Is it permissible to draw closer to Allah with the intention of increasing success in a specific or general worldly matter? And is it permissible for the immediate worldly outcome to be the motive for an action? And what should a person do if they are experiencing spiritual weakness (futūr) and worldly motivation is what encourages them to perform supererogatory acts of worship (nawāfil)? And what books do you recommend regarding matters of intentions?
It is permissible to take into account the good promises when performing righteous deeds, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, encouraged maintaining ties of kinship for increasing provision and prolonging life, and there is no harm in that.
However, performing acts of obedience solely to gain worldly benefit, without the intention of drawing closer to Allah, is considered corrupt. Allah Almighty says: "Whoever desires the worldly life and its adornments - We will fully repay them for their deeds therein, and they will not be deprived of it. Those are the ones for whom there is nothing in the Hereafter but the Fire. And what they did therein has become worthless, and what they used to do is invalid." And the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Whoever performs a deed of the Hereafter for the sake of the world will have no share in the Hereafter."
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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Where this answer came from
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 132332
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy