The Conditions of Allah for the Acceptance of Deeds

Introduction

To be saved from the eternal punishment in the Hereafter, the only path for the servants of Allah in this world is the religion of Islam. (Qur’an: Ale Imran 3:19). This means that in every aspect of life, one must worship and obey the commands of the One who created and sustains us. For the acceptance of deeds, Allah has established specific conditions. Instead of merely praising the virtues of actions (Amaal Ke Faza'il), one must reflect deeply on the divine conditions for their acceptance.

1. Correct Intention:

Prayer, Zakat (Obligatory Charity), Fasting, Pilgrimage (Hajj), and Sacrifice —through these acts of worship, a person becomes aware of the fear that the eternal life can be destroyed.  Allah’s unchangeable law is that if one disobeys  Him and His Messenger ﷺ in this life, the eternal life is ruined. To avoid this destruction, one must strive to avoid disobedience — this is the essence of Taqwa  (Piety).  (Qur’an: Al-Baqarah 2:21, 2:183; Al-Hajj 22:37)
The reward of Taqwa is Paradise. Allah has declared Paradise only for the pious.  (Qur’an: Muhammad 47:15, Adh-Dhariyat 51:15, At-Tur 52:17, Al-Qalam 68:34, An-Naba 78:31)
If these acts are done merely for reward instead of attaining Taqwa, the intention is wrong and the deeds are not accepted.
(Hadith: “The acceptance of good deeds depends on intention.")

2. True Faith:

Only those who truly believe — not just verbally declare La ilaha illallah, but also protect their faith from elements of shirk — are accepted.  (Qur’an: Al-An’am 6:82, Az-Zumar 39:17).  Otherwise, all good deeds are nullified by shirk.  (Qur’an: Al-An’am 6:88, Az-Zumar 39:65)

3. Free from Showing Off:

Deeds must be done for success in the Hereafter, not to show others.
Those who perform good deeds or spend wealth to impress people do not truly believe in Allah or the Day of Judgment.
(Qur’an: Al-Baqarah 2:264)
The opposite of showing off is sincerity (Ikhlas). Even a little show off is a form of shirk.  (Hadith)

4. According to Sunnah:

Worship, remembrance, supplications, and all acts of purification of the soul and heart must follow the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ and the way of the Companions. Qur’an: Al-Ahzab 33:21, An-Nisa 4:115).  If not according to Sunnah, it is considered Bid’ah (innovation), which is misguidance.  (Hadith: “Every innovation is misguidance.”).  There is no such thing as a good or light  Bid'ah (Innovation).

5. Deeds done in Obedience:

Only deeds done in a state of obedience are accepted.  (Qur’an: Al-Ma’idah 5:27)
Deeds done in rebellion, disobedience, defiance, and self-will are not accepted. (Qur’an: At-Tawbah 9:53, 9:54)
Therefore, one must repent and correct their faith promptly.

6. Supplication for Acceptance:

One must pray for the acceptance of deeds with both hope and fear  (Qur’an: Al-A’raf 7:56–57, Al-Baqarah 2:127). Because only Allah knows the faults and flaws in our deeds.  Prophet Ibrahim (AS) prayed for acceptance of his deeds.  (Qur’an: Ibrahim 14:40)

7. State of the Heart During Action:

While performing good deeds, the hearts of the righteous tremble with fear at the thought of standing before Allah for accountability.
(Qur’an: Al-Mu’min 40:60)
Not praying to Allah for acceptance of deeds is against the way of the Prophets.