[Explanation]

Because this chapter is about sincerity—purifying one’s intention for Allah—and because the intention must be sincere for Allah alone in every word, every deed, and under all circumstances, the author first quoted the relevant Qur’anic verses and then cited several hadiths on the same theme. He began with the hadith of ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb in which he said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say, ‘Actions are only by intentions, and every person shall have only what he intended.’”

The scholars have differed regarding these two clauses.

Some maintained that both sentences convey the same meaning and that the second merely emphasizes the first. This, however, is incorrect, for the basic rule in speech is to introduce new meaning rather than mere repetition. On reflection one finds a profound difference between them: the first clause gives the cause, while the second states the result.

The first—a causal statement—clarifies that every action must be accompanied by an intention. Any deed undertaken by a sane, voluntary agent necessarily involves an intention; it is impossible for such a person to act without one. Some scholars have even said, “Had Allah required us to perform an act without intention, it would have been a demand of the impossible.”

And that is true: how could you, in full possession of your mind and acting by choice, perform any deed without intending it? That is impossible, for action is born of will