Awqat Mali'a bil-Hasanat ma al-Niyya al-Saliha
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- طبع على نفقة فاعل خير، يُهدى ولا يباع
Awqat Mali'a bil-Hasanat ma al-Niyya al-Saliha (Times Filled with Good Deeds Through Righteous Intention) is an Islamic devotional treatise by Sumayya al-Sayyid Uthman, dedicated to explaining how Muslims can maximize spiritual rewards throughout their daily lives by rectifying and multiplying righteous intentions .
Purpose and Approach
The author composed the work as a practical guide for believers of varying spiritual capacities—including those striving to earn reward in every moment, individuals preoccupied with livelihoods and daily responsibilities, and those who struggle with physical exertion in worship—demonstrating how righteous intention can convert ordinary habits into rewarded acts of devotion . In her methodology, the author aimed for conciseness and clarity, relying on authenticated prophetic narrations (al-ahadith al-sahiha) to provide practical examples of beneficial intentions .
In the introductory chapters, the book explores the immense virtues of intention (fadl al-niyya), illustrating how sincere desire allows a believer to attain rewards even when prevented from performing certain deeds by legitimate obstacles . It also cautions against corrupt intentions and ostentation (al-riya'), citing prophetic warnings regarding actions performed for worldly recognition rather than the sake of God . Additionally, it highlights foundational, lifelong intentions every Muslim must maintain, such as intending lifelong monotheistic devotion and adherence to prophetic commands and prohibitions .
Structure and Content
The core material of the book is arranged into four major parts :
- Part One: Intention in Daily Life (al-Niyya fi al-Hayah al-Yawmiyya): Focuses on ordinary daily routines, showing how everyday activities can become worship when coupled with sound intentions. Topics covered include sleeping, eating and drinking, dressing and personal adornment, and visiting relatives and friends . For instance, the author enumerates seven recommended intentions when going to sleep and multiple intentions when maintaining personal cleanliness and presentation .
- Part Two: Intention in Interpersonal Transactions (al-Niyya fi al-Mu'amalat): Addresses the application of intention to social and economic interactions .
- Part Three: Intention in Acts of Worship (al-Niyya fi al-'Ibadat): Discusses ritual obligations and voluntary devotions, detailing specific intentions to bring to mind when observing prayer (salah), fasting (sawm), the pilgrimage (Hajj), the remembrance of God (dhikr), and obedience in general .
- Part Four: A General Reminder (Tadhkira 'Amma): Provides general concluding counsel and admonitions regarding steadfastness in piety and sincerity .
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