Intention and Conduct

:Sayyid Muhammad Sadiq Shirazi

2013/02/02

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Islamic teachings strenuously emphasise on the importance of purifying the hearts as well as the intentions within them. In this respect Imam Ali (A) states:

"He whose intention is good, his conduct would be pleasant." He also states "Good conduct (throughout one's life), is indicative of one's good intentions."

Furthermore Imam Ali (A) stresses that there is a direct relationship between the purity of one's heart and the so undness of his thoughts and insight, by saying:

"The goodness of the hearts and intentions is evidence for the soundness of visions." Imam al-Saadiq (A) states:

"What benefit is to he who presents a pleasant (behaviour) and hides a vile (intention)? Is it not that if he goes back to himself, he knows that that is not the case? Allah Almighty states: 'Rather, man shall witness against himself, even though he may put forth his excuses.' 91 Truly if the intention is valid, the conduct would be justified."

The Imam emphasises that one cannot escape from the results and consequences of what he has hidden from others regardless of the passage of time when he says:

"No one intends or commits something good unless Allah brings forth (something) good for him (even) after the passage of time, and no one intends or commits something evil unless Allah brings forth (something) bad for him after the passage of time."

Notes:

91. The Holy Qur'an: Resurrection (75): 14-15.

Adapted from the book: "War, Peace & Non-Violence" by: "Sayyid Muhammad Sadiq Shirazi"

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