People have held differing opinions with regard to the meaning of sincere devotion
[ikhlas]. For instance, it was al-Hasan [al-Basri] (may Allah bestow His mercy upon
him) who said:
"I asked Hudhaifa (may Allah be well pleased with him): 'What is meant by sincere
devotion [ikhlas]?' He replied: 'I once asked the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him
peace): "What is meant by sincere devotion [ikhlas]?" He replied (Allah bless him and
give him peace):
"'I once asked Gabriel (peace be upon him): "What is meant by sincere devotion
[ikhlas]?" He replied: "I once asked the Lord of Might and Glory [Rabb al-'Izza]
(Majestic and Exalted is He): 'What is meant by sincere devotion [ikhlas]?' So He told
me (Glory be to Him and Exalted is He): 'It is a secret, a part of My secret knowledge
[sirr min Sirri], which I entrust to the heart of anyone I love among My servants."