Steps Towards Happiness -What Are the Actions in Which One Sincerely Dedicates Themselves to Allah?

Some people believe that sincerity (i.e., ikhlas) is only required in acts of worship such as prayer, recitation of the Quran, and visible acts of worship like inviting people to Allah and spending in charity. However, this is not correct. Sincerity is obligatory in all acts of worship, including visiting neighbours, maintaining family ties, and dutifulness to parents. Sincerity is required in these actions as well, and they are among the most important acts of worship.

Every action that is loved and accepted by Allah requires sincere intention, regardless of its nature. This even applies to dealings each other, such as honesty in buying and selling, treating one's spouse with kindness, and seeking reward in raising children and other similar matters. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "You will not spend a thing seeking the face of Allah, but you will be rewarded for it, even the morsel of food you put in your wife's mouth." (Agreed upon)1

Therefore, every matter that is loved and accepted by Allah, whether it is a statement or a visible or hidden deed, is an act of worship, and sincerity is obligatory in it, no matter how trivial the action may appear.

References:

1 Al-Bukhari in the Book of Faith, under the chapter of the actions being judged by intention, Hadith number (56), and by Muslim in the Book of Wills, under the chapter of bequeathing one-third, Hadith number (1628), from the narration of Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas may Allah be pleased with him.