PURPOSEFUL ACTION

A Companion, Ka‘b ibn ‘Ujrah, narrated: A man once passed by the Prophet of Islam, and the companions noticed his strength and energy. They said, “O Messenger of God, if only this effort were in the path of God.” The Prophet replied: “If he is striving to support his young children, then he is in the path of God. If he is striving for his elderly parents, then he is in the path of God. If he is striving to earn a dignified livelihood, even that is in the path of God. But if his effort is to show off or boast, then his action is in the path of Satan.” (Al-Mu‘jam al-Awsat by al-Tabarani, Hadith No. 6835)

This narration shows that “action in the path of God” is not defined by a particular form of activity—it depends on one’s intention and inner motivation. Whoever acts with a God-conscious intention, their action is in God’s path. But if someone acts with another motive, then their action belongs to the path they intended.

For example, a man has small children. If he considers them a trust from God and works to provide for them, and nurture them to become good individuals and responsible citizens, then he is acting in God’s path. Another person has elderly parents. If he views serving them as a divine responsibility and fulfills their needs out of that understanding, he too is acting in God’s path. If someone is addressing their natural needs within the limits set by divine law, and doing so consciously and morally, that effort too is in the path of God.