How can the intention of dying in the way of Allah be achieved, and does the intention of one who fought for his sins to be forgiven differ from the intention of one who fought in the way of Allah?

There is no blame on one who performs a righteous deed and intends thereby a legitimate purpose that does not contradict sincerity (ikhlas), such as intending the Face of Allah, or the benefits that the Lawgiver has permitted to intend. The intentions of people may vary, but all of them return to a single goal: that the servant desires Allah the Exalted. All of this fulfills sincerity.

The effacement of evil deeds and the forgiveness of sins are among the legitimate purposes of striving in the way of Allah (jihad) and attaining martyrdom, as mentioned in the noble hadith that martyrdom in the way of Allah expiates sins for the patient, account-seeking mujahid. This does not contradict jihad being for the exaltation of the word of Allah; rather, it contradicts intending worldly gains such as fame, money, or tribalism. The mujahid’s intention should not be devoid of exalting the word of Allah and supporting His religion and the downtrodden.

Similarly, the desire for worldly effects resulting from righteous deeds does not contradict sincerity, such as an increase in provision and blessing. However, the intention must not be limited solely to worldly benefits.