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Is True Sincerity Not Hoping for Heaven or Fearing Hell? Ulama Explain This. | Republika Online ID

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Explainer Sources not specified Context piece
  • The highest level of sincerity in worship involves seeking only Allah's pleasure, without expecting paradise or fearing hell.
  • This highest form of sincerity is explained by scholar Syekh Muhammad Nawawi bin Umar al-Banteni in his book "Nurudh Dholam."
  • The explanation outlines three levels of sincerity: for Allah, for the afterlife, and for worldly gains.

The true essence of worship lies in sincerity, known as 'ikhlas,' which significantly determines the value of any act of devotion in the eyes of Allah SWT. However, not all forms of sincerity are considered equal. Renowned scholar Syekh Muhammad Nawawi bin Umar al-Banteni elaborates on the concept, identifying three distinct levels of sincerity, each distinguished by the underlying motivation of the worshipper.

Ikhlas is the spirit of every act of worship. No matter how great the worship a person performs, its value in the sight of Allah SWT is greatly determined by the sincerity that resides in the heart.

— UlamaGeneral statement on the importance of sincerity in Islamic worship.

According to Syekh Nawawi's exposition in his book "Nurudh Dholam," the paramount level of sincerity is 'ikhlas karena Allah', sincerity for Allah. This highest form is characterized by a believer's worship and good deeds performed solely to attain Allah's pleasure, devoid of any desire for heavenly rewards or fear of hellish punishment. This selfless devotion is deemed the most elevated state of spiritual commitment.

Ikhlas because of Allah occupies the first and primary position. Sincerity in this group is a believer when worshiping Allah and doing good deeds, not expecting anything except Allah's pleasure, nor expecting the reward of heaven or to avoid the torment of hell.

— Syekh Nawawi Al-BantaniExplaining the highest level of sincerity in his book 'Nurudh Dholam'.

Below this, the second level is 'ikhlas karena akhirat', sincerity for the hereafter. Individuals at this stage engage in worship and righteous actions with the hope of receiving rewards in paradise and the fear of facing punishment in hell. While still a form of sincerity, it is considered a middle-tier motivation compared to the pure devotion sought in the first level.

This sincerity is at the highest level.

— Syekh Nawawi Al-BantaniDescribing the motivation of seeking only Allah's pleasure.

The third and lowest level is 'ikhlas karena dunia', sincerity for worldly benefits. This involves performing acts of worship, such as reciting specific verses or giving charity, with the explicit intention of gaining worldly advantages like wealth or increased fortune. Syekh Nawawi categorizes this as the least sincere form of devotion, as the focus is on material gain rather than spiritual fulfillment.

This level of sincerity is at a medium level.

— Syekh Nawawi Al-BantaniDescribing the motivation of seeking rewards in the afterlife.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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