When Actions Meet Intentions: The Path to Accepted Deeds
We pray, we fast, we give charity. But here's the question that should make us pause: Are these actions truly for Allah, or are we performing for an audience?
This is the final reflection in a series exploring a profound dua of the Prophet (peace be upon him). What strikes me most is how a single supplication can contain the wisdom we need for our entire life. Today, we explore what makes our deeds acceptable in the sight of Allah.
Created for Worship, But What Does That Mean?
Allah tells us we were created to worship Him. But worship in Islam isn’t confined to the prayer mat or the mosque. It extends to every corner of our lives. The question isn’t just whether someone prays or fasts, but why they do it. What about how we treat our parents? Our neighbors? The person who serves us coffee?
Are those not acts of worship too?
The Two Types of Deeds
Every action falls into one of two categories: deeds done purely for Allah’s sake, or deeds performed for people’s approval.
The Three Who Sought Glory, Not God
The Prophet (peace be upon him) gave us a chilling warning about those whose deeds looked righteous on the outside but were rotten at the core. He described three individuals who will be among the first judged on the Day of Judgment: a man who claimed to have died as a martyr, but fought only so people would call him brave; a scholar who learned and recited the Quran not for Allah but to be called learned and eloquent; and a wealthy man who gave generously not for Allah’s sake but to be praised as generous. All three will be dragged on their faces into the Fire (Sahih Muslim).
Let that sink in. A martyr, a scholar, and a philanthropist, each destined for punishment not because of what they did, but because of why they did it.
Pure Intention
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Verily actions are but by the intention, and a person will only be rewarded according to his intention. Therefore, whosoever’s emigration was for Allah and His Messenger, then his emigration will be for Allah and His Messenger. And whosoever’s emigration was to attain something of this world, or to marry a woman, then his emigration will be for that which he emigrated for” (Sahih Bukhari 1, 6689; Sahih Muslim).
This hadith shows us something profound. Even emigration, a tremendous sacrifice involving leaving one’s home and possessions, is judged not by the difficulty of the act, but by the sincerity of the heart.
Five Pillars of Accepted Deeds
Based on the Quran and Sunnah, accepted deeds rest on five foundations:
1. Sincere Intention (Niyyah) for Allah Alone Everything begins here. Your heart must seek only Allah’s pleasure, not human recognition.
2. Taqwa (God-Consciousness) Living with the awareness that Allah sees you, even when no one else does.
3. True Faith (Iman) Combined with Righteous Action Belief must translate into behavior. Faith without action is incomplete, and action without faith is empty.
4. Following the Sunnah Without Innovation Our good deeds must align with how the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us. Well-intentioned innovations don’t earn Allah’s pleasure.
5. Humility and Repentance Recognizing our constant need for Allah’s mercy and turning back to Him when we fall short.
The scholars teach us that while acceptance is ultimately Allah’s prerogative, He has clearly shown us the path. As Ibn Taymiyyah noted, sincere intention and following the Prophet’s way are the two pillars upon which accepted worship stands.
What Marks a Deed for Show?
How do you know if you’re falling into this trap? Ask yourself:
Would you still do this if no one knew about it?
Do you perform differently when people are watching versus when you’re alone?
Do you feel disappointed when your good deeds go unnoticed?
Are you seeking worldly gains through religious acts?
Do you feel superior because of your worship?
If you answered yes to any of these, it’s time for some honest self-reflection.
Ancient Wisdom, Timeless Truth
The Stoics, though coming from a different tradition, understood this same principle. Marcus Aurelius wrote: “When you have done a good act and another has received it, why do you still look for a third thing, a reputation for the good deed?”
Epictetus asked: “When you do good and are another’s benefactor, why do you need witnesses?”
These philosophers recognized what Islam teaches perfectly: performing virtue for applause is a form of slavery to other people’s opinions.
But as Muslims, we have something more. We have certainty. Allah is our witness. Wa Kafa Billahi Shahida, sufficient is Allah as a witness. We are slaves only to our Lord, not to the changing moods and judgments of creation.
The Beauty of Hidden Righteousness
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Allah loves those whose righteousness and piety are hidden, those who, if they are absent, are not missed, and if they are present, they are not invited or acknowledged. Their hearts are lamps of guidance and they get out of every trial and difficulty” (Sunan Ibn Majah 3989).
This is the standard. Not the person who prays loudly so others hear. Not the one who announces their charity. Not the scholar who shows off knowledge. But the one whose good deeds are between them and their Lord.
These are the ones whose hearts glow with guidance. These are the ones who navigate through life’s storms with steadiness.
The Balanced Path
Islam doesn’t forbid all public good deeds. Sometimes our actions must be visible, and that’s fine. You can inspire others through your example. The key is the primary intention. Even when doing good publicly, your heart’s true aim must be Allah’s pleasure alone.
If recognition comes, accept it with grace but don’t chase it. If it doesn’t come, your reward is safe with the One who never forgets.
A Final Reflection
Every moment of your life can become an act of worship. Going to work to provide for your family. Studying to gain beneficial knowledge. Speaking kindly to a stranger. Controlling your anger. Being patient with difficulty.
When your intention is pure, when you’re conscious of Allah, when your actions align with His guidance, your entire life transforms into ibadah.
So let’s ask ourselves: When we stand before our Lord, will He accept our deeds? Or will He tell us what He told those three: “You did it for people’s praise, and you got what you wanted. Now face the consequences”?
The choice, ultimately, is ours. Every single day.
May Allah purify our intentions, accept our deeds, and make us among those whose righteousness is hidden but whose reward is multiplied.
Ameen.