Download PDF: [S] Sincerity of Actions

It is reported that once Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali – may Allah be pleased with him – had control over an enemy of Islam while he was on the ground. His intention was to cut off his head. However, at that precise moment the person spat on the face of Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali – may Allah be pleased with him. When this happened, Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali – may Allah be pleased with him – immediately let go this person. When someone asked him the reason for this, he replied, “Since he spat on me and I became angry, I did not want that I kill him due to my personal anger. At the beginning, I had the sincere intention of killing him for the Divine Pleasure of Allah Almighty.”

 

It is mentioned that once a person from Khurasan decided to travel to perform Hajj. When he arrived in Baghdad Shareef he noticed that he had a lot of valuable items with him. He then decided to leave this with someone who was considered a great Zaahid or worshipper. He informed this person that he should keep these items safe for him and that he will take it from him when he returns from Hajj. However, on his return, he was informed that this person had died. Obviously he was extremely concerned and approached some members of this person’s family to find out whether the person had left any last minute Will pertaining to these items.

 

The family members mentioned that they had no idea about any of these items. He then approached some of the ‘Ulama present and they advised him to go to the well of Zam Zam. They also mentioned to him that the blessed souls of the Muslims are found in this place. He was told to call out the name of this person and if he answered, he was to ask him where the valuable items were to be found. He was also informed that if this person did not answer, he was to travel to a well called Bar-hoot which was to be found in the city of Hadramut in Yemen. In this well, the souls of the sinners resided.

 

The person then stood in front of the Zam Zam and called out to this person, but there was no answer.

 

He then travelled to the well of Bar-hoot and called out to the person. The person answered his call. He asked him where his valuable items were hidden and the person informed him that he was to approach his sons and ask them to find his items in a certain spot. He was informed that the sons of this person would certainly return his goods to him. He then asked this person extremely surprised, “Where you not considered among the Zaahids and pious people?” He replied, “My actions were not for the sake of Allah Almighty and there was no sincerity in my actions as well.” (Al Qalyubi)