Are actions for which the doer did not intend reward and recompense accepted, or does the reward depend on intention (niyyah) and seeking recompense (iḥtisāb), and what is the difference between the two?

For the reward to be attained, intention is a prerequisite, based on the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, saying: "Actions are but by intentions." And there is no reward for an obligation when the intention of compliance is absent. What is meant by intention is seeking the countenance of Allah, and it is not a condition for the giver of charity to intend every one of its mentioned virtues; rather, it suffices to give it seeking the pleasure of Allah. And seeking reward (al-ihtisab) is more specific than intention; it is the seeking of recompense from Allah the Almighty, and it occurs before or during the action.