— By Ayinla Rofee’ah Yeketi (Ummu Miqdaad)
Have you ever gone through your day, doing tasks one after another, and felt like nothing you did truly matter? Perhaps you cleaned the house, prepared meals, or cared for your children, and by the end of the day, you felt tired but empty inside. Maybe you’ve prayed, fasted, or gave charity, but wondered if Allah really noticed your efforts. Let me share something beautiful with you: the power of intention, or niyyah, changes everything.
Some sisters think intention has to be something spoken aloud. Some believe it’s only for acts like prayer or fasting. Others underestimate it, seeing ordinary, daily tasks as “mundane” and therefore “not worship.” But Islam teaches us that the heart behind the action is what transforms it into something beloved to Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
«إِنَّمَا الأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ، وَإِنَّمَا لِكُلِّ امْرِئٍ مَا نَوَى»
“Actions are [judged] by intentions, and every person will get what they intended.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
SubḥānAllāh, this ḥadīth tells us that even the smallest act, done with the right intention, can earn rewards beyond imagination. The niyyah does not need to be complicated. You don’t need to say it out loud. You simply need to know in your heart why you are doing it.
Take something as simple as cooking a meal for your family. If you do it with the thought: “I am doing this to please Allah and take care of my loved ones”, you’ve just transformed an ordinary act into worship. Or consider cleaning the house. We often see it as routine, tiring work. But if your intention is: “I am keeping my home pure and comfortable for my family, and I hope Allah rewards me”, it becomes an act that earns you reward in the sight of Allah.
Even smiling at your child, comforting your sister, or removing harm from someone’s path: all can be acts of worship when done with sincere intention. Everything in your life, even the ordinary or the painful, can carry reward if your intention is to please Allah.
Intentions are invisible, but they are what Allah values the most. You don’t need applause, followers, or recognition. You don’t need to prove yourself to anyone else. The Prophet ﷺ said:
«إِنَّ اللَّهَ لا يَنظُرُ إِلَى صُوَرِكُمْ وَأَمْوَالِكُمْ وَلَكِنْ يَنظُرُ إِلَى قُلُوبِكُمْ وَأَعْمَالِكُمْ»
“Indeed, Allah does not look at your outward appearances or wealth, but He looks at your hearts and deeds.” (Muslim)
This is comforting, isn’t it? It means that even when no one notices your efforts, Allah notices. Even when you feel invisible, He sees every little thing done for His sake. Here are for simple ways to cultivate Niyyah daily:
1. Pause in your heart before acting: Even a second to remind yourself, “I am doing this for Allah”, makes a difference.
2. Reflect on the reward: Imagine your actions being multiplied in ways you cannot see.
3. Correct intentions often: It’s natural for our hearts to wander. Gently remind yourself why you are doing each task.
4. Include others: Doing good for family, friends, or community with the thought of pleasing Allah increases the reward.
Islam does not separate the sacred from the ordinary. What makes your day meaningful is not only what you do but why you do it. A simple gesture, a small act, a routine chore each has infinite potential when the intention is for Allah. So today, as you sweep, cook, teach, or smile, remember: your efforts are not small. Your heart can transform the ordinary into extraordinary worship.
When your day ends, and only Allah sees your deeds, what did your heart intend?
Until we meet in the next reminder, if Allah wills, keep your heart soft, your duʿā sincere, and your eyes on Jannah.