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Sahih al-Bukhari · 8 narrations

Hadith about intention

Sahih al-Bukhari opens with a hadith on intention, and the theme returns throughout the collection: the same act can carry very different weight depending on why it is done.

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Sahih al-Bukhari 1

Book of Revelation

حَدَّثَنَا الْحُمَيْدِيُّ عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ الزُّبَيْرِ ، قَالَ : حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ ، قَالَ : حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ سَعِيدٍ الْأَنْصَارِيُّ ، قَالَ : أَخْبَرَنِي مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ التَّيْمِيُّ ، أَنَّهُ سَمِعَ عَلْقَمَةَ بْنَ وَقَّاصٍ اللَّيْثِيَّ ، يَقُولُ : سَمِعْتُ عُمَرَ بْنَ الْخَطَّابِ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ عَلَى الْمِنْبَرِ، قَالَ : سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ، يَقُولُ : " إِنَّمَا الْأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ، وَإِنَّمَا لِكُلِّ امْرِئٍ مَا نَوَى، فَمَنْ كَانَتْ هِجْرَتُهُ إِلَى دُنْيَا يُصِيبُهَا أَوْ إِلَى امْرَأَةٍ يَنْكِحُهَا، فَهِجْرَتُهُ إِلَى مَا هَاجَرَ إِلَيْهِ "

Narrated 'Umar bin Al-Khattab:

I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, "The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended. So whoever emigrated for worldly benefits or for a woman to marry, his emigration was for what he emigrated for."

What it teaches

This hadith teaches the foundational principle that all actions are judged and rewarded based on the intention behind them. It establishes that for any deed to be accepted by Allah ﷻ and earn spiritual reward, it must be performed with a pure intention for His sake, otherwise, the outcome will align with the worldly intention, as stated by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

In plain words

This hadith explains that the value and reward of any action we do are entirely dependent on our inner intention. It means Allah ﷻ looks at *why* we perform a deed, not just the deed itself. For instance, if someone emigrates for worldly gain or to marry, their reward will be limited to that worldly goal, not a spiritual one.

Where it applies

  • Performing acts of worship
  • Making major life decisions (e.g., migration, marriage)
  • Engaging in work or business
  • Seeking knowledge
  • Helping others

Sahih al-Bukhari 5351

Book of Supporting the Family

حَدَّثَنَا آدَمُ بْنُ أَبِي إِيَاسٍ، حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنْ عَدِيِّ بْنِ ثَابِتٍ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ عَبْدَ اللَّهِ بْنَ يَزِيدَ الأَنْصَارِيَّ، عَنْ أَبِي مَسْعُودٍ الأَنْصَارِيِّ، فَقُلْتُ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ فَقَالَ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ إِذَا أَنْفَقَ الْمُسْلِمُ نَفَقَةً عَلَى أَهْلِهِ وَهْوَ يَحْتَسِبُهَا، كَانَتْ لَهُ صَدَقَةً ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated Abu Mas`ud Al-Ansari:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "When a Muslim spends something on his family intending to receive Allah's reward it is regarded as Sadaqa for him."

What it teaches

This hadith teaches that providing for one's family, when done with the sincere intention of seeking Allah's ﷻ pleasure and reward, is elevated beyond a mere worldly obligation to the status of a charitable act (sadaqa). It underscores the profound spiritual value of fulfilling family duties with a pure intention.

In plain words

The Prophet (PBUH) taught that when a Muslim spends money on their family, and their intention is to earn Allah's ﷻ reward for this act, then this spending is considered an act of charity (sadaqa) for them. This means that fulfilling family financial responsibilities with the right intention is highly rewarded by Allah ﷻ.

Where it applies

  • A parent buying necessities for their children with a good intention.
  • A spouse providing food and shelter for their household.
  • Someone paying for the education or medical expenses of their family members.
  • A person budgeting and managing household finances with an awareness of Allah's ﷻ reward.
  • Reflecting on the spiritual value of daily financial efforts made for one's family.

Sahih al-Bukhari 38

Book of Belief

حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ سَلاَمٍ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ فُضَيْلٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، عَنْ أَبِي سَلَمَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven."

What it teaches

The hadith teaches that observing the fasts of Ramadan with genuine faith (iman) and seeking Allah's ﷻ pleasure (ihtisab) is a means for a believer to attain forgiveness for their previous sins from Allah ﷻ. It emphasizes the importance of intention and sincerity in acts of worship to receive divine reward.

In plain words

This hadith from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) teaches that if a Muslim fasts during the month of Ramadan with sincere faith and hoping for Allah's ﷻ reward, then all their past sins will be forgiven. It highlights the profound spiritual benefit and divine mercy associated with observing Ramadan with the correct intention.

Where it applies

  • Seeking spiritual purification
  • Understanding the benefits of Ramadan
  • Motivating oneself for fasting
  • Repentance and seeking forgiveness

Sahih al-Bukhari 57

Book of Belief

حَدَّثَنَا مُسَدَّدٌ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى، عَنْ إِسْمَاعِيلَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي قَيْسُ بْنُ أَبِي حَازِمٍ، عَنْ جَرِيرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، قَالَ بَايَعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَلَى إِقَامِ الصَّلاَةِ، وَإِيتَاءِ الزَّكَاةِ، وَالنُّصْحِ لِكُلِّ مُسْلِمٍ‏.‏

Narrated Jarir bin Abdullah:

I gave the pledge of allegiance to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) for the following: 1. offer prayers perfectly 2. pay the Zakat (obligatory charity) 3. and be sincere and true to every Muslim.

What it teaches

This hadith teaches that a Muslim's commitment to faith includes both ritual worship, specifically establishing prayer and paying Zakat, and the essential ethical duty of being sincere and offering good counsel to all fellow Muslims. These are foundational principles for a believer.

In plain words

Jarir bin Abdullah (RA) pledged allegiance to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), committing to establish prayers, pay Zakat, and always be sincere and give good counsel to every Muslim. This hadith highlights fundamental duties and the importance of good character in Islam.

Where it applies

  • Understanding basic Islamic obligations
  • Renewing commitment to faith
  • Improving relationships with fellow Muslims
  • Seeking guidance on a Muslim's responsibilities to the community

Sahih al-Bukhari 2387

Book of Loans, Payment of Loans, Freezing of Property, Bankruptcy

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الْعَزِيزِ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ الأُوَيْسِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا سُلَيْمَانُ بْنُ بِلاَلٍ، عَنْ ثَوْرِ بْنِ زَيْدٍ، عَنْ أَبِي الْغَيْثِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ مَنْ أَخَذَ أَمْوَالَ النَّاسِ يُرِيدُ أَدَاءَهَا أَدَّى اللَّهُ عَنْهُ، وَمَنْ أَخَذَ يُرِيدُ إِتْلاَفَهَا أَتْلَفَهُ اللَّهُ ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Whoever takes the money of the people with the intention of repaying it, Allah will repay it on his behalf, and whoever takes it in order to spoil it, then Allah will spoil him."

What it teaches

The core principle taught is the immense importance of one's intention (niyyah) when dealing with financial obligations, particularly borrowing. It highlights divine support for those with righteous intentions in debt and severe consequences for those with deceitful intentions.

In plain words

This hadith explains that if a person borrows money with a sincere intention to repay it, Allah ﷻ will assist them in fulfilling that debt. Conversely, if someone takes money with the intention of not repaying it or wasting it, Allah ﷻ will bring ruin upon them.

Where it applies

  • Taking a loan for a legitimate need
  • Managing personal or business debt
  • Borrowing money with an honest intention to return it
  • The spiritual implications of financial dealings
  • Dealing with financial obligations towards others

Sahih al-Bukhari 6423

Book of To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq)

قَالَ سَمِعْتُ عِتْبَانَ بْنَ مَالِكٍ الأَنْصَارِيَّ، ثُمَّ أَحَدَ بَنِي سَالِمٍ قَالَ غَدَا عَلَىَّ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ ‏ "‏ لَنْ يُوَافِيَ عَبْدٌ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ يَقُولُ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ‏.‏ يَبْتَغِي بِهِ وَجْهَ اللَّهِ، إِلاَّ حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ النَّارَ ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated `Utban bin Malik Al-Ansari:

who was one of the men of the tribe of Bani Salim: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) came to me and said, "If anybody comes on the Day of Resurrection who has said: La ilaha illal-lah, sincerely, with the intention to win Allah's Pleasure, Allah will make the Hell-Fire forbidden for him."

What it teaches

The hadith teaches that a sincere declaration of faith in the Oneness of Allah ﷻ (Tawhid), made purely to seek Allah's ﷻ pleasure, is a means by which Allah ﷻ will forbid Hellfire for that individual on the Day of Judgment.

In plain words

This hadith from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) explains that anyone who sincerely declares 'La ilaha illal-lah' (There is no god but Allah ﷻ) with the sole intention of seeking Allah's ﷻ pleasure will be protected from Hellfire on the Day of Resurrection. It highlights the profound importance of sincere belief in the Oneness of Allah ﷻ.

Where it applies

  • A Muslim reflecting on the core tenets of their faith
  • Someone seeking reassurance about their ultimate destiny in the afterlife
  • Understanding the immense value of sincere belief in Allah ﷻ
  • Encouraging others to embrace the fundamental declaration of Islam

Sahih al-Bukhari 6499

Book of To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq)

حَدَّثَنَا مُسَدَّدٌ، حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى، عَنْ سُفْيَانَ، حَدَّثَنِي سَلَمَةُ بْنُ كُهَيْلٍ،‏.‏ وَحَدَّثَنَا أَبُو نُعَيْمٍ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنْ سَلَمَةَ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ جُنْدَبًا، يَقُولُ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَلَمْ أَسْمَعْ أَحَدًا يَقُولُ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم غَيْرَهُ فَدَنَوْتُ مِنْهُ فَسَمِعْتُهُ يَقُولُ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ مَنْ سَمَّعَ سَمَّعَ اللَّهُ بِهِ، وَمَنْ يُرَائِي يُرَائِي اللَّهُ بِهِ ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated Jundub:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "He who lets the people hear of his good deeds intentionally, to win their praise, Allah will let the people know his real intention (on the Day of Resurrection), and he who does good things in public to show off and win the praise of the people, Allah will disclose his real intention (and humiliate him).

What it teaches

This hadith teaches the critical importance of sincerity (ikhlas) in all good deeds, emphasizing that actions should be performed solely for the pleasure of Allah ﷻ. It warns against the grave sin of showing off (riya') and seeking worldly praise, stating that Allah ﷻ will reveal the true, insincere intentions of such individuals, leading to their humiliation.

In plain words

This hadith warns that if someone performs good deeds with the intention of gaining people's praise or showing off, Allah ﷻ will expose their true, insincere intentions. It emphasizes that seeking human recognition for virtuous acts will lead to humiliation on the Day of Resurrection.

Where it applies

  • Performing acts of worship or charity publicly
  • Sharing one's good deeds with others
  • Seeking recognition for religious efforts
  • Motivations behind virtuous actions
  • Public speaking or teaching about Islam

Sahih al-Bukhari 3936

Book of Merits of the Helpers in Madinah (Ansaar)

حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ قَزَعَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، عَنْ عَامِرِ بْنِ سَعْدِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، قَالَ عَادَنِي النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَامَ حَجَّةِ الْوَدَاعِ مِنْ مَرَضٍ أَشْفَيْتُ مِنْهُ عَلَى الْمَوْتِ، فَقُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، بَلَغَ بِي مِنَ الْوَجَعِ مَا تَرَى، وَأَنَا ذُو مَالٍ وَلاَ يَرِثُنِي إِلاَّ ابْنَةٌ لِي وَاحِدَةٌ، أَفَأَتَصَدَّقُ بِثُلُثَىْ مَالِي قَالَ ‏"‏ لاَ ‏"‏‏.‏ قَالَ فَأَتَصَدَّقُ بِشَطْرِهِ قَالَ ‏"‏ الثُّلُثُ يَا سَعْدُ، وَالثُّلُثُ كَثِيرٌ، إِنَّكَ أَنْ تَذَرَ ذُرِّيَّتَكَ أَغْنِيَاءَ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَنْ تَذَرَهُمْ عَالَةً يَتَكَفَّفُونَ النَّاسَ ‏"‏‏.‏ قَالَ أَحْمَدُ بْنُ يُونُسَ عَنْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ ‏"‏ أَنْ تَذَرَ ذُرِّيَّتَكَ، وَلَسْتَ بِنَافِقٍ نَفَقَةً تَبْتَغِي بِهَا وَجْهَ اللَّهِ إِلاَّ آجَرَكَ اللَّهُ بِهَا، حَتَّى اللُّقْمَةَ تَجْعَلُهَا فِي فِي امْرَأَتِكَ ‏"‏‏.‏ قُلْتَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، أُخَلَّفُ بَعْدَ أَصْحَابِي قَالَ ‏"‏ إِنَّكَ لَنْ تُخَلَّفَ فَتَعْمَلَ عَمَلاً تَبْتَغِي بِهِ وَجْهَ اللَّهِ إِلاَّ ازْدَدْتَ بِهِ دَرَجَةً وَرِفْعَةً، وَلَعَلَّكَ تُخَلَّفُ حَتَّى يَنْتَفِعَ بِكَ أَقْوَامٌ، وَيُضَرَّ بِكَ آخَرُونَ، اللَّهُمَّ أَمْضِ لأَصْحَابِي هِجْرَتَهُمْ، وَلاَ تَرُدَّهُمْ عَلَى أَعْقَابِهِمْ، لَكِنِ الْبَائِسُ سَعْدُ ابْنُ خَوْلَةَ يَرْثِي لَهُ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَنْ تُوُفِّيَ بِمَكَّةَ ‏"‏‏.‏ وَقَالَ أَحْمَدُ بْنُ يُونُسَ وَمُوسَى عَنْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ ‏"‏ أَنْ تَذَرَ وَرَثَتَكَ ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated Sa`d bin Malik:

In the year of Hajjat-ul-Wada` the Prophet (ﷺ) visited me when I fell ill and was about to die because of that illness. I said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! I am very ill as you see, and I am a rich man and have no heir except my only daughter. Shall I give 2/3 of my property in charity?" He said, "No." I said, "Shall I then give one half of it in charity?" He said, "O Sa`d! Give 1/3 (in charity) and even 1/3 is too much. No doubt, it is better to leave your children rich than to leave them poor, reduced to begging from others. And Allah will reward you for whatever you spend with the intention of gaining Allah's Pleasure even if it were a mouthful of food you put into your wives mouth." I said, "O Allah's Apostle! Am I to be left behind (in Mecca) after my companions have gone?" He said, "If you should be left behind, you will be upgraded and elevated for every deed you will do with a desire to achieve Allah's Pleasure. I hope that you will live long so that some people will benefit by you while others will be harmed. O Allah! Please fulfill the migration of my companions and do not make them turn back on their heels. But (we feel sorry for) the unlucky Sa`d bin Khaulah." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) lamented his death in Mecca.

What it teaches

This hadith teaches the Islamic principle regarding the maximum amount one can bequeath in charity (one-third of their wealth), emphasizing the importance of securing the financial well-being of one's heirs. It also highlights that all sincere spending, even on one's family, is a rewarded act of worship, and encourages patience and hope for a life that benefits others.

In plain words

A companion, Sa`d (RA), was very ill and asked Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) about donating his wealth. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised him to donate no more than one-third, emphasizing that it's better to leave one's family financially secure than dependent on others. The Prophet (PBUH) also highlighted that any sincere spending for Allah's ﷻ pleasure, even on one's family, is rewarded.

Where it applies

  • Preparing a will or testament
  • deciding on charitable giving before death
  • ensuring financial security for one's children
  • seeking reward for daily expenses
  • coping with severe illness

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