Page 67 - Sincerity Described in the Qur'an

65
Ways To Attain Sincerity

of others, then it is clear that he accords more importance to
the consent of other people than that of Allah’s. When
outside, such people fail to be as committed to fulfilling
religious duties as they are when at home. Excessively
concerned with others’ opinions, they prefer to gain their

consent to Allah’s.
Their behavior differs when they visit the seaside or a
wealthier neighborhood. Their morality also varies when
they are with Muslims or when they visit other cities or
countries. From time to time, ruled by such a way of
thinking, they may even neglect to pay sufficient attention to
the worship of Allah. However, a sincere person never
behaves in such a way. Wherever he goes, or whomever he
sees, he remains committed in his devotion because of his
fear of Allah. The Qur’an calls attention to the fact that no
conditions or circumstances could ever influence the minds
of true Muslims, as follows:
[There are men who are] not distracted by trade or
commerce from the remembrance of Allah and the
establishment of prayer and the payment of the welfare
tax; fearing a day when all hearts and eyes will be in
turmoil. (Surat an-Nur: 37)

Thus, any true believer wishing to acquire sincerity
should completely free himself from the worry of "what
would people say." Such a concern is well entrenched in
ignorant communities. Hence, one can never experience pure
sincerity, as long as he holds on to the need for other people’s
approval.
One should always be sincere in his intentions and seek
purely turn to Allah’s consent in order to acquire sincerity.