What makes our intentions good? In the last input, I was discussing self-reflection and intent vs action, describing an example scenario that gives us an idea about why it is a good thing to consider not only our own intentions, but the possible effects of them.
The importance of considering how actions might affect others does not really come as a big surprise. Will our intention benefit others or potentially cause harm? After all, good intentions generally seek to uplift, support, or protect. In that sense, we can see the continued connection with aspects I have described over the past couple of updates, such as empathy and selflessness. Indeed, I say again, everything is somehow connected. How we feel, how we think, and how we act. A good rule to follow and consider is described by the following ayat…
سورة سبإ ٤٧
قُلۡ مَا سَأَلۡتُكُم مِّنۡ أَجۡرٖ فَهُوَ لَكُمۡۖ إِنۡ أَجۡرِيَ إِلَّا عَلَى ٱللَّهِۖ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيۡءٖ شَهِيدٞ
سورة البقرة ٢٢٥
لَّا يُؤَاخِذُكُمُ ٱللَّهُ بِٱللَّغۡوِ فِيٓ أَيۡمَٰنِكُمۡ وَلَٰكِن يُؤَاخِذُكُم بِمَا كَسَبَتۡ قُلُوبُكُمۡۗ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ حَلِيمٞ
Surah Saba 34:47
Say: “No reward do I ask of you: it is (all) in your interest: my reward is only due from Allah: And He is witness to all things.”
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:225
Allah will not call you to account for thoughtlessness in your oaths, but for the intention in your hearts; and He is Oft-forgiving, Most Forbearing.
* The Golden Rule: Ask yourself if you would be okay with others having the same intention toward you. If the answer is no, your intention might need reconsideration.
* Clear and Honest Communication: A person with good intentions will often be open about their motivations and reasoning. They are less likely to hide their true aims, even in situations where it might be difficult for them to say. Their words and behavior remain consistent over time, showing integrity. Sometimes, our instincts can provide insights. People with good intentions often make others feel safe, respected, and valued.
* Listen to Criticism: Feedback can always be helpful. It’s possible for someone with good intentions to cause harm due to ignorance, poor judgment, or miscommunication. Intentions can also sometimes be misunderstood due to cultural differences or situational constraints, so it’s important to consider these factors. This doesn’t make a person’s intentions bad. It’s good to be open to constructive criticism from others for that reason. They might see something we have missed.
In summary, good intentions typically revolve around honesty, empathy, consistency, and a desire to benefit others. These are the kind of considerations that pushes us forward and gives us direction, assisted and helped by His guidance…
سورة الزمر ٣٧
وَمَن يَهۡدِ ٱللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُۥ مِن مُّضِلٍّۗ
سورة الحج ٥٤
وَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَهَادِ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطٖ مُّسۡتَقِيمٖ
سورة النمل ٧٩
فَتَوَكَّلۡ عَلَى ٱللَّهِۖ إِنَّكَ عَلَى ٱلۡحَقِّ ٱلۡمُبِينِ
Surah Az-Zumar 39:37
And such as Allah doth guide there can be none to lead astray.
Surah Al-Hajj 22:54
for verily Allah is the Guide of those who believe, to the Straight Way.
Surah An-Naml 27:79
So put thy trust in Allah: for thou art on (the path of) manifest Truth.
Some good points to consider on our path to Jannah, I hope it was an inspiring input. We will look at other aspects next time, inshallah, be sure to not miss it. For now, I wish everyone the biggest comfort and safety, and a beautiful day ahead, inshallah. Jumma Mubarak everyone, from the heart.
The best of times to you all inshallah.
Peace, happiness, and stay faithful.
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