Is the intention required for a reward to be counted for showing kindness to the poor, or is a mere spontaneous act motivated by compassion sufficient for a good deed to be counted?

The money given to a poor person is either zakat, which requires the intention of it being zakat, or non-obligatory sadaqa (charity), which also requires an intention. Some scholars have stated that merely giving a needy person for their need is considered an intention of sadaqa. Intention is more profound than the action itself. However, if you give to the poor out of compassion or due to their need, you will be rewarded for it, even if you did not consciously intend to seek the reward. Some scholars are of the opinion that a good deed that benefits others earns a person reward without an explicit intention, but with intention, the reward is greater. Allah Almighty says: "No good is there in much of their private conversation, except for whoever enjoins charity or what is right or conciliation between people. And whoever does that seeking means to the approval of Allah - We will grant him a great reward." (An-Nisa 4:114)