Ikhlas

Ikhlas is an Arabic-derived term that carries meanings of 'purity', 'cleanliness', and 'sincerity'. In Sufism, it emphasizes that an action should be performed for the sake of Allah's pleasure. Ikhlas means that a person carries out every action and every act of worship with a sincere intention and solely for the purpose of serving Allah. This concept forms the essence of Sufism and is considered one of the fundamental ways to draw closer to Allah. The great Sufis have often pointed out the arduous yet necessary nature of attaining ikhlas. It is believed that acts of worship performed without ikhlas do not yield spiritual benefits. The intention of a person determines the quality and degree of their worship. Ikhlas also signifies a person's submission to Allah, purifying themselves from the desires of the self, and directing themselves solely towards the Truth.