It's The Intention That Counts?

[liightseekeer]

Sallam Alikum! 

 

Question: So I hear this a lot and I'm sure a lot of you have also heard it "It's the intention that counts" and I know and understand there is a ton of ahadith that say that intentions are more important than actions.

 

I mostly hear this from non-hijabi Muslimat who say that they don't wear the hijab because it's their intention that matters. I never understood this. Or like if someone says I am a Muslim but I pray sometimes but it's the intention that matters?

 

I don't know what I want to ask, but I don't get it.

 

So I can take off the hijab and say "oh I'm not wearing but I will dress modestly and act properly without the hijab  because it's the intern that counts? 

 

I hope I make sense, thank you.

[notme]

In the example you mention, intention to obey Allah, or intention to do what makes her feel better?

[Reza]

I guess the proof of intention is action.  And intention unproved is really no intention at all. 

[liightseekeer]

In the example you mention, intention to obey Allah, or intention to do what makes her feel better?

Well to have the intention to obey Allah, shouldn't one do what Allah asks us to do? 

[coldcow]

You can't say that you would fast if it wasn't for work/school/etc.  But let's say you're fasting at work, and it's labor intensive and you're dehydrated and you either have to drink water or you're going to pass out, then the intention (and attempt) is what counts.

 

You intended to, and put for at least some attempt to, but for some reason or another you weren't able to complete your actions.

[Khalilallah]

People who say that are just wrong, Hijab is an obligation regardless of intention.

[Ghulam e Ale Mohammad]

Hadith Time.......

 

"Allah will resurrect people according to their intentions on the Day of judgement."

 

                                                ~Imam Sadiq (AS)

 

 

Think about it, how would You want to be resurrected on the Day of Reckoning?

 

Ya Ali

[dawudansari2]

Sallam Alikum! 

 

Question: So I hear this a lot and I'm sure a lot of you have also heard it "It's the intention that counts" and I know and understand there is a ton of ahadith that say that intentions are more important than actions.

 

I mostly hear this from non-hijabi Muslimat who say that they don't wear the hijab because it's their intention that matters. I never understood this. Or like if someone says I am a Muslim but I pray sometimes but it's the intention that matters?

 

I don't know what I want to ask, but I don't get it.

 

So I can take off the hijab and say "oh I'm not wearing but I will dress modestly and act properly without the hijab  because it's the intern that counts? 

 

I hope I make sense, thank you.

 

Salam alaykum

 

According to Islamic teaching intention and action both of them are very important.  Although,  if in some narration and saying of the infallibles  put much emphasis on the  intention it does not mean that  intention  without action  is enough,  we don’t need to act if we have good intention ,but it means that  good deed without  intention  and doing  the action for the sake of God  does not lead to  our spiritual perfection and  closeness to God , because good deed connect our  spirit only through intention , consequently, if there is no intention  good deed does not have any  connection with our spirit .

 

So, to reach  perfection  and to reach higher stage of our capacity  its necessary to  act for the sake of God , as a result, action and intention both of them are very important

[notme]

I don't understand how a person can have intention to wear hijab but not wear hijab, unless she is physically or emotionally forced not to.

Obviously there are cases where intention and action will be different; suppose a person intends to pray, but falls ill or is injured before the time of prayer and becomes unable. But in the case of hijab, she is probably deluding herself.

[Bakir]

I have met many people like this, forcingly lying to themselves. I personally don't judge anyone, especially because in my opinion hijaab (headscarf) says little about the person. If one doesn't like to wear hijaab and chooses not to out of personal desire, then that's a sin. It is also true there are some grey areas in many cases, but the "intention is what it counts" is not always a valid reason not to wear it.

[mahdi servant.01]

Sallam Alikum! 

 

Question: So I hear this a lot and I'm sure a lot of you have also heard it "It's the intention that counts" and I know and understand there is a ton of ahadith that say that intentions are more important than actions.

I also had such experiences with some Muslims, except they were basing their reasoning on Qur'nic verses as follows;

 

the day when neither wealth nor sons shall profit( 26:88)

Except for he who comes to God with a pure heart.(26: 89)

 

They argue that this is pure heart that matters in the Day of Resurrection, so that none of these outward performances would suffice when your actions are mixed with hypocrisy and deluding.

 

To clarify their misunderstanding, I think, it is good enough to say that disobeying Allah even in this outward rulings, in fact, ruins your heart. so the one who does not wear Hijab nor do Salat, whose heart is already ruined and he will not benefit form it at the Day of Judgement. we have a very interesting tradition in this regard about the Satan and his preference of obeying God.

 

When Allah commanded all angles to prostrate before Adam, Satan did not obey Allah saying that, oh Allah only let me not to do what you said concerning Adam and I will serve you in a way that no one could ever server you.

Allah addressed him in : I like to be served in a way I prefer not in a way that you prefer.

 

 

Allah want us to undergo all these difficulties to mortify our souls in this world and it will not be replaced with only pure intentions and pure heart, when we never measured the level of our  obedience to Allah through His instructions.

 

Edited February 26, 2015 by mahdi servant.01

[AhlulBayt_313]

(salam)

I bet there are women and/or girls on SC who don't observe the hijab, I am also sure that
this thread might make them feel bad, so why not just ask them why they don't observe it, and their
reasoning's for not doing so?

I am sure some of them would give an honest answer.

No one is going to refute whether or not the hijab should be put into practice; nevertheless, why not
just ask them outright? You could criticize their action's into the ground, but it wont help the
situation. I live in a city where half observe it, and the other half don't observe it.

Maybe one of them will kindly reply to this thread? You cant pass judgment on one's intention's,
maybe on the action itself; but on principle, how is passing judgment on their intent beneficial?

Someone kindly and politely explain.
 
Based on previous posts, it would seem to me if they (did) engage in this thread, and explain to
you why they don't observe it, would it matter?

Based on previous posts, it would seem to me that it wouldn't matter. Are they not your sister's anymore?
 
I will not slander anyone, because who am I to slander or judge another Muslim if they don't observe hijab?
 
I don't have to agree with their intent or reasoning behind why they don't observe it, but I also don't think it's right
to outwardly criticize my fellow sister's. We should be more encouraging and supportive.
Pointing out one's short-coming's and making them feel bad isn't going to promote the observance of hijab.
 
Did it ever occur to any of you, that (sister) you speak of is going through a personal jihad (self-struggle) with herself?
 
If she lives in a country that doesn't make her wear hijab by force, then explain how criticizing her non-observance and/or intent is
going to make her observe it? Certain societies have given her a choice, and she has to live with that choice, but encouragement
is the constructive approach, not slandering her action or intent.
 
(wasalam) AB313

Edited February 26, 2015 by AhlulBayt_313

[notme]

I bet there are woman and/or girls on SC who don't observe the hijab, I am also sure that

this thread might make them feel bad, so why not just ask them why they don't observe it, and their

reasoning's for not doing so?

I am sure some of them would give an honest answer.

After wearing hijab from 2005 until January 2013, I removed it for just under two years. I found myself, along with my three children, jobless, without money or resources, and about to be kicked out of our home. I had a job interview in another city, and my then-husband (now ex-husband), who did not support us financially in any way, suggested that I might be more successful in my interview without hijab. I had been searching for work since early 2009 when I had been laid off due to the economy. There just wasn't any work out there for people in my profession. So right before going in for the interview, I removed my scarf. I was offered the job. So we barely avoided homelessness, I moved with my children, and I worked there for five months. This job led to me being offered a better one, and the near-homelessness led me to conclude that my then-husband (who was earning an upper middle class income yet refused to maintain me or his daughter) was not fulfilling his obligations and never would, so I asked him for divorce. After far too long and after I threatened to tell others my reasons for wanting divorce, he finally consented. After that I met my current husband. He is a convert like me, and is supportive of my decision to wear whatever I want, but he likes hijab. In fact, he suggested that I should wear it and even if I couldn't find work he would support and provide for us as well as he is able.

Never, ever, ever judge a person for ANY sin without knowing their story, and use caution in making judgments even when you know their story because you haven't lived their lives. Only Allah knows what is in a person's heart. I absolutely would endure God's judgment to keep my children fed and safe. Nobody else's opinion matters.

[AhlulBayt_313]

(salam)

 

Beautiful (Notme), and thank you for being honest and sharing :)

 

I thank you for telling your story, we need to be able to bridge the gaps, and support each other.

 

My dear sister, even though you had to go through a form of Taqiyya, it doesn't make you less in my eyes, and it shouldn't for

anyone else.

 

You are our sister, and May Allah have mercy on anyone who judges you. I have my own story as well, but I felt compelled to

write my statements, and I stand by them, wholeheartedly.

 

We should be encouraging; rather than judgmental, because if we don't, then it defeats the purpose all-together.

 

Thank you again my dear sister :wub:

 

Your Sister in Faith,

 

(wasalam) AB313

Edited February 26, 2015 by AhlulBayt_313

[sayedamir2000]

I guess the proof of intention is action.  And intention unproved is really no intention at all. 

 

How about a situation where you are forced to do something bad even though you don't want to? Actions are not always the proof of intention. Good actions can be done with bad intention as well. The proof of intention is sincerity and Taqwa (piety).

Edited February 26, 2015 by sayedamir2000

[Ethics]

I find it funny and disheartening at the same time. I see it as simply, rejecting Allah's swt commands. Allah tells you to pray, and you right back at Allah, tell Him, "oh Allah I pray for you in my heart". I mean seriously? :wacko:  How does that make any sense what so ever? Have you lost that much hope in Allah to not obey Him? Or is believing in God just a play of words? You are not fooling anyone but yourselves. You have fed your mind with so much nonsense, that you would do anything to save yourself mentally, and somehow fool yourself into believing it is God's commands to not obey his laws. What is more ignorant, are the people who say they do not obey Allah because there are worse Muslims who "obey" Him in practice, but not in piety and morality. I tell them, what do they have to do with you or your connection with Allah? So you claim the command of Allah is flawed instead of the person who is trying to fool Allah? Does one not eat because others are cannibals? Then, there are those who sell themselves short of Allah's mercy and beneficence, by disobeying Allah, for this worldly matter, be it for friends, money, status what ever. I mean has Allah created this world so small, that He has left you with no other choice? No other?!? Please lets not make excuses. If your faith is in jeopardy, then move! Or do something else. Its like these immoral individuals who sell their body because, "they have no other choice". Do they REALLY have no other choice? Tell that to the billions who are living with less than a dollar a day, only to protect their connection with Allah and save their hereafter.

 

“Indeed those who have faith and do righteous deeds—the All-beneficent will endear them {to His creation}.”5

 

“Whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it with an effort worthy of it, should he be faithful—the endeavor of such will be well-appreciated.”34

 

Imam Ali A.S -“Even if Allah had not warned of chastisement those disobedient to Him, it was obligatory by way of gratitude for his favors that He should not be disobeyed.”43

 

 

Evil is that for which they have sold their souls-- that they should deny what Allah has revealed, out of envy that Allah should send down of His grace on whomsoever of His servants He pleases; so they have made themselves deserving of wrath upon wrath, and there is a disgraceful punishment for the unbelievers.

 

..and they learned what harmed them and did not profit them, and certainly they know that he who bought it should have no share of good in the hereafter and evil was the price for which they sold their souls, had they but known this.

 

Therefore let those fight in the way of Allah, who sell this world's life for the hereafter

 

therefore fear not the people and fear Me, and do not take a small price for My communications; and whoever did not judge by what Allah revealed, those are they that are the unbelievers.

 

 

 

We have learned that there must be both, intention with action. One without the other is futile.

 

(wasalam)

Edited February 26, 2015 by Ethics

[Muhammed Ali]

What does intention mean?

[Ethics]

What does intention mean?

 

Your faith, sincerity, and willingness to act upon something or for someone.

[Muhammed Ali]

Your faith, sincerity, and willingness to act upon something or for someone.

 

I asked the question so the OP would think more carefully about the subject.

[monad]

notme - Just put your hijab back on, ethics will work for you and pay your bills. Apparently you have sold your self short!. Naughty!! -

 

Just to add, this as happened to a person we know recently , they had to remove their Hijab just so to get a minimum paid job to enable them to have shelter and food. But its okay, I suppose we can tell the rich SCérs to cater for girls like her.!

 

OP - I think you knew the answer before you posed the question. Therefore the real question is, why pose a question knowing the answer, unless the INTENT was otherwise.

Edited February 26, 2015 by monad

[Ethics]

I guess you are as rich as me, as you have time to always uselessly post on this forum.

[notme]

Look, folks, let's not let this degrade into insults and nonsense.

I told my story so that others might at least try to have empathy. I absolutely believe hijab is wajib. I simply am willing to endure the punishment of Allah so that my family might have basic food and shelter. Other people might think that hijab is optional or cultural, and still others might fear the judgement of others. It isn't beneficial to anyone to condemn, pity, or scorn these ladies. All that will do is make the one judging feel "superior", which, ironically, pushes one farther from being a good Muslim. Instead, it's better to listen, understand, guide, educate, and support those who are striving.

Talk is cheap. Everyone is tested and nobody's test is easy. Perhaps your test is humility.

[reisiger]

Look, folks, let's not let this degrade into insults and nonsense.

I told my story so that others might at least try to have empathy. I absolutely believe hijab is wajib. I simply am willing to endure the punishment of Allah so that my family might have basic food and shelter. Other people might think that hijab is optional or cultural, and still others might fear the judgement of others. It isn't beneficial to anyone to condemn, pity, or scorn these ladies. All that will do is make the one judging feel "superior", which, ironically, pushes one farther from being a good Muslim. Instead, it's better to listen, understand, guide, educate, and support those who are striving.

Talk is cheap. Everyone is tested and nobody's test is easy. Perhaps your test is humility.

SIster, as salaam alaikum rahmatullahi wa barakatu!

 

I realize that you did not post that story for accolades or anything of the sort, but what a tough situation you were in and you put your children first.  Subhanallah!  I cannot imagine that in His infinite justice, love, and mercy that Allah Swt would ever punish you for making sure your children were fed, sheltered, and safe.  In fact, may He reward you inshAllah for putting their well being first.

 

This makes me think of the stories about how during the days of jahiliyya the earliest Muslims were tortured and perscuted by the polytheists, and they were permitted to disavow the teachings of RasulAllah in dire situations.  I mean if this had been a situation where you did it to get a cushy gig, then hey I get it, but I doubt your modesty was in question and I will sincerely make du'a that you and all the mothers in this world who have to make hard decisions so that their children are taken care of are rewarded with nothing less than the Jannah.

 

And shame on any "man" who refuses to do his duty to his wife and children.  I seek refuge in Allah Swt from that evil.

 

My question is for the brothers: why do we always single out sisters and the issue of hijab? Wallahi I fall short so many times, but because I have a beard, I'm all good.  Astaghfirullah!  Shame on us for always singling out our sisters.

 

May Allah Swt guide us all to goodness and salvation, and may a double measure of His mercy be upon the mothers in this world!

(wasalam)

R

[Khadim uz Zahra]

(BISMILLAH)

 

(Salam)

 

This is a really simple affair. This statement only applies to instances whereby a person has good intention but due to external circumstances, is unable to act upon them. For example, when Ammar ibn Yasir was tortured by the pagan Arabs and he finnaly succumbed to their torture and maligned the Prophet, he came to the Prophet and confessed to what he had done. The Prophet asked him, "How do you find your heart?" When Ammar replied that he was still a Muslim in his heart, the Prophet said all was well. This is when the verse, "someone forced to do it whose heart remains at rest in its faith" (16:106) was revealed. That verse is the Qur'anic evidence for the statement, "It's the intention that counts."

 

Thus, Ammar has good intentions but his actions contradicted those intentions.

 

The opposite is also true. I could donate a million dollars in charity but if I don't do it for the sake of Allah but, rather, to show off to people about how much money I have or to make people adore me as a righteous man, then since my intention was not the pleasure of God, even if I die in that endavour, no benefit will come to me in the afterlife.

 

This, obviously, cannot apply to the case of a person refusing to wear Hijab, not in most cases for sure. Yes, in the case of, say, French Muslims, where they might want to wear the Hijab but they can't because of government persecution, this will apply and their intention is what God will look at. But, for a Muslim woman who voluntarily chooses to remove her Hijab, exactly what is her intention? If she is not being forced to do so, then isn't removing her hijab exactly what her intention is?

 

Such individuals have misunderstood the Hadith to mean that as long as they believe in Islam, and perhaps believe in the righteousness of its tenets, then there is no need for further action. They have mistaken belief to mean intention. Intention is related to action and unless there is something prohibiting them from following Islam, if they voluntarily to choose to ignore its commands, then that is what their intention is and touting this Hadith as a defense is foolish.

[Reza]

I find it funny and disheartening at the same time. I see it as simply, rejecting Allah's swt commands. Allah tells you to pray, and you right back at Allah, tell Him, "oh Allah I pray for you in my heart". I mean seriously? :wacko:  How does that make any sense what so ever? Have you lost that much hope in Allah to not obey Him? Or is believing in God just a play of words? You are not fooling anyone but yourselves. You have fed your mind with so much nonsense, that you would do anything to save yourself mentally, and somehow fool yourself into believing it is God's commands to not obey his laws. What is more ignorant, are the people who say they do not obey Allah because there are worse Muslims who "obey" Him in practice, but not in piety and morality. I tell them, what do they have to do with you or your connection with Allah? So you claim the command of Allah is flawed instead of the person who is trying to fool Allah? Does one not eat because others are cannibals? Then, there are those who sell themselves short of Allah's mercy and beneficence, by disobeying Allah, for this worldly matter, be it for friends, money, status what ever. I mean has Allah created this world so small, that He has left you with no other choice? No other?!? Please lets not make excuses. If your faith is in jeopardy, then move! Or do something else. Its like these immoral individuals who sell their body because, "they have no other choice". Do they REALLY have no other choice? Tell that to the billions who are living with less than a dollar a day, only to protect their connection with Allah and save their hereafter.

 

You need to calm down with these long rants. 

 

Good for you that you see it so clearly, and got it all figured out.  But others don't, and will come to a realization in their own way, in however God deems them to be guided.  Yes, the logic can seem strange, but we are not purely logical creatures, and this little thing called real life gets in the way.  The real life that makes people do crazy things, believe crazy things, have crazy experiences, with crazy personal stuff. 

 

What people don't need are long self-righteous rants that say "I get it, it's obvious, it's easy, whaddauu stooopid, how could you not see it?????"

[struggling_On]

After wearing hijab from 2005 until January 2013, I removed it for just under two years. I found myself, along with my three children, jobless, without money or resources, and about to be kicked out of our home. I had a job interview in another city, and my then-husband (now ex-husband), who did not support us financially in any way, suggested that I might be more successful in my interview without hijab. I had been searching for work since early 2009 when I had been laid off due to the economy. There just wasn't any work out there for people in my profession. So right before going in for the interview, I removed my scarf. I was offered the job. So we barely avoided homelessness, I moved with my children, and I worked there for five months. This job led to me being offered a better one, and the near-homelessness led me to conclude that my then-husband (who was earning an upper middle class income yet refused to maintain me or his daughter) was not fulfilling his obligations and never would, so I asked him for divorce. After far too long and after I threatened to tell others my reasons for wanting divorce, he finally consented. After that I met my current husband. He is a convert like me, and is supportive of my decision to wear whatever I want, but he likes hijab. In fact, he suggested that I should wear it and even if I couldn't find work he would support and provide for us as well as he is able.

Never, ever, ever judge a person for ANY sin without knowing their story, and use caution in making judgments even when you know their story because you haven't lived their lives. Only Allah knows what is in a person's heart. I absolutely would endure God's judgment to keep my children fed and safe. Nobody else's opinion matters.

 

That's very beautiful dear sister.... And i'm sorry that you had to go through all that after becoming muslim :( .

You did what you had to do in that circumstances. And indeed Allah(swT) is merciful He knows the situation and conditions of the hearts. People should be worried about themselves instead judging and preaching others. May Allah grant you and your family with all the blessings of this world and the next one. Ameen

Edited March 9, 2015 by struggling_On

[Neptuncurse]

السلام عليكم

 

(First of all, I don't want any girl who doesn't wear the hijab for her own valid reason -Fear of discrimination and harm...etc- to feel bad about what I'm about to say. Intentions are just as important as actions and many pious women don't wear the hijab for reasons they have, I'm jut stating my observation)

 

I simply don't agree with this. The Hijab as well as every instructed Islamic teaching has repercussions. The effects are not direct, but they are indirect on the person and on the society as well. This is as I said true for every Islamic instruction we have. Allah does not give arbitrary instructions. Some of those girls want to have a foot in Islam and a foot outside it. If you are a Muslim you have to do everything in your power to follow every part of the religion. 

 

The Hijab is not just symbol of modesty or to cover up. It is a symbol of Islam of respect. Anyone who sees you will know you are a muslim and will most likely not harm you. I live in society where only a handful of women wear the Hijab. I have muslim friends who don't wear it for the same logic you mentioned. Here is my observation (not to generalise or anything. This is just from my environment):

 

-Those girls who don't wear the hijab are more likely to be flirted with and hit on. 

- They are more likely to shake hands and even hug and kiss -on the cheek- strange men. 

-They are more likely to joke with strange men and laugh loudly. 

-They don't look out of place in a party, bar or club. 

-They are more likely to show less more skin and use their feminine power when it's convenient. 

-They are less likely to be embarrassed if they behave inappropriately once in a while. 

-It decreases the value of a woman's beauty, because it makes it available at all times. 

 

Your hijab is a harness. It holds you back from doing inappropriate things even when you want to, because it reminds of who you are and because it projects a certain image that most hijabis would feel embarrassed of shaking. Even non-muslim men will respect you, because they know you are off limits. Muslim men will respect you as well as muslim women. 

 

It is the natural state of a woman to be wearing a hijab. It is unnatural for her to not wear it even though the world would like you to believe differently. It is the truth. 

 

There are many hidden benefits for the hijab that we can't grasp with our incomplete minds, but we trust that Allah knows it's best for us. 

Edited March 9, 2015 by Neptuncurse