Does performing good deeds with the motivation of fame have value?

In the rich and profound teachings of the Holy Quran, one of the most fundamental and central concepts that determines the value and acceptance of good deeds is the concept of 'intention' (niyyah). Intention is the spirit and essence of every action; without it, an act, no matter how outwardly grand or righteous, loses its true worth. The Quran explicitly emphasizes that an action is only valuable and acceptable in the sight of Allah when performed with complete sincerity (ikhlas), meaning solely for the purpose of seeking the pleasure and approval of the Almighty Lord, free from any hint of ostentation (riya'), showing off, seeking fame, or gaining people's praise. In essence, the motivation behind performing a good deed is the primary determinant of its spiritual value and its reward in the hereafter. The Holy Quran strongly condemns riya' (showing off) and considers it the antithesis of sincerity. It is clearly stated in several verses that deeds performed to be seen by people, although they might bring worldly admiration and praise, will be worthless and fruitless in the hereafter. This teaching is not merely a legal ruling but a deep educational principle that invites humans to purify their inner selves and refine their souls from any hidden polytheism (shirk asghar). Shirk asghar in this context means associating partners with Allah in an act of worship that should be exclusively for Him, even if this 'partner' is the desire for fame or people's praise. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 264, Allah provides a very eloquent example in this regard: "O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders and injury, like one who spends his wealth [only] to be seen by the people and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day. His example is like that of a [smooth] rock covered with soil; then a heavy rain falls upon it and leaves it bare. They are unable to acquire anything of what they earned. And Allah does not guide the disbelieving people." This verse clearly illustrates that an act of charity, if accompanied by the intention of riya' (showing off), will have no value or reward in the sight of Allah. It is likened to soil on a rock that is washed away by the first heavy rain, leaving nothing but the barren rock. This parable presents a very clear image of the futility of deeds done for show in the afterlife. Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 110, Allah addresses the Prophet (PBUH) saying: "Say, 'I am only a man like you, to whom has been revealed that your God is one God. So whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord - let him do righteous work and not associate anyone in the worship of his Lord.'" This part of the verse, "and not associate anyone in the worship of his Lord," emphasizes not only monotheism in worship but also monotheism in intention. It means that good deeds must be performed sincerely and exclusively for Allah; no one, not even the desire for fame or people's praise, should be a partner in the intention behind such deeds. This verse identifies the purity of intention and the avoidance of associating partners with Allah in good deeds as the primary criterion for their acceptance. Surah Al-Ma'un is another surah that strongly addresses hypocrisy in worship. Verses 4 to 6 of this surah state: "So woe to those who pray, those who are heedless of their prayer, those who make show [of their deeds]." These verses explicitly show that even performing a crucial obligation like prayer, if accompanied by the intention of riya' and showing off, not only loses its value but can also lead to destruction and punishment. This Quranic statement establishes sincerity (ikhlas) as a vital and undeniable condition for the acceptance of any act of worship. Therefore, someone who prays to be called pious, or gives charity to be known as generous, has in fact missed the main purpose of the act and destroyed its spiritual value. In general, the Quran emphasizes that the true value of a good deed lies not in its outward appearance but in the inner essence and genuine motivation of the doer. If a person performs an action with the intention of gaining the pleasure and approval of the Lord, even if it seems small and insignificant, it gains immense value in the sight of Allah Almighty and brings abundant reward in the hereafter. However, if the greatest good deeds are performed with the motivation of fame, people's praise, or any other worldly motive, they will be invalid and worthless from a divine perspective. The purpose of religion is to cultivate individuals with pure hearts and sincere intentions who, in all their actions, turn solely to Allah and avoid any form of polytheism, whether apparent or hidden. It is this sincerity that is the cornerstone of a deep and lasting relationship with the Creator and leads to salvation in this world and the hereafter.