The Meaning of Sincerity and Correcting the Intention

Question:
What is meant by sincerity and correcting the intention for each of them?

Answer:
Ikhlas is correcting the intention. Ikhlas means that a person does not intend a bad intention, and does not intend anything other than Allah in his deeds, such as intending for his deeds showing off (riya'), seeking fame, or praise and commendation from people. Rather, he should make his intention sincere for Allah (Mighty and Majestic). So, ikhlas is making the intention sincere for Allah (Mighty and Majestic), such that there is no shirk (associating partners with Allah) in his heart regarding the intention for other than Allah. Likewise, there is ikhlas in the deed itself. Ikhlas in the deed is required of the Muslim, along with ikhlas in intention and purpose. Ikhlas in the deed means that he does not slaughter except for Allah, does not make vows except for Allah, does not call upon except Allah, and does not perform any act of worship except for the Face of Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He). Allah the Exalted said regarding the righteous: This is ikhlas for whoever seeks the Face of Allah. As for whoever seeks the reward and gratitude of people, he is not sincere in his deed.