That the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Deeds are but with intentions, and for the man is only what he intended. So one whose emigration was to Allah and His Messenger, then his emigration was to Allah and His Messenger. And one whose emigration was to the world, to attain some of it, or woman, to marry her, then his emigration was to what he emigrated.
This Hadith is Hasan Sahih. Malik bin Anas, Sufyan Ath-Thawri and more than one of the A'immah narrated this Hadith from Yahya bin Sa'eed. And we do not know of it except as a narration from Yahya bin Sa'eed Al-Ansari. 'Abdur Rahman bin Mahdi said: "It is necessary that we put this Hadith in every chapter."
Narrated by Narrated 'Umar bin Al-Khattab:
Context
This hadith emphasizes the importance of intentions behind actions, as conveyed by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). He states that deeds are judged by the intentions behind them, illustrating that the purpose behind actions determines their value. This principle is foundational in Islamic teachings regarding accountability.
Modern Application
In everyday life, this principle encourages individuals to reflect on their motivations for their actions. It serves as a reminder that genuine intentions can lead to meaningful outcomes, whether in personal goals or community service.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Intentions and Reward of Deeds because it highlights the significance of the intention behind actions in determining their worth.
And whoever emigrates for the cause of Allah will find on the earth many [alternative] locations and abundance. And whoever leaves his home as an emigrant to Allah and His Messenger and then death overtakes him - his reward has already become incumbent upon Allah. And Allah is ever Forgiving and Merciful.
The ones who have believed, emigrated and striven in the cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives are greater in rank in the sight of Allah. And it is those who are the attainers [of success].
But if you should desire Allah and His Messenger and the home of the Hereafter - then indeed, Allah has prepared for the doers of good among you a great reward."
For the poor emigrants who were expelled from their homes and their properties, seeking bounty from Allah and [His] approval and supporting Allah and His Messenger, [there is also a share]. Those are the truthful.
But those who have believed and emigrated and fought in the cause of Allah and those who gave shelter and aided - it is they who are the believers, truly. For them is forgiveness and noble provision.
This hadith is #1696 from Jami` at-Tirmidhi, in the Book of The Book on Virtues of Jihad. It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated 'Umar bin Al-Khattab:.