Conditions for the Acceptance of Deeds: Sincerity and Following the Prophet

Question:
The questioner Abu Salim says: Honorable Shaykh, if sincerity is not achieved in one's deeds and words, will they be accepted, Honorable Shaykh, or is sincerity in them necessary?

Answer:
Deeds are not accepted except with two conditions. The first condition is following the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), and the second condition is that the deed be pure for the face of Allah the Exalted and Majestic, that it be pure for the face of Allah. Thus, following the Messenger means there is no religious innovation (bid'ah) in it, and sincerity means there is no associating partners with Allah (shirk) in it. Therefore, the deed must be pure from shirk and pure from bid'ah so that Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) accepts it. Allah the Exalted said: "He submitted his face to Allah" — this is the sincerity — "and he was a doer of good," meaning he followed the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). Yes.