Main Topic
An in-depth explanation of ikhtiyari (actions within human control) versus ghair ikhtiyari (matters outside human control) in Islamic practice, emphasizing the correction of intention (niyyat), belief (aqeedah), and practice (amal).
Key Lessons
- Acceptance (maqbul) in the sight of Allah relies on three voluntary elements: correct intention (sahi niyyat), sound belief (sahi aqeedah), and righteous action (sahi amal).
- Extraordinary spiritual states or feelings during worship are involuntary (ghair ikhtiyari); lacking them does not invalidate one's worship or lower its acceptance.
- Despondency often arises when a person tries to pursue multiple voluntary spiritual paths without proper alignment or prioritization.
- The intellect is a God-given gift that must be actively engaged before every deed to evaluate its ultimate purpose and outcome.
- Acts of worship, such as Qurbani (sacrifice), must be done strictly for the pleasure of Allah rather than for personal ego, worldly entertainment, or commercial show.
Quranic/Hadith References
- Reference to the Hadith: "The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it."
- The story of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and Prophet Ismail (peace be upon him) as the ultimate model of submission, loyalty, and sacrifice for Allah.
- Quranic principle that neither the meat nor the blood of sacrificial animals reaches Allah, but rather the taqwa (godconsciousness) of the believer.
Practical Advice
- Before embarking on any physical or internal action, pause and reflect on your motivation to ensure it is purely for Allah's pleasure.
- Avoid transforming sacred religious obligations into social carnivals or events that lead to breaking Islamic laws such as parda (modesty).
- Focus on carrying out duties within your capacity quietly and sincerely rather than seeking elaborate setups that endanger the spirit of ibadah.
Hazrat Moulana Dawood Seedat Saheb