Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura

Friday Sermon

6 February 2026 / 18 Syaaban 1447H

Sincerity – The Hidden Good Deeds

Zumratal mukminin rahimakumullah,

Have taqwa and fear Allah s.w.t. with true mindfulness. Obey all His commands and refrain from all that He has forbidden. Purify our intentions so that every action is performed solely to attain Allah’s pleasure. May Allah s.w.t. cleanse our hearts and deeds from all forms of impurity. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.

Dear respected congregation,

How do we assess our sincerity or ikhlas? In this age of advancement, our acts of goodness are often no longer hidden from the sight of others – whether in the virtual space or in real life. Does this mean that it has become more difficult to preserve our sincerity?

My dear brothers, Islam emphasises that the very core of this religion lies in sincerity towards Allah s.w.t. Allah says in Surah al-Bayyinah, verse 5:

Which means: “And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, being sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth, to establish prayer, and to give zakat. And that is the right faith.”

This verse reminds us that religious life requires sincerity. Without sincerity, it becomes harder for us to remain steadfast on the path of goodness.

Dear congregation,

Sincerity does not mean that we are completely prohibited from sharing our good deeds. Scholars explain that sharing our good deeds is permissible when the intention is to encourage others towards goodness, and when it is done without ostentation or seeking praise. At the same time, Islam teaches us to strive to conceal some of our good deeds, in order to safeguard the purity of our intentions and to cleanse the heart.

This is reflected in an authentic hadith describing a man who gives charity so discreetly, that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given. Similarly, the Companion of the Prophet s.a.w., az-Zubair bin al-‘Awwam r.a., once advised: “Whoever among you is able to have a righteous deed that is hidden, then let him do so.” (Reported by Ibn Abi Shaybah)

Therefore, let us reflect: Which of our deeds remain a secret between us and Allah, as a sign of our sincerity to Him? Here, let us reflect on two ways in which ikhlas or sincerity positively shapes the character of a Muslim.

First: Sincerity gives clarity of purpose in life

When a person places the pleasure of al-Khaliq (Allah) as their ultimate goal, they no longer seek recognition from the creation. Reflect upon this: quietly assisting someone in hardship, or a husband and wife managing their household in the stillness of the night, or a child who consistently prays for their parents despite finding it difficult to express their feelings – these become acts of worship that are valuable and feel easy when they are carried out with sincerity.

Second: Sincerity nurtures steadfastness in goodness

Sincerity guides a Muslim to remain firm despite changing circumstances or human perceptions. Such a person remains open to receiving advice and reflecting upon them. Equally important is exercising wisdom when offering advice, for sincerity in correcting others must be accompanied by compassion or ihsan.

A sincere Muslim approaches others with mercy and concern. A sincere Muslim upholds welfare and justice, not because it is the trending issue of the day, but because they are driven by sound principles and values of faith.

Dear blessed congregation,

Let us evaluate our every action. Strive to preserve our ikhlas or sincerity and adorn ourselves with humility so that we may remain steadfast in goodness. May Allah s.w.t. accept all our efforts, whether they are known to people or otherwise. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.

Second Sermon