The scholars define ikhlas as purifying one's intention so that the act is done solely to please Allah, without any admixture of worldly desire or seeking the praise of people.
"Allah does not look at your forms or wealth, but He looks at your hearts and deeds." — Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
In the Qadri tradition, the purification of intention is the first station the seeker must traverse. The Shaykh guides the mureed to examine every action — prayer, fasting, charity, dhikr — and ask: For whom is this being done?
One who has attained ikhlas is indifferent to whether people praise or blame them. Their worship does not increase when people are watching, nor does it decrease in private. They find no difference between public and private deeds.
