I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, "The reward of deeds depends on the intentions, so whoever emigrated for the worldly benefits or to marry a woman, his emigration was for that for which he emigrated, but whoever emigrated for the Sake of Allah and His Apostle, his emigration is for Allah and His Apostle."
Hadith of Intentions - Sahih al-Bukhari 3898
From the Book: Merits of the Helpers in Madinah (Ansaar)
Author: Sahih al-Bukhari
Textual Analysis
This noble hadith establishes the fundamental principle that actions are judged by their intentions. The Prophet ﷺ distinguishes between two types of emigrants: those who seek worldly gains and those who seek divine pleasure.
The phrase "reward of deeds depends on the intentions" means the validity and acceptance of acts of worship are contingent upon sincere intention directed solely toward Allah.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam al-Nawawi states this hadith is one of the foundational texts of Islam, encompassing one-third of Islamic knowledge. It teaches that mere physical actions without proper intention are spiritually worthless.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali explains that intention transforms ordinary actions into acts of worship when directed toward Allah. The emigrant seeking worldly benefits receives only what he intended, while the one emigrating for Allah receives infinite reward.
Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that this hadith establishes the principle of ikhlas (sincerity) as the cornerstone of all accepted worship, protecting acts from being invalidated by ostentation or worldly motives.
Practical Implications
This teaching applies to all acts of worship: prayer, fasting, charity, and even mundane activities when performed with righteous intention.
The scholars derive from this that intention must precede action, be continuously renewed, and be purified from corrupting motives throughout the deed's duration.
Muslims are reminded to regularly examine their intentions, ensuring all actions align with seeking Allah's pleasure alone, not worldly recognition or personal gain.