The Nature Of Sincerity

[Abu Zainab]

Sincerity or Ikhlas is defined as conditioning the heart to solely worship Allah Taa'ala. It also relates to the negation of Riyaa (hypocrisy) and ash-shierk-ul-khafiey (subtle polytheism). Allah says, ''They have not been ordered except to worship Allah, sincerely excecuting to him, the entire Deen (religion) and being Hunafaa (true believers). Ikhlas helps us...pushes us to discard and extract incorrect intentions when executing Allah's Orders or any deed prescribed by the Shari'a. Such intentions could pertain to the acquisition of favors from people, or their approval so that ulterior motives and objectives be fulfilled. The highest level of sincerity is obtained when Allah's orders are executed solely because of SERVITUDE to Allah and not to desire rewards. In this regard, Ibn Faariedh said:-
I do not ask, from the gardens (of paradise) any blessing or gift. However, I love it to see You (Allah) therein.

Another poet said:-
All of them are worshiping due to fear of the Fire.
They consider escaping(therefrom) a great bounty
Or worship to live in Paradise..to be in gardens and drink of its spring named Salsabeel
I don't have any say regarding paradise and the Fire,
I do not seek, for my love (of Allah) any substitute.
For further reading(s), see ''Awakening of The Aspirations''--a commentary of The Maxims of
Ibn Ataa'ullah, by Al-Aarif Billah, Ahmad bin Muhammad Ajeebah-Al Hasani