A Word on Sincerity in Deeds

The Shaykh : Before I mention what comes to mind regarding the acts of 'Umrah according to the correct Sunnah, I wish to remind you, for the reminder benefits the believers. Although what I am about to say may be a repetition, and for that reason I said that I am only saying what I am saying by way of reminder, not by way of teaching, because it is assumed that every Muslim knows that a righteous deed must meet two conditions to be a righteous deed acceptable to Allah, Blessed and Exalted is He. The first condition is that it be sincere for Allah, Mighty and Majestic. The second condition is that this or that deed be in accordance with the correct Sunnah. Now, you have gathered to listen to the description of 'Umrah in the prescribed manner and as established in the correct Sunnah. What I want to remind you of is that every Muslim who wants to draw near to Allah, Mighty and Majestic, with any act of worship—and you are now on the verge of traveling for 'Umrah to the House of Allah the Sacred—should be sincere in this 'Umrah of yours, making your intention pure for Allah, with nothing from the matters of this world mixed in or contaminating it. The matters of this world may spoil the deed and make it a burden and a sin, whereas it was supposed to be an act of worship and a reward. Among the most important of these matters is that the Muslim should not intend by 'Umrah to gain a good reputation among people, such that so-and-so performed 'Umrah, especially if the 'Umrah is in the month that is the best of months for 'Umrah, namely the blessed month of Ramadan, where the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) used to say: or as he (peace and blessings be upon him) said. Therefore, I remind you to gather in your hearts complete sincerity for Allah, Mighty and Majestic, in this act of worship, so that, if Allah wills, after you perform it in accordance with the Sunnah, it will be accepted and raised with Allah, Blessed and Exalted is He. This is what I wanted to remind you of before mentioning the acts of 'Umrah. So I say: