Ikhlas

Ikhlas is doing an act of worship for God alone, with no share of the intention aimed at anything else.

What it means for me: Ikhlas is a condition for a deed's acceptance, alongside doing it in the form the Sunnah actually prescribes. You are not asked to achieve a perfect, unwavering heart. You are asked to check your intention honestly and correct course when you notice it slipping.

Example: A woman gives charity quietly, telling no one, wanting only God's reward for it. That is the shape of ikhlas: the deed and the motive both point toward God alone.

Do not confuse with: Riya, showing off. Ikhlas is the sound intention itself; riya is what corrupts it once recognition from people becomes part of the aim.

If scholars differ: Scholars differ on how a worldly benefit mixed into an otherwise sincere intention affects the deed. Some say any such share reduces the reward without erasing it; others set a stricter line.