Is it permissible to perform acts of obedience—such as fasting, prayer, charity, or 'Umrah—with the intention of having a supplication answered or a specific matter achieved?

There is no specific act of worship or particular offering to be presented before supplication to achieve one's goal. However, what is required of a Muslim is to turn to and implore God when in need. Acts of obedience and devotion generally draw a servant closer to their Lord, and the more one draws near, the closer God's mercy becomes, as in His Almighty saying: "And invoke Him with fear and hope. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good." (Quran 7:56). Faith in Allah, adherence to His law, and hastening to do good deeds are conditions for the acceptance of supplication, based on His Almighty saying: "And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he invokes Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be guided." (Quran 2:186). The supplicant should also seek out the times, places, and circumstances when supplication is likely to be answered, such as the last third of the night, the Day of Arafah, at the time of breaking the fast, during prostration, while traveling, and when rain falls.