"Actions are but by intentions, and each person will have but that which he intended. Thus, he whose emigration was for the sake of Allah and His Messenger, his emigration was for the sake of Allah and His Messenger, and he whose emigration was to achieve some worldly gain or to take some woman in marriage, his emigration was for that for which he emigrated."
The Book of Oaths and Vows - Sunan an-Nasa'i
Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 3794
Commentary on the Hadith of Intentions
This noble hadith establishes the fundamental principle that the validity and acceptance of all deeds depend upon the purity of intention. The Prophet (peace be upon him) clarifies that the same outward action can yield different spiritual results based on what resides in the heart.
The example of emigration (hijrah) demonstrates how identical physical movements carry vastly different spiritual weights. One who emigrates seeking Allah's pleasure earns immense reward, while another performing the same act for worldly gain receives only what he sought. This teaches us that Islam values sincerity over mere ritual.
Scholars explain that intention (niyyah) is the soul of worship, distinguishing acts of obedience from habits, and distinguishing levels of worship among believers. A righteous intention transforms ordinary actions into acts of worship when accompanied by seeking Allah's pleasure.
This hadith serves as a constant reminder to purify our motives in all matters, ensuring our actions align with divine pleasure rather than worldly desires or ostentation.