🌙 Introduction: When Worship Is Seen by Allah Alone
As Ramadan enters its most precious nights, believers increase their Ibadat, duʿāʾ, and sacrifice. The Ashra of Najāt (Salvation) is a time when hearts strive for acceptance and protection from Hellfire. Yet, with increased Ibadat comes a hidden danger: showing off (riyāʾ).
Islam teaches that sincerity (ikhlāṣ) is the soul of Ibadat. Without it, even the most exhausting acts carry no weight in the sight of Allah. The final nights of Ramadan demand not only more Ibadat, but purer Ibadat—Ibadat done for Allah alone, unseen and unpraised.
🌿 What Is Sincerity (Ikhlāṣ) in Islam?
Sincerity means:
- worshipping Allah alone
- seeking only His pleasure
- being unconcerned with people’s praise or criticism
Allah commands sincerity clearly:
“And they were not commanded except to Ibadat Allah, being sincere to Him in religion.”
(Qur’an 98:5)
Ikhlāṣ is not about hiding every good deed, but about purifying intention, whether deeds are seen or unseen.
🌙 Why Sincerity Is Critical in the Last Ten Nights
The last ten nights determine acceptance, forgiveness, and salvation. Ibadat multiplied without sincerity becomes empty effort.
Sincerity:
- turns small deeds into great ones
- protects Ibadat from corruption
- attracts divine acceptance
Without ikhlāṣ, even standing all night may bring no reward.
🌿 The Danger of Riyāʾ (Showing Off)
Riyāʾ occurs when Ibadat is done:
- to impress people
- to gain praise
- to appear righteous
This danger increases in Ramadan due to:
- public Ibadat
- social media
- comparisons with others
Islam warns that showing off silently drains Ibadat of its reward.
🌿 Why Allah Loves Hidden Ibadat in the Final Nights
One of the greatest wisdoms behind the last ten nights of Ramadan is that much of their Ibadat happens away from public attention. Allah loves deeds that are done quietly, without witnesses, and without expectation of praise. Hidden ibadat reflects true sincerity because it removes the influence of people entirely.
In the final nights, when mosques are full and acts of ibadat are visible, the believer is tested internally. The real question becomes: Would I still ibadat with the same dedication if no one saw me? Hidden ibadat answers this question honestly.
Private duʿāʾ, silent tears, and unseen repentance carry immense weight with Allah. Such acts protect the heart from ego and train the soul to seek only divine acceptance. In the Ashra of Najāt, hidden sincerity becomes a shield—protecting deeds from rejection and drawing the believer closer to salvation.
🌙 How Riyāʾ Creeps Into Worship
Riyāʾ often enters subtly:
- enjoying people’s admiration
- feeling superior due to worship
- announcing deeds unnecessarily
- adjusting worship based on who is watching
Recognizing these signs helps protect sincerity.
🌿 Signs of Sincere Worship
A sincere believer:
- worships consistently when alone
- feels uncomfortable with praise
- remains humble after good deeds
- focuses on acceptance, not recognition
Sincerity creates humility, not confidence.
🌙 Practical Ways to Protect Sincerity in the Final Nights
1️⃣ Renew Intention Frequently
Intentions change. Renew them before and during worship.
2️⃣ Increase Hidden Deeds
Private worship strengthens sincerity and weakens ego.
3️⃣ Avoid Broadcasting Worship
Not every act needs to be shared. Silence protects sincerity.
4️⃣ Fear Rejection More Than Desire Praise
Concern for acceptance keeps the heart grounded.
🌿 Sincerity and Laylatul Qadr
Laylatul Qadr is hidden so that worship remains sincere.
If it were known, people might worship for the night—not for Allah. This concealment protects ikhlāṣ and rewards those who strive consistently.
🌙 The Role of Duʿāʾ in Protecting Sincerity
Ask Allah:
- to purify intentions
- to protect from riyāʾ
- to accept deeds sincerely
Sincerity is a gift from Allah, not self-achievement.
🌿 Common Misconceptions About Sincerity
Avoid thinking:
- sincerity requires isolation
- visible worship is invalid
- only scholars achieve ikhlāṣ
Islam teaches balance—public deeds can be sincere if the heart is pure.
🌙 How Sincerity Leads to Salvation
The Ashra of Najāt is about salvation, not display.
Sincere worship:
- attracts forgiveness
- purifies the heart
- leads to closeness to Allah
Many small sincere deeds outweigh great public acts.
🌿 Carrying Sincerity Beyond Ramadan
True success is worshipping Allah after Ramadan as well.
A sincere heart:
- remains consistent
- avoids ego
- values acceptance over appearance
Sincerity sustains faith long after Ramadan ends.
🌟 Conclusion: Worship for the One Who Sees Everything
The final nights of Ramadan are not a performance—they are a private return to Allah.
Let your worship be quiet.
Let your tears be unseen.
Let your heart seek only Allah.
For on the Day when deeds are weighed, only sincerity will give them weight.
May Allah purify our intentions, protect us from showing off, accept our worship, and grant us salvation in these blessed nights.
Āmīn 🤍