‘Umar bin Al Khattab reported the Apostle of Allaah(ﷺ) as saying “Actions are to be judged only by intentions and a man will have only what he intended. When one’s emigration is to Allaah and His Apostle, his emigration is to Allaah and His Apostle but his emigration is to a worldly end at which he aims or to a woman whom he marries, his emigration is to that for which he emigrated.
Hadith of Intention (Niyyah)
This foundational hadith from Sunan Abi Dawud 2201 establishes the principle that all actions are judged by their underlying intentions. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) teaches that the spiritual value of deeds depends entirely on the purpose behind them.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam Al-Nawawi explains that this hadith forms one of the fundamental principles of Islam. The intention distinguishes between ordinary habits and acts of worship, and between different types of worship themselves.
The emigration (hijrah) example illustrates how identical outward actions carry different spiritual weights based on intention. One who emigrates for Allah's pleasure receives full reward, while one who emigrates for worldly gain receives only what they intended.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
Scholars emphasize that proper intention must precede the action and be maintained throughout. The heart must be sincerely directed toward Allah alone.
This principle applies to all acts of worship - prayer, fasting, charity, and even marital relations. When performed with pure intention, worldly activities can become acts of worship.
Practical Application
Muslims are advised to regularly examine their intentions, renew them before acts of worship, and seek Allah's acceptance. The hadith encourages sincerity (ikhlas) and warns against showing off (riya').
Even in matters of divorce and marriage from Kitab Al-Talaq, intentions determine the spiritual consequences of these actions alongside their legal effects.