Deeds and worship are pure and impure.

Actions and Worship: Pure and Impure: An Introspective Review

Islam is a complete system of life, every part of which is based on practice, belief, and behavior. Its main foundation is to stand on two pillars: faith and action. And this action includes worship, which is the highest expression of a servant's surrender to Allah. However, as important as worship is, its purity is equally important. If worship is not pure, it will not be acceptable to Allah. And the purity of worship is related to the intention, method, Shariah adherence, and the state of the heart.

When we perform a prayer, fast, go on Hajj, or give charity - all of these are outward acts of worship. But the question is, is it enough if these acts of worship are only outwardly correct? No. Rather, their acceptance depends on purity. Purity is not just external rituals, but depends on the intention deep within the heart, the intention to please Allah, and following the Sunnah of the Prophet.

The first and main condition for the purity of deeds and worship is ‘Ikhlas’—meaning doing them only for the sake of Allah. No matter how beautiful an act may be on the outside, it is worthless in the sight of Allah. The Quran says, “They were commanded only that they should worship Allah, being sincere to Him, making the religion pure for Him.” (Surah Bayyinah: 5). If show-offiness, pretense, or any worldly motives enter the heart of worship, then that deed is ruined. For example, if someone seeks the praise of people through his prayer, ‘Ikhlas’ disappears from that prayer, and it remains just a physical exercise.

The second condition is—following the Sunnah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is our only model of worship. He has taught us how to worship, in what manner, and when to do it. If someone invents a new method of worship on his own, even if it is very beautiful and appealing, Islam calls it an innovation. Innovation is not only something to be avoided, but it directly destroys the purity of worship. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever introduces into this religion of mine something that is not part of it, it will be rejected.” (Bukhari and Muslim). Therefore, the purity of our worship depends on performing it according to the rules proven in the Quran and the authentic Hadith.

However, the purity of worship is not limited to intention and method alone, but it is also associated with the state of the heart, peace of mind, concentration, and seeking happiness. Even while standing in prayer, if business, worldly thoughts, social concerns, or human attitudes are present in the mind, then even if that worship is outwardly pure, its spiritual quality is determined. The Quran states, “Successful is he who is content in his prayer.” (Surah Al-Mu'minun: 1-2). This ‘contentment’ is greatly lacking in our worship today. We quickly perform Fajr prayer and go to work, finish Zuhr prayer in the office, and recite in a hurry, but our hearts are not connected at all. Such worship may be accepted, but it does not purify our soul, but rather becomes a routine behavior.

Another important aspect here is the social reflection of impure deeds and worship. Many times we see people praying, fasting, and performing Hajj, but the principles of Islam are absent in their behavior, speech, business fairness, and family relationships. This duality is evidence of the lack of effectiveness of worship. If worship is done in a pure manner, it will be reflected in the character of the person. The Quran says, “Prayer prevents indecency and evil deeds.” (Surah Ankabut: 45). Therefore, those who pray but lie, backbite, take interest, and cheat—there is definitely something lacking in their prayer.

Impurity in deeds and worship often comes from ignorance. People think, ‘Even such great sinners do not pray, I at least pray, that is something!’ This ‘doing a little will do’ mentality is one of the tricks of Satan. There is no concept of ‘average’ worship in Islam. Rather, sincerity, correctness, and the pleasure of Allah are the main things. Moreover, if there is no halal sustenance, the supplication of one who consumes haram food is not accepted—this has also been mentioned in the Hadith. Therefore, the halal sustenance, purity of heart, purity of intention, and adherence to Sharia are essential as prerequisites for pure worship.

It is important to adopt some means to maintain the purity of deeds and worship. First, to take regular education to know the Quran and authentic Hadith. Second, to be involved with scholars so that one can get guidance on the correct method of worship. Third, to practice self-criticism—to judge the quality of one's worship, purify one's intentions, and surrender one's soul to Allah. This practice will increase the depth and impact of our worship.

Finally, deeds and worship are not just formalities, but rather a means of spiritual connection with Allah. This connection is permanent and fruitful only when it is done entirely for the pleasure of Allah, within the boundaries of the Sharia, and with the depth of the heart. If worship is pure, it not only leads to salvation in the Hereafter, but also brings positive changes in character and society in this world. And impure worship only gives a shadow of illusory tranquility - which can ultimately cause deception and harm.

Our responsibility towards worship is not just to 'do' it, but to 'do it purely'. With this understanding, every prostration, every fast, every donation will be an enlightened step, which will take us forward on the path to Paradise. May Allah accept all of us as pure servants - this prayer is highly desirable.