Aslam

What is Ikhlas? (Sincere intention). Know it for certain, O good readers, that everything remains mixed up with another thing. When it does not remain mixed up with other things, it is said to be pure or unadultered. When any action is done with only one object, it is said to be done with pure intention. Allah says : There is a lesson in a cow. I give you drink from what is in its belly coming out of its dung and blood-milk pure and wholesome for those who drink-16:66Q. The purity of milk means that there is no mixture of blood or excretion in the milk. Purity is opposite to mixture. What is not pure has got mixture therein. Purity in Tauhid or oneness of God admits no partnership in the existence or in the attributes of God. His existence is unique and His attributes also are unique. So uniqueness admits no partnership commonly called Shirk or setting up partner. This purity or uniqueness is external expression of will. When purpose, and will are the same, the action which flows from them is called sincere work. He whose sole purpose is to show to the people, can also be called to possess 'unadulterated intention. He whose sole purpose is to gain nearness of God is also called a man having pure intention, If a man intends only to have the pleasure of Allah in divine service, he must get rid of the following intentions (1) to have good health in fasting, (2) to give relief from labour in setting free a slave, (3) to recoup health in journey for Haj, (4) to fight for any other purpose than to please God, (5) to pray Tahajjud to guard the family and properties at night, (6) to acquire money or fame by education (7) to acquire money by writing books, (8) to make ablution to make oneself pure or to purify the bodily limbs, (9) to make I'tiqaf in mosque in order to get relief from house rent, (10) to give a beggar so that he may not beg again, (11) to do an act to gain name and fame or to have status in society. Such an action done with an intention mixed with the pleasure of Allah is not pure and unadulterated. It will be to setting up a share with Allah, while Allah says : I am free from the partnership of partners. In short, if any intention is mixed with the intention of securing the pleasure of God, it will be shirk or setting up

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