The intention behind the action is weightier than the action itself. For this reason Imam al-Bukhari began his collection of hadith, citing that all actions that are devoid of the correct intention, are in vain.
Imam Hadad
One of the most well known hadith amongst Muslims is that which was narrated by the companion Umar ibn Khattab, may God be pleased with him, regarding intention:
“Verily actions are but by intentions”
The intention behind the action is weightier than the action itself. For this reason Imam al- Bukhari began his collection of hadith, Sahih al-Bukhari, with the hadith of Umar citing that all actions that are devoid of the correct intention, are in vain.
The scholars of the Hadramawt valley emphasised the formulation of an intention for every action because a seemingly mundane or permissable action can be turned into worship merely by the intention behind it. The scholar and spiritual educator, al-Habib Muhammad b. Alawi al-Aydarus, compiled a comprehensive book of intentions that is widely available in Arabic and partly available in English.
One of the most emphasised intentions in Hadramawt is that of knowledge, as compiled by the great scholar of Tarim Imam Abdullah b. Alawi al-Haddad, may God be pleased with him. The intention is meant to be recited before a lesson or endeavour of seeking knowledge but beyond that it is to be internalised and realised.
May God give us the insight, sincerity and success to precede our actions with righteous intentions!
