What does shākilah mean, and how much freedom does a person have in shaping it?

A person’s *shākilah* is, in effect, the core of their inner system. Just as the brain governs a person’s outward movements and senses, their inner movements, perceptions, conduct and actions are governed by this central core.

Every outward action has an inward dimension, a spirit and an essence. Before an action appears, its spirit takes shape. Its outward form is an expression of its inner reality and spirit; the body and appearance of an action resemble the spirit and inner reality that give it form.

A person’s inner core is the architect of their actions, while their intentions are the software, blueprint and moulds from which those actions take shape.

قال رسول الله ص‏ نیه المؤمن خیر من عمله و نیه الکافر شر من عمله و کل عامل یعمل على نیته‏ .
الکافی (ط - الإسلامیه) ؛ ج‏2 ؛ ص84

The believer’s intention is better than their deed, and the unbeliever’s intention is worse than their deed. Everyone acts in accordance with their intention.

عن أبی عبد الله ع ... النیه أفضل من العمل ألا و إن النیه هی العمل ثم تلا قوله عز و جل- قل کل یعمل على‏ شاکلته‏ یعنی على نیته.
الکافی (ط - الإسلامیه)، ج‏2، ص: 16

Intention is superior to action. Indeed, intention itself is action. He then recited the verse: “Say: Everyone acts according to their *shākilah*”—that is, according to their intention.

Thus, a person’s intention is the spirit and core of their actions. Intention shapes a person’s character, disposition, ethics and habits. A person’s *shākilah*, then, is the essential content of their inner self, which finds expression in their thoughts and actions.