As for the significance of sincere devotion [ikhlas], Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He)
has said:
And they have been commanded only to serve Allah, making the religion His sincerely as
men of pure faith. (98:5)
wa ma umiru illa li-ya'budu 'llaha mukhlisina la-hu 'd-din:hunafa'a.
He has told us (Glorious and Exalted is He):
Surely pure religion is only for Allah. (39:3)
a-la li'llahi 'd-dinu 'l-khalis.
He has said (Exalted is He):
Their flesh and blood do not reach Allah, yet your devotion reaches Him. (22:37)
lan yanala 'llaha luhumu-ha wa la dima'u-ha wa lakin yanalu-hu 't-taqwa min-kum.
He has also told us (Magnificent is His Majesty):
Say [to the people of the Scripture]:
"Do you dispute with us concerning Allah, when He is our Lord and your Lord?"
Ours are our works and yours are your works, and we are sincerely devoted to Him.
(2:139)
qul a-tuhajjuna-na fi 'llahi wa Huwa Rabbu-na wa Rabbu-kum:wa la-na a'malu-na wa
la-kum a'malu-kum: wa nahnu la-hu mukhlisun.