Importance of having Good Intentions (Niyyah)

Niyyah, or intention, is the root element of humans' actions, including worship, thus it is the first obligatory act in prayers. Intention/motive/objective are what give importance to a person's actions, in other words, the actions reflect their hearts and principles.Moreover, intention is the pillar of worship, without it, the act or deed will be invalid. 

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Intention is closely related to sincerity. In Islam, all acts of worship must be done with the intention of seeking closeness to Allah SWT. Any other intention, even when doing said good deed, it will invalidates the act. No matter the quantity of good deeds are done, if the quality, based on the intention behind them, are not pure and sincere, then it is a waste.

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Furthermore, intention is always linked to its doer. Whether good or bad, the doer will deemed to received rewards or faced the consequences. As it transcends time and space, having good intention without bearing results or is emerged from the good deeds of others, they can also be rewarded. In contrast, if a person accepts and pleased with other's wrongful acts, they share the sins and bear the burden until the Day of Judgement. That is how much importance an intention is.