Hence, sincerity is the first key that opens the heart to receive the Mercy of Allah. In fact the acceptance of one’s deeds depends on one’s purity of intention, which in turn depends on the level of sincerity in one’s heart. With sincerity, a person can attain the highest ranks in the Sight of Allah, make the most of his/her deeds, and even be rewarded for righteous deeds that he or she was not able to perform.

On the other hand, without sincerity (which results from not taking care of the heart) a person may end up in Hell-Fire regardless of how righteous one’s deeds appear to be. What is the evidence for this statement?

1-Al-Hakim reported in Al-Mustadrak that Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying: “Whoever leaves this world with sincerity to Allah Almighty, the One and Only, and performs the prayers and pays the Zakah will die in the pleasure of Allah.”

- Imam Muslim narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Three categories of people will be the first to be thrown into Hell-Fire: a scholar who taught people merely to be praised as a scholar; a generous person who gave charity just to be called generous; and a person who participates in Jihad to be recognized as brave.”

In order to avoid losing the rewards of our deeds, we should pay attention to our hearts in three stages:

Firstly, before starting to do anything, ask yourself: am I doing this to please Allah and to seek His Forgiveness and reward, or am I doing it to impress people and seek their praise? If you have any doubt about the sincerity of that task, then you should renew your intention and free it from anything that would interfere with sincerity. On the other hand, if it is sincere, you will feel ease and comfort deep in your heart, and therefore you should go ahead with that task with full confidence.

Secondly, while still engaged in a given task, a person may encounter interference from his vain desires or Satan. One may like to be seen while engaged in that task. There is nothing wrong with people seeing you while doing a task for the sake of Allah. But if love of publicity and praise dominates one’s actions, then there is a cause for concern because this may lead to the rejection of that deed by Allah. A good indication of sincerity is the similarity of a person’s behavior in the presence of people and in their absence.

Thirdly, after completing an assignment or a job, do not continue to boast about your role in it. This feeling becomes particularly obvious if somebody wrongs you or someone is chosen for a position you were seeking, and you resort to hurting that person by defaming him. This course of action destroys your good deeds and will turn out to be detrimental to you.

Here are some criteria that indicate to us whether we are on the right track to sincerity and the pleasure of Allah.

- To have good intentions before starting a task.

- To seek to render our habits into acts of worship by entertaining good intention.

- To perfect one’s duty in private and in public.

- To dislike being praised by others, with the du`aa’: “O Allah, forgive me for what they do not know about me, and make me better than what they think of me.”

- To welcome advice from friends.

- Not to seek leadership and not to nominate yourself for positions of authority.

- To be constantly mindful of one’s shortcomings, and to advise or wish others well.

- To feel that your contribution is minimal compared to others.

- To love performing the Fajr, Ishaa’, and night Prayers.

- To prefer giving charity in secret.