Sermon (12): The Role of Deeds and the Centrality of Intention

After Allah granted him victory over the people of Jamal, one of his companions said that he wished his brother had been present to witness how Allah had honoured him with triumph. He asked whether the brother loved them; when the answer was yes, he replied that the brother was indeed present with them. He added that with their army were also those who are still in the loins of men and the wombs of women, whom time will later bring forth and by whom faith will be strengthened. Thus he shows that reward and presence in divine struggle follow sincere love and intention, not only physical attendance.