What characteristics make an act acceptable to God?

Understanding what characteristics make an act acceptable to Allah (God) is one of the most crucial and fundamental concerns for every believer. The acceptance of deeds in the Divine presence is not only a pathway to worldly and otherworldly success but also a profound indicator of the depth of one's connection and sincerity in servitude to the Creator. The Holy Quran, as the book of guidance, outlines several characteristics for accepted deeds, each contributing individually and synergistically to achieving divine proximity and the pleasure of the Almighty. These characteristics extend beyond the mere outward performance of an act; they pay special attention to the inner state, intention, and heartfelt disposition of the doer. First, and perhaps the most fundamental characteristic, is 'Ikhlas' or pure intention. Ikhlas means that a person performs every good deed, whether an act of worship or a social act, solely and exclusively to gain Allah's pleasure, not for showing off (riya'), seeking praise from people, gaining fame, power, or material benefits. The Holy Quran emphasizes the importance of Ikhlas in numerous verses. For instance, in Surah Al-Bayyinah, verse 5, Allah says: 'And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion.' This verse explicitly states that the purpose of creation and worship is to achieve monotheism and sincerity in servitude. An action without Ikhlas is like a body without a soul; although it may have a beautiful appearance, there is no life within it. The value of a deed in the sight of Allah is measured by the sincerity and truthfulness embedded in the intention of its doer. Even the smallest acts, when performed with pure intention, can gain immense value, while the greatest deeds without Ikhlas will be worthless. Second, 'Iman' or deep, heartfelt belief in God and His teachings. A righteous deed cannot be accepted without the foundation of faith. Iman is the root and origin of every good action. The Holy Quran frequently mentions Iman and righteous deeds together, as if they are inseparable. In Surah Al-Kahf, verse 110, it states: '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 verse clearly shows that hoping to meet the Lord and attain His pleasure is achieved through performing righteous deeds and avoiding shirk (polytheism), which is itself a deficiency in sincerity and faith. It is Iman that motivates a person to walk on the path of truth, endure hardships, and not shirk divine duties. Third, 'Amal Salih' or performing good and righteous deeds. Faith and sincerity must manifest in action. Amal Salih includes any action that is in harmony with pure human nature and divine commands, leading to the well-being of the individual and society. These deeds can be acts of worship, such as prayer (Salah), fasting (Sawm), and charity (Zakat), or social acts, such as helping the needy, respecting the rights of others, honesty in speech and conduct, upholding justice, and even a smile to a fellow believer. The Quran consistently emphasizes the importance of Amal Salih and promises immense rewards for it. Allah desires His servants to be active and effective in society and not merely confine themselves to individual acts of worship. Righteous deeds must also be in accordance with the Sharia (Islamic law) and the Sunnah (traditions of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), and not be based on ignorance or innovation, even if the intention is good. Fourth, 'Taqwa' or God-consciousness and piety. Taqwa is a state of constant awareness and vigilance regarding Allah's presence and His commands. A person with Taqwa is always careful not to transgress divine limits and not to neglect their duties. Taqwa is the guardian of Ikhlas and Iman, ensuring that one's actions remain free from impurities and sins. In Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 27, it is stated: 'Indeed, Allah only accepts from the righteous [who fear Him].' This verse explicitly indicates that the condition for the acceptance of a deed is to possess the spirit of Taqwa. Taqwa makes a person observe divine limits in every situation, whether in public or private, and keeps them away from carnal desires and satanic whispers. This inner quality makes outward actions meaningful and acceptable. In addition to these key characteristics, one can also mention perseverance in good deeds, steadfastness in truth, patience in the face of difficulties, gratitude for blessings, and abstaining from major sins and violations of others' rights. All of these are subsets of Iman, Ikhlas, Amal Salih, and Taqwa. Ultimately, it should be understood that Allah does not expect absolute perfection from His servants, but rather values sincerity in intention, honest effort, and steadfastness in the path of servitude. A person may err, but what is important is to continue their path towards divine pleasure through repentance, turning back to Allah, and striving for compensation and correction. This journey of servitude is a continuous path for growth and proximity, and by observing these characteristics, every step on it can be accepted and rewarded by Allah the Almighty.