A Beautiful Intention

There is a growing movement on the power of setting an intention to light your path. This modern emphasis has helped me understand Islam's greatest Prophetic teaching that existed for centuries: "Actions are according to intentions, and everyone will get what was intended."

How is this hadith essential in creating harmony in our every day living? Can an intention be selfish? Dark? Destructive? Is it possible to produce pure intentions? Why is setting an intention so powerful and incredibly important?

Intentions hold significant weight and serve as a pillar to how actions are evaluated by God. They are intertwined with the state of one's heart, reflecting the innermost reality of individuals. A sincere intention has the ability to purify the heart and foster spiritual growth. Or, the outcome of the exact positive or negative action (or life altering decisions) performed by two different people at the same time can yield a bright result for one and a destructive result for the other. Simply because of an intention.

If intentions reveal the internal and external state of a person, or results can be directly related to the intention, which only the heart is conscious of, then the logical formula would be to purify the heart.

It is also narrated in the Prophetic tradition that a worshipper who was known for her religious performances such as fasting, praying, and giving charity, would dwell in hellfire because she had trapped a cat in her home and refused to feed it, leading to the cat's death. Whereas a prostitute was promised heaven and everlasting harmony because she gave water to a thirsty dog.

What was the difference between these two women?

Perhaps it was their hearts. Their intentions.

Maybe one woman’s heart was dark, causing suffering to others. Whereas the other woman’s heart was light, easing their pains. Maybe their behavior towards the animal was who they were at the core, and a reflection of the most secretive space in a human: the heart.

This is why the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "God does not look at your appearance or status, but rather looks at your heart and actions.”

That heart has the transformative power to fuel an intention in various directions, yielding to various results.

Even for simple, day-to-day activities like brushing your teeth or exercising, make a beautiful intention. Thus, creating a cycle of goodness, purity, and joy.

So when I wanted to turn the expensive act of buying a several hundred dollar espresso machine into an act of worship, I made the following intentions:

• to slow down and reflect on the never-ending miracles around me, including my limbs to make the coffee and ability to taste it

• to feel gratitude for the present moment, which is perfect

• to fill my insides with beauty so that I can pour beauty to others

• to share quality cappuccinos and lattes with neighbors and friends

• to put a smile on people's faces, including workers who come to my home

• to ease a person's pain with a fresh brew and velvety crema

• to create moments of togetherness and human connection and love

  
  

And so much more. I knew that every dollar spent would be a blessing to gain. I also knew that an action I was was going to do regardless would be transformative internally and externally because it started with a beautiful intention.

So. If you are going to do something, even if it's a habitual task like brushing your teeth or taking a walk, or a big decision, ask yourself: how can I use this moment to grow spiritually? How can I make a beautiful intention? How can I intertwine the state of my heart with producing a favorable outcome?

Check your heart. Truly. Check. Your. Heart. Assess your external situation. Is it chaotic? Is there peace? Do you feel tightness? Are you seeing blessings around you?

Your answers should give you a clearer image of your inside.

Words are only crocheted letters, uttered all too easily. Your behavior will determine the quality of your words. Those words will either be light or dark, depending on the color of your heart. And that always goes back to your intention.

So make it a beautiful.