Am I Sincere If People Think of Me That Way?

Answered by Imam Yama Niazi

Question

My Christian mother told me she knows me as a sincere person, and even some Muslim brothers told me I’m sincere. And I asked my mom, “Mom, if people know me as sincere, does that also mean God knows me as sincere?” and she answered positively.

I need confirmation of what my mom told me.

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

What is Sincerity?

Sincerity means that you are true to Allah and worship Him alone without associating any partners with Him.

This is achieved by learning and striving in your religion. In summary, no one knows truly what is in the heart. Sincerity rests in the heart. However, keep striving to be sincere without emphasis on what people may think of you but focus on pleasing Allah alone.

Our Hearts Matter

There is a hadith where the Messenger of Allah [Allah bless him and grant him peace] said, “Allah does not regard your outward forms or your riches but rather your hearts and your deeds.” [Muslim]

Therefore, you will achieve your goal by focusing on gaining knowledge about your religion and keeping good company with knowledgeable teachers, and Insha Allah.

Remember, as Muslims, our primary and real aim in life is to please Allah. Sincerity is a big part of that!

May Allah bless you and grant us all success.

[Imam] Yama Niazi
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Imam Yama Niazi has studied with local scholars in the USA for a number of years which culminated in him becoming an imam of the Islamic Society of Santa Barbara for 8 years. He served the community by teaching and leading prayers. In 2015 he founded “the blessed tree” a nonprofit specifically for bridging gaps between the Muslim community and others. He has spoken on many Muslim platforms throughout the USA and Canada and conducted programs in local communities in North America. He is an instructor at SeekersGuidance.