The First Hadith in Imam Nawawi’s Collection “Actions Are Judged by Intentions”
The Foundation of Sincerity in Islam
At the heart of Islamic spirituality and jurisprudence lies a profound principle: “Actions are judged by intentions.” This timeless hadith, narrated by Umar ibn Al-Khattab and recorded in both Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, opens the celebrated collection of Imam Nawawi’s Forty Hadiths. It serves as a cornerstone for understanding the role of intention (niyyah) in every act of worship and daily life.
Imam Al-Nawawi’s Introduction to the Forty Hadiths
“Actions are judged by intentions.”
This timeless hadith, narrated by Umar ibn Al-Khattab and recorded in both Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, opens the celebrated collection of Imam Nawawi’s Forty Hadiths. It serves as a cornerstone for understanding the role of intention (niyyah) in every act of worship and daily life.
The Hadith and Its Narrator
The full narration reads:
“Actions are judged by intentions, and every person will have what they intended. So whoever migrates for Allah and His Messenger, his migration is for Allah and His Messenger. But whoever migrates for worldly gain or to marry a woman, his migration is for that which he migrated.”
This hadith was narrated solely by Umar ibn Al-Khattab, the second caliph of Islam, known for his justice and deep understanding of the religion. His transmission of this hadith adds weight to its significance in shaping Islamic ethics and law.
Scholarly Commentary on the Hadith
Imam Al-Shafi’i said:
“This hadith constitutes one-third of knowledge, and it enters into seventy chapters of fiqh.”
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal remarked:
“The foundations of Islam are upon three hadith: the hadith of intentions, the hadith of ‘Aisha about whoever innovates in this matter of ours, and the hadith of Nu’man ibn Bashir about the lawful and unlawful.”
These statements highlight how this single hadith influences Islamic law, ethics, and spirituality.
Types of Intentions in Islam
The scholars categorize intentions into three main types:
- Pure Intention for Allah Alone
This is the highest form of sincerity (ikhlas) and is fully rewarded. - Intention Mixed with Riya’ (Showing Off)
This is considered a form of hidden shirk and nullifies the reward.
As Sufyan al-Thawri said: “I have never treated anything more difficult than my intention, for it keeps changing on me.” - Intention Mixed with Permissible Worldly Benefit
Such as seeking trade during Hajj or spoils during jihad. This yields partial reward.
The Struggle for Sincerity (Ikhlas)
Achieving true sincerity is one of the most challenging spiritual tasks.
Sahl ibn Abdullah al-Tustari said:
“There is nothing more difficult upon the soul than sincerity, for it has no share in it.”
This struggle is ongoing, requiring vigilance, humility, and a constant return to Allah.
Stories of the Sincere
The lives of the righteous are filled with examples of hidden deeds done purely for Allah:
- Ali ibn Al-Husayn (Zain al-Abidin) used to secretly deliver food to the poor at night. His acts were only discovered after his death when the nightly charity stopped.
- A pious man would pretend to sleep so his wife could rest, then rise to pray in secret.
These stories inspire Muslims to build a “private chamber” of worship—deeds known only to Allah.
Practical Lessons for Today’s Muslims
For students and seekers of knowledge at Muslim Academy, this hadith is a call to:
- Purify intentions in learning, worship, and service.
- Avoid riya’ by keeping good deeds private.
- Reflect regularly on the motivations behind actions.
- Strive for ikhlas, knowing that Allah alone rewards sincerity.
Conclusion: The Spiritual Compass of Every Muslim
The hadith of intention is more than a legal maxim—it is a spiritual compass. It reminds us that Allah looks at the heart, not just the outward action. Whether praying, giving charity, or seeking knowledge, the intention defines the value of the deed.
At Muslim Academy, we encourage every learner to begin their journey with this hadith. Let it guide your actions, purify your heart, and bring you closer to Allah.
“Indeed, Allah does not look at your appearance or wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds.”
— Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Sahih Muslim)https://www.youtube.com/shorts/uCdnp9nmfTk
