Intent vs. Deed

I would say the reason behind this post is this particular time in the year that Muslims around the world are observing. I wanted to keep my post for this week on the lighter side and not turn into one of those soul searches. Yet as I searched my mind today about what I wanted to say I found that there was a certain conclusion that I had come to which I wanted to share.
What I want to say has, I suspect nothing really to do with religion, neither mine nor yours. It only helped me discover a simple fact and what impact it can have on our lives.
The thing is that Muslims around the world are observing the 10 days of Moharram. These are days marked in tribute to the great sorrow and the terrible times that befell those we hold in high respect in our hearts and minds. The event's significance is hard too describe and even fathom many a times. As the tradition has built up we observe these days with special reverence and indulge in religious activities or devote more time to learning about our histories and our faith.
It was in these circumstances that I learnt about the importance of intention over the deed. Its the feeling that counts and not the actions. If we are doing anything that does not come from within then it may serve the purpose for the time being but it does not amount to anything of consequence at all.
Both the intent and the deed have to dwell together for intent and no deed serves no purpose and does no good. While the deed without the intent is just a sham.
It sounds like a simple rule. But its not so simple to implement. The clean conscience and a firm mind are hard things to cultivate and I am still struggling with the journey.