Ikhlaas (sincerity) in our actions and statements is of utmost importance for the acceptance of our deeds.

Ikhlaas (sincerity) in our actions and statements is of utmost importance for the acceptance of our deeds. Al-Bukhari and Muslim narrated that ‘Umar said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah (s) say:

"Verily, the reward of deeds depends upon the Niyyah (intentions) and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended."

Therefore, every action that was not performed solely for Allah’s Sake, is annulled and fruitless in this life and the Hereafter.
Some scholars said that this is why people vary in grades (in the sight of Allah); it is in accordance to the intentions behind their actions, not because of merely fasting and praying. Imam Ibn Rajab said:

Know that performing deeds for other than Allah is of different types. Sometimes, this action might be to show off in its entirety, and thus, one seeks to be seen by the creation for a worldly gain. For example, this is the state that the hypocrites pray in. Allah describes them as follows:

"…And when they stand up for As-Salat (the prayer), they stand with laziness and to be seen of men, and they do not remember Allah but little…" (Surah An-Nisa: 142)

Allah also described some as follows:

"…And be not like those who come out of their homes boastfully and to be seen of men…" (Surah Al-Anfal:47)

Thus, let’s remind ourselves that showing off can annul our acts of Ibadah and may even lead us to earn Allah’s anger and torment. Sometimes, the act might be for Allah and is mixed with showing off. In this case, there are authentic texts asserting that if the intention of showing off was present at the time one intended to perform a righteous act, the act itself will be annulled and fruitless. But when the act was started to gain Allah’s reward alone, but changed later on to include an intention to partially show off, then it will not annul the act, provided one strives to repel such thoughts.

As Musilms, therefore, we should worship Allah in sincerity and stay away from Riya’ (showing off) and evil intentions. We know from Quran and hadith that Allah does not look at one’s shapes and wealth, but rather at one’s hearts and actions.

Performing a righteous deed solely for Allah can help us towards achieving states of Ikhlas (sincerity). This way, the act can be easily steered away from Riya’ (showing off). The Prophet (s) said in an authentic Hadith, that among the seven whom Allah shades under His Shade, on a day when there wiII be onIy His shade:

" …A man who gives charitable gifts so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given (i.e., nobody knows how much he has given in charity)."

In addition, Allah said:

"If you disclose your Sadaqat (almsgiving), it is well: but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, that is better for you. (Allah) will expiate you some of your sins." (Surah Al-Baqara:271)

Scholars recommend that when a believer gives away charity for a good cause, he should not agree that his name be announced to the public, such as in newspapers, unless the purpose is to encourage others to pay for this and other charitable causes, or if his name is announced without his knowledge. Again, we should be conscious of the fact that Allah always knows the real intentions behind our actions.
Ibn Wahb narrates that Luqman’s answer to the question about what had raised his status that people came to him for advice was: “Lowering my gaze, watching my tongue, eating what is lawful, keeping my chastity, undertaking my promises, fulfilling my commitments, being hospitable to guests, respecting my neighbors, and discarding what does not concern me. All these made me the one you are looking at.” Abu Ad-Darda’ added that Luqman the wise was granted wisdom because he was self-restrained, taciturn, deep-thinking, and he never slept during the day. No one had ever seen him observing trivialities, or foolishly laughing. He was very eloquent and well-versed. He did not weep or cry when all his children died. He even used to frequent the princes and men of authority to mediate. The majority of scholars are of the view that he was a wise man and not a prophet. Moreover, he was mentioned in the Glorious Qur’an and was highly praised by Allah the Almighty Who narrates his advice to his own son in which the first act that he forbids is Shirk (joining others with Allah.)