to Allah and does good, and follows the faith of Abraham, inclining to the truth?” And He says:

“And whoever submits himself to Allah and does good has certainly grasped the firmest handhold.”

Submitting oneself to Allah entails devoting one’s deeds sincerely to Him. Doing good means performing one’s deeds well for Allah, by doing what He has commanded concerning them. As He, the Exalted, says:

“Indeed, We do not allow the reward of anyone who does good deeds to be lost.”

Performing a righteous deed poorly entails treating lightly the command to perform it, the deed itself, and the reward Allah has promised for it. Thus, when a servant devotes his religion sincerely to Allah and performs his deeds well for Him, he is among those who submit themselves to Allah and do good. He is therefore among those who will have their reward with their Lord, and who will have no fear, nor will they grieve.

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In Arabic usage, the word niyya (intention) is akin to qasd (purpose), irāda (will), and similar expressions. The Arabs say, “Nawāka Allāhu bi-khayr,” meaning, “May Allah will good for you.” They also say, “Nawā manwiyyahu” (he intended his destination), referring to the place he intends to reach. They call it nawā (an intended destination), just as they use qabd (seizure) to mean maqbūd (what is seized).

The word niyya is used to express a kind of willing, and also the very object intended. Thus, the Arabs say, “This is my niyya,” meaning, “This is the place I intended to visit.” They also say, “His niyya is near or far,” meaning the place that