The Path to Sincerity
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The first question of Fatwa No. ( 8894 ):
Q: I am living through this period and I do not know what to do, for the sincerity of intention for the sake of Allah is not an easy or simple matter. Sincerity of intention for the sake of Allah is among the obligatory duties. Therefore, one of the Companions used to say: “Sincerity is difficult.” So how does a person act so that he is sincere to Allah? What does a person do so that studying knowledge and obtaining the highest degrees and positions is for the sake of Allah? What does a person do so that
a person stands in his prayer feeling the greatness of Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He)? I come to my prayer and leave it as if nothing happened, as if I had not been standing before the Mighty Lord of the heavens and the earth. I even fear that my anger when I see an evil is merely zeal and not pure for the sake of Allah. And I am not saying this to mean that I am asking for that matter for fame or showing off. It is not the case that the deed is done for fame or showing off and yet it is pure for the Face of Allah. It is possible that a person does not do it for any specific reason, but I do it simply because I want to do that thing, such as fasting or standing in night prayer. I ask you, may Allah reward you with good, to clarify this matter to me. After a brother spoke to me about this matter, he told me: A person can do a deed, and this matter is far from showing off and fame, yet it is not pure for the Face of Allah, such as praying at night. Why? Because he wants to do it just for that reason. I ask you, may Allah reward you with good, to clarify this matter to me.
A: Strive to turn your face to Allah, and make your heart sincere to Him. Intend with your deeds to attain His pleasure and that He reward you for them. Hope for Allah and the Hereafter, and leave off the whispers of doubt and repel the scheme of Satan, for he wants to disturb your peace and fill you with doubts. And success is from Allah. May Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.