The Causes of Sincerity of Intention in Matters Generally and in Seeking Knowledge

Question:
Your Eminence the Shaykh, may Allah preserve and protect you, what are the causes of sincerity of intention in matters generally and in the Shari'ah sciences specifically?

Answer:
The greatest of its causes is the fear of Allah: for a person to be conscious of Allah and to know that he is accountable, and that it is obligatory upon him to be sincere in his speech, his actions, and his seeking. The greatest of them is the fear of Allah: for a person to be mindful that he is accountable, and that it is obligatory upon him to be sincere to Allah in his speech, his actions, and his seeking of knowledge. As He, Exalted and Majestic is He, said: So when the student of knowledge is mindful that he is blessed, and that it is obligatory upon him to be sincere to Allah, he strives in seeking knowledge, in understanding the religion, and in turning to knowledge with truthfulness and sincerity. He hopes for the reward of Allah and fears the punishment of Allah, knowing that he is blessed. This is how the truthful student of knowledge is mindful of the greatness of Allah in his actions, his speech, and his conduct, and is mindful that he is accountable . He turns to knowledge and strives in knowledge with a good intention, sincerity, and truthfulness. Because of this, the servant is granted success and assistance. The greater his sincerity, truthfulness, and pursuit of the truth, and Allah knows that from him, the easier Allah makes his affairs and assists him. As He said: "And whoever fears Allah, He will make his affairs easy for him," and "And whoever fears Allah, He will provide for him a way out," and