بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
The word Ikhlas is usually rendered into English as “sincerity” and Mukhlis as “sincere.” But as with every translation, the word sincerity does not carry the complete meaning of ikhlas, and in some circumstances the meaning is actually quite contrary.
Let me explain it. Sincerity in English suggests a compliance with one’s emotions or even with one’s instincts. So when we praise someone whom we dislike in reality, we call it an un sincere praise. And when we do or say what we really feel deep down, it is called a sincere act.
But this is not what ikhlas means. Because if we take this meaning of ikhlaas it will mean that when I am not feeling like praying but I still offer salah, my salah didn’t have ikhlas.
Ikhlas is actually more about our rational decision than our emotional inclination.
When we decide to love Allah and obey Him, then Ikhlas is to stick to this decision, and obey Allah even if it is against our very own inclination. Even if it is against our inner feelings, against our own wishes.
… For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. And we are sincere [in deed and intention] to Him.
al-Baqarah : 139
Allah tells us that the only standard on which ikhlas will be judged is our actions and the intention behind them. Not the feelings that go along with them.
Sometimes we get too much caught up with how we may feel. So much so that our feelings may stop us from doing the deeds.
But look at what Allah told Rasulullah (SAW) to say to people of the book. Let the actions speak for themselves. That is what He calls Ikhlas. That is what differentiate one from the other. It is actions that define who we are. And Whosoever obeyed Allah are the mukhlisoon, even if they had to go against themselves to do it.
سبحانك اللهم و بحمدك نشهد ان لااله الّا انت نستغفرك و نتوب اليك