How to purify intention from impurities?

Purifying intention from impurities, known as 'Ikhlas' in Islamic terminology, is one of the most fundamental and vital concepts on the path to drawing closer to Allah and ensuring the acceptance of good deeds. Intention (niyyah) is the spirit and essence of every action; as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated, “Indeed, actions are by intentions.” This means that the value and acceptance of any deed, whether acts of worship or daily interactions, depend on the sincere purpose and inner motivation of the one performing it. If the intention is not purely for the sake of Allah's pleasure, even the greatest actions may become valueless or of little worth. Impurities in intention are like dust settling on the mirror of the heart, preventing it from reflecting divine light. These impurities can include riya (showing off and performing actions to gain others' attention), sum’ah (performing actions to be heard and gain fame), seeking social status, gaining people's praise and admiration, or even fear of criticism and blame. The Holy Quran, in numerous verses, emphasizes the importance of sincerity and avoiding associating partners with Allah in one's intentions. To purify intention, the first step is to have a complete understanding of Allah and a deep belief in His power, knowledge, and omnipresence. When a person is certain that Allah knows everything that passes through hearts, even the most hidden intentions, this belief guides them toward sincerity. Surah Al-Mulk, verse 13, states: “And conceal your speech or publicize it; indeed, He is Knowing of that within the breasts.” This constant awareness of divine presence and oversight is a powerful motivator for purifying intentions. When we know that Allah is the only true Judge of our actions and that the real reward is with Him, we will no longer need the approval and praise of people. The second step is self-discipline and battling inner desires. The human self (nafs) naturally inclines towards fame, praise, and superiority. Sincerity requires a continuous internal jihad (struggle). Before starting any action, one should always review their intention and ask themselves: “For whom am I doing this action? What is my ultimate goal?” If the answer is to seek Allah’s pleasure, then they should begin the action with reliance on Him. During the action, one must also be wary of satanic whispers that might contaminate the intention. Satan constantly tries to push people towards showing off and hypocrisy. After completing the action, the intention should still be reviewed, and if any impurity is found, one should repent, seek forgiveness, and ask Allah for help to achieve greater sincerity. This continuous process of self-refinement and vigilance helps one remain steadfast on the path of sincerity. One of the most effective ways to strengthen sincerity is to perform good deeds in secret. When a virtuous act is done such that no one but Allah is aware of it, the chance of showing off (riya) is minimized. Imams and religious scholars have always advised keeping some of one’s best deeds secret to preserve their sincerity. For example, giving charity secretly or performing voluntary prayers in the solitude of the night. This practice helps a person feel the true pleasure of drawing closer to Allah directly, without intermediaries, and gradually leads them to perform all their actions with the same pure intention, even if they are in public view. The Holy Quran, in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 110, states: “So whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord - let him do righteous work and not associate anyone with the worship of his Lord.” This verse clearly emphasizes the condition of not associating partners in worship, which includes shirk in intention (i.e., riya). Supplication (dua) and seeking Allah’s help also play a crucial role in purifying intention. One should constantly ask Allah to make their intention pure and protect them from satanic whispers and the commanding self (nafs al-ammarah). Admitting one's weakness and need for divine help is itself a sign of humility and sincerity. Furthermore, studying the lives of the Prophets and righteous predecessors, who were exemplary models of sincerity in action, will be inspiring and guiding. Their lives were filled with actions performed solely for Allah’s pleasure, without any expectation of worldly reward or human praise. In summary, purifying intention is a continuous process and an ongoing struggle that requires self-awareness, vigilance, battling the ego, keeping some good deeds private, reliance on Allah, and constant supplication. Sincerity is the key to attaining divine pleasure and the fundamental basis for building a rich and fruitful spiritual life. Without a pure intention, our actions will be mere lifeless shells, lacking true value in the sight of Allah. Therefore, practicing and striving in this area is vital for every believer to achieve the status of those close to Allah and to benefit from their deeds in this world and the hereafter. This path, though challenging, is filled with tranquility and divine light that purifies the heart and soul.