such as fasting the month of Ramadan. Most Muslims fast it for Allah. Likewise, whoever consistently observes the prayers prays only for Allah, Mighty and Majestic, unlike someone who does not maintain them, who prays only out of embarrassment, to show off, or for some worldly reason.

For this reason, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, as reported by al-Tirmidhī:

“When you see a man regularly attending the mosque, testify to his faith, for Allah Most High says: ‘The mosques of Allah are only maintained by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, establish prayer, give zakah, and fear none but Allah’—to the end of the verse.”

Whoever never prays without the requisite ablution or ritual bath does so only for Allah. Hence the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, as reported by Ahmad and Ibn Mājah from Thawbān:

“Remain steadfast, though you will never attain perfection. Know that the best of your deeds is prayer. Only a believer consistently maintains ablution, for ablution is a secret between the servant and Allah, Mighty and Majestic.”

A person’s ablution may be invalidated without anyone knowing. Thus, if he consistently maintains it, he does so only for Allah, glory be to Him. Someone like this can only be a believer.

Sincerity is less common in deeds whose benefit extends to others than in physical acts of worship. Hence he said in the hadith whose authenticity is agreed upon:

“Seven are those whom Allah will shade with His shade on the Day when there is no shade but His”—and the hadith continues.