Actions are but by intentions, and every man shall have but what he intended. So whoever's emigration is to Allah and His Messenger, his emigration is to Allah and His Messenger; and whoever's emigration is for worldly gain to achieve it or for a woman to marry her, his emigration is for what he emigrated to.
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.