What is the state of a person when he wants to do something from the acts of obedience? Should he have in his heart that he wants the pleasure of Allah (Mighty and Majestic), or the winning of Paradise and

The questioner : He says: What is the state of a person when he wants to do something from the acts of obedience? Should he have in his heart that he wants the pleasure of Allah (Mighty and Majestic), or the winning of Paradise and safety from the Fire, or the clearing of his conscience? And is it obligatory for him to remember sincerity when he wants to do anything? Please give us a ruling, and may Allah reward you.

The Shaykh : As for the intention of sincerity, it is necessary; one must intend by his worship the Face of Allah and none other. As for whether he intends the clearing of his conscience, or safety from the punishment, or the obtaining of the reward, or the pleasure of the Lord of the servants, he intends all of this. And if he intends all of these, there is no contradiction between them. He can intend them all: he intends the pleasure of Allah, he intends the favor of Allah, he intends safety from the punishment of Allah, and he intends the clearing of his conscience. And Allah (Blessed and Exalted is He) said in describing the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions: They combined the two matters: the intention of the favor of Allah (Blessed and Exalted is He) through His reward and reaching His abode of honor, and the intention of the pleasure, the pleasure of Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He). Yes.