Why Sincerity is a Better Measure of Success than Productivity
In a world focused on results, discover the inner peace that comes from sincerity, trusting Allah with what unfolds beyond our control.
In our fast-paced world, productivity often becomes the yardstick by which we measure value—both our own and that of others. We are inundated with messages that equate success with output, achievements, and visible results. This mindset can easily seep into our spiritual lives, leading us to focus heavily on our deeds and outward acts of worship. While good deeds are indeed important in Islam, it is crucial to remember that Allah is not concerned with what we produce but rather with our sincerity and effort.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized this profound truth when he said, “Verily Allah does not look to your bodies nor your faces, but He looks to your hearts.”1 Despite other wordings of this Hadith that include deeds, this narration redirects our attention from the external to the internal, from the measurable to the immeasurable. It reminds us that Allah values the purity of our intentions and the sincerity behind our actions more than the actions themselves.
He ﷺ also said, “The good deeds of any person will not make him enter Paradise … Not even myself, unless Allah bestows His favor and mercy on me.”2 This statement humbles us, highlighting that no amount of good deeds can guarantee us Paradise without Allah's grace. It shifts the focus from a transactional relationship with Allah—where we might think our deeds “earn” us His favor—to a relational one, grounded in love, mercy, and sincerity.
Understanding Tawfiq
With this in mind, we must understand that Tawfiq (success) is entirely in Allah's hands. Our role is not to control the outcomes but to engage sincerely and morally in the process. This realization can be both liberating and grounding. It frees us from the relentless pursuit of results and anchors us in the present moment, where our true responsibility lies.
Our primary responsibility is to strive for piety and righteousness. Piety, or taqwa, is an internal state of God-consciousness.3 It is the awareness of Allah's presence in every aspect of our lives guiding our thoughts and intentions. Righteousness, or birr, is the outward expression of this inner state. It manifests externally in our actions, behaviors, and interactions with others.
Sincere intentions and upright behavior are the foundations of our responsibility as Muslims. They are two sides of the same coin, each reinforcing and reflecting the other. One without the other is incomplete. Sincerity without righteous action lacks manifestation, and righteous action without sincerity lacks reward.
Striving for Ihsan
Taqwa and birr are the foundational obligations of every Muslim and sufficient for us to earn Allah’s pleasure. Nevertheless, striving for them both with Ihsan (spiritual excellence) is the highest attainable goal. Ihsan is about worshipping Allah as if we see Him, even though we do not,4 where our internal states and external actions are harmoniously aligned in sincere devotion.
Attaining Ihsan is not a destination but a continuous journey. It requires constant Muhasaba (self-reckoning), humility, and a sincere desire to please Allah. It is about doing the right thing for the right reasons, even when no one else is watching. It is about kindness, generosity, patience, and all the virtues that reflect a heart connected to Allah.
Additionally, striving for Ihsan is not reserved for a select group of people but is prohibited for everyone else. Everyone can strive for spiritual excellence, whether a knowledgeable scholar with a notable position in society or a religiously ignorant blue-collar worker in a remote village. If we strive for Ihsan, we are like Habib Umar b. Hafiz said, “Mujahids (those who struggle) for the sake of Allah.”5
Let Go and Let God
Ultimately, what results from our intentions and deeds is entirely up to Allah. We plant the seeds, but only Allah can make them grow.6 This understanding teaches us to let go of the need to control outcomes. It encourages us to focus on what we can control—our efforts, our sincerity, our choices—and to trust Allah with the rest.
This doesn't mean we become passive or indifferent to the consequences of our actions. Instead, it means we do our best and leave the results to Allah's wisdom and mercy. It is a delicate balance between effort and reliance, action and trust.
“If the Final Hour comes while you have a shoot of a plant in your hands and it is possible to plant it before the Hour comes, you should plant it."7
–Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Finding Peace in Sincerity
Shifting our focus from productivity to sincerity can help us find a more profound sense of peace and fulfillment. We are no longer burdened by the relentless pursuit of results or the fear of failure. Instead, we find comfort in knowing Allah values our sincere efforts, regardless of the outcomes. An example of this is the Hadith of the Israelite man who murdered ninety-nine and later one hundred people; he produced nothing material at all, yet he is forgiven for his deeds.8
This perspective is not an excuse for laziness or complacency (Allah commands us to act,9 and the Prophet commands us to take advantage of our lives while we still can); rather, it transforms how we approach our daily lives. Acts of worship become more meaningful, relationships become more compassionate, and challenges become growth opportunities. We begin to see every moment as a chance to deepen our connection with Allah, embody the principles of piety and righteousness, and strive for Ihsan.
“Know that one of the greatest miracles that the friends of God enjoy is [God’s] assistance in [performing] acts of obedience [toward Him] and [divine] protection from disobedience and opposition [to the divine will].”
–Imam Al-Qushairi (d. 465/1074)10
Conclusion
Islam teaches us that true success lies in sincerity and effort in a world that often measures success by tangible outputs. Allah is not concerned with what we produce but with the purity of our hearts and the integrity of our actions. By focusing on piety and righteousness and striving for spiritual excellence through Ihsan, we align ourselves with the divine purpose of our creation.
Let us remember that while we are responsible for our efforts, the outcomes rest with Allah alone. In this realization lies true peace and the essence of faith, and in its embodiment lies true wilaya (saintliness). May Allah grant us the sincerity of intentions, the righteousness of actions, and the humility to trust in His wisdom. Ameen!
Ultimately, with Allah is success.
Quran 6:95.
Quran 9:105.
Al-Qushayri, Abu ‘Al-Qasim. Al-Qushayri's Epistle on Sufism: Al-Risala Al Qushayriyya Fi 'ilm Al-Tasawwuf. Trans. Alexander D. Kynsh. Suhail Academy Lahore, Pakistan: Kazi Publications, 2011. 363.
Jazak'Allah khair for sharing this beneficial knowledge with us
This is a helpful reminder— thank you! It also reminds me of this prayer: http://www.romerotrust.org.uk/romero-prayer