The path to sincerity
Q: These days, I live, not knowing what to do in order to be sincere to Allah; as achieving sincerity to Allah is not an easy matter. It is one of the obligatory acts; one of the Companions used to say, "How rare sincerity is!" What should one do to be sincere to Allah so that gaining knowledge and attaining the highest degrees and ranks will be solely for the sake of Allah? What should one do (Part No. 2; Page No. 207) in order to offer Salah (Prayer) while feeling the greatness of Allah (Praised and Exalted be He). After I perform Salah, I do not feel that I have been standing before the Compeller of the heavens and the earth. I am afraid that I get angry when seeing evil out of zeal and not for the sake of Allah. This does not mean that I do good deeds to show off or to gain a good reputation. I would like Your Excellency to clarify this matter to me. I have discussed it with one of my fellow Muslim brothers. He told me that actions may not involve showing off and the intention to acquire reputation, yet still they lack sincerity. They may be done just because the person wants to do them. Sawm or Qiyam-ul-Layl (optional Prayer at night), for example, may not be regarded for the sake of Allah, if the doer does not bring to his mind this objective while doing them.
A: You need to put much effort in order to attain the degree of full submission to Allah, by your heart and soul. Always make Allah's Pleasure and His reward the main objective behind your actions. Have a constant reminder of your meeting with Allah and the Hereafter. Fend off Satan's insinuations and plots, for he wants to keep you in constant trouble and fill you with doubts.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.
Satan's insinuations
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