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Niyyah is an Arabic word that means "intention" or "purpose." It is a fundamental concept in Islam that plays a crucial role in shaping one's actions and behaviours. Niyyah is essential because it determines the validity and reward of an act of worship or good deed.

In this article, we will explore the concept of niyyah in Islam and its significance in daily life. We will also discuss how one can make niyyah and some practical tips to maintain pure intention.

What is Niyyah?

Niyyah is the act of making an intention to perform an action. It is a conscious decision that one makes before performing any act of worship or good deed. Niyyah is considered the starting point of any action and is the first step towards achieving righteousness and goodness.

In Islam, niyyah is an essential aspect of worship, and without it, the act of worship is invalid. For example, if a person prays without niyyah, his prayer is not considered valid in the eyes of Allah. Similarly, if a person gives charity without pure intention, he will not be rewarded for his good deed.

The Significance of Niyyah

Niyyah is significant because it helps to differentiate between a good deed and a bad deed. It is the purity of the intention that determines the reward of an act. If the intention is good, the act is considered a good deed, and the reward for it is multiplied. On the other hand, if the intention is bad, the act is considered a bad deed, and the person is held accountable for it.

Niyyah also helps to develop sincerity in worship. It is easy to fall into the trap of showing off and seeking praise from others while performing an act of worship. However, if one makes niyyah solely for the sake of Allah, the act becomes pure, and the reward is increased.

How to Make Niyyah?

Making niyyah is simple. All one has to do is make a conscious decision to perform an action solely for the sake of Allah. Niyyah should be made before performing any act of worship or good deed.

For example, before praying, one should make niyyah that he is performing this prayer solely for the sake of Allah. Similarly, before giving charity, one should make niyyah that he is giving charity to please Allah and seek His reward.

Tips to Maintain Pure Intention

Maintaining a pure intention can be challenging, especially in today's world where we are surrounded by distractions and temptations. However, here are some practical tips that can help us maintain pure intention:

Remember the purpose: Always remind yourself of the purpose of the action you are performing. For example, if you are giving charity, remind yourself that you are doing it to seek the pleasure of Allah.
Seek Allah's help: Ask Allah to help you maintain a pure intention and protect you from showing off.
Avoid showing off: Avoid performing acts of worship or good deeds to seek praise from others. Always perform them solely for the sake of Allah.
Check your intention: Regularly check your intention and ask yourself whether you are performing an act solely for the sake of Allah or not.

Conclusion

In conclusion, niyyah is a crucial concept in Islam that determines the validity and reward of an act of worship or good deed. It helps to differentiate between a good deed and a bad deed and develops sincerity in worship. Making niyyah is simple, and it should be made before performing any act of worship or good deed. To maintain a pure intention, one should always remember the purpose, seek Allah's help, avoid showing off, and regularly check their intention.