How can one bring to mind and rectify the intention before any action, and what are the criteria and controls to ensure that it is sound and purely for Allah?

Correcting one's intention is the foundation for the acceptance of deeds and the soundness of the heart. The motive for any action must be the pleasure of Allah Almighty. To recognize sincerity in one's deeds, the following points should be observed:

1. Not performing deeds for people to see or hear, for “whoever lets others hear of his deed, Allah will make him heard of, and whoever shows off, Allah will expose him.” 2. Not allowing one's heart to be attached to people's praise or blame. 3. Preferring to conceal one's deeds and perform them in secret over displaying them. 4. Being keen to avoid places of prominence and fame, unless there is a legitimate religious benefit. 5. Not increasing or improving one's deeds for people to see, as sincerity means the consistency of a servant's actions, outwardly and inwardly. 6. Always accusing oneself of shortcomings and knowing that all favor belongs to Allah. Allah Almighty says: ﴿And if not for the favor of Allah upon you and His mercy, not one of you would have been pure ever, but Allah purifies whom He wills.﴾ [An-Nur/21]. 7. Frequently seeking forgiveness after a deed due to one's feeling of inadequacy. 8. Rejoicing in Allah's success in enabling one to perform good deeds. Allah Almighty says: ﴿Say, "In the bounty of Allah and in His mercy - in that let them rejoice; it is better than what they accumulate."﴾ [Yunus/58].

Whoever observes these points may be among the sincere ones, for the sincerity of a deed is known only to Allah.