raised voice When they came together with the Prophet (saw), he said, "O Abu Bakr! I passed by you while you were praying with a lowered voice." Abu Bakr (ra) said, "I made the one with whom I was conversing with (i.e Allaah) hear it, O Messenger of Allaah." He then said to 'Umar (ra), "I passed by you while you were praying with a raised voice". 'Umar (ra) said, "O Messenger of Allaah! I was incitng those who were asleep and driving away the Shaytaan." The Prophet (saw) then said, "O Abu Bakr! Raise your voice somewhat" and he said to 'Umar, "lower your voice somewhat". (Abu Dawood, al Haakim, who declared it saheeh as did adh-Dhahabi).

20. When you move the finger during the prayer.

It is established that Allaah's Messenger (saw) used to move his finger, supplicating with it (Abu Dawood, an-Nasaa'i, Ibn al-Jaarud in al-Muntaqa and others) and the Messenger of Allaah said, "It is more powerful against the Shaytaan than iron" - meaning the forefinger. (Ahmad and others).

Imaam Ahmad was asked, "Should a man point with his finger in the prayer?" He replied, "Yes, vigorously". (Ibn Haani mentioned it in Masaa'il of Imaam Ahmad).

Ikhlaas: The Fruits of Ikhlaas

Among the Fruits Which Are Obtained Due to Ikhlaas are:

1. Aiding of the Ummah

Due to the saying of the Messenger (saw): "Verily Allaah helps this Ummah on account of its weak ones, due to their supplications, prayers and sincerity". (Saheeh ut-Targheeb wat-Tarheeb, vol.1.)

2. Safety from the punishment in the Hereafter.

Allaah the Exalted said about the sincere among His servants:

"And they feed, out of love for Him, the indigent, the orphan and the captive saying: "We feed you only for the sake of Allaah, no reward do we desire from you nor thanks. We fear from our Lord a stern and intense day". So Allaah saved them from the evil of that day and gave them a light of beauty and joy. Their recompense shall be Paradise and silken garments, because they were patient". (Surah al-Insaan 76:8-12)

3. Raising of one's rank in the Hereafter.

The verses of the Qur'aan and the hadeeth in this regard are numerous, we shall mention a small portion of them. Amongst them is the verse which has just been mentioned, the saying of Allaah, the Exalted:

"So Allaah saved them from the evil of that day and gave them a light of beauty and joy. Their recompense for their patience shall be paradise and silken garments. Reclining therein on raised thrones, they will see there neither (excessive heat of) the sun nor bitter cold. And the shade there is close upon them, and bunches of fruit will hang low and within their reach. Amongst them will be passed vessels of silver and cup's of crystal. Crystal-clear, made of silver. They will determine the measure thereof according to their wishes. And they will be given to drink there a cup (of wine) mixed with Zanjabeel, a spring there called Salsabeel. And round about them will (serve) boys of everlasting youth. If you see them you would think they were scattered pearls." (Surah al Insaan 76:11-9)

And Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "The first group of people to enter Paradise will have faces like the moon on a clear night. Those who come after them will be like the brightest stars in the sky. They will not pass water or excrement and nor will they spittle or emit mucus. Their combs will be made of gold and their perspiration will take the fore of musk. They will have braziers containing incense sticks (from trees). Their wives will be the Hoor il'een and the creation of one of them will be (the length of) sixty cubits like that of Aadam, their father". (al -Bukhaari and Muslim)

4. Safety from Misguidance in this world.

The story of Yusuf previously mentioned is an example.

5. Increase in Guidance

Allaah the Exalted said

"They were young men who believed (in their Lord). So We increased them in guidance". (18:13)

And ikhlaas is from faith.

6. Love of the angels of the heavens for the sincere and their hatred for one who shows off.

Allaah's Messenger (saw) said: "When Allaah the Exalted loves a servant, He calls to Jibreel: "Indeed, Allaah, the Exalted, loves so and so, therefore love him." So Jibreel loves him and then he calls the inhabitants of the Heaven: "Indeed Allaah loves so and so, therefore love him." The inhabitants of the Heaven love him and then acceptance is made for him in the earth. And when He hates a servant He calls Jibreel and says: "Indeed I hate so and so, therefore hate him". So Jibreel hates him. Then Jibreel calls the inhabitants of the Heaven: "Indeed Allaah hates so and so, therefore, hate him". The hatred of him is then placed on the earth". (Muslim.)

8. Good repute amongst the people.

The Messenger of Allaah (saw): "There is no servant except that he has a reputation (amongst the angels) in the sky. If his reputation in the sky is good, it is placed upon the earth and if his reputation in the sky is bad, it is placed upon the earth". (al-Bazzar from Abu Hurayrah, Saheeh ul-Jam'i no.5608).

9. Removal of the difficulties and affliction of this world.

The story of the three who were stuck in the cave.

10. Tranquility of the heart and the taste of happiness

"Verily, in the remembrance of Allaah do the hearts find satisfaction/rest/tranqulity". (13:28)

11. Beautification of faith in one's soul and dislike of rebellion and disobedience.

Allaah the Exalted said:

"And know that amongst you is Allaah's Messenger. If he were to obey you (follow your opinions) in much of the matter, you would surely be in trouble. But Allaah has endeared Faith to you and has beautified it in your hearts and has made disbelief, rebellion and disobedience (to Allaah and His Messenger) hateful to you. Those are the rightly guided". (Surah al-Hujuraat 49:7)

It has already preceded how Allaah made fornication, rebellion and disobedience hateful to Yusuf (as) and how He beautified faith to him. As a result, the prison was more dear to him than fulfilling his desire with what was unlawful.

12. A good end.

An example is the man who killed ninety-nine people and then wished to repent. Due to his sincerity towards Allaah in repenting, his soul was taken while he was directing his heart to Allaah, the Exalted.

13. Answering of the supplication.

The story of the young boy has already preceded in which many of his supplications were answered. Likewise, the story of the three who were in the cave.

On the other hand, the afflictions resulting from riya' include:

1. Destruction of this ummah.

2. Punishment in the Aakhirah -

"Then woe be to the performers of prayers. Who delay the prayer from its correct time. Those who do good deeds only to be seen of men. And refuse even the small act of kindness" . (107:4-6)

3. Increase in misguidance in the world.

"In their hearts is a disease and Allaah has increased their disease" (2:10)

Jaabir bin Samrah (ra) said: "The people of Kufa complained about Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqaas (ra) to 'Umar ibn al-Khattaab (ra). They complained about him till they mentioned that he did not perform the prayer properly (in leading them). 'Umar (ra) sent a messenger to him saying, "O Abu Ishaaq! These people claim that you do not perform the prayer properly." He said, "As for me, by Allaah, I used to lead them in prayer with the prayer of the Messenger of Allaah (saw). I did not miss anything out of it. I would pray 'ishaa and prolong the first two rak'ah and shorten the last two." The messenger said, "That was what was suspected about you, O Abu Ishaaq!". A few other men were sent along with this messenger to Kufa to ask its inhabitants about Sa'd. They did not leave a mosque without asking about him and they spoke good about him. They entered a mosque belonging to Bani 'Abbaas and a man amongst them stood up, whose name was Usaamah bin Qataadah, and his kunya Abu Sa'dah and (he) said, "As for what you have requested from us, then S'ad is not competent in choosing an army, he does not distribute equally, and is not just in matters". Sa'd said, "By Allaah, I shall call upon Him with three (things): "O Allaah! If this servant of yours is a liar and stood out of show and to be heart of, prolong his age, prolong his poverty and make him face trials."" (al-Bukhaari).

After that, whenever he (Abu Sa'dah) was questioned he would say, "An old man put to trial. The supplication of Sa'd inflicted me." 'Abdul Malik bin 'Umar, who narrates from Jaabir bin Samrah said, "I saw him after that. His eyebrows had extended over his eyes due to old age and he used to turn to the slave-girls in the streets and wink at them".

4. Uneasiness of the heart and the taste of misery.

"And whoever turns away from My remembrance will have a narrow and constricted life and We shall raise him blind on the Day of Judgement" . (20:124)

5. The threat of an evil end.

"Let those beware who withstand and his (the Messenger's) command lest they be inflicted with a trial or they be inflicted with a tormenting punishment". (24:63)

6. Exposition and humiliation of the one who shows off in front of all the creation.

Due to his (saw) saying, "There is no servant who sets out seeking to be heart of or showing off except that Allaah will make him heard of in front of all the creation on the Day of Judgement". (Saheeh ut-Targheeb wat-Tarheeb vol.1)

Ikhlaas: What is Presumed to be Ikhlaas But Is Not

1. When one mixes ikhlaas with the tastes and desires the soul. Such as the one who busies himself with study so that he can rejoice with the delight and pleasure of speech. Or the one who goes on an expedition in order to practice war and learn its means and ways. This is not from the perfection of ikhlaas to Allaah the Exalted.


2. Perhaps a servant may dislike riya' but when his actions are mentioned and he is praised he does not respond to it with dislike. Rather, he feels happiness inside and thinks that this is a means of comfort from the toil and hardship of his worship. This is a type of the various types of the hidden shirk.

3. A man may also fall into riya' not due to speech by which he may just hint about his good deeds and qualities or be open about them, but by certain qualities or characteristics that he possesses. Included in this is showing one's leaness and emaciation to others: looking pale, lowering one's voice, the effects of weeping, and drowsiness which indicates long standing during the tahajjud prayer.

4. Sometimes a man keeps away from the sight of others so that they do not come to know about him (his good deeds). However when he sees people he loves that they give salutations to him first. That they meet him with respect, are enthusiastic in fulfilling his needs, are light with him in their dealings with him and make space for him in the gatherings. If anyone falls short of that, it hurts his heart. It is as if his soul is demanding respect for the worship and obedience which he does in secret.

5. A servant performs tahajjud prayer and it is burdensome for him. However, when a guest stays with him he is lively for it and it becomes easy for him.

6. When a man is amazed by his actions and sees sincerity in them. Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "If you did not sin, I would have feared for you something which is greater than that, amazement (with oneself), amazement (with oneself)."(Saheeh ul-Jam'i, no. 5179, with hasan isnad).

The section on the sayings of the Salaf regarding ikhlaas will come soon and in it is a most beautiful saying: "Whoever sees sincerity in his sincerity, then his sincerity is in need of sincerity." Meaning, whoever sees, feels and perceives sincerity in his actions, then this sincerity is also in need of sincerity.

7. Sometimes one's desire is fulfilled by responding to an invitation to someone's house for food with the knowledge that the food at this place is most certainly better and more excellent than the food at his own house at that time.

8. Sometimes one's desire is obtained by visiting those friends whom one loves dearly for the sake of Allaah the Exalted. However in his soul is a hidden desire from his intention of visiting in that he will delight and take pleasue with the food, drink and sweets that are presented to him.

9. A man may sometimes present a variety of food and drink to a man who had invited him for food previously. So he presents to him all sorts of food and a variety of drinks similar to what his brother had offered him or even greater. And perhaps he may also give him a gift similar to the one he was given or even better.

Ikhlaas: Hadith Regarding Ikhlaas and Cautioning from Riyaa'

1. Abu Sa'eed al-Khudri (ra) reported that the Prophet (saw) said in the Farewell Pilgrimage: "May Allaah make bright and verdant a man who heard my words and memorised them. As perhaps a carrier of knowledge is not one who understands. There are three things which, if present in the heart of a believer, no jealousy or rancour will enter into it: sincere action for the sake of Allaah, giving advice to the leaders of the Muslims and staying amongst their ranks, since their supplication encompasses those who are behind them (under their authority)".

2. Mis'ab bin Sa'd reports about his father that he thought he had superiority over the other companions of the Messenger of Allaah (saw). So the Prophet (saw) said, "Indeed Allaah helps this ummah with its weak ones, due to their supplications, their prayers and their sincerity."

3. Abu Dardaa' (ra) reports that Allaah's Messenger (saw) said: "The world is cursed (and) whatever is in it as cursed except that by which Allaah's Face is sought".

4. Ubayy bin K'ab (ra) said: "Allaah's Messenger (saw) said: "Give good tidings to this ummah of honour, deen and elevation and establishment in the earth. Whoever did an action of the Hereafter for the world will have no portion in the Hereafter".

5. 'Abdullaah bin 'Umar (ra) said "I heard Allaah's Messenger (saw) say, "Whoever made the people hear about his actions. Allaah will make all His creation hear about him, will belittle him and hold him in contempt."

6. Allaah's Messenger (saw) said: "There is no servant who sets out seeking to be heard of or showing off except that Allaah will make him heard of in front of all the creation on the Day of Judgement".

7. Rabeeh bin 'Abdur-Rahmaan reports from his grandfather, Abu Sa'eed al-Khudri, that he said: "We went out with Allaah's Messenger (saw) and we were talking about Maseeh ad-Dajjaal. Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "Shall I not inform you about something which I fear more for you than Maseeh ad-Dajjaal?" We said, "Of course, O Messenger of Allah". He said, "The hidden shirk! A man stands for prayer and beautifies his prayer to those who are watching him.""

8. Mahmood bin Lubayd (ra) said: "Allaah's Messenger (saw) came out with us and said: "O people! Beware of the shirk of the innermost feelings and secrets." They said, "O Messenger of Allaah! What is the shirk of the innermost feelings and secrets?" He (saw) said, "A man stands for prayer and strives to beautify his prayer due to the people looking at him - that is the shirk of the innermost feelings and secrets."

9. Mahmood bin Lubayd also reports that Allaah's Messenger (saw) said, "The thing which I fear for you most is minor shirk." They (the people) said: "And what is minor shirk, O Messenger of Allaah?" He said: "Riya'! Allaah the Mighty and Majestic will say, when He rewards people for their actions: "Go to those to whom you used to show off in the world and see if you can find any reward from them".

10. He (saw) also said, "When Allaah gathers together the first and the last for the Day of Judgement, the day about which there is no doubt, a caller will call: "Whoever used to associate anyone with Allaah in his action, let him request his reward from him. Indeed, Allaah is so Self-Sufficient that He has no need of any partners.""

11. Abu 'Ali, a man from Banu Kaalil, said, "Abu Moosa al-Ash'ari addressed us and said, "O people! Fear this shirk as it is more hidden than a crawling ant." 'Abdullah ibn Hazm and Qays bin al-Madaarib both stood and said, "By Allah! You should clarify what you have said, otherwise we shall bring 'Umar with authority on our behalf or without it". He then said, "Rather I will explain to you what I said. Allaah's Messenger (saw) addressed us one day and said, "O People! Fear this shirk as it is more hidden than a crawling ant." Then someone whom Allaah had willed to speak said: "And how shall we save ourselves from it when it is more hidden than a crawling ant, O Messenger of Allaah?". He said, "Say "Allahumma inna na'oodhu bika min an nushrika bika shay'an na'alamuhu wa nastaghfiruka limaa laa na'alamuh [O Allah! We seek refuge in You from associating partners with you while we are aware of it and we seek forgiveness from You for that which we are unaware of]".

Ikhlaas: Sayings from the Salaf on Ikhlaas

1. It is reported about Bishr al-Haafi that he said, "That I seek the world with a wind instrument (i.e. something forbidden) is more loved by me than that I seek it with the deen".

2. It is reported from Ibraheem an-Nakha'ee that he said, "When Shaytaan comes to you whilst you are engaged in prayer and says "You are showing off", increase it in length".

3. One of the Salaf said, "Direct me to an action by which I will never cease to be performing for Allah the Exalted. It was said to him: "(Always) intend good because you will never cease to be performing even if you do not do any actions. The intention performs even in the absence of any actions. Whoever intended to pray at night, and then slept, the reward for what he intended will be written for him."

4. One of them said: "I love that I have an intention for every single thing - even my food, drink and sleep!"

5. It was said to Sahl: "What is the hardest thing for the soul (to achieve)?" He said, "Sincerity, when there is no other desire in it".

6. It is reported from Y'aqoob al-Makfoof that he said, "The sincere person is the one who hides his good deeds just like he hides his evil deeds".

7. One of them wrote to his brother, "Make your intention sincere in all of your actions and little action will suffice you".

8. It is reported from Ayyoob as-Sakhtiyaani that he said, "Purifying the intention is harder than all other actions for those who act".

9. It is reported from Yahyaa bin Mu'aadh that he said: "Ikhlaas separates (good) actions from faults like the separation of milk from dung and blood".

10. It is reported from as-Soosi that he said, "What Allaah desires from the actions of His Creation is ikhlaas and nothing else."

11. It is reported from al-Junayd that he said: "To Allah belong servants who understand. And when they understand, they act. And when they act, they make (their action) sincere. Their recalling of ikhlaas at the time of doing righteousness is what accumulates the greatest (good for them)".

12. It is reported about Hawshab that he used to cry and say: "My name has reached the large mosque". [i.e. he disliked to be known out of humility and that people should mention him for fear of fame and repute]

13. It is reported from as-Soosi that he said: "Ikhlaas is to lose the vision of ikhlaas (in oneself)".

14. One of them said, "Whoever sees sincerity in his sincerity, his sincerity is itself in need of sincerity. The destruction of every sincere person lies in his sincerity. (He is destroyed) to the extent that he sees sincerity in himself. When he abandons seeing sincerity in hmself, he will be sincere and purified."

15. It is reported from Abu 'Uthmaan that he said, "Ikhlaas is to forget the vision of creation by constant concern with the Creator".

16. It is reported from Ibraheem bin Aadam that he said: "He is not truthful to Allah who loves fame".

17. It is reported from ath-Thawri that he said, "They used to hate fame and reputation due to wearing nice garments so that eyes would stretch towards them".

18. Ibn al-Jawzi reports from al-Hasan that he said: "I was with Ibn al-Mubaraak one day and we came to a watering place. The people were drinking from it and Ibn al-Mubaarak came closer in order to get a drink. The people did not know him and shoved and pushed him. When he came out he said: "Life is but this" - meaning we are not known, nor are we respected".

19. It is reported from Nu'aym bin Hammaad that he said: "'Abdullaah ibn al-Mubaarak frequently used to sit in his house for long periods of time. So it was said to him: "Do you not feel lonely and isolated?" He said, "How can I feel isolated while I am with the Prophet (saw) (i.e. with his Sunnah)".

20. It is reported from Ibn al-Mubaarak that he said: "I heard Ja'far bin Hayyaan say: "The foundations of these actions are the intentions. Indeed, a man reaches with his intentions a position he does not reach with his actions."

21. One of the people of wisdom used to say: "When a man is speaking in a gathering and his speech amazes him, let him be silent. And when he keeps silent and his silence amazes him, let him speak."

22. It is reported from Mutarraf bin 'Abdullaah ash-Shakeer that he said: "That I spend the night sleeping and wake up remorseful is more loved to me than that I spend the night standing (in prayer) and woke up in admiration".

23. It is reported from an-N'umaan bin Qays that he said: "I never saw 'Abeedah (rahimahullah) performing any voluntary prayers in the mosque of al-Hayy".

24. It is reported from 'Ali (ra) that he said: "The one who shows off has three characteristics: he is lazy when by himself, he is lively and energetic when with others, and he increases in his actions when he is praised and decreases in them when he is criticised".

25. It is reported from al-Hasan (rahimahullah) that he said, "The one who shows off desires to overcome what Allaah has decreed for him. He is an evil person who desires to inform the people that he is righteous in order to hear what they would say. He has obtained a position of vileness and wickedness from his Lord. It is therefore essential for the hearts of the believers to recognise him."

26. It is reported from Sahl bin 'Abdullah (rahimahullah) that he said: "There is nothing which is tougher upon the soul than (achieving) ikhlaas. How many times have I tried to remove riyaa' from my heart except that it sprouted in a different colour".

27. It is reported from Ibn Mas'ood (ra) that he said, "Do not learn knowledge for three (things): to amaze and confound the foolish, to argue with the learned, and to make people's faces turn towards you. (But) seek what is with Allaah with your hearts and actions, since only that will remain and whatever is besides it will go".

28. It is reported from Abu Sulaymaan ad-Daarini (rahimahullah) that he said: "Tooba (the tree in paradise) is for the one who took a single step desiring nothing but the face of Allaah by it".

29. Some of the Salaf said "Whoever had a single instance in his lifetime which was purely and sincerely for the sake of Allaah, the Exalted, will be saved. And this is due to the greatness of ikhlaas."

30. It is reported from Abu Sulaymaan ad-Daarini (rahimahullah) that he said "When the servant is sincere, riya' and the many whisperings (of the devils) are cut off from him".

31. It has also been said: "Ikhlaas is that the servant's inward and outward actions are equal. Riya' is when the outward appearance is better than the inner self. And truthfulness in one's sincerity is when the inner self is better cultivated and more flourishing than the outward appearance".

32. Some of the Salaf have said: "Ikhlaas is that you do not seek a witness over your action besides Allah, nor one who gives reward beside Him".

33. It is reported from Makhool (rahimahullah) that he said, "Never does a servant maintain sincerity for forty days in succession except that the streams of wisdom from his heart appear on his tongue".

34. It is reported from Adiyya ibn Haatim that he said: "The people destined for the Fire will be ordered (to come) towards Paradise until they come close to it and smell its fragrance, see its palaces and what Allaah has prepared in it for its people. Then an announcement will be mae for them to be turned away from it. There will be no portion for them in it. They will return in loss and ruin just like the ones before them (who were also commanded likewise). Then they will say: "O Our Lord! If You had entered us into the Fire before You showed us what You have shown us from Your reward and what You have prepared for Your friends and allies, it would have been easier upon us". Then the Exalted will say: "This is what I intended for you. When you used to be alone, you would combat Me (or show boldness to Me) with grave sins and when you used to meet people, you would meet them with humility. You would show to the people other than that which you used to give Me from your hearts. You feared people but you did not fear Me. You honoured the people but you did not honour Me. You abandoned (actions) for the people but you did not abandon for Me. This day (therefore) will I make you taste a tormenting punishment along with your prevention from receiving that reward".

34. It has been said: "The damage (caused) to every servant lies in his being pleased with himself. Whoever looks at his soul and sees something in it which he deems to be good has caused its destruction. And whoever does not suspect his soul at every single moment is one who is deceived."

35. Ibn al-Qayyim (rahimahullah) said: "Ikhlaas is the tawheed of one's intent".