The real importance of religion lies in the spirit, not in the outward form. God always observes the intentions of the individuals.
One aspect of the Prophet’s method was that his focus was always on the inner spirit, rather than outward appearances. If there were any differences arising from ignorance in external matters, he considered them insignificant. However, when it came to matters of true importance, his approach was always firm and unwavering.
An incident of the Prophet’s Final Hajj is mentioned with slight variations in wording in Al-Bukhari, Muslim, and Abu Dawood. It took place in the last year of his life. After performing the Hajj, the Prophet was seated in Mina. People would approach him and seek guidance on the rulings and issues related to Hajj. Someone would say, “I was unaware of the ruling, so I trimmed my hair before performing the sacrifice.” Another person would say, “I have already performed the sacrifice before stoning the pillars (Ramy).” The Prophet would respond to each of them, saying, “Do as you have done, there is no harm.” Similarly, people continued to approach him, repeatedly inquiring about matters related to a change in the order of performing rituals. The Prophet would repeatedly assure each person, saying, “There is no harm, there is no harm” (La haraja, la haraja). (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 1857)
The narration from Abu Dawood (No. 2015) includes the following statement: “Do as you have done, there is no harm. Harm is for the person who humiliates a Muslim. Such a person is an oppressor. This is the person who did wrong and perished.”
In religion, the real importance lies in the spirit, not in the outward form. It is possible for someone to meticulously observe external practices while disregarding the spiritual aspect, which renders their efforts worthless. God always observes the intentions of individuals. If the intention is good any shortcomings or variances in external practices are forgiven. However, if someone’s intention is not good, their actions hold no value in the sight of God, regardless of how meticulously they attend to external matters. Meticulously observing the form may seem attractive, but it has no value in God’s sight.
